the pumpkin church (#7)

To be honest, I haven't blogged in a couple of days.  There is no real reason, but I have been super busy.  It's been a wild ride since Wednesday evening and I am finally settled onto my couch this Sunday evening.  I promise before I turn 30 on October 19 that I will have 30 blogs accounted for.

Today there is no question what or who to blog about it.  It is obvious, because of my day, that I need to share a little about Maple Springs United Methodist Church.  Today was a day that we celebrated what God has done at Maple Springs.  What a blessing it is to be serving during this important part of Maple Springs' history.  It was a picture perfect day.

A few of the decorations for the brunch in between services.

For the past year, we have focused on having One Faith, One Future.  This campaign allowed us to raise the funds needed to renovate our sanctuary and our Fellowship Hall.  Today was the day that we rededicated both worship spaces.  The services honored God in a big way.  Our 11am traditional service had an orchestra.  As we were singing the opening hymn, I was sure God was smiling down.  We were honored to have our District Superintendent come and share the message with us this morning and encourage us to focus on the vision and the mission of the United Methodist Church.  This morning will be one that people will remember for years to come.

A little glimpse of how our Choir glorified God!

In the Winston-Salem community, Maple Springs is known as the 'pumpkin church' and today our pumpkins were delivered.  We gathered for a lunch of soup and sandwiches following the late service, anxiously awaiting the arrival of the pumpkin truck.  Shortly after 1pm we began unloading.  I would say we had close to 150 people there to unload.  The love and laughter in the midst of the unloading is one of my favorite ministry moments.  People of all ages gather and help- passing pumpkins, loading wheelbarrows and offering a helping hand when needed.

The crew before the unloading began.

A little seflie by the Queen of Group Selfies, Jennifer Chapman.

Today though, I was most inspired by my kids.  For the past few weeks my kids have talked about the pumpkins coming.  They have gotten more and more excited each week as we've gotten closer.  But today, not only were they excited, but they were workers.  They worked and worked and worked.  My kids amazed me!  They didn't stop, not until the last pumpkin was unloaded.  And then after that, some of them stayed behind to help clean off the truck.  I loved seeing their dedication to the work of the church.

They were so excited the pumpkins finally arrived!

Sweet friends spending time in the Patch

We had a few extra pumpkins popped up in the Patch as the day went on….

I am thankful for Maple Springs and for what God has done there and what He will continue to do there.  

the gift of a servant's heart (#6)

The summer of 2009, I spent a week at Carolina Cross Connection with my youth from Dilworth United Methodist Church.  That summer we were at Camp Carolwood with New Hope United Methodist Church from Winston-Salem.  I was excited when I found out our camp assignment for 2 reasons- one because I knew lots of folks from New Hope and two because my sister had been named as the Lead Field Coordinator at that same camp.  I knew it would be an awesome week.

It was that week that I began to get to know the hearts of adult campers from New Hope.  We spent time each night, as adults, sharing about our days with our groups.  We also spent much time sharing about journeys, sharing about our life's story.  

The adults that I spent that week with showed me what it mean to have a true servant's heart.  Jeff Jackson, Cindy Hensley and Sandra McMullen revealed to me the heart of a true servant.  They showed to me over and over again what it looked like to be a servant of the one true King.  

Jeff- a true servant, allowing the girls to even style his hair.
Bless his heart.

Jeff Jackson is someone that has attended Carolina Cross Connection for over 20 years.  He has more knowledge than you could ever imagine about anything you'd ever want to know about.  He loves going to service weeks.  He loves seeing youth learn what it means to serve the Lord.  His love for youth and the people we worked for always amazed me. He is one that never tires- he gains strength in serving others.

Cindy and I at HOME (Homeless Missions Outreach Experience) in Asheville.

Cindy Hensley is the opposite of Jeff- her servant's heart didn't come out in her knowledge of how to build something, but came out in her ability to connect with people.  Cindy and I were in the same group in the summer of 2010 and she spent her time talking with people and I appreciated that gift.  She could talk to anybody about anything for as long as you needed her to.  This gift serves her well when she serves at Haywood Street in Asheville.

Sandra, Samantha, Tracy and I finishing up our week at Loy White.
What a week that was serving alongside those wonderful women.

Sandra McMullen and I served in the same group the summer of 2009.  For some reason, I was not very confident in my abilities that summer as a leader and we made for a good team.  Sandra is a quiet leader but has a heart of gold.  She's a good combination of Jeff and Cindy's gifts.  Sandra is one who has knowledge to do what needs to be done but can relate well with people.  She knows how and when to show love in just the right ways at just the right time. 

