Today was my midterm for my ethics class. It is an intensive class. We met the first two weekends of September. We had two papers due a few weeks back on September 27th. This past week we met either online or in person (depending on our situation) for a midterm review. I was a little late to the online review on Thursday evening for two reasons: (1) my hang gliding time and (2) I couldn't get into the google+ hangout. It kept telling me that participants must be an Asbury Seminary student. Finally my professor heard my cries for help (several emails) and sent me an invitation to which I responded.
I needed to finish some reading after last week's review prior to studying, so that was my priority. Then I sat down to write out notes from our power point slides, readings, class notes, etc. I studied my notes, I filled in my notes. I read over some of the notes in the books I had underlined.
I had scheduled today at 1:30pm with my proctor to take the midterm.
After a morning walk, I came home and spent some time in contemplative prayer prior to studying. That seemed to center and calm my heart, mind, and soul.
With several cups of tea, I spent more time reviewing and studying until my brain felt like it was going to explode and I felt like I was swimming in ethics.
I was beginning to feel nervous again. I've mentioned it before. These types of tests simply don't fit my learning style or testing style. One reads and learns all one can on a subject and then takes a test over the material, hoping to remember all that one has read and learned. Though "aging" could be blamed or an excuse (and that is fair), it simply has never been my learning style and I struggle on these types of tests. Not only is it difficult for me to attempt to take a test out of any vast vacuum of information, I find it intimidating and difficult when faced with questions that differ from what I've read, learned, and studied. But, hey, that's life.
To calm my nerves prior to my proctor's arrival, I opened up Jesus Calling by Sarah Young to today's devotion (October 18) and read these words:
"Go gently through this day, keeping your eyes on Me. I will open up the way before you, as you take steps of trust along your path. Sometimes the way before you appears to be blocked. If you focus on the obstacle or search for a way around it, you will probably go off course. Instead, focus on Me, the Shepherd who is leading you along your life-journey. Before you know it, the "obstacle" will be behind you and you will hardly know how you passed through it."
Wow! These words made me smile. The "obstacle" I was facing was an ethics midterm.
My proctor arrived. I gave her a fresh cup of Café Britt, dark roast. She sat in the sun room on the comfortable couch where she had full view of me in the kitchen on the computer.
I sat down at the computer and prayed, holding the "holding cross" I had been given at the Academy.
Then, I opened up the midterm and began.
I answered questions. I stumbled through some. I figuratively scratched my head over some, pondering their meaning and attempting to remember where that information was in my notes, the class notes, the books, the articles, the power point slides....
Then, it was over.
I reviewed the test. To my surprise, I passed! I passed with a "B". Somehow, the test didn't mark the ones I missed, so I don't know which ones I missed, but for the moment I can live with that.
When I re-read the devotion for the day, what truth there was in the words: "Before you know it, the "obstacle" will be behind you and you will hardly know how you passed through it."
What obstacle(s) are you facing in your life today / this season? Maybe the words from Sarah Young's devotion will encourage you to find your way of trust along the path and before you know it, the obstacle(s) will be behind you..
The Scripture verses with the devotion: John 10:14-15 [14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.] and Isaiah 26:7 [7 The path of the righteous is level;
you, the Upright One, make the way of the righteous smooth.]. (NIV)
Blessings on your journey. It won't be obstacle-free, but we can face each obstacle with trust and confidence in the One who Guides us along the path!
Debra
Friday, October 18, 2013
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Hang gliding, part III--- more video... stalls and landing
I have a HUGE mid-term coming up on October 18 for which I am still reading. I also need to study and review. Additionally, I have a sermon outline for my other class that I began and need to finish.
In the midst of this need to read and study, I am attempting to weave in some moments to edit the video taken from the cameras on my flight so I can (1) see them myself and (2) post them.
When I think of being up in the sky on Thursday, I grin ear to ear. It was definitely a highlight experience in my life. Not just the in-the-sky part, but the entire experience. I got to meet hang gliders (Robin who moved from Butte, Montana; Rick, Dan-- I primarily talked with Robin and Dan) and hear their stories (a little bit), watch a couple of them fly and even fly up in the air with them.
As I reflect upon my experience, I continue to find God connection points with my experience and my spiritual journey, any spiritual journey.
The clip here includes both the wing camera angle and the face camera angle. You will see some flight time, some stalls and descents we did during the flight, and our landing.
(9:42)
For me, it was a slight let down, though it was a beautifully smooth landing. It took some time to regain my land legs. I wasn't used to being on the ground again at first.
On the journey of life and the spiritual journey, we will have soaring moments spiritually. Yet, there will be necessarily a time that we will need to land, to put our feet back on the ground. Being on solid ground again doesn't take away the incredible scenery from the air or the experiences in the air; it just means that it's time to take the experience onward, forward.
Like coming home from an Emmaus weekend or back from an Academy week or any retreat or conference in which you have focused so much on your surroundings, God, and/or the experience of it all... there comes that time to put things back into perspective and incorporate them into the daily life in a way that moves one onward, forward, deeper.
That is where I am now. What are my next steps?
How do I take this life-changing flight experience and incorporate it into my daily living?
How do I take any life-changing experience and incorporate it into my daily living?
Part of what I do is to share what I've learned and experienced with others so that it remains fresh in my mind and so others might find something in it to connect with along their journey.
On my journey, I continue to remain in awe of the Creator's handiwork. The more I am in it--whether hiking, walking, tubing, floating, kayaking, on two wheels, soaring, or whatever it may be-- the more I grow closer to my Creator because the Creator has created a wonderful and beautiful place for us to live, to care for, to enjoy, to reflect upon the Creator's nature and being.
