Saturday, January 27, 2007
St. George Island
Artie and I went to St. George Island for a long weekend. We had a fabulous time resting, reading, hanging out with friends (Rod & Robyn) and simply just being together outside of the hustle and bustle of South Tampa life. Here are some pictures to share our joys...
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Birthdays & Yard Sales
To catch you up in the events of the McCall house, here you go.
We have been pretty busy lately (minus our precious weekends, we only had a couple of weeknight dinners at home in the last couple of weeks). Not bad busy, just that kind of season where you have a lot going on. Just the other day, Artie and I were talking about our schedule for the first half of 2007 and we discovered that until August (his graduation!!!) it would be a long, tiring, road - between his commitments and mine, and the ones we need to give up for the love of our family. He said to me, "We're just going to have to remember that this will only be for a season." That was life to me. Words empower me, now I will have the echo of my husband's encouragment throughtout most of 2007 ... "There's an end to every season, Babe, let's hang in there."
Side note: That makes me think of something ... it amazes me how much God will pull you out of your comfort zone - or the place you feel most self sufficient and cause you to depend on Him in a way you wouldn't have if He hadn't of put you in that place at that time. That is the story of my life. From the outside looking in, you might think that I'm one of those social butterfly kind of people (and actually, I get characterized this way quite OFTEN). But in all actuality, in my gut of guts and in my true colors - I am a home-body and one who likes the road less traveled because that means I get more time off the road to rest. But let me be the first to tell you, I am the most content, happy and joyful when I am OUTSIDE of that comfort. There is something so energizing and compelling AFTER you make the determination to do whatever it is He's calling you to - convenient or not, and always in the Name of Jesus. So, whatever type you might be - He can (and most of the time will) pull you up and out of your comfort zone, all in discovering the mighty power that He has graced you with. There's a Sara Groves song about this titled "This Kingdom Is Coming" - doing anything He asks for the coming Kingdom ... planting seeds in hearts when you fear their rejection, serving when you wish someone would just serve you, offering your home when you want the privacy of it ... this gift we offer to the coming Kingdom in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. You are a delight to serve and so worthy of it, Lord!
Amongst things going on at our house were the following...
I had my first Yard Sale - what a blast (and cash bearer too!). I highly recommend it, but be careful to be very organized and ready because you will have early birds. We were supposed to start at 8:30am, I went out to the garage to open it and pull everything out to the driveway around 7:50am and there were cars with people waiting for me to open up shop. Funny stuff.
Then, my mom's birthday. Now that we have a dining room and table that seats up to 12 people now (yea!) we tend to be hosting a lot of things, and LOVE it! Happy Birthday, Momma Lea! We love you!
So, there you have it. Story caught up to date. Yes!
(I can't get pictures to upload - they'll be coming as soon as I can get them online)
We have been pretty busy lately (minus our precious weekends, we only had a couple of weeknight dinners at home in the last couple of weeks). Not bad busy, just that kind of season where you have a lot going on. Just the other day, Artie and I were talking about our schedule for the first half of 2007 and we discovered that until August (his graduation!!!) it would be a long, tiring, road - between his commitments and mine, and the ones we need to give up for the love of our family. He said to me, "We're just going to have to remember that this will only be for a season." That was life to me. Words empower me, now I will have the echo of my husband's encouragment throughtout most of 2007 ... "There's an end to every season, Babe, let's hang in there."
Side note: That makes me think of something ... it amazes me how much God will pull you out of your comfort zone - or the place you feel most self sufficient and cause you to depend on Him in a way you wouldn't have if He hadn't of put you in that place at that time. That is the story of my life. From the outside looking in, you might think that I'm one of those social butterfly kind of people (and actually, I get characterized this way quite OFTEN). But in all actuality, in my gut of guts and in my true colors - I am a home-body and one who likes the road less traveled because that means I get more time off the road to rest. But let me be the first to tell you, I am the most content, happy and joyful when I am OUTSIDE of that comfort. There is something so energizing and compelling AFTER you make the determination to do whatever it is He's calling you to - convenient or not, and always in the Name of Jesus. So, whatever type you might be - He can (and most of the time will) pull you up and out of your comfort zone, all in discovering the mighty power that He has graced you with. There's a Sara Groves song about this titled "This Kingdom Is Coming" - doing anything He asks for the coming Kingdom ... planting seeds in hearts when you fear their rejection, serving when you wish someone would just serve you, offering your home when you want the privacy of it ... this gift we offer to the coming Kingdom in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. You are a delight to serve and so worthy of it, Lord!