A group these Sandra and Jeff helped lead in 2012!

I am thankful for the three of them and for the gifts they have shared with me over the years.  All of them have taught me what it means to have a servant's heart.  It is because of their example that so many of the youth I have worked with know what it means to serve with a joyful heart.  Thank you Jeff, Cindy and Sandra for following the example of Jesus.  You all are a blessing to so many.  I am thankful that each of you are a part of my story. 

learning to lead (#5)

If you had asked me in high school if I knew how to be a leader, I would have told you 'of course I do'.  During college, the same thing.  And in my serving at my previous two churches, I would have also thought I knew how to lead.  But little did I know then who God was sending my way to continue forming me into who I am today.

Just shy of two years ago I made the transition from New Hope UMC to Maple Springs UMC.  When I began looking for a new position I told myself that I wasn't just looking for a new job, I was looking for pastors who could lead me because I knew I still had some learning to do.  And honestly, as soon as I vocalized what I thought I needed, God provided.  He opened a door wide open.

Joe, Bev, me and Jeff celebrating Jenn and Jerry on their big day!

Bev and Jeff Coppley amaze me everyday.  I seriously learn something from them each day I serve with them.   They push me to do what needs to be done for the Kingdom.  They don't allow me, or anyone else on our staff, to settle.  And when you are with them, they always make you think outside of the box, never inside of it.

One of the biggest blessings of working with the Coppleys is the sense of family felt among our staff.  We support each other in our work and in our personal lives.  We celebrate life together and we are there for each other when times get tough.  They model the kind of community Jesus would want us all to be a part of.

Doing life together at a Wake Forest basketball game! Go Deacs!

They offer different gifts to our church and to our community-I always joke that if I want to hear it straight I go to Bev and then after I've left I go down the hall to Jeff to get my 'atta girl'.   However, I think the strongest gift that they both offer is their leadership.  They seek the Lord's guidance and follow what they hear.  Despite the fact that they've been in ministry for over 20 years, they continue to learn.  They are both highly involved in various learning groups and they push our church to do the same.

Bev, Corey and I eating lunch and meeting some football players.

Jeff and I at last year's pumpkin unloading!

The amount they have shaped me in just 2 years shocks me.  But this has taught me that we are never done being shaped, we are constantly be formed by the one who created us.  He sends people into our lives at various times to help with some 'pruning' so that we can continue to bear fruit for His Kingdom.

Bev and Jeff- thank you for modeling for me and for our church what it looks like to be a Christian leader.  I will never be able to put into words how much you two mean to me and how much I appreciate all you've taught me.  I ask that you continue to 'prune' and 'push' me in this next decade!

it takes a Village….. (#4)

...and I don't mean the Village people.  I cannot remember exactly when but sometime during my 7th and 8th grade year the Village formed.  The Village was a group of 3 families who really believed it took a Village to raise children.  Okay, I think Mary Margaret will agree with me on this (sorry AH and LL), it didn't take the Village to raise the two of us, it took the Village to raise the other two. Am I right, Twin?

The West family have be in my life for a long time and the way they entered is too fun not to share. When I was in kindergarten one of my Mom's students asked her why she had a picture of her cousin on her desk.  My Mom assured her it was her daughter and her student (Mara) said well she looks just like my cousin who lives in Raleigh.  A couple years later that cousin and her family moved to Reidsville.  And that is when the West family entered into our lives.

Me and my Twin!

This family has meant so much to my family over the years.  We were the only family in Reidsville with 2 girls both with 2 names.  We often got confused.  The fact that Mary Margaret and I looked so much alike didn't help with the fact that we both had two names that started with Mary.  People at the High School often asked Laura Lee if she was my Mom's daughter because they favored so much.

The younger two (AH on L and LL on R) in their Middle School jerseys.

The 4 double names after a dance recital.

Lee and Dena have always been there for my family as long as I can remember.  During my sister's junior of high school and my junior year in college, she tore her ACL.  The day she tore her ACL was also the day I had to move to Wake.  Lee and Dena took Ann Hughes home with them and took care of her- as if she were their own.   There are times when I will go and visit Mom and then disappear.  Mom will look outside and see my car is still there.  Then I will get a text 'did you walk to DD's?'.  My conversations with Dena at her bar in her kitchen have been some of my favorite.

