Camp '10!

Camp is this week:)

I am so excited. Camp comes at the same time every year. But, this year.. it really couldn't have come at a better time in my life. Right when I need God the most. He sure does know how to work things out! For my good & His glory:).

Our church doesn't go to a camp that is famous or anything.

My brother, Chad, and wife, Nikki, started it about 5 years ago. I honestly can't remember if this is our 5th or 6th year there. After the first year, our church kept it going. All are welcome:). It's so fun!

Here in Morganton there is a common highway by the name of 181. On this highway there is a waterpark called Steele Creek. Across from Steele Creek there is a little road that looks like a private drive. Down that little road across a bridge there is a river and a field and lots of space, some bathrooms and a few cabins. My sanctuary. This is the place where once a year when I get bogged down by the rest of the world.. God rejuvenates my soul:).

I could stay at camp for a month and be completely content. If you experienced it once, you could do the same.

It's back in the "sticks" away from everything. No cell phone services & no electronics are allowed. I know, I know.. you poor souls. Really, I'm a person who needs her cell phone ahaha, because I'm always texting. But, up there.. things like that, are the last things on my mind.

There will be tons of new pictures when I come back next week!

My best friend - James Ashe

My best friend is coming over for supper tonight.
I am really excited.
I don't have a picture of him, so maybe he'll let me steal one tonight? We'll see.

I've always wanted a guy to be my best friend. Just because I like guys better than girls. Girls get on my nerves. Yes, Taylor is my best friend too. But, she's my girl. Having a guy best friend is different.

Since, I'm trying to put off cleaning the house for my visitor.. hahaha, I'll just tell you about him.
Let's see....

We haven't been friends very long. I have worked at Butch's since May? Or March.. or something. I don't even know. Haha, I did not like him at first. Only because, he reminded me of someone I didn't like being reminded of. But, it was just his looks. If you look at him now and then that person at I speak of.. they look nothing alike. I think it was just the glasses and I hadn't seen the before mentioned person in a really long time.

Anyways, I thought he was mean. But, again, I didn't know him. It's sometimes hard to tell when he's kidding or being serious. He's not mean at all. He can be; but, he's just kidding. He really does have a big heart. He's just a boy. He's extremely funny, which is a must if you're my friend.

When they put me on first shift in the kitchen, that's when we became friends. I was excited that he was a Christian and seemed to love my God just as much as me. So, I wanted to get closer to him. You don't find many people in my age bracket that want to serve the Lord. Then he added me on Facebook, & I found out he was a preacher! How awesome! Haha, I was even more excited.

I couldn't really tell you when I started telling him my secrets. But, he knows them. Down to the deepest one I have.

I think I can remember when I started telling him. I had a question about something one day and he could tell something was wrong. & he said "what's wrong J-Lynn?" it went from there. Then, he became my best friend:).

To settle it for some people, I don't like him like that. I don't have feelings for him like that. He's my best friend. I love him to death & I'd do absolutely anything for him. But, it's a best friend love. Yeah, I want to be around him and when I don't get to see him, I miss him. But, it's because he is my best friend.

I think that's how it should be with God. You should love him & want to do absolutely anything for him. You should want to be around him and when you don't get to "see" him or "experience" him.. you should miss him with everything in you. Because, he is your best friend.

Wordless Wednesday - Clayton

If I die young...

If I die young, bury me in satin. Lay me down, on a bed of roses. Sink me in the river, before dawn. Send me away with the words of a love song.

Lord make me a rainbow. I'll shine down on my mother. She knows I'm safe with you as she stands under my colors. Oh, life ain't always what you think it ought to be. No it ain't even gray, but she buries her baby. The sharp knife, of a short life. Well I've had just enough time.

& I'll be wearing white when I come into your kingdom. I'm as green as the ring on my little cold finger. Well, I've never known the lovin' of a man. But, it sure felt nice when he was holdin' my hand. There's a boy here in town, who says he'll love me forever. Who would have thought forever could be severed by a sharp knife of a short life. Well, I've had just enough time.

So put on your best boys, and I'll wear my pearls. What I never did is done. A penny for my thoughts, oh no.. I'll sale 'em for a dollar. They're worth so much more after I'm a goner. & maybe then you'll hear the words that I've been singin'. It's funny when your dead how people start listenin'.

