Last Sunday,  5/6/13, was a special Sunday at our church.  It is the Sunday that Senior Adults are celebrated at Southside.  There were special speakers and singers…all of the senior variety.  And then there was a presentation of the Senior Adult of the Year.  And, guess who it was for this year?  It was Pop!

Joy and I learned of this honor a month or so ago and had made plans for the day.  Both of her girls and their families were there.  Ian drove in from Birmingham, Adam and Suzanne came, and Alex made a heroic effort and was able to go, as well.  Pop came into church and was surprised to see all of Joy’s family.  While Lori and Ben attend Southside, Tara, Will and Little John Thomas attend church in their little town of Abbeville.  He did not seem to think it odd at all that they were all there.  Then, he walked over to where we sit.  There sat Ian, And Alex.  He was very surprised to see them both.  And, while he was standing there…here comes Adam and Suzanne!  Still, he thought it just happenstance.  We sent him back to sit with the ‘girls’….that way he would be closer to where the presentation would take place.

The service started. And soon came time for the presentation.  Following is what our Director to Sr. Adults and close family friend, Rhonda Grandstaff read………

In May of each year, we recognize and celebrate Senior Adults in our church. We make an attempt to show them just how much they are loved and appreciated.  We do this by recognizing them in the Sunday morning service and providing a luncheon for them on their special day – Sr. Adult Day.

Also, each year the members of the Sr. Adult Committee nominate a Sr. Adult to be the recipient of Southside’s Sr. Adult of the year. This is done by secret ballot.

The recipient of the award this year joined Southside in 1963  and has been a faithful member for a total of 49 years.  He has held many positions in our dear church – some of which include:  adult counselor to Southside’s Youth Council, deacon, member of the budget committee, committee on committees,  insurance and safety committee, church training director,  missions committee, nominating committee, brotherhood director, trustee for the church,  and department director.  As a department director, he continues to be an advocate for the Senior Adults by encouraging them to avail themselves of all the opportunities that Southside offers.  He also takes great pride in being a friend to the young people of our church.

 He is a strong supporter for missions.  This has been evident in his giving and serving.  He has been on 8 trips to over 31 countries and has demonstrated a genuine love for the Southern Baptist missionaries and their work (by building churches, doing home repairs, funding radio stations, and befriending missionary kids in many ways.)

 He has always been a strong and faithful family man.  He was married to the love of his life for 58 years.  His wife was extremely involved in missions for much of their married life – leading the Southside ladies in annual mission trips. He has 2 daughters who are active members of Southside Baptist Church.  God has blessed him with 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

It was a unanamous decision by the Sr. Adult Council to recommend Mr. Clyde Townsend as Southside’s Sr. Adult of the Year.

Join me in expressing our appreciation for his hard work and dedication to our church but more importantly to our Lord.

We all know that Mrs. Ella would have been so proud of this deserving honor bestowed on him.

And about halfway through, he realized they were talking about him.  So surprised, he said he didn’t realize there had been a standing ovation until looking at the pictures and talking to us.  He walked up and received his plaque from our Pastor, Brother Stacy, and a beautiful rose for his lapel.  The children of the church had made him a snuggly blanket to keep in his reading chair.   But, he still didn’t put it together why all his grandchildren were there.  The church provided a wonderful luncheon for all the Seniors in the church, and they had a head table set up for our family…15 places with high chairs on either end!  And that’s when he said…”That’s why you all came today!”  We had a delicious lunch, and enjoyed visiting with each other as well as with many of our friends.  So many people came over and said such nice things to Pop.   He is so dear to us, but he is special to others as well.

Southside has had its share of hard times through the years…I think most churches go through some of this.  Pop has seen things firsthand since he joined Southside in 1963.  We have dealt with situations that required finesse, we have had to perform unpleasant tasks, we have  had to take away, and build back up.  We have had years full of blessings and years when the going was more difficult.  We have grown and failed to grow.  We have been been stolen from in more ways than one.  But, this great church has stood.  It has taken its blows and it has become stronger from its wounds.  It has produced preachers, teachers, ministers of music and education, and missionaries…and business men and women and mothers and fathers and on and on and on.   It has produced strong men and women from its boys and girls.  They have gone and continue to go out into various communities all over our country and others.

