A Special and Great Day at Jefferson

We have a new pastor!  

It was one of those days that you know is coming, but never know if it will actually get here or not.  Well, it's here and I am so excited.   

I'm excited for Jefferson because we will be moving forward with a godly man, truly chosen by God to continue the work Daddy and Momma began.  I'm excited for Daddy because he can now do all of those things he has been saying he's going to do forever, like writing a few books.  I'm excited for our family, because now PaPa can attend events of the grandchildren and just spend time with us.  

I know many saw my tears today, but please know that they were tears of joy.   If there was any sorrow, it was only that Momma was not here to see it.  She would have loved knowing that Daddy is FINALLY retiring (you notice I said retiring - that doesn't mean he will be slowing down).  She talked to me about this many times during her last few months.  She would always say, "he is so tired".  If she were here, she would share our excitement in this turning point at Jefferson.

Investing in Eternity

There is a great article in the Southwestern News, Investing in Eternity, about the scholarship that has been set up in memory of momma.  To read it go to the following link 

                    http://www.swbts.edu/swnews/     

                           click on Donor Profile

We are so excited about this scholarship.  The first one will be presented in the spring of 2009 at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.  We are still building the one at New Orleans Theological Seminary, but we're off to a great start. 

Brandt takes another 1st place - Mom takes a long hot bath for her aching body

This past weekend Brandt played in Mandeville, LA at Beau Chene Country Club. After Saturday's round he was in 3rd place with a 75. Sunday he came back and played an awesome front nine with a 3 under par, 33 and finished the back nine at 3 over, giving him a par round of 72 on Sunday. I was afraid he was going to be a little rusty after no competition for a few months, but he didn't seem to miss a beat. Check out the hat - his new trademark. Tell me he's not a leader.

And...about mom's aching body. Beau Chene does not rent spectator carts, so...yes...we had to WALK all 36 holes. Danny was Brandt's caddy Saturday, then Chad was on the bag Sunday. Saturday night I made Danny go with me to Academy and we bought those little 3 legged seats so we could at least sit some while out there. It made a big difference. Ok, you can say it...I'm not as young as I used to be. ;)

If interested, go to http://www.arrowheadjgt.com/ and read about this tournament.

                                                   

Representing the widow of Thomas Jefferson Shaw

Daddy with the leader of the Son's of the Confederate

Family of Thomas Jefferson Shaw - DeMent and French

Empty chair for Thomas Jefferson Shaw

Sons of the Confederate

Honoring your ancestors

This weekend, Daddy, Anne, and I took off to Paragould, Arkansas to honor one of our ansestors, Daddy's Great Grandpa Thomas Jefferson Shaw.  

Daddy found his grave site in Paragould, Arkansas about 3 years ago.  It did not have a headstone so Daddy decided to get one.  After talking to a friend, he found out that the federal government would purchase it for us.  Well, it came in and Daddy started making arrangements to have it installed.  

Yesterday, it was installed and a service was performed by the Sons of the Confederates, memorializing Thomas Jefferson Shaw.  I will share pictures with you soon.  It was great.

A Journey Back in Time

This past summer, the youth group of Jefferson Baptist - from my youth days - got together for a reunion.  Of course, I wasn't able to attend.  I was in Utah for a Curriculum Mapping conference for school.  Well...they brought out the old "Lightshine" musical we did.  Randy Alford made copies for everyone and I got mine in the mail yesterday.  Can I tell you how much fun I had watching that musical again.  :)   Just like Randy said, it all comes back to you and you remember all of the words to all the songs. (I wonder if Jim Doss remembered all of his words...hahahaha - he was a mime)

Of course, me and Melody were sitting right next to each other (I don't think back then we did a whole lot without each other).   I recognized a lot of people, but I was surprised how many I didn't remember.  We all had the feathered (Farrah Facett) hair and I don't remember being so thin (Oh... to go back...I think I would appreciate it a little more).

I caught glimpses of Marty (our youth minister/minister of music) sitting on the floor, directing us.  

Oh the memories...All of the musicals, youth choir tours, Fort Walton Beach (spaghetti, raw eggs, pay back from the chaperones, Tweety Bird, etc...), softball at Judson, planting grass for the new building, and so much more.  We had sooooo much fun in youth group.  

Randy and Charlotte are working on getting everyone together again the weekend of the big 50th Anniversary celebration at Jefferson, which I think is the 3rd weekend in November.  As soon as I know for sure I will post it.  I'd love to see everyone again.