The faithful servant stands relieved

I joined my family in Suffolk, Va on Monday for the Military Honors burial ceremony honoring my grandfather. It was difficult as all the busyness subsided and the meaning of the ceremony sank in. Though, through tears, we were also reminded that this is a celebration. A faithful servant of our Savior has gone home into the loving arms of his Master. Having observed my grandfather, it came as no surprise but the comments of his pastor were a comforting reminder: there was no doubt in his mind whom he served and where he was going. My aunt commented that Papa wasn't afraid to die. He knew what awaited him. I am so blessed to have this servant leader as the family patriarch.
The ceremony itself was very fitting bringing in both his distinguished military service and his love for Biblical theology and service in the Episcopal church.
My dad's closing remarks carry so much meaning. They captured my grandfather, our Papa, so beautifully. He quoted heavily from a passage known as "The Watch" often recited at the retirement ceremonies of members of the US Coast Guard.

'The Watch'

For those of you who have served in the military, or at home, you know the significance of the “The Watch.” "The Watch” signifies the duty assignments stood (at sea) and the extra vigilance, shown by that sailor.

[Another tradition is] The Passing of the Watch

“Boatswain's Mate, ... stand by to pipe the side." This order has been passed on naval ships from the early 1500's through today ... Spanish, French, Dutch, English. Yes, every navy in the world has used the Boatswain's Call and Side Boys to bring aboard or send ashore its officers, visiting officers and all visiting dignitaries. The Boatswain would pipe the side as the Side Boys lay on or lay off the lines used to raise or lower the boarding platform.

The ship's master or Captain would extend this privilege and honor to port officials to ensure a good berth for his ship while in port. It was not uncommon for the Commanding Officer of a naval ship of the line to order up the jolly boat, eight strong Sailors to man the oars, a Boatswain and Side Boys ... to send an old shipmate and fellow officer ashore ... never to sail a naval ship again.

"All Hands on Deck!", was passed. The crew fell in at parade for muster, ... the Commanding Officer would make a speech ... telling about the retiree's service, ... the great battles fought upon the open sea, ... the victories ... the storms weathered, ... voyages to strange and distant lands, ... ports of call visited that others can only dream about, ... and we would speak of shipmates left behind.

Then the Commanding Officer would present the retiree with a fine sword, .. officers would present him with a brace of fine pistols, a rifle, or a musket. Then the crew would present him with a sea chest, bound in leather and brass, lined with cedar. This was to protect the uniform he wore so proudly those many years. These gifts were to remind him of the ships he sailed, ... the ports he made, ... and above all, to remind him of the crews with whom he served those many years. The Boatswain's Mate would 'Stand Tall' with the Side Boys, the crew was called to "Attention", ... then the retiree would step to the Quarterdeck, salute the Commanding Officer, ... and ... for the last time, request permission to go ashore.

Permission granted, the retiree would step onto the platform and salute the flag he so proudly served, ... as the Side Boys lowered away to the Boatswain's Call. As the jolly boat pulled away from the side, ... the ship's Gunner would fire a final salute from the ship's main battery, ... the retiree would be seated in the stem sheets of the jolly boat, ... going ashore for the last time.

Today, ... we heave to, ... stop all engines, ... lay about smartly, ... drop the anchor, ... and stand by to honor one of our shipmates, ... a shipmate going ashore, ... to honor those years served, ... the guidance, ... the leadership, ... the expertise, ... and ... above all, ... the friendship that this shipmate … son …brother … husband, father has given these past 87 years.

Aye mates, ... for many years, ... this Sailor has stood the Watch, ... while some of us lay about in our bunks at night, this Sailor has stood the Watch, ... while some of us were in school still learning our trade, this Sailor stood the Watch, ... and yes, before some of us were even born into this world, this Sailor stood the Watch. In those years when storm clouds of war were brewing on the horizon of history, ... this Sailor stood the Watch.

Many times he would cast an eye ashore to see his family standing there, needing his guidance and help, ... needing that hand to hold during hard times, but this Sailor stood the Watch, ... he stood the Watch for these 87 years. He stood the Watch so that we and our families and our fellow countrymen could sleep soundly, in safety ... each and every night, ... knowing that a good Sailor stood the Watch. Stood the watch in service to his family, his country, and above all, to his God and to our Lord Jesus Christ in faith.

So, today we are here to say, ... "Shipmate, the Watch stands relieved," ... relieved by those you have trained, ... guided, ... and led.

Shipmate … Dad … you stand relieved.

Mom, We have ... "the Watch."