This picture captures my relationship with these two perfectly.  Dena and I are in conversation and Lee is simply present. I loved this moment- he just looked at my ring finger for the longest time.

We lovingly refer to Lee and Dena as "Ghetto" and "DD".  And I'm showing my age because I cannot remember why we started calling him "Ghetto". But what I do know is that these two have taught me how to love life.   Whenever I am with them I cannot help but laugh.  We are always having a good time- laughing at old times or crazy Laura Lee stories.  I am thankful that God brought them into my life years ago- for the many memories our families have shared and the experiences that are to come.

DD and "Ghetto", thank you for loving me like one of your own and always showing me how to love life.  You two have been a gift.

the one who shaped more of my story than she'll ever know (#3)

I grew up attending a Presbyterian Church as a young child.  The summer after my 8th grade year, my family made the transition from the Presbyterian Church to the United Methodist Church.  I was a little hesitant to say the least.  Because as you can probably imagine, I was the 'church lady' growing up.  If the doors were open at First Pres I was there.

There to help me in my time of transition was the one and only Kash Cassady.  Kash served as the Director of Christian Education at Woodmont UMC for 11 years.  The amount of things Kash accomplished on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis still amazes me.   My sister now has the privilege of serving at Woodmont as the Children's Coordinator and has Kash's constant support.

Kash and her husband, Jeff, at our wedding

I was one of Kash's faithful kids during my high school years.  If she was having some kind of gathering she could count on me being there.  I went because I loved learning from her (still do). My Mom didn't have to push me out the door to go to UMYF because I was going on my own.

Kash taught me a lot of things during my teenage years, but one of the most important things was to stop and listen.  Kash truly has a Mary heart in a Martha world.  She may be busy doing things, preparing meals in the kitchen or one of the million other things that she does, but if you want to talk, she'll stop.  Some of my favorite conversations with Kash are the ones we've had in the kitchen and I can recall many.  She'll be in the midst of something and I'll say 'Kash, I have a question' and she'll wipe her hands on her towel and be completely focused on me.

If you haven't read this book, do it!

I'm thankful that God moved my family from one church to the other the summer before my freshman year in high school.  I'm even more thankful that God placed Kash Cassady at the church- not just for me, but for all of the lives she touched.   She believed in us, supported us and gave us all she had.  It is because of the love that she gave 'her kids' that I now serve in a church.  Kash's example inspired me to be who I am today.

Kash with some of her girls at my wedding- sad I didn't make this picture.

I will never forget when I first started serving at Dilworth in Charlotte.  I was sitting in my office and got a call that I had a visitor.  I walked into the lobby and there sat Kash, she was overflowing with excitement.  She said "I just had to come see my MT's church".  Each time I see her, I look forward to sharing what is going in with the ministries I'm a part of.  I love to hear her responses and her feedback when I'm in need of some wisdom.

Kash roasting, I mean toasting, me at my Bridesmaid Luncheon she hosted.

Kash, thank you for loving me and believing in me.  Thank you for always taking the time to listen and respond- for that I am most thankful.  That is something I will definitely take into this new stage of life- don't forget to stop and listen.

Kash taught us girls a lot about the fruits of the spirit....
right, Kash?

a sweet duo (#2)

For the next week, I will reflect on some of the people who have shaped me during the past 29 (and holding) years.  I think these people are some that loved me the most.  These folks believed in me and brought me to where I am today.  Some I am in contact with often and others I only see once a year if lucky, but still, they formed me in to who I am today (an almost 30 year old woman).

As I made my list of people who formed me, the first pair that came into my mind were Clark and Marguerite Holt.  Or as I lovingly referred to them- Mr. Clark and Mrs. Marguerite.  When I reflect on the two of them a smile immediately spreads across my face.

This is the summer of 2001.  Mrs. Marguerite, Mr. Clark, and I spent 3 weeks together that summer-
one week at the beach with family and 2 weeks in Europe.  Mrs. Marguerite took groups to Europe for
several years and I was lucky enough to go the summer before my junior year. 

I think the most obvious fact about the Holts is that they instilled in me my love for Wake Forest.  I don't think they ever doubted that I would attend Wake Forest University.  I will never forget how excited they both were when I told them I had gotten in!  I was admitted to Wake Forest early decision in December and for Christmas that year Mr. Clark and Mrs. Marguerite gave me a collectible Wake Forest snowman- named Alice.  I pull her out every Thanksgiving and put her way in February (or when I'm done with snow).

