Who I Am; Life In Your Way.

This is so powerful. We are a broken people, but together we are strong. Never forget who you are, what you've done, and where you've been. Because those are the best things about grace. I know many of you will not like this style of music (it's passionate, and one of my favorite genres), but it's a message that needs to be shared. The lyrics below are for the second part of the video. Trust me, you will not be needing any help with the first part.

This is who I am!
I'll walk out this Kingdom not as a duty but an honor
Now called a son, I've been set free from the slavery of sin
And when I fall, I stand in the face of darkness and I say:This is who I am
My father has freed my past, present, and future
He doesn't see what I see, He doesn't see what you see
He sees my destiny and calls me to be a son
This is who I am, in the midst of a firefight; You've called me a son.
This is who I am, by the power of the risen death and what You have done
This is who I am, all I've been and who I've become
This is who I am, who I am: I'm a son.

Warning: Thanksgiving Spoilers.

At this moment, I am snuggled up in a warm blanket with a cup of hot chocolate, listening to the sound of rain hit the window, and thick wool socks covering my toes in my cozy house.

There is no place like home.

Gosh, how cliche does that sound? However, there is such a strong ring of truth in these words. There is nothing like spending time with your immediate family. There is just something about being with them in our lovely home, with our cute (and highly annoying) pets, enjoying a less than (what we are used to) traditional Thanksgiving...

Generally, hardcore Betty Crocker style baking would begin a few days before Thanksgiving. This year however, we are having a much less hectic Thanksgiving, of which I'm MORE than thankful for. Typically, the rest of our traditions pick up on the day of Thanksgiving (which just so happens to be in two days). I would be getting dressed to spend the earlier portion of the day cooking a large meal for about twenty-seven or more people, depending on who brought whom this year. After chasing a few kids around, spending some much needed time with family, indulging in our family's yummy apple pie, and listening to the kids fail miserably at Bop-It, we would all head over to Great-Grandmother's house as a kind gesture of how much we care. Afterwards, the Johnson's and Holley's would head back to the house. Once we got home we would put Christmas Vacation in the VCR (because we like the good old-fashioned tape version), all find a comfortable seat in the living room, and we would get our annual-fill of laughter.

Over the past year or so these traditions have changed, or been lost due to challenging circumstances. Instead of having a huge family get-together, we are spending Thanksgiving with just a few of our relatives, and then the rest of the mini-break relaxing and just enjoying a hectic-free couple of days. It is almost the same, except that we have far fewer people to share the day with, but that is for another post. Finally, my out-of-state cousins will make the long haul to visit us the weekend after Thanksgiving and spend a few days with us.

This Thanksgiving, I find myself blogging about past Thanksgiving's and traditions. You might think that I am sad that this Thanksgiving will not be the same... truth is, I am not. Now do not get me wrong, I miss the family members that won't be here, but I am not sad. I am happy. I am rejoicing, actually. Tonight my family and I will start the first of many days spent with the Holley's , not going anywhere; but watching cheesy Hallmark holiday movies and ending with Dancing With The Stars. My aunt and uncle will take my room, my cousins will choose their bedtime spots, I will take the couch, tomorrow we will go about our daily routines, Thanksgiving day will be normal (yes, we will still make our large meal, because even a few of us requires the preparation of good food!), and all of this will be followed by my cousins from Ohio visiting us this weekend. But, it is different than what we are used to.

I am rejoicing for that, though. I am praising God that no matter what life throws at us, we are still moving forward (I mean, we are the Johnson's... we are as tough as bricks, but that is besides the point.) Each one of us has changed immensely. We have all grown from the past year in our own way. We have adjusted, acclimated, and found comfort with where we are now. Traditions change, people come and go, but ultimately you learn from it. We are standing strong at the end of another rough year in each other's loving embrace.

And there is no where else I would rather be this Thanksgiving.

Tuesday's Thoughts.

Today, I attempted posting a video blog but apparently my webcam quality is inadequate when it comes to uploading. So until the day I buy a better quality webcam, I'm stuck with typing. Which is fine, I suppose. Anyway, I really should be writing my ten-page paper but I have to get my thoughts cleared out first. So here they are:

Everyday I think about the possibilities of my future. I get so excited about all that God has called me to do. I am constantly making plans, changes, and arrangements. I rejoice in what is to come. I pray fervently that He would guide and direct my ways that lead up to that point.

The thing is, I'm very future-minded. I'm a planner. Sometimes it is great; other times it is my biggest downfall. At times when I finally sit down and reflect on my day or week, I know that I am one step closer to my goals, but realize that I didn't do anything for the present. I think, what did I do today that has eternal value? What did I do to further the kingdom today?

I get so caught up in preparing for the future, praying that God will equip me for then and provide the means and funds for then, wondering when those doors are going to open, and studying for then. Which, is a part of life and a necessary attribute to getting things done....

But I don't want to forget about today. Today, I am praying that I would be mindful of the opportunities around me right now. This week, I am praying that God will open up doors and guide me to accomplish things of infinite worth for Him. This month, I am praying that God would remind me to prepare for my future, while intentionally living every second like it is the only one that matters.

Good Ol' Rocky Top.

For someone who is not a huge UT fan, I must say...tradition runs deep. I've never fully understood the die-hard UT fans, as I believe there are much better college teams. And as much as I personally hate the gaudy orange that I see over-enthused fans wearing, I came across this underlying truth for most Vol fans: Volunteer fans will support their team whether they win or lose because it is a Knoxville, Tennessee tradition. And I appreciate their dedication.

Neyland Stadium. One of Knoxville's iconic fixtures. To say that "Big Orange Pride" is intense here in Knoxville would be a major understatement. Even those who are not avid fans get caught up in the energy and excitement. Little kids and old grannies get dressed up in their tacky orange to support the Vols.

There are a lot of things that make Tennessee football what it is...tradition runs deep. For the many who love tradition, it is easy to fall in love with this team and these games. There is the tradition of running through the "T"; this moment is one of the fan-favorites even before the game begins.

The fans, some more excitable than others, are all cheering their team on in their own unique way. All praying for victory. And as the music swells and the crowd roars, it's easy to get caught up in the thrill of it all.

And of course, the reason why all of this takes place...the football. Sometimes it isn't pretty. For example, a few weeks ago there were quarterback injuries and switches which doesn't look too bright for the Volunteers this season. Still, you'll find Neyland Stadium full of fans at every home game saying "It's great to be a Tennessee Vol!" Because for them, it's not about whether we win or lose. It's about tradition.