North Carolina

Home, sweet home.  It truly is home to us northern born Shays.  We went back this weekend for David Ellis' right of passage.  It was such a blessing to be a part of as Shawn was one of the speakers of truth into David's life that evening.
First up though, was a visit to the Mitchell home for breakfast and to return our dear sweet, Flat Stanley.
Sniff sniff.  Well, Shawn wasn't crying for those of you who have followed along on Facebook with Flat's many and exciting adventures.

 Returning Flat Stanley to his creator.

So....sad to see him go!

I think Mackenzie was relieved to have him back safely in her arms.

Crazy northerners in central PA, what ever did they do with him??

 Looking over the Chronicles of his adventures in the 'burg.

 I love you, Mackenzie!

Thank you for sending us so much fun and joy in the form of a paper doll.

 friends...and brothers.  So much history between these two.

 "Have you seen my skink?"  hee hee

 Joseph and Shawn mocking the Mitchells teeny little ketchup bottles!

But hey - at least it was Heinz and Andrea had two bottles.

 Claud, I stole your spot - sorry!

Gosh, I love this girl.

Saturday evening was a lovely affair.  Sarah and Andrea worked like little decorative fairies sprinkling their magic all over the clubhouse.  Grace and I, well, we strung up lights and um...gave our opinions when asked.  And, sometimes not when asked.
It looked beautifully handsome if that's possible.  I mean it was a manly affair, after all.

 Decorating fairies report for duty

 See!

 Lovely, isn't it?

 C.j. greeting Ashanie

 Front row crowd

 Chris getting it started

Praying over David

 Caleb led worship and praise.  Wow.

 Some explanation about the event.  A right of passage, so to speak.

Chris selected several men to speak to David about the importance of biblical manhood.

The theme was: Light of Christ in the Heart of a Man

Jason Mitchell spoke to David about The Light of Humility in the Darkness of Pride

 Titus wasn't leaving Ashanie for nothing.  Well, maybe a bathroom break here and there.

 Tim Gray's topic was The Light of Wisdom in the Darkness of Folly

 The Light of Purity in the Darkness of Immorality was Lynn Mitchell's topic

 The Light of a Woman in the Darkness of Selfishness, which was perfectly suitable for Monte Perry!

 Light of Scripture in the Darkness of Lies brought by Shawn Shay

 Shawn, an avid story teller, told the story of a little boy, named Chris, who used to ride his bike to

VBS and learn about God.  Tears...

 Then he told a story about a little girl, named Sarah, who grew up in a home where bible stories

were told and shared often.  And, consequently, retained those stories that she now tells to her children.

 More tears...

Pastor Mills spoke on the Light of Christ in the Darkness of the Evil

 Each man did a wonderful job giving powerful illustrations, scripture and tokens for David to meditate on.  It was an honor to be a part of such a wonderful event!

Caleb led us in more worship.  Again, wow.

 So thankful Ashanie, David, Collin and C.j. love our boys like they do.

 Closing out the ceremony.

 Pastor Mills prayed for David as the men lay hands upon him

 Beautiful sight...

I must note that a couple men were missing from the evening due to prior commitments.

Al Flowers and Todd Thornton, you were greatly missed.

 So good to be back at Faith.  Despite a snow "storm" that scared a majority of people away, we got to hug quite a few necks!  (Hey - I know that girl leading worship!!)

 We were fortunate enough to be able to take communion.  Here Shawn is explaining the meaning of it to Titus, who had yet to receive communion, until this Sunday.  Exciting day!

 The men

 Joseph holding his symbol of the blood of Jesus

Pastor Rich delivered a powerful sermon.  It touch many hearts...like that of my own.

What a blessing his teaching is to me.

After a day of catching our breath from all the activity, we met up with some friends at Lumpy's for ice cream.  Fun times and good eats!

 Sarah's Uncle Richard and Aunt Sue just so happened to roll into town with their 5th wheel Saturday afternoon.  They were able to enjoy all our fun with everyone.  Loved meeting them!

 I love you, Courtney!

 Oh my word!  Lisa Bailey just hopped off a plane from Ireland and came to see us.  Love her!

There's my other two friends, I love, Teresia and Teri.

 Walker and JB.  Buds.

It was a great, great visit.  Of course, the only thing missing was seeing more people!  Next time.  These whirl wind trips sure make socializing challenging.  Love and miss each and every one of you NC people!  Our hearts are with you.  Always.