What a fabulous time we had last night as we brought in the New Year with dear family and friends!
The evening began at four in the afternoon when our family gathered in the gymnasium that we rented in the middle of town. We set up the tables with an assortment of bright colored tablecloths and lavished them with pots of steaming chili, boiled shrimp, cold salads, seasoned corn and potatoes, chips and dip, homemade soups and scrumptious desserts.
Immediately, the young children begged to begin playing. Therefore, playing balls of every kind began flying through the air, much to the little one's delight (and those young at heart! =)
Guests began to arrive. Dear friends bearing bright smiles and delicious food filled the gymnasium, joining in on the games and conversation. Many sought out my dear Marmy to offer congratulations and hugs as they cooed over the little one they knew was growing inside her.
It wasn't long before a fun game of basketball was started with two full teams each itching for victory. Swooshing baskets, enthusiastic shouts and high fives filled the hour that the game lasted.
More arriving friends and joyful greetings. The huge gymnasium was really filling up with playing children, noisy chatter and floating laughter. All knew it was a special night - one which faithfully represented the exciting occasion of bringing in the new year.
Fireworks could be heard outside the walls where the sky was darkening and the chilly wind was blowing. Friends bundled in coats as they stepped out into the brisk night, taking walks to enjoy close company.
It was soon time to quiet down, for my Gramps had something special for all the guests that remained until midnight. Chairs were set around a music stand, on top of which sat a Bible and some accompanying notes. A projector and speakers were set up as well, promising an interesting presentation.
As soon as every tiny patter was slowed to a stop meaning every child was sitting quietly in their seats, Gramps stepped behind the stand and began sharing what a special year 2009 had been. He encouraged those in front of him to remember what God had done in their lives over the past months. Many heads nodded, memories of God's sovereignty flooding their thoughts.
The Church was truly assembled, though no steeple hovered over our heads. We knew the setting did not matter, for, if our hearts were set upon worshipping our God, then we were gathered together in His Name.
My Daddy stepped up to share his testimony of God convicting him that the decision of having children was to be God's dominion. He shared the good news of Marmy expecting a baby.
Brother Jack shared the testimony of his family as well, glad that God had blessed him with the four young children that stood before him. He joyfully shared the story of their family growing closer to God due to attending a wonderful Church pastored by a man who's son was now engaged to Brother Jack's daughter. (Brittney was with her fiancee's family in Alabama that night...)
Brother Toby, too, shared the testimony of his family. He was holding his ninth child and newest baby, Melody, in his arms - the child which God brought into their family this past year.
A young man, named Jimmy gave his testimony of God helping his grandmother this past year find an affordable home and car in the three short days that she had to do so.
Sweet little Addon, my four year old cousin, raised his hand. Gramps welcomed him to the front of the crowd. In undistinguishable toddler gibberish, little Addon went on and on, giving a testimony that brought tears to my eyes and joy to all of our hearts. The only words that one could understand were the names of the members of his family. When he was finished, he sat back down with confidence as everyone began applauding his precious efforts.
His daddy - my Uncle BJ - stood up saying that he couldn't let his toddler out-do him. He gave the testimony of how he grew up in a worldly family but learned about God through my Aunt D'Lane, Gemaw and Gramps who lived in the same neighborhood as he. He explained that becoming so close to our family, who strived to be godly, caused a division in his own home. It came to the point where he'd have to choose his own family or his wife. He chose my Aunt and became a part of our family, severing himself from his past. It was hard and heartbreaking. However, with tears in his eyes, my Uncle BJ was able to proclaim God's goodness as he shared that his Mom and sister were sitting in that crowd and that his Mom's life was now turned around and devoted to God.
His Mom then stood up and testified that she had been a person in need of God's help, and that God had now blessed her with a new life, a Christian husband, and renewed relationship with her son's Christian family. She hugged Aunt D'Lane. We all rejoiced.
Aunt D'Lane stood and showed her gratitude for her family. Her eyes shone with love for them.
Brother Gary stood up and encouraged us never to compromise our beliefs. He reminded us that God rewards richly those who preserver in faith and don't give in to worldly pressure. He gave us a testimony of how his family stood in their convictions though others didn't understand. He told us of how God used that circumstance to reach out to many hurting people in their life.
Gramps was the last to share his testimony that night. He explained the moment when he was drawn to God and with repentance from his rebellious nature, trusted in Christ as his Savior. His story is too detailed and beautiful to share now, but I hope the assist him in penning it and placing it on the web for others to read.
Then Gramps led us in sweet prayer to our God. After, he turned on the projector and began the movie. He played "How Great is Our God", a presentation about the wonders of God's creation by Louis Giglio. The presentation was amazing, moving me to praise God in my heart for His incredible power, yet tender grace. The movie ran past midnight by 20 minutes which means that very first moments of the New Year were spent in worship of our God. What better way to bring in 2010?
Thus was spent a lovely New Year's Eve!