Amongst things going on at our house were the following...
I had my first Yard Sale - what a blast (and cash bearer too!). I highly recommend it, but be careful to be very organized and ready because you will have early birds. We were supposed to start at 8:30am, I went out to the garage to open it and pull everything out to the driveway around 7:50am and there were cars with people waiting for me to open up shop. Funny stuff.
Then, my mom's birthday. Now that we have a dining room and table that seats up to 12 people now (yea!) we tend to be hosting a lot of things, and LOVE it! Happy Birthday, Momma Lea! We love you!
So, there you have it. Story caught up to date. Yes!
(I can't get pictures to upload - they'll be coming as soon as I can get them online)
The Hooplah of Extreme Makeover
Hollywood has been in town...
If you haven't heard already, the Extreme Makeover is here in Tampa. There is a family on Davis Islands (the Tate's) and they are the new owners (as of today at 2PM) of an Extreme Makeover: Home Edition beautiful house. There are plenty of people who have posted about it, so here are some links to check out if you're interested ...
www.noshoes.blogspot.com
www.thomasmichaeljohnston.com
The most incredible part is how FAST this house goes up. I am witness that they really do build a house in seven days. Now, that is amazing!
Congrats to the Tate family!
If you haven't heard already, the Extreme Makeover is here in Tampa. There is a family on Davis Islands (the Tate's) and they are the new owners (as of today at 2PM) of an Extreme Makeover: Home Edition beautiful house. There are plenty of people who have posted about it, so here are some links to check out if you're interested ...
www.noshoes.blogspot.com
www.thomasmichaeljohnston.com
The most incredible part is how FAST this house goes up. I am witness that they really do build a house in seven days. Now, that is amazing!
Congrats to the Tate family!
Saturday, January 06, 2007
2006 Holiday Photos (as promised)
Happy 19th Birthday, Charlie!
Christmas Eve at Papa's
Maggie (pregnant w/ Matt) & Mamah
Zoe & Momma Lea (with the new bird book)
Tea Sets for Christmas ... thanks mom!
Dad & Susan + Kiddos
ZOE!
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
And now for a post...
Ok, I apologize - I am extremely past my due date (for blogging that is). December was a whirlwind but a fantastic one. We had much needed fellowship time with family and friends. Caught up with close friends that we've been too busy to see lately, that was such a refresher. Hung out at friends' and families' houses, hosted lots of get-togethers, had out of town guests (minus one we were really looking forward to ... Carrie we really missed seeing you!!!), SLEPT IN, and much much more. Here's a quick synopsis...
Christmas:
Our Christmas was everything but boring. We had a full Sunday with Christmas Eve morning, evening and night services, over half of which I had the privilege of singing in. We ate at my Papa's (mom's dad) on Christmas Eve in between all of the services. Christmas morning ... wow, what a great comparison to last year! (Our first Christmas 2005, we had Christmas services on Christmas morning ... quite a tiring day.) This year, we were able to sleep in and then open gifts at home with each other. We weren't going to do gifts this year, but after my grandmother slipped us some extra money for me cleaning her house we decided to offer gifts to each other. We had a blast discovering what the other had been hiding all this time :) (Artie gave me great stuff!!!). Then we went to my mom's to have Christmas brunch, to dad's (after a nap) for Christmas dinner then to our house for my sibling 'Secret Santa' exchange (that's another post for another time). We had a wondeful full day. My sister Maggie and her husband Jeremy (Zoe stayed with my mom) spent the night Christmas night. We had fabulous morning on the 26th just hanging out, catching up, eating a big breakfast and FINALLY showing them my Africa photos. A wonderful Christmas!
The much needed break:
After Christmas, Artie and I took the week between New Year's and Christmas off of work. What an amazing week! We just rested! We did only a couple of things around the house (items for future posts) but mostly just slept, relaxed and hung out with each other ~ some much needed time. It felt like we were on a second honeymoon ... phones off, pj's (on), take out - it was wonderful! I find myself very refreshed after a week like that. Ready to conquer the world!