I cannot help but go to the Psalms in which there are many passages about nature, creation, singing praises to God when I start reflecting on God as Creator.
Wherever you are on your journey, may you take some time/make some time to enjoy the Creator's handiwork.
Blessings on your journey,
Debra
In the midst of this need to read and study, I am attempting to weave in some moments to edit the video taken from the cameras on my flight so I can (1) see them myself and (2) post them.
When I think of being up in the sky on Thursday, I grin ear to ear. It was definitely a highlight experience in my life. Not just the in-the-sky part, but the entire experience. I got to meet hang gliders (Robin who moved from Butte, Montana; Rick, Dan-- I primarily talked with Robin and Dan) and hear their stories (a little bit), watch a couple of them fly and even fly up in the air with them.
As I reflect upon my experience, I continue to find God connection points with my experience and my spiritual journey, any spiritual journey.
The clip here includes both the wing camera angle and the face camera angle. You will see some flight time, some stalls and descents we did during the flight, and our landing.
(9:42)
The journey isn't always smooth. There will be times of stalls and descents. On our flight we had some light turbulence. That too is part of the journey. No matter how high or how long you are able to soar, you will land at some point. That is part of the flight.For me, it was a slight let down, though it was a beautifully smooth landing. It took some time to regain my land legs. I wasn't used to being on the ground again at first.
On the journey of life and the spiritual journey, we will have soaring moments spiritually. Yet, there will be necessarily a time that we will need to land, to put our feet back on the ground. Being on solid ground again doesn't take away the incredible scenery from the air or the experiences in the air; it just means that it's time to take the experience onward, forward.
Like coming home from an Emmaus weekend or back from an Academy week or any retreat or conference in which you have focused so much on your surroundings, God, and/or the experience of it all... there comes that time to put things back into perspective and incorporate them into the daily life in a way that moves one onward, forward, deeper.
That is where I am now. What are my next steps?
How do I take this life-changing flight experience and incorporate it into my daily living?
How do I take any life-changing experience and incorporate it into my daily living?
Part of what I do is to share what I've learned and experienced with others so that it remains fresh in my mind and so others might find something in it to connect with along their journey.
On my journey, I continue to remain in awe of the Creator's handiwork. The more I am in it--whether hiking, walking, tubing, floating, kayaking, on two wheels, soaring, or whatever it may be-- the more I grow closer to my Creator because the Creator has created a wonderful and beautiful place for us to live, to care for, to enjoy, to reflect upon the Creator's nature and being.
I cannot help but go to the Psalms in which there are many passages about nature, creation, singing praises to God when I start reflecting on God as Creator.
Wherever you are on your journey, may you take some time/make some time to enjoy the Creator's handiwork.
Blessings on your journey,
Debra
Friday, October 11, 2013
Hang gliding, part II.... video clips... this is what it was like for me to fly!
My tandem instructor, Clark Harlow, came by the house Friday (today) with the video, 3 cds, from yesterday's flight.
I thought I would post a few clips. (Maybe later I'll post a few more... of the stalls, going up and around in thermals, going down at around 40 miles per hour, and landing. But, for now... I am posting just two clips of the take off and first few minutes of flying.)
Before I do, there is another Scripture verse that I found that relates to my hang gliding experience.
Psalm 55:6
From the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV):
6 And I say, “O that I had wings like a dove!
I would fly away and be at rest;
From the Message:
“Who will give me wings,” I ask—
“wings like a dove?”
Get me out of here on dove wings;
I want some peace and quiet.
REST. PEACE. QUIET.
Those words adequately describe what flying/soaring through the air meant to me. Yes, it was an incredible and wonderful adventure. But, it also filled me with such peace! To settle into the harness and relax underneath the wings was a gift.
I don't know if you can experience what I did from the clips, but maybe you'll get a sense of my adventure.... from the joyful zeal to the incredible awe to the perfect peace.
Take off and first few minutes of flight from the wing camera (2:48)--
Blessings on your journey!
Debra
Thrill A Minute Hang Gliding Website
I thought I would post a few clips. (Maybe later I'll post a few more... of the stalls, going up and around in thermals, going down at around 40 miles per hour, and landing. But, for now... I am posting just two clips of the take off and first few minutes of flying.)
Before I do, there is another Scripture verse that I found that relates to my hang gliding experience.
Psalm 55:6
From the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV):
6 And I say, “O that I had wings like a dove!
I would fly away and be at rest;
From the Message:
“Who will give me wings,” I ask—
“wings like a dove?”
Get me out of here on dove wings;
I want some peace and quiet.
REST. PEACE. QUIET.
Those words adequately describe what flying/soaring through the air meant to me. Yes, it was an incredible and wonderful adventure. But, it also filled me with such peace! To settle into the harness and relax underneath the wings was a gift.
I don't know if you can experience what I did from the clips, but maybe you'll get a sense of my adventure.... from the joyful zeal to the incredible awe to the perfect peace.
Take off and first few minutes of flight from the wing camera (2:48)--
Take off and first minute and a half from face camera (1:23)--
Blessings on your journey!
Debra
Thrill A Minute Hang Gliding Website
Flying... a dream come true-- hang gliding, part I
I don't know when I first wanted to fly. I have flown in airplanes since I was about maybe 8 years old. I flew as an unaccompanied minor from Atlanta to Savannah at around that age to visit my two year older aunt and Papa and Erlene in Claxton, GA. I have been in many airplanes throughout my life. There are pilots in my family and flight attendants. So, maybe, this flying thing is part of my blood.
I have flown in my dreams. I can't tell you when I started flying in my dreams nor how often I fly, but I have and I still do some. It's awesome.