Welcome Home

My family lost its patriarch today. My parents called this evening to tell me that my paternal grandfather had passed away in his sleep this afternoon.
I'm thankful to know that my grandfather finished the race. He set the pace in our family being one of faith. I'm sure when he met Jesus, he heard "well done" for how he lived. Though his accomplishments in life are many, including distinguished service in the US Coast Guard, he is known to his family and friends as incredibly humble and kind. I'll remember Papa's sweet demeanor. He always seemed to have a smile or a joke (with the family's famous clever sense of humor). He remains one of the most generous, genuinely caring men in my life.
I lost count of the many offers and statements to make ourselves at home as my immediate family were often guests in my grandparents' home for family gatherings. As long as I can remember, family was a top priority for Papa. He and Nana brought us together for vacations and holidays. I am thankful for the example he set in cherishing family time.
Although it will be hard to adjust to his absence in our family, it is a tremendous joy to know that he no longer has to inhabit his worn earthly body.
Thank you Lord for the blessing of knowing this wonderful man. We will miss him greatly but know you have warmly welcomed your son home.

Happy 36th Birthday East Cooper!

This week marks the 36th anniversary for East Cooper Baptist Church. To celebrate, the church body gathered tonight for a worship service and fellowship. We spent time giving God praise for His faithfulness since the church's planting and pleading for His guidance for the years to come. A specific petition we brought before the Lord was for ECBC's north campus plant. The campus, which will officially open its doors on September 12, has been named Crosspoint. (reminds me of another wonderful young church :) ) We commissioned the 25 families (still praying for 10 more!) who have committed to transfer their membership to Crosspoint while the new church body grows.
Another uplifting treat for the church family was the reports from the summer mission teams. Each team gave a synopsis of what God did through their trip and showed pictures.
We also had a wonderful time of musical worship which included the choir, contemporary worship band and orchestra!
I really loved a couple of the songs which I've heard before in contemporary worship services.

The Saving One- Starfield
What mercy was revealed
What selflessness and peace
My fate was surely sealed
Until He rescued me
His pardon for my sin
His bounty for my need
From slavery and shame
I am redeemed

And Heaven can't contain
The glory of the Son
Jesus is the Christ, the saving One
His love has made a way
The grave is overcome
Jesus is the Christ, the saving One

No fear can hold me down
Nor darkness steal my joy
For blood has been poured out
The enemy destroyed
Death could not hold Him down
The cross was not enough
To steal away His throne
For He is God

And Heaven can't contain
The glory of the Son
Jesus is the Christ, the saving One

His love has made a way
The grave is overcome
Jesus is the Christ, the saving One

Anyone who calls upon His name
They will be saved
They will be saved
Anyone who calls upon His name
They will be saved
They will be saved

And Heaven can't contain
The glory of the Son
Jesus is the Christ, the saving One
His love has made a way
The grave is overcome
Jesus is the Christ, the saving One (x2)

Anyone who calls upon His name
They will be saved
They will be saved
Anyone who calls upon His name
They will be saved
They will be saved

Our God Saves-Paul Baloche
In the name of the Father
In the name of the Son
In the name of the Spirit
Lord we've come

We're gathered together
To lift up Your name
To call on our savior
To fall on Your grace

In the name of the Father
In the name of the Son
In the name of the Spirit
Lord we've come

We're gathered together
To lift up Your name
To call on our savior
To fall on Your grace

Hear the joyful sound of our offering
As your saints bow down, as your people sing
We will rise with You, lifted on Your wings
And the world will see that
Our God saves, our God saves
There is hope in Your name

In the name of the Father
In the name of the Son
In the name of the Spirit
Lord we've come

We're gathered together
To lift up Your name
To call on our savior
To fall on Your grace

Hear the joyful sound of our offering
As your saints bow down, as your people sing
We will rise with You, lifted on Your wings
And the world will see that
Our God saves, our God saves
There is hope in Your name

Mourning turns to songs of praise
Our God saves, our God saves

Hear the joyful sound of our offering
As your saints bow down, as your people sing
We will rise with You, lifted on Your wings
And the world will see that
And the world will see that
Our God saves, our God saves
There is hope in Your name

Mourning turns to songs of praise
Our God saves, our God saves
Our God saves, our God saves
Our God saves, our God saves


The East Cooper Church family enjoyed quite the celebration of God's goodness. Happy 36th ECBC!

