Bringing the Bullitt Home

"All our difficulties are only platforms for the manifestations of His grace, power and love.”

J. Hudson Taylor-

Both Marks returned to Caroline's home Saturday to bring the Bullitt back to Jax.

Mr. Knight, Caroline's dad, was soo generous to loan Mark his trailer for that to happen.  

SF told us last Wednesday they would not cover the towing expense since the car was disabled so far away from our home, and located in a rural region.  The availability of an insurance adjuster was declined, due to our claim being out of region.  SF said unless we wanted to have the Bullitt transferred to a closer city for assessment and repair (Vidalia), then our best option would be to have it transported home, so an adjuster in our area could come to our home to assess it before we take it to the SF approved collision repair center of our choice [hopefully]. Needless to say, Mr. Knight has saved Mark a a great expense and frustration by offering his trailer.  SF would reimburse Mark 80% of towing exoenses, but then he's pay the remaining 20%, which we all know could add up, because there's also a rental car expense to add.  We're also very thankful that Mark is more involved in the transfer and hopefully, the restoration of the Bullitt by bringing it home. Thank you, Jimmy. 

My heart is full to overfowing with gratitude for what God's love and grace looks like as Mark walks this journey...

Though Mark experienced the initial shock and yes, rage upon first seeing what happened to his car, he has since maintained an awesome attitude and trust for what God has allowed and will do because of it.

Mark begin ps running the wires for the new lights that were needed for the trailer...

This next picture literally brought tears to my eyes...

This man has demonstrated sacrificial love for our son, and I cannot be more thankful foe his very kind and generous effort to help make this difficult trial easier foe Mark.  It was discouraging to us to learn SF would not tow Mark's Bullitt home (over 50 miles).  You can imagine the weight of discouragement that was lifted when Dad agreed to accept Mr. Knight's generous offer.  

That offer required more than just loaning Mark his trailer.  The trailer needed new tires and lights, but he didn't hesitate to take care of that expense so it would be ready and available for Mark Saturday morning.

SF told us to save our receipts for travel/towing expenses, but whether or not they'll allow Mark to help Mr. Knight with those expenses, is yet to be determined.  We'd love to reimburse Mr. Knight for those expenses, so that's definitely something else we'll pray about.  

It seemed almost miraculous that this one light still works after the brunt of impact it took last Saturday... It was if the Bullitt was letting us know it still had the will to continue! <smile>

After spending a week under the carport of the Knight home, the Bullitt began its journey home with a little help and a lot of encouragement...

The winch made getting the Bullitt up on the trailer much easier as Mark walked beside it and steered it into position. 

Ready to make it's three hour journey home...

But not before Caroline sent Mark off with the gracious gift of her car to use so he does not have to continue paying the 20% ($8 a day) out of pocket expense to rent a car for the duration of this experience.  Caroline's car is a Toyota Camry, so seeing that Mark is driving a Toyota instead of a Ford should please his Uncle Mark <hehe>.

Photo credits: Caroline Knight

Thank you, Caroline!! You've brought much comfort and joy to my heart for capturing and sharing all of these photos with me!  Thank you for 'marking' this day of memories!! 

Faith is a Decision

“Faith is a decision.  

It is not a deduction from the facts around us. 

We would not look at the world of today and logically conclude that God loves us. 

It doesn't always look as though He does.  

Faith is not an instinct. It certainly is not a feeling -

    feelings don't help much when you're in the lion's den or hanging on a wooden Cross. 

Faith is not inferred from the happy way things always work. 

It is an act of the will, a choice, based on the Unbreakable Word of a God who cannot lie, and who showed us what love and obedience and sacrifice mean, in the person of Jesus Christ.”
― Elisabeth Elliot, Secure in the Everlasting Arms

"And without faith it is impossible to please him [God], for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him" (Hebrews 11:6). 

I remember hearing Elisabeth Elliot say many years ago, "I come from a long line of 'Champion Worriers'."  I remember feeling encouraged when I heard her say that.  It comforted me to know someone as wise and godly as I considered her to be was not ashamed to admit her weakness. 

I'm sorry she struggled as she did, but I'm blessed for having benefitted from her struggles!  

Soo, if you want to know the honest truth, I have wrestled with fretting this week. 

Every day I have felt an urgency regarding all the matters concerning Mark's car.  While Mark has rented a car and continued with work, my husband has been on the phone a couple of different times trying to gather the information we need to get the ball rolling on the car's assessment and repairs.  I am still coming to grips with the possibility that SF may not choose to repair the car.  So that's a big concern of mine.  Another concern came when we learned that we will have to cover the expenses of towing the car home, but we've been told there's still a possibility SF will do all they can to reimburse as much of the towing expense as possible."  That would be most helpful.  

