So here I am. It's January 10, 2011. I'm in a new place. . . well, o.k. not so new in some ways. I've just moved to the lake. I've vacationed here since I got married in 1983. My husband's family has had "The Cabin" since 1973. In 2003, we bought it and built the home we planned to retire to one day. (Just realized those years all end in 3's.)
Where were we? Oh yeah, retirement. Well, my husband just retired. He gave the Air Force 26+ good years (I got to do them all with him) and since the Air Force apparently found itself colonel-heavy, decided to help us decide to retire. (I think that's a poor sentence, but I don't feel like making it right.) I like to say the Lord used the Air Force's situation to move us on to where He wants us.
So my new beginnings are: 1) Living at the lake after dreaming about it for just about forever 2) Transitioning from life with the Air Force to life without it and 3) January - a new year. And on top of all that, I'm turning 50 this year.
I don't have a lot to make of all of this yet, but I have a feeling there are going to be stories to share and things I feel like writing about, so I'm making myself a spot to do that. I'd be quite honored if you shared in it with me, but you won't hurt my feelings if you don't... I don't think. I can be kind of wishy-washy on things like this so don't be surprised if I get a little touchy now and then.
My Beginning to 2011
Most recently (well, not most recently, as most recently I was cleaning bathrooms)... Relatively recently, I had the opportunity to attend, volunteer at and overall experience a pretty phenomenal event. The event is called Passion 2011 and it is geared toward college students, which I decidedly am not, all for the glory and fame of Jesus Christ. This huge deal was organized by a family member, which impressed me, though it shouldn't since we're all just people, but does anyway, because it's a HUGE DEAL. It was held in Atlanta at the Philips Arena. The Philips Arena is where all the headliners go for their own huge deals, in case you don't know. It was a sold out event. In fact, it was so sold out that they had to use the Georgia World Congress Center as well. As a matter of another fact, it was so sold out that they had to add another venue (this time in Fort Worth) in April to accommodate all those desiring to attend.
Now I don't know about you, but I'm fairly impressed by the fact that any event not involving beer could attract that many college students. What could make them what to come? The name of Jesus?? Believe it or not, yes. The chance to hear sound Biblical teaching? Yes. The opportunity to stand elbow to elbow with other college students raising their hands in praise to Jesus Christ while belting out Jesus songs? Yes. And oh, by the way, they (22,000 college students who eat ramen noodles) gave over 1 million dollars to worthwhile missions across the globe and brought 17,000 towels and 85,000 pairs of socks for use in the Atlanta homeless missions. Not only that, they showed up in Atlanta on January 1st and stayed 3 nights.
Doesn't it somewhat excite you to know that there even ARE 22,000 college students who would put themselves out like this? These kids gave up time with their families, days of sleeping in, and more just to be there to sit in chairs and listen to speakers all day. Pretty incredible. And I got to be there.
I will tell you that this was physically demanding for my (almost) 50 year old body. I don't know when I've hurt so much. I also don't know when I've been more energized and happy to be standing in one place all day waving my arms getting people seated in a building. I had to pray for that energy and the ability to stand on my feet that long, but it totally energized me.
I just want you to know this thing is going on. Jesus is active among our college kids. These "kids" are excited to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior and are setting out to make 2011 it's own special year. I can't wait to see what the future holds for them. Remind me to tell you some individual stories I heard.
Oh and next year they're going to the Georgia Dome - it seats over 77,000 people. Whoa!
Love it! I'm trying not to be jealous....but I'm so happy you're having a good time on the lake! I look forward to reading more of your blog! :)
ReplyDeleteYou can find me and I have spend the night room! How's that baby?
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