Christ's blessings,
The evening began at four in the afternoon when our family gathered in the gymnasium that we rented in the middle of town. We set up the tables with an assortment of bright colored tablecloths and lavished them with pots of steaming chili, boiled shrimp, cold salads, seasoned corn and potatoes, chips and dip, homemade soups and scrumptious desserts.
Immediately, the young children begged to begin playing. Therefore, playing balls of every kind began flying through the air, much to the little one's delight (and those young at heart! =)
Guests began to arrive. Dear friends bearing bright smiles and delicious food filled the gymnasium, joining in on the games and conversation. Many sought out my dear Marmy to offer congratulations and hugs as they cooed over the little one they knew was growing inside her.
It wasn't long before a fun game of basketball was started with two full teams each itching for victory. Swooshing baskets, enthusiastic shouts and high fives filled the hour that the game lasted.
More arriving friends and joyful greetings. The huge gymnasium was really filling up with playing children, noisy chatter and floating laughter. All knew it was a special night - one which faithfully represented the exciting occasion of bringing in the new year.
Fireworks could be heard outside the walls where the sky was darkening and the chilly wind was blowing. Friends bundled in coats as they stepped out into the brisk night, taking walks to enjoy close company.
It was soon time to quiet down, for my Gramps had something special for all the guests that remained until midnight. Chairs were set around a music stand, on top of which sat a Bible and some accompanying notes. A projector and speakers were set up as well, promising an interesting presentation.
As soon as every tiny patter was slowed to a stop meaning every child was sitting quietly in their seats, Gramps stepped behind the stand and began sharing what a special year 2009 had been. He encouraged those in front of him to remember what God had done in their lives over the past months. Many heads nodded, memories of God's sovereignty flooding their thoughts.
The Church was truly assembled, though no steeple hovered over our heads. We knew the setting did not matter, for, if our hearts were set upon worshipping our God, then we were gathered together in His Name.
My Daddy stepped up to share his testimony of God convicting him that the decision of having children was to be God's dominion. He shared the good news of Marmy expecting a baby.
Brother Jack shared the testimony of his family as well, glad that God had blessed him with the four young children that stood before him. He joyfully shared the story of their family growing closer to God due to attending a wonderful Church pastored by a man who's son was now engaged to Brother Jack's daughter. (Brittney was with her fiancee's family in Alabama that night...)
Brother Toby, too, shared the testimony of his family. He was holding his ninth child and newest baby, Melody, in his arms - the child which God brought into their family this past year.
A young man, named Jimmy gave his testimony of God helping his grandmother this past year find an affordable home and car in the three short days that she had to do so.
Sweet little Addon, my four year old cousin, raised his hand. Gramps welcomed him to the front of the crowd. In undistinguishable toddler gibberish, little Addon went on and on, giving a testimony that brought tears to my eyes and joy to all of our hearts. The only words that one could understand were the names of the members of his family. When he was finished, he sat back down with confidence as everyone began applauding his precious efforts.
His daddy - my Uncle BJ - stood up saying that he couldn't let his toddler out-do him. He gave the testimony of how he grew up in a worldly family but learned about God through my Aunt D'Lane, Gemaw and Gramps who lived in the same neighborhood as he. He explained that becoming so close to our family, who strived to be godly, caused a division in his own home. It came to the point where he'd have to choose his own family or his wife. He chose my Aunt and became a part of our family, severing himself from his past. It was hard and heartbreaking. However, with tears in his eyes, my Uncle BJ was able to proclaim God's goodness as he shared that his Mom and sister were sitting in that crowd and that his Mom's life was now turned around and devoted to God.
His Mom then stood up and testified that she had been a person in need of God's help, and that God had now blessed her with a new life, a Christian husband, and renewed relationship with her son's Christian family. She hugged Aunt D'Lane. We all rejoiced.
Aunt D'Lane stood and showed her gratitude for her family. Her eyes shone with love for them.
Brother Gary stood up and encouraged us never to compromise our beliefs. He reminded us that God rewards richly those who preserver in faith and don't give in to worldly pressure. He gave us a testimony of how his family stood in their convictions though others didn't understand. He told us of how God used that circumstance to reach out to many hurting people in their life.
Gramps was the last to share his testimony that night. He explained the moment when he was drawn to God and with repentance from his rebellious nature, trusted in Christ as his Savior. His story is too detailed and beautiful to share now, but I hope the assist him in penning it and placing it on the web for others to read.
Then Gramps led us in sweet prayer to our God. After, he turned on the projector and began the movie. He played "How Great is Our God", a presentation about the wonders of God's creation by Louis Giglio. The presentation was amazing, moving me to praise God in my heart for His incredible power, yet tender grace. The movie ran past midnight by 20 minutes which means that very first moments of the New Year were spent in worship of our God. What better way to bring in 2010?
Thus was spent a lovely New Year's Eve!
Christ's blessings,
Beautiful~ New Year's musings...
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year dear friend!!
Love~Jen