There are still a few additional matters to work out before Mark makes the drive up and over with his dad to get his car on Saturday.  

Caroline's dad has been so very generous to offer Mark his trailer, so between now and Saturday morning when Mark arrives, Jimmy plans to get new tires and lights for it.  I could easily fret over the trouble and expense he will go to for helping us, but Caroline assured me he wants to do this for Mark.  Then there's Dad who wants to give his truck an oil change tomorrow for the added satisfaction of knowing his truck is ready to haul the Bullitt home.  

This about covers the greater matters, but you can be sure there are other concerns I won't take the time to mention in this post. 

Meanwhile, in order to manage my wayward imagination, I continue to read the Hall of Faith chapter in Hebrews to encourage and remind me that those who lived their lives "By Faith" were  commended and remembered for it.  The Holy Spirit wanted them to be my inspiration and strength through difficult days.  They are my example and I would do well to press on, to continue in even the slightest measure of faith that God has given me!!  Needless to say, if on a daily basis I have to choose between fretting and faith, "Lord, please help me choose faith every day!!"  

The heroes of my faith are soo very awe inspiring.  They were made strong out of weakness, and consist of those whom the world was/is not worthy!! 

"And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect."

We Will Boast In the Name of Our Lord

Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast in the name of the LORD, our God.  

Psalm 20:7

I have sooo, soo much to thank the Lord for as I finally lay my heart and head to rest tonight concerning the events of this weekend.  

Mark's car was hit by an unknown driver while parked on the curb next to Caroline's house earlier this evening. 

The initial sound of impact and the alarm sounding did not stir them until the alarm began to sound louder and louder.  Upon running out to see what had aroused their curiosity while eating, Mark immediately noticed his crumpled Bullitt, the sad result of a hit and run incident that has captured the interest and attention of the small town community.  

The initial observations made were that the impact left noticeable white paint marks on the green 'Stang.  We can't be sure how these details came together, but within minutes after the sheriff arrived, a man in a white Nissan Titan arrived with some damage on the front of his truck, which stirred Mark up a bit, until he realized there was some truth to his statement... "It wasn't me.  I hit a deer earlier this week, and I had to file my own accident report."  Mark said the damage to the front of his truck was on the wrong side, the passenger side,  which was opposite from where the damage should have been.  Come to find out, this man had witnessed the accident and had gone to try to catch up with the SUV involved in the accident.  His desire for returning was to help collect and give information for the case.  He spoke to the attending officer while Mark and Caroline went back inside the house to gather their composure, because the adrenaline rush they both were experiencing was quite unnerving for both of them.  

It wasn't until today that Caroline's dad ran into the same white Titan witness, and as each of them recognized one another, they spoke about what had happened the evening before, and the witness confirmed some details the police did not share with Caroline's dad nor Mark. 

The Titan witness said the white SUV that hit Mark's Bullitt was backing its way down the road and rammed into Mark's car, then took off in the same direction it was pointed. When the Titan witness began to follow that driver, the SUV driver was able to get through the light, but the Titan driver was not, and he had to stop.  By stopping, he lost the driver that caused the accident.  He returned to the scene of the accident, and though met with some disgruntled folks, he explained to the sheriff what he'd witnessed, and hung out as long as he was needed before leaving. 

This twist of information was definitely a surprising piece of news to receive today. 

Caroline's dad also spent some time on the phone today talking to his personal friend, the sheriff, and the local body shops to warn them of the white SUV that may be seeking out their services. 

Tomorrow, our State Farm insurance agent should be available, and easier to reach, as opposed to the very aggravating digital robots that put both Mark and Mark Jr on hold when they each called.  Needless to say, they never got through to a real person so they could report the accident. 

The sheriff's office should also be able to provide a copy of the report they filed, and then there is the possibility of connecting a State Farm insurance agent in that small town to arrange seeing and appraising the car.  We're all very anxious to learn whether they will total it or repair it.  We're hopeful for the latter, being that it is a limited, special, numbered edition of the Bullitt remake.  

Far greater, I have gratitude for the safety and well being of Mark and Caroline.  Though Mark was shy of a few minutes of beginning his three hour journey home, I'm especially grateful the two of them were not standing outside the car, nor was Mark sitting in the car, while Caroline was standing outside his car while he was preparing to leave.  Every detail has stirred me, and I can't thank the Lord enough for preserving them.  

Whether the Bullitt can be fixed or not, we can all look back on this set of circumstances and be immensely thankful!  Thank you, Lord!  Mark and Caroline are safe!!  

It's possible there could be more information to come concerning this incident.  Meanwhile, my heart is purposed to be fixed on the many characteristics of our Lord, and the way He has so graciously cared for Mark this weekend!  

