August already? Wow, it has been two whole weeks since I was in Grove! Let’s recap my visit to Grove::
Sunday, July 11: Independent Baptist Church
We had an amazing, Spirit-filled service. The youth group shared their experiences and decisions from their week at camp and I was able to speak about my trip and boy did the Spirit move. No sermon was preached but the altars were full. Praise God for the amazing things he is doing in that church!
Monday-Wednesday, July 12-14: Ryann Emily Flippo
Well, I got to spend a ton of time with my fabulous 16-year old cousin, Ryann Emily. Having just gotten her permit to drive, she was eager use her skills, so basically I was chauffeured around town for three days. She is one of the coolest kids I know, great taste in music, gorgeous, and a super-talented photographer. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for her life!
Thursday, July 15: MY BIRTHDAY!!
My 25th birthday kicked off a weekend of support raising, starting with breakfast and a presentation at Rivers of Life. I want to say a BIG thank you to Brenda and Joe Nowlin for providing breakfast and allowing me to come and speak, it was a great morning…despite the early hour.
Next up was a drive down to Fayetteville, AR for lunch at McAlister’s (love that sweet tea) with my family. My fabulous cousin, Ryann, gave me a tiara…and I rocked it the rest of the day!!
Later that evening I went to dinner with Chris and Cynthia Thomas. We went to El Vallarta, which is my favorite place in Grove, however, I was unaware of the fact that they shove a pie in your face as you are enjoying the “happy birthday” song with a sombrero hat on your head. After the pie in the face and a pecan pie blizzard we went to see Toy Story 3D. It was a fantastic night with a great couple. They are going to do amazing things for God and I am proud to call them friends.
Friday, July 16: PIE AUCTION
Wow. Yeah, that is the only word to describe this great night. We had a great turn-out, Shawna Mann from the Grove Sun came out and interviewed me and then stayed and bought two pies! Again I would like to thank Brenda and Joe Nowlin and Rivers of Life for the use of the building, the Thomas’ and Xena Baptist Church for hosting and organizing the event. Some local pastors sang (thank you all, you were great) and my dad put himself on the block to have a pie thrown in his face. His golf buddy, Luke Nowlin, won the privilege and definitely got his money’s worth! All in all, we had a great night and raised over $1,500!!
Saturday, July 17: Rummage Sale and First Baptist Church
Well, the day started out with an air-conditioned rummage sale at the Independent Baptist Church, air-conditioned being the key word. Living in the dry heat of Amarillo has softened me, I forgot how gross and sticky humidity was. Another big thank you to all who donated items to the Rummage Sale: it was insane how much stuff was given!
I also had the great privilege of speaking at the First Baptist Church contemporary service. I want to thank Pastor James Wilder for having me come and share. I have found a place to worship on Saturday’s when I go home…loved it!
Sunday, July 18: Grove Christian Center
As if the week wasn’t already great, it came to an end with Sunday morning worship with the awesome people of GCC. Before Pastors David and Ronda Knox prayed over me, David told me that, as God is preparing me for this journey that He will begin to add things to my spiritual “backpack” and take things out as well. How true those words really are, I will go into more detail later about the packing, unpacking, and repacking that God has been doing. It was a great time of worship and the people were such a blessing to me and it just amazes me how many people are partnering with me and want to share this experience with me!
So in summary, it was a great week!! God is amazing and He is providing in crazy, awesome ways and this journey has only just begun!
