Growing and Learning Day by Day

God is....
sovereign (I Tim 6:14-16), holy (Lev 19:2), worthy of honor and glory (Heb 3:3), forgiving (Ps 86:5), comforter (2 Cor 1:3-4), gracious and merciful (Ps 103:8).....
and so many more things...
God's been teaching me some pretty powerful lessons regarding His power and grace. Fear, anxiety, and discouragement are never tools God uses when He's dealing with us directly to correct and discipline. When faced with these obstacles, I have an instinct to ask what I've done wrong and why God wont answer my cries for guidance. While my attention is distracted by the enemy's lies of "unworthy", "unwanted", "not good enough", "powerless", "defeated", I neglect the truth: God alone loves me so much that He died for me (Rom 5:6).... The devil is the liar, God Almighty is Lord!
I was reminded tonight that my God is mighty but He does not force us to do His will. He is not a tyrant. He is a loving Father. His voice is gentle yet unwavering. He is the God of peace not confusion or fear (I Cor 14:33, 2 Tim 1:7). He may allow the enemy to use these tactics to force me to turn to Himself but He will never love me less or force me into submission. I get to choose Him each day. He offers renewal and grace afresh each morning.
I will stand firm in the faith and in the promises of my Savior. I am washed clean by the blood of the lamb. I am wanted (Ps 139). I am adopted (Phil 3:12). I am justified (Rom 5:9). My debt has been wiped clean and my God has a purpose for me! (Jer 29:11)

"The father of lies....is preaching the song of the redeemed....cursed and gone astray I cannot gain salvation...singing the first verse so conveniently, He’s forgotten the refrain: Jesus saves" (Embracing Accusation-Shane and Shane)

Mr. and Mrs. Timm!

Yesterday was a beautiful celebration of God's faithfulness as Joshua and Peg joined in the covenant of marriage. The story of how God brought them together is absolutely beautiful. You can read about their love for the Lord and faithfulness to His timing in their own words.
The ceremony, by all American accounts, was very different but this is because they and their guests held a worship service to the Lord in thankfulness for his faithfulness. We sang worship songs along with the bride and groom and prayed over them as a body of believers lifting the marriage of our siblings to the Father for guarding and for use according to His will.

One of the songs was "How Beautiful"
How beautiful the hands that served
the wine and the bread
and the sons of the earth.
How beautiful the feet that walked
the long dusty roads
and the hills to the cross.
How beautiful
how beautiful

how beautiful is the body of Christ.

How beautiful the heart that bled
that took all my sin
and bore it instead.
How beautiful the tender eyes
that chose to forgive
and never despise.
How beautiful
how beautiful

how beautiful is the body of Christ.

And as He laid down His life
we offer this sacrifice
that we will live just as he died:
willing to pay the price
willing to pay the price.

How beautiful the radiant Bride
who waits for her Groom
with His light in her eyes.
How beautiful when humble hearts give
the fruit of pure lives
so that others may live.
How beautiful
how beautiful

how beautiful is the body of Christ.

How beautiful the feet that bring
the sound of good news
and the love of the King.
How beautiful the hands that serve

the wine and the bread
and the sons of the earth.
How beautiful
how beautiful

how beautiful is the body of Christ.


God-honoring couples like Joshua and Peg, which God has graced me to be able to observe, are a continual reminder to wait for His best. He is the great sustainer. His faithfulness is unmatched by far.


Mr. and Mrs. Timm!!


Joshua and Peg have such hearts for the country of India. Joshua served as a Journeyman there for two years; during which, he and Peg sought God's will for their lives as a couple. Joshua also proposed to Peg in India so it was very befitting to see touches of India in their wedding!


Beautiful Clemson girl bridesmaids! I love these ladies!!! I am always so encouraged after time with them! Peg bought their shawls in India on the trip when Joshua proposed! Just one of several beautiful touches of India in their wedding.



Beautiful bride and brides-to-be. It's so encouraging to see my sisters find such wonderful Godly men and to have the privilege to celebrate with them!

Clemson Groundbreaking

On October 27, I had the opportunity to attend the ground-breaking for Clemson's new Wind-Turbine testing facility in Charleston!! I am so excited about Clemson's presence here but more-so about the purpose. Before I graduated, Clemson opened the ICAR facility in Greenville for testing and innovation in automotive research. They have now moved to Charleston to continue efforts toward renewable resources with wind turbines. As many of the political leaders present noted, this will have a great impact on the economy and job market in the Lowcountry as well as contributions to conservation of our natural environment. The details are much better explained in this article I was so encouraged hearing in the speeches of how the project came together through great collaboration among the University, state and city. Our political leaders fought hard to award $45 Mill to the project which was matched in the private sector with $53 Mill! I was especially impressed, however, with how even political leaders took time to acknowledge that it's God's grace and creation that allows us these resources and that the overall project will make strides in stewarding these blessings. I am continually blown away with the leadership and blessings God has provided to Clemson. He is doing great things with His campus and His people. I am blessed to have attended a university with so many who love and seek to honor the Lord. Father, to you be the glory for all you provide!






Because the project moved onto the old Naval base, the facility already exists! It's wonderful that the actual structure was provided as part of the 87 acres granted by the city but it did mean that there was not an actual "ground breaking" just a symbolic turning over of some fun orange dirt!

Quick Catch-Up

Hard to believe over a month has passed since I've posted anything. I did think about it. I even still have some great notes from Cru over the summer... To be honest, it's just been a BUSY few weeks!
So, catching up.....first of all, THANK YOU! to those who have prayed for and loved on my family in the passing of my grandfather. We were overwhelmed with the calls, cards, thoughts and generous gifts sent. The family is doing well. Glory to God, Papa is home with Him!!!
What's kept me so busy is a rapid series of changes: the weekend after I returned from my grandfather's funeral, I moved into another house with a couple of sweet girls (much closer to work!!) It's difficult at times not being closer to the church and therefore to friends but overall, its been a great transition! I am continuing to adjust to the new position which has (Praise the Lord!) mostly been smooth.
These are two of the wonderful ladies I work with. My cube-mate is on the far right.


Such a sweet blessing! I am daily learning from her about maintaining a Christ-like attitude in the workplace. I have such a tendency to carry things so much longer than I should. She is an example and reminder to "reset" (as she puts it!) and not carry the little annoyances and aggravations that should barely be momentary especially in light of our purpose here.
We also have a sweet brother nearby who has us laughing most of the day. Overall, I am incredibly blessed to be surrounded by the team that I have. God continues to reassure me that He has a purpose and a plan.

....By those you have trained....

Reading through my dad' comments at my grandfather's memorial, "you stand relieved by those you have trained" stands out to me. It's so very true of the Christian faith and walk. We must stand the watch, bear the load, fight the battle....and we must train others to do likewise. Part of hearing "well done my good and faithful servant" at our homecoming I'm sure includes the recognition of disciples trained; faithful watchmen ready to stand as their predecessors are relieved, and sent home.

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.