Good night!  

I Will Call Upon the Lord

There is nothing that makes us love a man so much as praying for him; and when you can do this sincerely for any man, you have fitted your soul for the performance of everything that is kind and civil toward him.

William Law

So much is at stake in our country as we approach yet another very critical election day in November.  

My heart has been very concerned, yet prayerful, as I know the Lord will sovereignly and providentially put down one and lift up another.  Whoever God puts in place, whether for our rejoicing(?) or our sorrow, we can trust Him through the days ahead!!  He is our country's only hope and confidence for making us a people for Himself, and He will rule and reign one day whether man "chooses" Him or not. 

"For not from the east or from the west and not from the wilderness comes lifting up, 

but it is God who executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another."

Psalm 75:6-7

"...Far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for..." our country. 

13 And now behold the king whom you have chosen, for whom you have asked; behold, the Lord has set a king over you. 

14 If you will fear the Lord and serve him and obey his voice and not rebel against the commandment of the Lord, and if both you and the king who reigns over you will follow the Lord your God, it will be well. 

15 But if you will not obey the voice of the Lord, but rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then the hand of the Lord will be against you and your king.

16 Now therefore stand still and see this great thing that the Lord will do before your eyes. 

17 Is it not wheat harvest today? I will call upon the Lord, that he may send thunder and rain. And you shall know and see that your wickedness is great, which you have done in the sight of the Lord, in asking for yourselves a king. 

18 So Samuel called upon the Lord, and the Lord sent thunder and rain that day, and all the people greatly feared the Lord and Samuel.

19 And all the people said to Samuel, “Pray for your servants to the Lord your God, that we may not die, for we have added to all our sins this evil, to ask for ourselves a king.” 

20 And Samuel said to the people, “Do not be afraid; you have done all this evil. Yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart.

21 And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty. 

22 For the Lord will not forsake his people, for his great name's sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you a people for himself.

23 Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way. 

24 Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you. 

25 But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king.”

1 Samuel 12:13-25

By Faith...

Faith endures the disappointments, the hardships, and the heart-aches of life –by recognizing that all comes from the hand of Him who is too wise to err—and too loving to be unkind.”  Arthur Pink

Last week I pulled out our fall leaves to add to our wreath and I smiled as I read the lighthearted blessings we'd each written and thanked the Lord for in the past: 

"Thankfulness", "Creation", "Food", "Family", "Devotions", "A House", "Friends", "Good Health", "Girls", "SGBC", "28 years"...

Every one reminded me of God's gracious giving.

Then I read, "Forgiveness"...

There is still soo much pain associated with that leaf.  

I wish I could divorce the memories, but I'm learning that all of it... the anger, the words, the half truths, the rejection, the pain, the grief is also a gracious gift God has allowed to encourage and strengthen my faith and dependence on Him.   Obedience and healing requires forgiveness and letting go. 

Even today I remember wishing "the death" would just hurry up and die so I could bury lost hope for reconciliation.  I anticipated it.  I expected a 'spiritual' resolution, but it never came. 

With severance came the pulsing pain that sometimes continues to remind me of those who have suffered far greater.  Because God is NOT "...a gentleman" who only loves and gives me what I want because I ask (because He didn't), I revisit the Hall of Faith in Hebrews to read about the Heroes whose faith did not waver, but proved enduring.  

God's love is the same... His mercy endures forever!  

His mercy is severe sometimes, and that proved true for them, and for us, who put their/our trust in Him, even for the good and the bad days in life. 

Elisabeth Elliot said, "God never witholds from His child that which His love and wisdom call good. God's refusals are always merciful -- "severe mercies" at times but mercies all the same. God never denies us our hearts desire except to give us something better."

Soo yes, "by faith" I believe my heavenly Father has not erred in allowing a severe trial to shape me. He cut away what He knew was not best for me, for us.  I do not believe He was less loving in ordaining it.  He continues to use this severe, but tender, mercy that I believe and accept is perfect, a gracious gift, that is still working out for my good, and yes, for this I am thankful.  

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 

3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

...(Read about the Heroes)

39And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 

40since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

Jesus, Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith

12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 

2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Do Not Grow Weary

3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 

4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 

5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?

“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,

nor be weary when reproved by him.

6  For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,

and chastises every son whom he receives.”

7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 

8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 

9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 

10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 

11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

May it be so, Lord!!

Showers of Family Blessings

Having a surprise birthday party for Meme and Poppy was a fun reason to gather our family last Friday evening. Just getting together was not good reason enough.  Mary, my dear SIL, was the mastermind behind the plan, but I feel I gained the sweetest blessing for hosting the event.  

