I spent various parts of the weekend with my family, with a friend . . . and with Billy Graham! (Although Billy didn’t say much.)
It all got its start when Greta, my Manteo friend, arrived on Thursday night. On Friday night, the rest of the family (sans grandchildren) appeared for a rather raucous birthday celebration.
Sarah and Gage knew Greta from Manteo when they had worked together on some creative projects including a safety drama that they performed in some area schools. They loved seeing each other again.
(Photos by Nathan, Greta, and me.)
Greta and Meagan knew each other because Greta had helped with Sarah’s wedding which Meagan had been in charge of. So nice to see so many people I love in the same room.
Meagan and Steve always find plenty of reasons to laugh when they’re together; I caught an over-the-shoulder shot of them.
We sat at the table for over two hours and told funny stories. At one point, I was begging everyone to stop talking because my stomach muscles were aching from laughing and I was at the point where I could barely catch my breath. Later on, after we’d left the table, we exchanged laughter for some heartfelt sharing, tears, and prayer. I’m so grateful for a family that listens, cares, and prays.
In between the laughter, we had the prerequisite birthday hat and singing. Steve made a pecan pie for me which hosted the candles.
Gage came up with his usual work of art birthday card except this one was 3D. He cut out the front of it so the back showed through.
The siblings enjoyed each other’s company. I had to especially laugh at one particular thing. When Nathan was a teenager and his hair got overgrown it would kind of billow over his head to the point where Sarah nicknamed him Cumulous Cloud. When he came in Friday night and said he was wearing a hat because his hair was overgrown I heard Sarah’s sisterly voice saying, “Cumulous Cloud.” Little sisters never forget.
More sibling talk later on.
I was blessed with lovely gifts and heartfelt words of affirmation.
Steve made his presentation of gifts to me in fine, dramatic fashion.
Greta and I visited the Billy Graham Library, a Charlotte landmark. (Billy was born in Charlotte and he and Ruth are buried at the library.)
Such an amazing place paying tribute to an amazing man.
This visit was especially interesting for Greta since she volunteers with the organization in doing disaster belief.
Before Greta left, she made some overnight oats for me since I’d always read about them but hadn’t had any.
Such a dear and thoughtful friend.
to be surrounded by people I love.
Their presence felt like these candles on the bookshelf in the living room–warm and comforting. I can’t wait to see what the next year brings to us all.
What about you?
Are you a fan of overnight oats? Do you have tips for making them or for things to add?
Have you been to the Billy Graham Library? What was your take on it?
Is spring popping up where you are, or are you still dealing with the remnants of winter?
I’ve never tried overnight oats, but I’m not a big oatmeal fan. I’ve also never visited the Billy Graham library, but I imaging it would be quite interesting. I remember watching his crusades at my grandparents when I was little. Spring has surely arrived in Texas – crazy weather & crazy allergies are abundant. I’m so glad you were able to enjoy your birthday celebration with friends and family!
Sue Ellen,
Aren’t those memories with grandparents so special? They last a lifetme!
Yes, NC is also playing host to allergy season. It doesn’t bother but gives Steve extremely itchy eyes. I guess it’s the price we pay for flowers!
Happy Belated Birthday! It is fun when you can spread it out.
Billy Graham was a big influence in my life growing up. I am from St. Paul and with the Headquarters located in Minneapolis, we often saw him in the news. When I was a teenager I attended several Youth Events. He will always have a special place in my heart.
As far as weather, it is crazy! We are under a Winter Advisory, our first of the year for southern MN. We have not had any snow that stayed for more than a couple of days. So we shall see if they are correct.
Deb,
Billy Graham is one of those increasingly rare religious public figures who lived a life that drew people to God and didn’t push them away. I’m so glad to know you hold dear the memories of those Youth Events back in your teens. That’s a long time to remember something and to be impacted by it. And I think that’s one of the best words for him and his ministry, “Impactful”
You have a winter advisory and we have temps in the 70’s and blooming flowers and trees! And this is the first advisory of the year? Hopefully, it will arrive quickly and leave quickly and you can get on with “spring-ing.” 🙂
I have bought some overnight oats that I just add milk to. I like but I don’t always have milk in my house.
Looks like you had a great birthday party and fun time with your friend.
The weather here has been up and down. 70 one day, 45 the next. My tulips are coming up and the ones at the entrance to our neighborhood have bloomed. Bradford pear trees are in full bloom, pretty to see but not fond of all the blooms blowing off the trees and into my garage.