As for the hang gliding "bug".... when did I catch it? I'm not really sure of that either.
I do know that I've always enjoyed watching them fly. I've been up to Lookout Mountain to watch them fly before and I've been over to Dunlap to do the same. I have sat for hours watching folks take off and soar, until the sun went down. I have even been on a hang gliding simulator at Disney World, "Soarin'". That was a GREAT ride. We went to Disney World for Spring Break, March 2006. It was Charlotte's and Riley's first time. If you'd like to experience the Soarin' ride, check out the video below.
I had wanted to hang glide on one of my earlier birthdays. But it just didn't happen. I thought it was the 35th, but that would have been in 1997 and prior to my divorce. I'm not sure I was thinking about it then. After the divorce, I watched hang gliders fly for hours with a friend as therapy, so maybe I thought about it the next year or for my 40th. For my 45th birthday, I threw a taekwondo party.
So, I decided that it would be a great thing for my 50th birthday. However, in the recent months, I started wondering why should I wait a full year for something I really and truly wanted to do now. So, I determined that my hang gliding / flying dream would come true for my 49th birthday.
I called Thrill A Minute Hang Gliding and connected with Clark and we set a date and time, October 10, 3pm. I chose his location because I wanted to run off the mountain, not be towed up into the sky. I'm sure being towed is pretty cool too, but I really wanted to experience the full deal.
I have no regrets.
It was a gorgeous day with some promising winds. I drove up a little early to relax and was able to take some pictures from the bluff and enjoy the breeze, chat with some hang gliders, and watch one guy (Robin, formerly of Montana) take off the ramp.
Ground school training took place while Clark put together the hang glider.
My friend and former teaching colleague from UTC, Hilary Browder, was able to come up to be my photographer. She and Lilly, an adorable puppy, joined us during set up time.
I was most nervous about two things-- running and jumping off that ramp.
Running-- because of all days, my right knee decided to give me problems. I had ACL replacement surgery in 2000 and have had some problems off and on. Why yesterday needed to be a problem day, I don't know. It felt like the plica was catching again inside and sticking some. But not all the time. Since we needed to run to get speed, that might be a problem. I told Clark about it and he said he wasn't worried. He would drag me if he needed to. He was serious. He said once we were strapped in and on that ramp and moving..... well, it was too late to back out. I wasn't wanting to back out, but it was good to know that if my knee gave, I could still fly.
Jumping off that ramp-- I have rappelled. I have rappelled Australian-style (head first facing down the rock). I have done Project Adventure things in the trees on the ropes courses. But, this would be a little bit different. I would still be hooked in. But my feet would be leaving the ground. So, I was a little nervous.
Yet, in spite of my nervousness, I was more excited. I felt like a little kid on some kind of wild and exciting adventure. Honestly, I couldn't stop smiling. I smiled most of the time. That is, except when my stomach finally started getting queasy after flying about 40 minutes.
Flight check-in.... take off... in the air...
Thermal lifts.... turbulence... butterflies... hawks.... a moth that flew between our heads... two other hang gliders in the air with us... one Cessna plane... getting to see the smoke stacks from above..... the trees.... the fields... the Sequatchie Valley... the birds below.... being in the air... floating / flying / soaring / cutting through the wind... stalls... going slow... going 40 miles per hour... being up about 1000 feet and maybe slightly higher... being up for 50 minutes... learning about the incredible sport from such an experienced person.... experiencing piloting personally (though I was extremely timid, cautious, and not very good)... blue skies... clouds... silence when you stalled... landing...
It took a few moments to find my land legs again when we landed. Walking after having been prone for that long was odd. It was also odd to be on the ground again. In a way, it was a let down. After the freedom of being in the air and soaring, there is something different about being on solid ground again.
For me, this wasn't "just" a flight. It was an opportunity to be in a part of my Creator's world in a way that I normally am not. Creation is one of my strongest connection points with my Creator. And, to experience flying with the birds, moths, and butterflies.... to feel the powerful thermal lifts.... to feel the air around me... to see for miles and miles... wow!
There is always a rhythm. An ebb and flow. For me, yesterday I was able to experience what it felt like to fly. I was able to live my dreams of flying. Then, I was on solid ground again.
If I didn't have to get back home for an online midterm review (that I was going to be running late for as it was), I would have stayed a little longer and watched the others fly some and watch the sunset from those beautiful rocks and bluff.
It was a gorgeous setting. Refreshment for my soul in so many ways.
What a wonderful blessing!
As I mentioned, I have flown before.... many airplane flights. I have even been up in a Helio Courier, thanks to a fellow camp counselor friend and her dad in Nashville in the 80s. That was an awesome experience! Fly-bys, landing and taking off..... I got green on that.... had to use one of those sandwich bags, but oh what an awesome adventure!
And, then there was the helicopter ride once in Costa Rica when we were in La Suiza on a mission trip. A pilot came by our work site one afternoon and those of us who wanted rides could take them. Of course I took that opportunity! That was awesome to see Costa Rica from a helicopter.
But, there is something different about not being confined in the air by a plane around your body, by being simply in the air and moving through it.
Suffice it to say.... I loved it! If I had the "bug" prior to yesterday, you might say that I'm full blown infected now.
But, no worries. I'm not running out to buy my own glider and taking lessons. Not yet. I'm waiting on my two wheels to get fixed so I get some wind beneath my wings on my motorcycle. That's the air I'll be getting until I go tandem one day again.
One last thing....
Because this flight strengthened and refreshed me spiritually and otherwise, I believe these verses from Isaiah to be fitting for my experience:
Isaiah 40: 28-31
28 Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the faint,
and strengthens the powerless.