Reflections:
The start of a New Year always brings reflection, doesn't it? Reflections of the past, how things are now, and most importantly the future! I sang a song in church on New Year's Eve Sunday called, "Just Showed Up For My Own Life" and it rang a message that speaks of a new year. When you take the time to settle down, out of worry, and simply take in everything (love, peace, friends, family, the saving life of Jesus - offered for free, truth, hope), you come to find out that life is quite BRIGHT. One of my favorite lines in the whole song is "The glory of God, is man fully alive."
Fully alive - a very interesting description of life. One that's not just alive going through the motions, nothing special, just living for tomorrow. You can be alive, but not fully. The "fully" part comes in spiritually. To know the Giver of Life and live the life that He not only gives you, but destined for you to live. Now that's exciting! (And humbling too) Sure, I have goals for 2007 - like updating our home, growing closer to my husband, starting a family, expanding and growing my talents, make new hobbies, teaching someone else what I know. But as for my prayer for 2007 ... may I be fully alive, everyday ~ whatever God wants that to look like. Living for what counts, making investments for eternity, and spending myself like there's no tomorrow. Sounds crazy? But for me, in Christ, that is the only way to 'fully' live.
I wish you the very best and I'm happy to have readers like you out there. I hope my life (imperfect, frail, yet hopefully courageous) can inspire, encourage and invite you to live in the fullness of life ... Jesus Christ. Much love to you all, and as always - please feel free to drop a comment, I love hearing from you.
PS:
As for you visual people, I've been trying to upload photos, I'm still working on it...
Christmas:
Our Christmas was everything but boring. We had a full Sunday with Christmas Eve morning, evening and night services, over half of which I had the privilege of singing in. We ate at my Papa's (mom's dad) on Christmas Eve in between all of the services. Christmas morning ... wow, what a great comparison to last year! (Our first Christmas 2005, we had Christmas services on Christmas morning ... quite a tiring day.) This year, we were able to sleep in and then open gifts at home with each other. We weren't going to do gifts this year, but after my grandmother slipped us some extra money for me cleaning her house we decided to offer gifts to each other. We had a blast discovering what the other had been hiding all this time :) (Artie gave me great stuff!!!). Then we went to my mom's to have Christmas brunch, to dad's (after a nap) for Christmas dinner then to our house for my sibling 'Secret Santa' exchange (that's another post for another time). We had a wondeful full day. My sister Maggie and her husband Jeremy (Zoe stayed with my mom) spent the night Christmas night. We had fabulous morning on the 26th just hanging out, catching up, eating a big breakfast and FINALLY showing them my Africa photos. A wonderful Christmas!
The much needed break:
After Christmas, Artie and I took the week between New Year's and Christmas off of work. What an amazing week! We just rested! We did only a couple of things around the house (items for future posts) but mostly just slept, relaxed and hung out with each other ~ some much needed time. It felt like we were on a second honeymoon ... phones off, pj's (on), take out - it was wonderful! I find myself very refreshed after a week like that. Ready to conquer the world!
Reflections:
The start of a New Year always brings reflection, doesn't it? Reflections of the past, how things are now, and most importantly the future! I sang a song in church on New Year's Eve Sunday called, "Just Showed Up For My Own Life" and it rang a message that speaks of a new year. When you take the time to settle down, out of worry, and simply take in everything (love, peace, friends, family, the saving life of Jesus - offered for free, truth, hope), you come to find out that life is quite BRIGHT. One of my favorite lines in the whole song is "The glory of God, is man fully alive."
Fully alive - a very interesting description of life. One that's not just alive going through the motions, nothing special, just living for tomorrow. You can be alive, but not fully. The "fully" part comes in spiritually. To know the Giver of Life and live the life that He not only gives you, but destined for you to live. Now that's exciting! (And humbling too) Sure, I have goals for 2007 - like updating our home, growing closer to my husband, starting a family, expanding and growing my talents, make new hobbies, teaching someone else what I know. But as for my prayer for 2007 ... may I be fully alive, everyday ~ whatever God wants that to look like. Living for what counts, making investments for eternity, and spending myself like there's no tomorrow. Sounds crazy? But for me, in Christ, that is the only way to 'fully' live.
I wish you the very best and I'm happy to have readers like you out there. I hope my life (imperfect, frail, yet hopefully courageous) can inspire, encourage and invite you to live in the fullness of life ... Jesus Christ. Much love to you all, and as always - please feel free to drop a comment, I love hearing from you.
PS:
As for you visual people, I've been trying to upload photos, I'm still working on it...
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