Southside is strong and has been strong, and will continue to be strong because of the great men and women who have stood firm through good times and bad. This is the legacy those of my generation have been given.  This is the legacy we stand on as we strive to follow in the paths that the seniors  still among us, as well as those who have gone to Glory, have left to us.   This is the the legacy we will, in turn, leave to our children.

I write all these deep thoughts to say to all those seniors in our church, “Thank you for showing us the way to build a church…not just telling us.  Thank you for showing us how to live when we had differences and disagreements with one another…not just telling us.  Thank you for showing us how to revere and appreciate our church…not just telling us.  Thank you for being examples that we are blessed to follow.  Thank you for showing a Christ-like attitude and loving forgiveness to those who seemed intent on harming the spirit of our fellowship.

So, though my Pop was the recipitent this year of this honor…and I am so proud of him…I wish to honor all the seniors of our great church.

It was a good day.  Pop is still talking about his honor!  He’s so happy!  To the Sr. Adult Committee we say ‘Thank-you, from our hearts.”

And, I add..”Thank you to all the seniors for your stedfastness, wisdom and guidance.”

“The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.”     Proverbs 20:29

“Gray hair is a crown of splendor;  It is attained by a righteous life.”    Proverbs 16:31

“…the older women should then teach the younger…”     Titus 2:4

“To the older men; be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers-not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.  And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”  1 Peter 5:1-4

THIS #1…      Suzanne was at the mall shopping last week and she heard a lady say, “There’s Levi’s mother.”  Turns out she recognized her from my blog.  She is Kathy, sister-in-law to my dear friend, Bonnie.  Her mother-in-law was here, too.  They were all doing some shopping for Easter.  I joined Suzanne and got to see them all.  And, the nicest surprise they came over to to see the Creekhouse the next day.  It was so nice to spend some time with them.  Even though Kathy and I had not met, we coresponded with each other through the blog and Facebook.

I love it when I get to meet someone that I’ve become friends with on the internet.  It really is a small world…and people are alike wherever you live.  Well, except some of you say ‘you guys’ and ‘soda’ or ‘pop’ and I say ‘y’all’ and ‘coke’.  But, otherwise…:=)

THAT #1…

Isn’t this a beautiful amyrillis?  I recieved it as a gift many years ago.  It has recieved no special care from me…at all.  When it quit blooming at first, I stuck it in a pot full of other plants and forgot about it.  Then it bloomed again the next year, so I left it alone.  That was maybe 15 years ago…and it still blooms every year.  I put it in an old pot and brought it with me when we moved to the Creekhouse…set it in the yard…and forgot about it.  And, it still bloomed every year.  But this year, it has 5 huge flowers on the stalk and buds for 3 more!  How can something so neglected bloom so beautifully?  I don’t even water it.  It sits there in its old dirty pot…in the cold…in the rain…in the heat…and waits till just the right time to delight us once again.  God does such amazing things in the plant world.  I am just happy to have this little miracle living in my yard.

THIS #2...

Just a look at my outdoor mantle.  Love this big old fireplace.  And, it is fun to have another mantle to decorate, too!

THAT #2…      When Levi was about 6 months old, I bought him an infant swing with the intentions of it hanging from a tree limb.  “Not gonna happen,” said Don.  (Because to get it up in any of our trees would require calling for additional people and ladders and ‘stuff’ to make it happen).  And, so my sad little swing has sat on the screened in porch all through the winter and the beginning of spring.  It looked so sad sitting out there…so unattached and all.  I had also been asking for a lawn swing for myself ever since Levi was born, so I could take him outside and swing him in the fresh air.  That didn’t happen either.  But last week, unbeknownest to me, Don went swing shopping.  And he bought a frame for Levi’s swing and one more.  He also bought a wonderful lawn swing with an arbor built over it.  Yesterday, we took Levi out and let him try his swing for the first time.  He cackled right out loud and laughed and smiled.  He loved it!

When swinging was finished we headed back to the house…by way of the pool.  I said ‘yes’ to splashing his feet.

…which moved to the hands…

And, ended with wet, wet clothes!  But wet clothes will dry, as will wet boys.  But, come on!  Is there anything better than splashing your feet in cool water on a warm day?  Oh how wonderful to be grandparents and have the time to allow such frivolity  and encourage new experiences!  My, My! we do have fun together!