30 Even youths will faint and be weary,
and the young will fall exhausted;
31 but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint.
Blessings on your journey!
Debra
P.S. Here were my first thoughts / report of my flight that I posted on Facebook:
"Let me just say that was THE MOST AWESOME FLIGHT I have ever had in my life. No offense to Delta, United, Eastern or any of the others I've ever taken, but my flight today was SUPER AWESOME!! In ...the air about 50 minutes. Had some shoulder problems, but did okay. LOTS of thermal. Got to 1000 feet and a little above. Flew with butterflies, hawks, AND a moth flew in between us. I was a little hesitant in being the main pilot. The VIEW was spectacular. Took me a few minutes to find my land legs upon landing. I finally got to make my dreams a reality (I fly in my dreams). I will post pics and video later. Oh, for all who know me well.... a HUGE surprise... No curse words slipped out.... ☺"
I have flown in my dreams. I can't tell you when I started flying in my dreams nor how often I fly, but I have and I still do some. It's awesome.
As for the hang gliding "bug".... when did I catch it? I'm not really sure of that either.
I do know that I've always enjoyed watching them fly. I've been up to Lookout Mountain to watch them fly before and I've been over to Dunlap to do the same. I have sat for hours watching folks take off and soar, until the sun went down. I have even been on a hang gliding simulator at Disney World, "Soarin'". That was a GREAT ride. We went to Disney World for Spring Break, March 2006. It was Charlotte's and Riley's first time. If you'd like to experience the Soarin' ride, check out the video below.
I had wanted to hang glide on one of my earlier birthdays. But it just didn't happen. I thought it was the 35th, but that would have been in 1997 and prior to my divorce. I'm not sure I was thinking about it then. After the divorce, I watched hang gliders fly for hours with a friend as therapy, so maybe I thought about it the next year or for my 40th. For my 45th birthday, I threw a taekwondo party.
So, I decided that it would be a great thing for my 50th birthday. However, in the recent months, I started wondering why should I wait a full year for something I really and truly wanted to do now. So, I determined that my hang gliding / flying dream would come true for my 49th birthday.
I called Thrill A Minute Hang Gliding and connected with Clark and we set a date and time, October 10, 3pm. I chose his location because I wanted to run off the mountain, not be towed up into the sky. I'm sure being towed is pretty cool too, but I really wanted to experience the full deal.
I have no regrets.
It was a gorgeous day with some promising winds. I drove up a little early to relax and was able to take some pictures from the bluff and enjoy the breeze, chat with some hang gliders, and watch one guy (Robin, formerly of Montana) take off the ramp.
Ground school training took place while Clark put together the hang glider.
My friend and former teaching colleague from UTC, Hilary Browder, was able to come up to be my photographer. She and Lilly, an adorable puppy, joined us during set up time.
I was most nervous about two things-- running and jumping off that ramp.
Running-- because of all days, my right knee decided to give me problems. I had ACL replacement surgery in 2000 and have had some problems off and on. Why yesterday needed to be a problem day, I don't know. It felt like the plica was catching again inside and sticking some. But not all the time. Since we needed to run to get speed, that might be a problem. I told Clark about it and he said he wasn't worried. He would drag me if he needed to. He was serious. He said once we were strapped in and on that ramp and moving..... well, it was too late to back out. I wasn't wanting to back out, but it was good to know that if my knee gave, I could still fly.
Jumping off that ramp-- I have rappelled. I have rappelled Australian-style (head first facing down the rock). I have done Project Adventure things in the trees on the ropes courses. But, this would be a little bit different. I would still be hooked in. But my feet would be leaving the ground. So, I was a little nervous.
Yet, in spite of my nervousness, I was more excited. I felt like a little kid on some kind of wild and exciting adventure. Honestly, I couldn't stop smiling. I smiled most of the time. That is, except when my stomach finally started getting queasy after flying about 40 minutes.
Flight check-in.... take off... in the air...
Thermal lifts.... turbulence... butterflies... hawks.... a moth that flew between our heads... two other hang gliders in the air with us... one Cessna plane... getting to see the smoke stacks from above..... the trees.... the fields... the Sequatchie Valley... the birds below.... being in the air... floating / flying / soaring / cutting through the wind... stalls... going slow... going 40 miles per hour... being up about 1000 feet and maybe slightly higher... being up for 50 minutes... learning about the incredible sport from such an experienced person.... experiencing piloting personally (though I was extremely timid, cautious, and not very good)... blue skies... clouds... silence when you stalled... landing...
It took a few moments to find my land legs again when we landed. Walking after having been prone for that long was odd. It was also odd to be on the ground again. In a way, it was a let down. After the freedom of being in the air and soaring, there is something different about being on solid ground again.
For me, this wasn't "just" a flight. It was an opportunity to be in a part of my Creator's world in a way that I normally am not. Creation is one of my strongest connection points with my Creator. And, to experience flying with the birds, moths, and butterflies.... to feel the powerful thermal lifts.... to feel the air around me... to see for miles and miles... wow!
There is always a rhythm. An ebb and flow. For me, yesterday I was able to experience what it felt like to fly. I was able to live my dreams of flying. Then, I was on solid ground again.
If I didn't have to get back home for an online midterm review (that I was going to be running late for as it was), I would have stayed a little longer and watched the others fly some and watch the sunset from those beautiful rocks and bluff.
It was a gorgeous setting. Refreshment for my soul in so many ways.
What a wonderful blessing!
As I mentioned, I have flown before.... many airplane flights. I have even been up in a Helio Courier, thanks to a fellow camp counselor friend and her dad in Nashville in the 80s. That was an awesome experience! Fly-bys, landing and taking off..... I got green on that.... had to use one of those sandwich bags, but oh what an awesome adventure!