I was the babysitter for their grandchildren when they came in for visits to Reidsville.  When I was in the 7th grade their first grandchild was born.  Just 3 short weeks before their second daughter got married.  I spent the wedding weekend babysitting sweet baby Elizabeth.  I was almost 13 and watching a 3 week old baby- crazy I know, but they trusted me like part of the family:)

Who knew I used to be so young?  This is a picture from the beach trip when there were only 4 grandkids-
there were 3 born in the same year! The youngest of the trio must have been taking a nap. 

I spent many summers traveling with the growing extended family to the beach.  The first time I went I had 4 children to watch, then 6 and now there are 9 total grandchildren.  The weeks I spent at the beach were some of my favorites.  I loved my conversations with Mrs. Marguerite on the deck.  I loved to hear her 'pearls or wisdom' and simply soak in all she had to offer.

I will never forget one summer when Mrs. Marguerite was already at the beach and all the girls and their families had full cars.  Margaret, the Holt's oldest daughter, called and said "Mary Taylor, I hate to do this to you, but you're going to have to ride with Daddy to the beach."  I didn't quite understand why she said it like that until I got in the car.  Mr. Clark took what I would call the 'scenic' route and he wasn't much in a hurry.   We took our time driving, chatting and driving through more small towns than you could imagine.  And then he took me to Spivey's Corner, the Hollerin' Capital of the Universe.  Who knew there even was such a thing?? But hey, we got cool t-shirts.

I am thankful for all that Mrs. Marguerite and Mr. Clark did for me as a young child and teenager.  They taught me more than I can put into words.  Then thing I learned from them that will serve me well in this new decade of life is the importance of intentionally including others.  The way they always included me brought me more joy than they'll ever know.

the Holt clan at our wedding on 12.11.10
This crowd is not everyone, we were missing Tish and her family!

30 days and counting…. (#1)

I am still struggling to accept the fact that in less than 30 days, I will turn 30 years old.  October 19 will get here all too soon.  If only I could look forward to turning 30 the way I looked forward to my birthdays as a young child.

I am not sure why I am struggling with this number the way that I am.  My staff members kind of giggle at me at church as I fret over this number- this 3rd decade.  But I seriously am having a difficult time surrendering to this new number.  My hope is that through blogging over the next month, that I will begin to embrace this new decade.

To kick this off, I thought it best to reflect back to the time it all began.  October 19, 1984- well, it actually begins a day earlier.  My mother worked a full day of work on Thursday, October 18 and stayed home from work on Friday, October 19 because of back pain.

A little tune from 1984.... 

Around 5pm, she decided she was in labor and they needed to go to the hospital.  On the way to the hospital the wheel bearing went out in my family's volvo.  Just imagine, you are in labor with your first child and your car stops working- I can only imagine the panic they felt.   Lucky for my parents, they were able to stop and borrow a car from friends to finish the 25 trip to Greensboro.  Only a few short hours after my parents arrived at the hospital, I arrived.  At 9:49pm my parents welcomed their first child into the world.  I was the first grandchild on my mother's side and the 6th on the father's side (youngest by 12 years).

I realized when you look at your mother, you are looking at the purest love you will ever know.
-Mitch Albom

The fact that my mother stayed at home for the majority of labor seems about right.  For those of you who know my mother you know she is a strong woman.  Her strength has always inspired me and others around her.  She is strong and determined- there is very little she cannot do.  I often remind Drew when he thinks I cannot do something on my own, 'you know who raised me, don't you?'

To be honest, my Mama is my hero and it all started the day she brought me into this world.  I love you the most, Mom!

My other hero- my GrandBecky- who loved me with her whole heart <3

a new decade begins soon!

In a little over a month's time, I will enter a new decade....something I've been dreading since last year's birthday.  You can ask Drew, my close friends, family and my staff at Maple Springs, I've talked A LOT about how resistant I am to the idea of turning that dreadful age- 30!  

My thoughts exactly...

A friend of mine, Madeline, celebrated a big birthday as well this year.  She decided to blog daily for 40 days as she prepared for her birthday. It was a great for her to reflect on her life thus far. To help me cope with this birthday, I am going to spend 30 days reflecting on the past 29 years of my life.

I am looking forward to the challenge of blogging daily and also looking forward to the time of reflection.  I will begin blogging September 19 and will finish October 18, the day before my 30th birthday.

I am open to ideas to blog about- memories, places, people, etc.  Feel free to let me if you have any thoughts.

Maybe by my birthday, I will truly feel like I'm aged to perfection