Oh, the ballad of a dove. Go with peace & love. Gather up your tears and keep them in your pocket. Save 'em for a time when you're really gonna need 'em.

Put on your best boys & I'll wear my pearls

Today is not my day.

This morning.. Sunday School was amazing & during church I could feel God all over me and all I could do was cry..

Now, for some reason, I changed in the blink of an eye & I'm ill as a hornet! People just keep coming to my mind that don't act as they should... & I just wish that I could tell them exactly what I think of them. But, would that truly be the thing to do? Not really. & I know that.

A very smart lady that I know said that sometimes you have to wait to say what you want to say so that it comes out the way you want it to. **Thanks Judy**

This is true. I have to wait, because right now when I think of each of them, I get filled with anger. & God wouldn't want me to act that way. I want to be able to go to them in love.

Mercy, Lord help. I want my good mood back.

Last night, I had a great night with my girls:).

I will praise thee for I am fearfully & wonderfully made

You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times. & at least a thousand times, I've rejoiced for you. But, the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry.. is how long must I wait to be with you?

Johanna would have been 9 months old today.

Help me Lord, 'cause I don't understand your ways. The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know. But, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same. 'Cause I'm still here so far away from home.

Isn't it amazing how a little girl that never uttered a word, spoke volumes to so many people?

I close my eyes, and I see your face. If home's where my heart is, then I'm out of place. Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow. I've never been so homesick than now.

I still don't understand what happened, nor do I understand why. I know, that I will carry her with me no matter where I go. & when I get the chance I will tell her testimony. It's the purest, strongest, and inspirational testimony I've ever heard. Because of her, I get to share the love of Jesus wherever I go.

In Christ, there are no goodbyes. & in Christ, there is no end. So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have. To see you again.

She isn't the only reason I hold onto Jesus. I hold on to Jesus because of what he has brought me through and showed me in my life. Because, one day he pricked my heart and saved my soul. She's just an encouragement.

"I will praise thee for I am fearfully and wonderfully made, marvelous are thy works; that my soul may knoweth right well."
-Psalms 139:14

for my December.

I just want to go back in time, to American Honey.

Have you ever wanted to go back in time?

Times were simple. You were innocent and pure. You were simple minded and didn't think of the things that could hurt you. There really wasn't anything to hurt you. You had your imaginary friends and your Barbie dolls.

She grew up on the side of the road, where the church bells ring and strong love grows.

I remember once when I was about four or five, it was summer time. We lived on an old farm way out on 64. The way our house was built the basement was the lower part of our house. In front of it was a big yard area.. June Bugs come in summer time. Needless to say the little me was scared of them. But, Momma was showing me something she did when she was a kid. Tie a string around a June Bugs leg and let it fly around..

She grew up good. She grew up slow. Like, American Honey.

When I got over the icky fear that there was a bug on a string flying a foot above my head, I thought it was fun. Then, somehow.. that June Bug on the end of that string got all tangled up around me. & that thing got stuck right on the back of my leg..

Steady as a preacher. Free as a weed. Couldn't wait to get going. But wasn't quiet ready to leave.

Needless to say, I danced. Momma laughed.

So innocent, pure, & sweet. American Honey.

Looking back. I rather have that icky June Bug on my leg and have no care in the world than to be where I am today. With a burdened heart, and nothing but memories.

I like memories.

Hold on to the things that last.

Please say you'll wait for me, I'll come back someday you'll see

Like my face?
POISON OAK .. it's great. Really?
It's on both sides and my neck and it itches uggghh!!
Doctor gave me Prednizone (sp?)..
4 a day for 5 days.
3 a day for 4 days.
2 a day for 3 days.
1 a day for 3 days.
fun, fun, fun!!

On a bright note!! While buying medicine I got a new dress:).

Today Jamie is here, but.. she has thought a lot about her mistakes today. She has been regretful even though she knows the Lord has forgiven her. I'm losing her today. But, maybe I'll find her tomorrow. Actually, I know I will. I'll be around my best friend. He always brings out the best in me. The real me:).