And, then there was the helicopter ride once in Costa Rica when we were in La Suiza on a mission trip. A pilot came by our work site one afternoon and those of us who wanted rides could take them. Of course I took that opportunity! That was awesome to see Costa Rica from a helicopter.
But, there is something different about not being confined in the air by a plane around your body, by being simply in the air and moving through it.
Suffice it to say.... I loved it! If I had the "bug" prior to yesterday, you might say that I'm full blown infected now.
But, no worries. I'm not running out to buy my own glider and taking lessons. Not yet. I'm waiting on my two wheels to get fixed so I get some wind beneath my wings on my motorcycle. That's the air I'll be getting until I go tandem one day again.
One last thing....
Because this flight strengthened and refreshed me spiritually and otherwise, I believe these verses from Isaiah to be fitting for my experience:
Isaiah 40: 28-31
28 Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the faint,
and strengthens the powerless.
30 Even youths will faint and be weary,
and the young will fall exhausted;
31 but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint.
Blessings on your journey!
Debra
 |
| ramp at Tennessee Tree Toppers, pic by dd |
 |
| getting ready to go, pic by Hilary Browder |
 |
| landed, pic by Hilary Browder Clark Harlow, tandem instructor and dd |
 |
| flying, pic by Hilary Browder |
 |
| hello!, pic by Hilary Browder |
 |
| getting the harness on, pic by Hilary Browder |
 |
| up in the air, in the clouds (kinda), pic by Hilary Browder |
 |
| coming in for a landing, pic by Hilary Browder |
 |
| running off the ramp, pic by Hilary Browder |
 |
| put your left foot in, pic by Hilary Browder notice the shirt! (Ticos, ¡Pura vida!) |
P.S. Here were my first thoughts / report of my flight that I posted on Facebook:
"Let me just say that was THE MOST AWESOME FLIGHT I have ever had in my life. No offense to Delta, United, Eastern or any of the others I've ever taken, but my flight today was SUPER AWESOME!! In ...the air about 50 minutes. Had some shoulder problems, but did okay. LOTS of thermal. Got to 1000 feet and a little above. Flew with butterflies, hawks, AND a moth flew in between us. I was a little hesitant in being the main pilot. The VIEW was spectacular. Took me a few minutes to find my land legs upon landing. I finally got to make my dreams a reality (I fly in my dreams). I will post pics and video later. Oh, for all who know me well.... a HUGE surprise... No curse words slipped out.... ☺"
Saturday, October 5, 2013
My first Jason Crabb concert.... Soddy, Daisy TN
A week ago Friday night (September 27th) I went to my first Jason Crabb concert. My husband had seen him lead worship at a Calling All Men United Methodist Men gathering a couple of years back, but that was him.
Earlier in September (or the end of August) I had dropped off some books for our Wednesday night Bible Study at a friend's house and was heading home.
That's when I saw the sign for the upcoming Jason Crabb concert at the end of September. It was to be held at the church now occupying the former Winn Dixie on the corner of Hixson Pike and Dayton Bld.
I contacted a friend whom I knew would be interested because she and husband are Gaither groupies and have seen Jason Crabb several times too. It worked out that she would be able to go that night. Her husband would be at a football game. I could go, because my papers were due that day and a concert would be a great way to celebrate. She invited my daughter to come along, but I thought there was something going on at the school that evening. That turned out to be during the day. My friend thought her son would enjoy the concert too.
So, on a gorgeous Friday evening, I was blessed to worship at the Freedom Worship Center in Soddy Daisy, TN with my step son and his mom.
When I got there, the first thing I saw when I pulled in was the red bus. Awesome! Big and red!
I was hoping my friend would want to check it out when she arrived. She did! We walked over and took some pictures. She said her husband would have been over there talking to the bus driver. And, he would have been. ☺ He's a great guy and friendly. He strikes up conversations with folks. They have pictures with him and the bus drivers at various concerts... and pictures of both of them with the artists.
We got our tickets and went inside. The line was already snaking around the outside of the sanctuary. When the doors opened at 6:30, we got the last row of padded chairs on the left side.
The music was great! Jason plays a variety of styles..... from gospel to rock to blues! He played "Sweet Home Alabama" with some different lyrics and then offered to play an Eagles song because the audience had gone wild over that one. But, then he said he didn't really have a song ready with changed lyrics. Oh, well. The blues song was fun. It was also fun when he started singing some old hymns from days gone by. "I'll Fly Away" is one of my favorites. I like to fly with that one. It was neat to see so many people enjoying the hymns.
Jason sang songs from the past and songs from his new release, "Love is Stronger". The title song is powerful. So is the song "Give". A video was just released this week for "Love is Stronger". It is now available via YouTube, so I'll include it in this post.
Whether you're familiar with Jason and the Crabb family or not, I would encourage you to check out his music.
For me, the night was a blessing in many ways: to be able to worship after working hard to get papers turned in, to spend some time with my step son and his mom, to focus on God, to witness a little two year old singing the words to some of the songs...
Because of God's redeeming love, grace, and forgiveness, I am able to be in relationship with my step son's mom. It is God's amazing grace that has built the bridge and foundation over these years and I continue to be grateful for the grace and the relationship that has resulted!
Thank you God! Thank you Janice!
Here are a couple of the pictures I took with my phone at the concert. Though we weren't too far away from the stage, the lighting made Jason shine like a light bulb. The close up I got of him was when he was handing out Compassion International children packets. It's a little fuzzy.
Now, for some of Jason Crabb's music...