Seeking God's heart, one unsteady step at a time

Last week, the young adult ministry gathered for an evening of fellowship and worship. I've been so blessed with how God is moving in this ministry! Steve, the Young Adult pastor has such a vision for growth and outreach! He has been meeting with the men weekly in a group setting for the last few months. This was very evident as the guys took very active roles in leading the service. Steve started off by giving us the format: our worship leader (ECBC's Contemporary Worship leader, Kelly, is so gracious in serving us with his time and talents as well) and the band led us in worship through music then two of the guys lead in worship through reading and praying through scripture. I was reminded when Steve announced this element that my mindset should continually include scripture and prayer in worship.
We first read through Ps 138 then prayed through Ps 145 (praise, thanksgiving and supplication)
Our time was very encouraging. At one point, I was reminded of FCA worship services under the stars-feeling so close to His heart surrounded by His fingerprints. I realized though, that its so easy to get caught up in the natural emotions of the moment and to describe something like this in very "pretty" wording. It's so easy to feel the emotions of praise really without genuine heart stirring behind it. God is beautiful. Worship and making much of His glory is breathtaking.
I have found myself asking lately what stirs my praise? Am I stirred with the easy emotion of the moment or am I stirred because I truly understand God's love for me and what it cost Him; reminded of the truth of the Gospel and how great a God that gives this gift. It seems being filled with emotion can actually be a very empty form of "praise".
I fail miserably at this. I have a wandering mind and a selfish heart. I could never give God the praise He truly deserves but sometimes I can't even manage to turn my thoughts to Him long enough to refer to it as anything more than singing....
Kelly mentioned that the recurring concept of the musical worship was God's ultimate gift...I saw it as the continuation of what has been repeated for me lately: His love. I too often miss how personal God is. I see how He's God over all but I miss how gentle, close and loving He is. My personality is very much a "rule follower" and rather black and white in my logic.
I have been blessed to have been exposed to some great theological teaching. I most definitely cherish this as I have learned so much about my faith and my God. However, I think I have also succumb to burying myself in all that is black and white and grasped with enough study. I gloss over the reality of His love.

Beginnings

God is good! He's provided a wonderful new job! Although I'm grateful for the opportunities that have led me to this point (and for the people God used to give them to me!), I'm very much looking forward to the growth and further open doors that this opportunity provides. This week has started slowly but it has given me a great blessing in downtime to get to know my coworkers. Everyone has been so welcoming and helpful as myself and other recent new hires navigate all that's required in starting our positions. It's also been a very welcome experience as I'm currently working with the HQ team but I will be moving to an off-site location in the next couple of weeks. I'll be working closely and sharing a workspace with another girl who's a little ahead of me in the entrance process. She and I have had some time to get to know each other while she's been at the main office in the afternoons. I feel a bit like I'm getting to know a new college roommate. We've been joking about making our space cozy and inviting with pictures and such. Katie is such a sweetheart. I'm looking forward to spending the workday with her.
Can't wait to see what God does from here!

More to Come

It seems I've spent the last few weeks either lacking anything worthwhile to write about or lacking the energy, time or and/or sermon notes (I really dislike mutilating what could otherwise be very useful information with a poor memory!) when I have had something of note to relay. I do have wonderful bits of wisdom from Crusade the last few weeks that I am looking forward to sharing. However,as my pillow is currently beckoning for some quality time before that pesky sun rises again beginning a new set of tasks and busyness, here's my best shot at a very brief update:
God's been working on my heart a good bit lately. His method of choice once again being the complete destruction of "my plans". I seem to remember something about those no longer belonging to me...perhaps I should inform my planner brain....(again!) I have recently transitioned out of my position as Marketing Director (though remaining with the company for now). Through various instances, God revealed His hand in my stepping down. I believe this to be an act of obedience to be able to accept and act upon coming direction from the Lord. Of course, recognizing this to be God's will doesn't make this entirely "easy". I do feel at peace....just not sure why something so crazy is so peace-inducing. I am also planning to move across town in October.
Despite a period of relatively high levels of bitterness and confusion on my part, I am starting to once again see the son through the clouds. This summer has proved to be a hard season of testing. God's been showing me sins and generally areas of my life that are most in need of His correction. Most notably, certain "personality traits" and deeply ingrained sin struggles which, in essence, present themselves as high walls guarding against growing intimacy in my walk with the Lord. As I so easily overlook however, the areas most in need of correction are also most in need of a humbled cry for grace.
As the Young Adults discussed in Sunday School a couple of weeks ago, this walk of faith is made of peaks and valleys.
That said, this is something that came to mind a few days ago. I wrote it down and am posting it in the event that someone may be blessed in knowing that they're not alone.

I find myself feeling like a lost hiker. Worn, wandering in the darkness, often grumbling; striving for some semblance of rest, some plateau in the seemingly ever-inclining journey, wanting nothing more than to collapse and end the stumbling. A far cry from the apparently dormant desire to run hard for the tape- to finish the race. Yet, I notice, however small the steps, however minuscule the progress, I AM still moving! The only certainty being that I do so with a strength not my own.

The TaTa Magic

For those who do not know, the SummerLINK team in India is keeping a blog! (SummerLINKIndia.blogspot.com) The team members are taking turns posting so it is even more fun to read the posts and see whose perspective it is. The most recent post contains a fun video of the team in a taxi called the "Tata Magic". The video definitely made my day so be sure to check it out!
http://summerlinkindia.blogspot.com/2010/07/party-mat.html