Mom's 80th birthday would be the following day, the 15th, while Dad's 86th birthday was last Monday, the 10th.  Dad shared this with me concerning his birthday:

 "The biggest thing about my birthday is being able to add another year to my repertoire of blessings." 

While Mom began the week telling Dad of her desire to go out of town to celebrate, Dad eventually had to overrule her plan to tell her he didn't want to go anywhere.  Bless his heart!  We'd let him in on the surprise a couple of weeks ago, just to make sure he could save the date on Mom's calendar, but what he didn't know was that we wanted to include him in the surprise as well.  Whew!  

We considered the possibility of inviting extended family and friends, but Dad encouraged us to keep it simple and limited to our immediate family, since there are 22 of us, and a couple of extras.  We had only one to miss being here due to his work schedule.  I believe we had 29 in all to attend. 

It is always a special privilege to host a gathering for family, but this event was all the more special because it was organized to honor our parents!  <smile>

Meme has always sacrificed soo much of herself to gather our growing family through some of the most challenging and best of seasons.  Her sister, my Aunt Faye, has always been by her side to help and contribute towards our gatherings, sacrificing a lot, and this time was no different.  Aunt Faye came early, along with Mary and Joanna, to help Katherine and I pull all of our preparations together.  

I wish I had better pictures to share. I took a few, but those I took did not all come out very well due to my attempt to capture the candidness of our time together.  My brother Mark shared some pictures with me, which I'm very grateful for. 

The surprise arrival of our cousins Matthew, Stacey, and Trenton (above) from Wyoming couldn't have been more timely.  Wow!  What a blessing it was to anticipate their arrival, knowing Meme and Poppy would be soo thrilled to see them.  We last saw their family at our family reunion in April at Grassy Pond.  Stacey arrived early mid week and stayed with Meme and Poppy a couple of nights so she could work on insurance claims following Hurricane Matthew's brush with our coast last week. What she didn't share with Mom and Dad was that she was expecting her husband and son to arrive just in time for the party.  They drove 1800 miles to be here!!!

While here they were also able to schedule visits with additional family as well.  We were thrilled beyond measure because we knew the ultimate gift of their presence would be for Mom and Dad to see them. 

Everyone was scattered throughout the house in every room (downstairs) to enjoy one another.  Some in the family seemed to dodge getting their picture taken, so I regret not representing the big group of us well. 

Pam's cousin, Mindy (not shown) and her daughter, Anna (seated on the floor) were here from Memphis.  They flew down earlier in the week to surprise Pam.  Having them join us was fun. 

Father and son seemed to enjoy their leisure after eating a dinner of three different soups, salad, cornbread, and various desserts.  Our soups were Sausage and White Bean soup, Potato soup (with onions, celery, and mushrooms) and Catfish Chowder.  They were all yummy, and for those who wanted third and fourth helpings (ha!), we had plenty.  

Uncle Mark and Matt conversed in the foyer about business endeavors. 

Three out of our four being their silly selves, as usual. 

Meme with her/our newest addition to the family. Hannah is much loved and embraced by all of us, and she has loved us well.  She made and brought yummy Oatmeal Raisin cookies which were very much enjoyed.  

Poppy looks tired here, but that's because after eating four bowls of soup and some salad, he was ready for his evening nap!  Ha! 

However, Joanna is always good for stimulating much fun and enjoyable conversation!  

Will and Hannah are fast approaching their one year anniversary in January!  Wow!  

That's hard to believe!  

Katherine was asked to play a few songs on her cello, so she kindly obliged.  

I enjoy listening to her music very much! 

Cousins catching up after dinner...

Riley with the ukelele and Mindy enjoying conversation with others. 

Trenton practiced his typing skills on our antique typewriter. 

Casey enjoyed a sit down break from chasing after the children. 

Anna and Maryella playing with the Etch-a-Sketch. 

Last, but not least, Maple and Calvin kept us a little busy earlier in the day for wantig to enjoy the festive decorations under the tent in the backyard.  We had to shoo her off the table a couple of times, I'm embarrassed to say!  🙈

I can't imagine what provoked her to take such liberties because she is not allowed on the table, counters, or furniture in the house... Unless we're holding her! Aghh! 

After finding the squirt bottle and shooting her with it a couple of times, she finally got the message and didn't get back on the table again.  

What a huge blessing it is to belong to those who love, invest, and give of themsleves to help us be the family we are. 

To consider our time together as anything less than the great gift and blessing it is would be unimaginable!  

Thank you, Father, for loving and blessing us so!  My family means soo much to me!  

Happy Birthday Meme and Poppy!  We love you and thank the Lord for you!  

I love this quote that also helps to summarize our existence... 

"All because two people fell in love!!" 

And because God has granted!  

Thank you, Lord, for giving us another reason to gather.