"GIVE"-- lyrics:
Everybody's reaching for something
Everyday pulling and tugging
Always wanting a little more
Holding on to hurt like an anchor
Treating those we love like strangers
Taking names and keeping score
We all know, what we're really after
Cause somewhere along the road
We got it backwards
[Chorus]
If you wanna give love then give it
If you wanna feel some forgiveness
You gotta let go and do some forgiving of your own
If you want a friend then be one
A little bit of kindness shows up
You'll be surprised in how much finds its way back home
It don't matter what it is
But if you want it, give
I've been downright stubborn
At one time or another
Found it's easier to bend
I've had a shoulder to lean on
Been the one who got to be strong
And was waiting at both ends
I felt that power, I've seen what it can do, yeah
[Chorus]
"LOVE IS STRONGER"-- lyrics:
LOVE IS STRONGER OFFICIAL VIDEO:
In addition to the awesome music, Jason shared from his children's books he has written and introduced Jase, the crab, an adorable stuffed animal. You can tell that Jason has a heart for God and others in the way he talks and interacts with people.
Check out his website if you're interested in knowing more about him, his music, his books, his ministry. Click here.
Blessings on your journey,
Debra
Earlier in September (or the end of August) I had dropped off some books for our Wednesday night Bible Study at a friend's house and was heading home.
That's when I saw the sign for the upcoming Jason Crabb concert at the end of September. It was to be held at the church now occupying the former Winn Dixie on the corner of Hixson Pike and Dayton Bld.
I contacted a friend whom I knew would be interested because she and husband are Gaither groupies and have seen Jason Crabb several times too. It worked out that she would be able to go that night. Her husband would be at a football game. I could go, because my papers were due that day and a concert would be a great way to celebrate. She invited my daughter to come along, but I thought there was something going on at the school that evening. That turned out to be during the day. My friend thought her son would enjoy the concert too.
So, on a gorgeous Friday evening, I was blessed to worship at the Freedom Worship Center in Soddy Daisy, TN with my step son and his mom.
When I got there, the first thing I saw when I pulled in was the red bus. Awesome! Big and red!
I was hoping my friend would want to check it out when she arrived. She did! We walked over and took some pictures. She said her husband would have been over there talking to the bus driver. And, he would have been. ☺ He's a great guy and friendly. He strikes up conversations with folks. They have pictures with him and the bus drivers at various concerts... and pictures of both of them with the artists.
We got our tickets and went inside. The line was already snaking around the outside of the sanctuary. When the doors opened at 6:30, we got the last row of padded chairs on the left side.
The music was great! Jason plays a variety of styles..... from gospel to rock to blues! He played "Sweet Home Alabama" with some different lyrics and then offered to play an Eagles song because the audience had gone wild over that one. But, then he said he didn't really have a song ready with changed lyrics. Oh, well. The blues song was fun. It was also fun when he started singing some old hymns from days gone by. "I'll Fly Away" is one of my favorites. I like to fly with that one. It was neat to see so many people enjoying the hymns.
Jason sang songs from the past and songs from his new release, "Love is Stronger". The title song is powerful. So is the song "Give". A video was just released this week for "Love is Stronger". It is now available via YouTube, so I'll include it in this post.
Whether you're familiar with Jason and the Crabb family or not, I would encourage you to check out his music.
For me, the night was a blessing in many ways: to be able to worship after working hard to get papers turned in, to spend some time with my step son and his mom, to focus on God, to witness a little two year old singing the words to some of the songs...
Because of God's redeeming love, grace, and forgiveness, I am able to be in relationship with my step son's mom. It is God's amazing grace that has built the bridge and foundation over these years and I continue to be grateful for the grace and the relationship that has resulted!
Thank you God! Thank you Janice!
Here are a couple of the pictures I took with my phone at the concert. Though we weren't too far away from the stage, the lighting made Jason shine like a light bulb. The close up I got of him was when he was handing out Compassion International children packets. It's a little fuzzy.
Now, for some of Jason Crabb's music...
"GIVE"-- lyrics:
Everybody's reaching for something
Everyday pulling and tugging
Always wanting a little more
Holding on to hurt like an anchor
Treating those we love like strangers
Taking names and keeping score
We all know, what we're really after
Cause somewhere along the road
We got it backwards
[Chorus]
If you wanna give love then give it
If you wanna feel some forgiveness
You gotta let go and do some forgiving of your own
If you want a friend then be one
A little bit of kindness shows up
You'll be surprised in how much finds its way back home
It don't matter what it is
But if you want it, give
I've been downright stubborn
At one time or another
Found it's easier to bend
I've had a shoulder to lean on
Been the one who got to be strong
And was waiting at both ends
I felt that power, I've seen what it can do, yeah
[Chorus]
"LOVE IS STRONGER"-- lyrics:
You went down one of those roads
Nobody should have to go
Life sure got real, real fast
You couldn't see your way out
Your world was under a cloud
All you could feel was helpless
You didn't think you could do it
Oh but you got through it
Nobody should have to go
Life sure got real, real fast
You couldn't see your way out
Your world was under a cloud
All you could feel was helpless
You didn't think you could do it
Oh but you got through it
chorus: You kept faith when you didn't have a prayer
Found hope when it wasn't even there
Up against the impossible you
just wouldn't back down
You kept fighting
That heavy cross you carried
Ain't weighing you down any longer
Life is tough
But love is stronger
Found hope when it wasn't even there
Up against the impossible you
just wouldn't back down
You kept fighting
That heavy cross you carried
Ain't weighing you down any longer
Life is tough
But love is stronger
You're finally facing the sun
Your brighter days have begun
Look at you now, just soaking it in
You're smiling, you're laughing
You're happy, you're living
Every moment surrounded by
All the beautiful reasons why
Your brighter days have begun
Look at you now, just soaking it in
You're smiling, you're laughing
You're happy, you're living
Every moment surrounded by
All the beautiful reasons why
Repeat Chorus Twice
LOVE IS STRONGER OFFICIAL VIDEO:
In addition to the awesome music, Jason shared from his children's books he has written and introduced Jase, the crab, an adorable stuffed animal. You can tell that Jason has a heart for God and others in the way he talks and interacts with people.
