Thanksgiving with a Turkey!

Turkeys-a-plenty in Mayberry! Yes, we spent Thanksgiving with the Thomas family. It sure sounds like the first and second sentances have something to do with each other, but I assure you that 'the turkeys' I was referring to were the VanBriggles who invaded the Thomas house!! Well...regardless, turkey and Thanksgiving go hand in hand!

With Whole In One on their 'reunion tour' following Todd & Angela's transition to staff positions at O'Fallon A/G, it was feeling very normal for the four of us to enjoy a holiday meal with one our family members. Through our three years together, we shared many different traditions with each of our families. Whether we were in Colorado, New Jersey, Florida, North Carolina, Illinois, or Pennsylvania...our families melted together in a colorful array of traditions. Thanksgiving with Grandma & Grandpa Thomas, Uncle Rob, Aunt Sheri, Seth and Caleb seemed normal to us!
Anthony has more 'grandparents' in more states than we can keep up with! (It secretly bothers me to end that sentance with a preposition, but I'm going to overlook it this time as to finish more quickly! I sincerely apologize to all my perfectionist readers!!!)

((Secretly wanting to drive them all nuts!! Hehehe!!))

Here are some pictures from Thanksgiving. All I can say is everything was phenominal!! The food, the folks, the fun...all of it!!

Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service

Mount Airy, NC ~ Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday for so many reasons. People actively considering the many blessings that we have as Americans and as God's unique creation makes this a unique holiday. With the commercialism of other holidays, it is refreshing to have at least one federally recognized day of the year that we can say thank you to an awesome God for all He has done for us.
Whole In One lead the congregation on a thanksgiving journey through scripture with a presentation that focused on the lives of four biblical characters and how they worshipped God from their hearts of Thanksgiving. It is a healthy practice to put yourself in the shoes of biblical characters to obtain a personal perspective of their life and experience. Too many of us put biblical characters on pedistools, distancing our own lives from the lives of these characters that seem larger than life. Truthfully, God chose to use people....real people...with real problems...in real life situations...to reveal Himself and His plan for us.
As I was conversing with a college student following the service, she was so excited that the scriptures she had been reading over the past few weeks really came alive to her through this worship service.
Another young lady changed the course of her life as she responded to Christ during the presentation--not during an altar call--just responding to the Holy Spirit. She came later to the altar to tell me what she had done. What a gift at Thanksgiving!!

Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of the actual service, but here are a few from the night.

Joel following the service

Angela just before the service

Gail preparing. This service has a lot of musical and technical prep!

Mount Airy Family Game Night

Our Family Game Night at Calvary Assembly of God in Mount Airy, NC was a huge success! We have over 45 people in attendance, and the feedback we received was all very positive. In simple terms, we had a blast. We divided into teams of two and played games throughout the building. From Shoots & Ladders to Uno, each team would spend 4 minutes at each station. We had 11 stations set up, and at the appointed time, each team would rotate to the right...leave the game as it was and pick up where the previous players left off at the next station. We had other interactive games in the sanctuary, such as, 'Who Wants to be a Kingdom Heir', 'Strongest Link', and 'Help-a-Kid' (Pyramid).

Our team decided that a 'family game night' would be a stress-free way to have fun Thanksgiving week. We were flooded with so many positive comments from parents and kids alike. Teams were randomly assembled, one adult and one child. With name tags on, the fun never stopped. Pastor commented that they should do this regularly!! Here are a few pictures from that event!

Pastor Alan Hurst

Prizes for young AND old(er)

'Who Want to be a Kingdom-Heir'

Pastor's got his game face on!!

Gettin' a little grub for this grueling game night!

Calvary Assembly of God, Mount Airy, NC

Mount Airy, NC. ~ You've all seen it...parts of it anyway!

Snappy Lunch? Floyd's City Barbershop? Old Mayberry Jail?
Yep! It's the home of Andy Griffith and the city in which Mayberry was fashioned after. Squad Car Tours are available in an original Barny Fife style squad car!

Well, we're not here to see Andy and his pals, we're here sharing in ministry at Calvary Assembly of God with Pastor Alan Hurst. We shared in the Sunday evening worship service. We will be holding a "Family Game Night" on Tuesday and on Wednesday night, a special Thanksgiving service. We're excited to be here and to see what God has in store for Calvary A/G. Thank you, Pastor Hurst for allowing us to be with you.

Pastor Alan Hurst (Pardon this one, little blurry!)

Gail preparing for worship on Sunday night

Dobson First Baptist Church, Dobson, NC

Greetings from NC. Whole In One is celebrating our first 'Reunion Tour' as Todd and Angela joined us here in Dobson and Mount Airy, NC. Several of Angela's family members live in this area. Who knew that a group only 3 years old could have a reunion tour? Well, we're doin' it!