THIS #3…          I MUST share this picture with you, my friends.  Another friend posted this on FB this morning and it just warmed my heart.  The picture it paints in my mind is full of comfort and peace.  A mother’s love is so dear.  But, the picture it represents to me is of the Father’s love.  He covers me...that is a most comforting thing.  No matter where and no matter what…He covers me.  (And, He does some of His best work through mothers, doesn’t He?)

His word says it best:

“He will cover you with his feathers.  He will shelter you with his wings.  His faithful promises are your armor and protection.”     Psalm 91:4

THAT #3…     We are headed south to Destin this weekend for a conference Don needs to attend.  Hey, any excuse to go there will do!  Lots of great shopping and restaurants…and of course the gorgeous beach!  Sure hope the sun shines bright for us!  Have a blessed week-end!  Oh!  And should you have the opportunity….SPLASH A LITTLE !

Easter morning dawned as a glorious spring day in our little corner of AL.  Don went to Sunrise Services and breakfast at church and Ian and I joined him for Worship services at 9:30.  Such an inspiring message by our pastor today…one of the best Easter messages I think I’ve ever heard.  Then home to finish my devilled eggs and to pick up the baskets and such for the kids, then off to Pop’s.  The family all gathered there today and Joy had prepared a delicious meal.  She always does a fantastic job.  I do love my sweet sister.  She has such a giving heart.  We all enjoyed the meal and the kids played and hunted eggs…well, John Thomas did…Levi tried to eat them!  And the big boys got out of hand and began tossing the eggs and catching the eggs and missing the eggs and smashing the eggs…on the porch!  Yuck!  Boys don’t ever completely grow up!

Here are pictures I took..even though someone complained about me taking them.  Doesn’t bother me…I like to have them and share them.  We missed Tommy today.  But, he needed rest after doing battle with a kidney stone this week and finally resorting to medical intervention.  We missed Alex as well.  He was not feeling well enough to be up.  How my heart of hearts longs for the day he can join us in family gatherings.

AFTER CHURCH…in my yard

AT POP’S HOUSE….

We all went our separate ways…to our own homes.  Don’t know about anyone else…but I had a delicious afternoon nap!  What a treat!  Prayers please as our sweet Tara undergoes maxillofacial surgery in Birmingham this week.  God bless you all on this special day.  And a prayer of thanks for blessings too many to list.

That sweet boy who was born into our lives just a little over a year ago has officially celebrated the momentous occasion of his first birthday!  And, what a party we had!  Attended by most of the family, we ate hot dogs with great fixins and opened presents and sang and had cake and played and laughed and added another sweet memory to our family book.

Oh what fun!  Suzanne had planned a baseball themed party and Levi was dressed to fit the bill.

The table had his cute cake, various baseball hats, baseballs, big buckets of peanuts, cookies, chips and all sorts of goodies to coax a big appetite!

Before we ate, we had a sweet blessing of thanks by Pop.  What a priviledge it is to stand in a circle holding hands with the ones you love the most!  We feel so blessed…and thankful.  Here is our sweet Pop, followed by  Levi’s Granddaddy Owens and Papa Horn.  And, sweet hugs by Levi’s Mia and Lulu.  Also attending were Aunt Tara, Aunt Lori, Uncle Ben, and great aunt Joy.

Our eldest ‘little’, John Thomas, came in toting a big package, which was quickly forgotten when he saw Levi’s toys spread across the den floor.  So much to explore.  The boys were happy to see each other and played well together.   Levi was having such a good time he was just dancing across the floor!

After all the guests arrived, Suzanne served us a hot dog lunch, complete with all the great fixing!   Then she changed Levi into another baseball shirt, and put him in his high chair.  She said something about ‘cake.’  But, poor Levi didn’t know what that was.  Besides, she was taking waaaaaaay too long!

“Finally, here she comes!  I don’t even know what cake is…I usually just get beans and carrots!  It sure looks yummy, though…and just like my baseball, too!  LOOK OUT!  it’s on fire!  Whew!  she blew it out.”

“You mean I get the whole thing?  Aren’t you afraid I’ll choke or something?  I’ll be careful.  What’s this green and blue stuff?  YUM!  I like this!”

“This stuff is good!  Now that I’m one, do I get to have cake everyday?”    (Sometimes too much of a good thing can be too much!)

And after all the cake got cleaned up…from the boy and the table…the big cake was cut and the rest of the party got to see just how good it was.  We agreed with Levi…but we ate a little neater!