Check out his website if you're interested in knowing more about him, his music, his books, his ministry. Click here.
Blessings on your journey,
Debra
Friday, October 4, 2013
A morning walk.... a view.... a reflection from the Psalms
 |
| North Chickamauga Creek Gorge Natural Wilderness Area |
Today's morning walk makes #3 this week. I've been a mile and a half at a former middle school walking track, a mile at a local greenway, and today, a mile and a half at the North Chickamauga Creek Gorge Natural Wilderness Area.
It was a cool morning. Perfect for a morning walk. A great way to start the day.
The sounds of the birds and the running water were delightful music to my ears! The sights of the leaves beginning to change colors, some of the wildflowers and ferns, the rushing water, and the still pools of deeper water were nature's art museum for my eyes! And the fresh smell of nature was refreshing for my lungs.
I have been encouraged and motivated by a Facebook page called Sight Psalms. It is a ministry of the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church. You will find photographs connected with Scripture.
I have picked Psalm 78:14-16 to go with the photograph at the top of today's post:
(NRSV)
14 In the daytime he led them with a cloud,
and all night long with a fiery light.
15 He split rocks open in the wilderness,
and gave them drink abundantly as from the deep.
16 He made streams come out of the rock,
and caused waters to flow down like rivers.
and all night long with a fiery light.
15 He split rocks open in the wilderness,
and gave them drink abundantly as from the deep.
16 He made streams come out of the rock,
and caused waters to flow down like rivers.
Wherever you find yourself today on your journey, maybe you can take a moment to stop and drink deeply from the abundance provided for you. It is available.
For me, it is the grace provided by God in and through many situations and circumstances.
As I breathed in the freshness of the creation on my walk this morning, I couldn't help but recall the hymn, "Breathe on me, breath of God". It is the breath of God that created me and sustains me.
This is another day along my adventurous journey. It is well with my soul.
May it be so with yours!
Debra
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Risking vulnerability...
Today I stepped out of my comfort zone in a way that I would really have preferred not to.
You see, next Thursday (weather permitting), I will be stepping off a cliff with an instructor to hang-glide for my very first time. Now, THAT is the stepping out and stepping off that brings me excitement from the fear. Though scary, it will be an adventure. I am truly looking forward to being in the air, in the sky, and experiencing the wind, the silence, the freedom! I will write more about this later.
But you needed to see the contrast to understand more clearly what today's stepping out meant for me. Today I finally stopped at the brick house to see if I could speak with the owner. What brick house am I referring to? (See posts at the bottom of this post for further reading.)
The one I have been praying over and for... for at least the past two years. I first started praying for this house when we were looking for locations for My Sister's House, a ministry that offers clothing (primarily) to women going into the work force for the first time or after an extended time off for whatever reason. Other services are offered, often through connections and referrals.
That brick house just simply stood out as an excellent location for ministry in the Hixson area. And, I wasn't the only one who thought so. It simply didn't happen.
Because my schedule changed unexpectedly, I stopped by there on my way home. I was nervous. I mean, who in their right mind stops by a business to meet the owner and tell her you've been praying over her building for several years!?!? It sounds a little wacky!! Now you see why it was (is) out of my comfort zone. What I was doing was risking vulnerability. I was putting myself out there to really be seen as "out there". Those of you who know me (and those who read me regularly) may be asking yourselves 'what is so odd about that? you are out there.' And, you are right. I don't always do things the way others do.
I pulled into the driveway and pulled around back. Gulp! There were quite a few cars back there. Of course, that is excellent for business, but one doesn't want too many witnesses to one's confession of praying for the building and the business. ☺
I walk around front and enter the business. I am greeted by two young bright and cheerful voices and faces at the welcome counter. The front room looks and smells amazing! (Aveda products).
In my ignorance, I asked if "Chloë" was working today. They said she wasn't and then explained that the shopped was named for a grandmother. They explained that the owner was busy with customers. I mentioned something about just stopping by wanting to share something with her about the building and that I knew a customer of hers. Maybe sensing something special OR deciding they needed help in the front room, one of the girls offered to go check in the back for the owner.
A few moments later the owner came out. I introduced myself, noting that the name didn't mean anything. I mentioned my friend who had mentioned she was a client. Then I told her I had been praying for this building for over two years. I told her that I had been praying that God would use it and bless it. I shared with her that once I learned it was going to be her business, that I continued to pray for it and her business. And, I do. I still pray for that house as I drive by. Maybe not all the time, but it still catches my eye. Just now I pray for the salon, the owner, and those who enter.
It was weird doing this today. But, for me, it was something I needed to do, something I wanted to do. I wanted to let her know that she and her business had been prayed for.
I felt vulnerable. And, a little sad as I walked out the door and got back in my car. Yet, at the same time, I know that all things work together for good.
Risking vulnerability isn't easy. Ever. It means putting ourselves out there.
Today was worth it for me. I hope the owner didn't think I was too crazy. It's okay, though, if she did.
If you're local, and you're looking for a salon, check it out: Chloë Hair Colour & Design. It's on 5922 Hixson Pike, Suite 112. Their phone number is 423-842-0556. Mindy Kelly is the owner and certified color educator.