Phyllis,
I love seeing Bradford pear trees in bloom; the early harbingers of spring. And tulips! What a fest for the eyes. Sounds you are surrounded by spring-time beauty.
What a blessing you are and to have such a wonderful family that shows their love and appreciation for you and how about that pecan pie – Yummo! Gage, you are so creative.
My husband and I have been to the library and will be returning next month, along with other former employees. That is where I met my husband (Minneapolis office). He worked with computers (not the ones we have now) and then as a manager. He worked there for 40 years. I worked as a key punch operator, then did home typing. Looking forward to seeing more things I missed the first time. Had to chuckle at being greeted by a talking cow the first time.
Love your kitchen floor. Very nice! Looking forward to seeing the completed remodeling.
Sharyn,
Yes, the talking cow was definitely fun! 🙂 Glad you get to go see the Library again; there is so much to see that it would take several trips to take it all in.
I love that you and your husband met through the BG organization. My parents met in Mpls. too, so we have that in common!
Happy belated birthday! The Billy Graham Library is just a great place to visit, especially at Christmas. I actually considered a job there but the commute from Hickory was a bit much. One day when you and Steve are looking for an adventure, make plans to tour The Cove, the Billy Graham Retreat Center near Asheville. It’s lovely.
We recently took a stroll around The Sleepy Poet in South Charlotte. It’s an antique and stuff emporium. While some of the prices were out of reach, I did find the perfect piece of art to finish off our master bedroom. I think you might enjoy a visit there.
Spring is everywhere! The hyacinth in my neighbor’s yard are so fragrant. We’ve already enjoyed a few meals on our patio.
Kristy,
We were at the Cove many years ago for a retreat; it was truly beautiful and felt like a million miles away from the outside world. Loved it and need to plan a return.
Sleep Poet is a great name for a business and even better that you found the perfect art for your bedroom. Love treasure finds like that.
What a fun weekend! Looks as though you had a really grand birthday celebration.
I didn’t know there was a Billy Graham library. Sounds interesting.
So many things are budded out here but today’s temp isn’t even 40 and the north wind is COLD! I’m so ready for warmer weather!
LeeAnne,
Brrr. Reading about a cold north wind makes me shiver! We are at 78 here last Saturday. Not complaining about that one bit.
Yes, the BG Library was quite interesting; it is well done in every way and completely free!
What a lovely birthday celebration! I have to say, Gage needs to sell those beautiful cards on a Etsy site. I would be a customer. They are exquisite! It’s wonderful to have faithful friends who stick by us from miles apart.
Spring is popping for real around here (south Georgia). Our cars are yellow and noses and eyes are runny. I started eating local honey about 20 years ago and have very little allergy issues, but the naysayers around me are suffering despite my pleas for them to try the honey. It truly works!
Lisa,
I know. Gage is soooo gifted!
Cars are yellow; nose are runny. I guess that sums up the season! We started eating local honey too, since Steve has always struggled with seasonal allergies. It doesn’t do away with them altogether but does seem to help. I’m glad you’ve been able to tell such a difference.
No spring here yet, even a few snow flakes now and then. Lots of noise though as the siding on my house is being replaced. My cat Milo doesn’t seem bothered by the noise, I expected him to rush down to the basement. This is day three of this noise and a lot of old siding still needs to go. I will appreciate it once it is done!
Sounds like you had a lovely birthday!
Cindy
Cindy,
Ooh, I imagine removing siding is a noisy job, indeed. I’m surprise, too, that Milo isn’t more bothered and/or curious! It’ll look beautiful when it’s done.
Looks like a great birthday celebration. I do like overnight oats, a form called Bircher Muesli, that has apples in. I found it when on a cruise and was surprised as I had only dry Muesli before. I just never remember to make it.
I did not even know there was a Billy Graham library. The only thing I have seen in Charlotte is the airport. My cousin benefitted from the Shepherds Purse group when they lost their home to a forest fire. The group came and spent the day sifting thru the ashes.
Spring is popping up, but we are also having some snow showers so my daffodils are bowing down to the snow. Still looks lovely though.
Patti,
I’ve never heard of Bircher Muesli but I love apples so I’d probably enjoy it. I had to look up the difference between Muesli and oatmeal; very interesting!
I’m so glad your cousin benefits from Billy Graham’s outreach ministry. It’s so good to see boots on the ground when it comes to helping those who have been through tragedy.
I love the imagery of your daffodils “bowing down to the snow.”