Then, it was present time!  Levi wasn’t quite sure what to do, but caught on quite quickly when his daddy showed him the ropes…or the ribbon.

“I got a wheel !  What does it go with?”

“Levi!  Levi!  Wait!  You don’t know how to ride yet.  Let me show you how!”

“Well, I know how to ride this boat!”

“Uncle Ian, am I supposed to eat this stuff?

“Maybe I’m ‘spose to wear them!  Yeah!  that’s what they’re for! Wait till I figure out these shade glasses and then I’ll really look cool!”

And,  after a little ‘tummy time’ with Granddaddy,  the party came to an end.  Hugs and kisses all around, we went our separate ways.  Paper and ribbons strewn across the floor, Levi was content in Mommy’s arms with an armful of ribbons to chew on.

And, as I looked at the pictures I had made after I returned home, I was reminded of how thankful I should be.  What a wonderful son Adam is, and such a sweet and caring father to Levi.

He is one of those ‘hands-on’ dads, and that makes me very happy.  A very wise father he is, as well.  He married the perfect girl to be his wife and mother to his children.  What a sweet family they make.  And, they are blessed with  an available extended family to make sure they are doing it right….(Just kidding)  We are blessed.  We “praise God, from whom all blessings flow…”.

A friend of mine made some pictures at the party and said she’d send them to me… but I think she forgot…and since I have already reminded her twice…I’m gonna let it go.  {EDIT:  I finally got them today}  So, these are just some of the extra pics we made on Saturday.  All these ladies are so dear to me, I wanted to share these, too.  I’ll start off with Joy.  Doesn’t she look pretty?  (Amazing how much we favor, isn’t it? 🙂

Here is my sweet Lucy Jane…looking just like a spring flower herself.  Danielle is her aunt.

This is Christy, daughter of Rhonda…Danielle, like-a-second-daughter to Rhonda…Kimberly, daughter in law of Rhonda, and Rhonda

This is June.  She was such a dear friend of my Mom’s, and to me all the years I can remember.  As I am doing Danielle’s wedding, she did my wedding to Don 39 years and 3 months ago.  This is one of the people I hold dearest in my heart of hearts.

This is Susanna.  We have been friends for a very long time.  And, we have wonderful memories of Mission Trips all over the country and the shenanigans that go on after the work is done.  She is currently serving as Children’s Ministry Director at another church in town, but will soon be joining her husband in Birmingham.  He is a pediatrician there, and their 3 children will all be nearby.  Dothan will be a little quieter when she’s all moved in in B’ham…cause wherever Susanna is, there is laughter and nonsense and lots of fun!  I do so love this sweet friend.  Oh, she’d be mad at me if I didn’t mention that she is a former beauty queen, as well!

Somebody was doing some tickling…..

Joy and Susanna paying close attention to something

And, this is Tina.  She is my helper, she is my right hand, she is my partner in crime, and she is the one I can always count on to come to my rescue  when I have bitten off more than I can chew….or committed to something I should have had the good sense not to…or have gotten halfway into a project and decide to stop and start another one.   She gets me.  (AND…she had a birthday yesterday…36, I think).

Trying to figure out exactly what these girls are discussing….interesting body language and expressions…

And, Patty kept trying to escape!  Caught her once out on the front porch holding 3 of our guests captive!

Then she posed with her granddaughter, Addison (my sweet Lucy Jane)…

And, then she began pestering Rhonda…

Danielle and her bridesmaids (minus one) were enjoying the beautiful weather out by the pool.

Sweet friends, dear friends, special children, young and on the verge of marriage…loved ones all.  Old friends, and friends who took a different path, new friends and friends of friends.  Friends whose lives are going just as they wish and friends dealing with problems that have brought them to their knees.  Friends with young children and friends whose children are having children of their own.  And, friends dealing with children making their way through life on unwise paths.  Friends…living the lives that are their own and ours as well…we are all so different and all so alike.  I love having them all at my home…not because of the surroundings…because a house is just that…a house.  What brings the glow, the warmth, the shine to a home are those who walk the floors and sit on the furniture, and stand at the island.  Their laughter ringing throughout fills the air with love and friendship.  Their sweet smiles bounce off the walls and land on others.  And, when they are all gone…and at last, I sit down and reflect on the day…the air is almost alive with happiness and joy.  It lingers…in the house and in my memory.  A good day.  A happy day.  A day of frienship.