Check out their Facebook page by clicking here.
Here's a quote by Brené Brown I saw recently on the SoulCare Project Facebook page:
"Our willingness to own and engage with our vulnerability determines the depth of our courage and the clarity of our purpose; the level to which we protect ourselves from being vulnerable is a measure of our fear and disconnection. When we spend our lives waiting until we’re perfect or bulletproof before we walk into the arena, we ultimately sacrifice relationships and opportunities that may not be recoverable, we squander our precious time, and we turn our backs on our gifts, those unique contributions that only we can make." -Brené Brown, author of Daring Greatly
Take a few moments and read over the quote. Chew on it for a while.
I liked the quote so much that I ordered the book to see what else Brené had to say in that book. I'll let you know when I get the chance to read it.
I engaged in my own vulnerability today. It wasn't anything huge; but it was something. I walked into an arena, a very nice smelling one. I don't know what, if anything was accomplished. Or, if there was anything meant to be accomplished. What I do know is that I followed through on something I knew I was called to do.
What in your journey would allow you to risk and engage in your own vulnerability?
Blessings on your journey!
Debra
Past blog posts about the brick house:
Letting Go... (August 27, 2013)Questioning the Direction, or Lack Thereof... (February 28, 2013)
You see, next Thursday (weather permitting), I will be stepping off a cliff with an instructor to hang-glide for my very first time. Now, THAT is the stepping out and stepping off that brings me excitement from the fear. Though scary, it will be an adventure. I am truly looking forward to being in the air, in the sky, and experiencing the wind, the silence, the freedom! I will write more about this later.
But you needed to see the contrast to understand more clearly what today's stepping out meant for me. Today I finally stopped at the brick house to see if I could speak with the owner. What brick house am I referring to? (See posts at the bottom of this post for further reading.)
The one I have been praying over and for... for at least the past two years. I first started praying for this house when we were looking for locations for My Sister's House, a ministry that offers clothing (primarily) to women going into the work force for the first time or after an extended time off for whatever reason. Other services are offered, often through connections and referrals.
That brick house just simply stood out as an excellent location for ministry in the Hixson area. And, I wasn't the only one who thought so. It simply didn't happen.
Because my schedule changed unexpectedly, I stopped by there on my way home. I was nervous. I mean, who in their right mind stops by a business to meet the owner and tell her you've been praying over her building for several years!?!? It sounds a little wacky!! Now you see why it was (is) out of my comfort zone. What I was doing was risking vulnerability. I was putting myself out there to really be seen as "out there". Those of you who know me (and those who read me regularly) may be asking yourselves 'what is so odd about that? you are out there.' And, you are right. I don't always do things the way others do.
I pulled into the driveway and pulled around back. Gulp! There were quite a few cars back there. Of course, that is excellent for business, but one doesn't want too many witnesses to one's confession of praying for the building and the business. ☺
I walk around front and enter the business. I am greeted by two young bright and cheerful voices and faces at the welcome counter. The front room looks and smells amazing! (Aveda products).
In my ignorance, I asked if "Chloë" was working today. They said she wasn't and then explained that the shopped was named for a grandmother. They explained that the owner was busy with customers. I mentioned something about just stopping by wanting to share something with her about the building and that I knew a customer of hers. Maybe sensing something special OR deciding they needed help in the front room, one of the girls offered to go check in the back for the owner.
A few moments later the owner came out. I introduced myself, noting that the name didn't mean anything. I mentioned my friend who had mentioned she was a client. Then I told her I had been praying for this building for over two years. I told her that I had been praying that God would use it and bless it. I shared with her that once I learned it was going to be her business, that I continued to pray for it and her business. And, I do. I still pray for that house as I drive by. Maybe not all the time, but it still catches my eye. Just now I pray for the salon, the owner, and those who enter.
It was weird doing this today. But, for me, it was something I needed to do, something I wanted to do. I wanted to let her know that she and her business had been prayed for.
I felt vulnerable. And, a little sad as I walked out the door and got back in my car. Yet, at the same time, I know that all things work together for good.
Risking vulnerability isn't easy. Ever. It means putting ourselves out there.
Today was worth it for me. I hope the owner didn't think I was too crazy. It's okay, though, if she did.
If you're local, and you're looking for a salon, check it out: Chloë Hair Colour & Design. It's on 5922 Hixson Pike, Suite 112. Their phone number is 423-842-0556. Mindy Kelly is the owner and certified color educator.
Check out their Facebook page by clicking here.
Here's a quote by Brené Brown I saw recently on the SoulCare Project Facebook page:
"Our willingness to own and engage with our vulnerability determines the depth of our courage and the clarity of our purpose; the level to which we protect ourselves from being vulnerable is a measure of our fear and disconnection. When we spend our lives waiting until we’re perfect or bulletproof before we walk into the arena, we ultimately sacrifice relationships and opportunities that may not be recoverable, we squander our precious time, and we turn our backs on our gifts, those unique contributions that only we can make." -Brené Brown, author of Daring Greatly
Take a few moments and read over the quote. Chew on it for a while.
I liked the quote so much that I ordered the book to see what else Brené had to say in that book. I'll let you know when I get the chance to read it.
I engaged in my own vulnerability today. It wasn't anything huge; but it was something. I walked into an arena, a very nice smelling one. I don't know what, if anything was accomplished. Or, if there was anything meant to be accomplished. What I do know is that I followed through on something I knew I was called to do.
What in your journey would allow you to risk and engage in your own vulnerability?
Blessings on your journey!
Debra
Past blog posts about the brick house:
Letting Go... (August 27, 2013)Questioning the Direction, or Lack Thereof... (February 28, 2013)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)