Our weekend began with a Sunday School Teacher Appreciation Banquet. Unfortunately, your moderately-faithful blog correspondant forgot to take pictures. There was about 30 teachers in attendance. We had a wonderful time sharing music, drama, and a few words of encouragement to the dedicated Sunday School teachers at Dobson First Baptist.

Dobson First Baptist Church (http://www.dfbaptistchurch.org/) is truly a wonderful church that is very active throughout the community and around the world. Pastor Michael Macon has a heart for people that permeates everything he puts his hands to. Although somewhat spoiled as a pastor, Pastor Macon is surrounded with a host of workers and dedicated leaders who are impacting their world.

Whole In One ministered in both morning worship services on Sunday, November 20. We were received very warmly and many were very touched by our presentation of the gospel.

Hunting Island, SC

There are numerous islands that encompass the Beaufort, Port Royal, Parris Island area. One of those islands is Hunting Island which boasts a beautiful coast and lighthouse. Driving through the heavily wooded Hunting Island State Park, we wondered if we would see a beautiful lighthouse or just be swallowed by large alligator. Thankfully, the latter did not become our fate. Here are a few shots of our adventure....I wish I could put all 126 pictures that I took, but I can't...that would take 6 days, 14 hours, and 33 minutes to download with dial-up!

"Beach Bum, Anyone? I'm cute, and I don't eat a lot."

"Ahh, Mama...it's November, remember??"

Trip to the beach ~ $8 +Gas, Outfit ~ $30, Day with Mama on the beach ~ Priceless!!
Hunting Island Lighthouse
Built 1873View of Mama & Anthony from the top!
Unbelieveable view of the Atlantic atop the Hunting Island Lighthouse Well, I tried to add a picture of the spiral staircase that I climbed, but I guess I've got too many shots in this blog entry. After 175 stairs, I was thankful to be able to take any pictures! Following the 175 stairs down...Gail captured my look with one classic shot, but fortunately for me, I BLOG...SHE DOESN'T! Blessings!

Exploring South Carolina

There were many beautiful sites to see in SC. We were able to take in a few throughout the region. Although some pithy rhetoric would be very enjoyable, I'll just let the pictures do the talkin' this time!


Walkin' the street lookin' at the architecture
"Here, Pretty Bull..."

One of the many beautiful homes in Beaufort, SC

Driving on the beach just outside, Port Royal, SC

Searching for shells on the beach This picture taken just a few feet from the Suburban

Diaper time comes anytime, anywhere! Thanks, Mama!

"Anthony, Look UP!"

Point South, South Carolina

Anthony added state #29 with South Carolina! Not too shabby for a two year old. We arrived in Point South on our way to Mount Airy, NC. We had a few long days of travel, so we tried to break up our 9 hour trip from Jacksonville, FL to Mount Airy, NC.

We got settled into our campsite at the Point South KOA, and Gail cooked up some fajitas for dinner. Tired and worn out, we hit the sack early as a big day of exploration lay ahead. There is a rich heritage of history awaiting us throughout the entire region.

Anthony Discovers Jacksonville, FL!

Following the Sectional Minister's Meeting at Evangel in Jacksonville, we took to the streets looking for a park to burn all that energy that was bottled up at the ministers meeting! We were very privileged to accompany Pastor Hutson and Miss Lori to the meeting where we were able to meet several pastors in the Jacksonville area.

Our first stop was in downtown Jacksonville near many of the cities great museums. After about 50 pictures and a full lap around the fountain, we headed back on the road to find the park where Anthony had been during his last visit to Jacksonville. Winding down roads of waterfront mansions and well manicured lawns, we arrived to find our little taste of the good life...the playground!

While I have 187 pictures from this day, I have included a sampling of the best! Enjoy!

"Jacksonville, The Party's here!!!"

"Tell me, what do you think about global warming?"

Watchin' the Draw Bridge with Mama!

Huggin' Daddy! Now that's beauty!

Professional photographer who was at the park told me this picture would be bland. Just couldn't see real talent, I guess?

Whoa, Mama!

"Grrrrrroooooowwwwllllll!!!!" ~ "Slow down, my Southern Belle!!"

Where are all the PICTURES?

I've taken over 350 pictures over the past week and a half. Unfortunately, the internet connection has been down where we are staying and now that it is back online, it has been running super slow...too slow to upload the pictures. I will try to add pictures to these posts in the next few days as we will be in Mount Airy, NC. Hopefully, I will find a WiFi hotspot! Check back soon. Thanks!!
Blessings!

Baldwin, Florida ~ Sunday Morning AM

Sunday morning with Pastor Bert and the congregation of First Assembly in Baldwin, FL was a true joy. From the first minute we pulled onto the grounds at the church, Gail and I felt right at home. While I have a great affinity for the northeastern culture and its obnoxious idiosyncrasies, there is something to be said for southern hospitality!

We were greeted by Dave, a church member, who was there to help us get set up with our trailer. As we hooked up our water and electric, Pastor Kyle (youth pastor) and Tim (a student) stood patiently waiting to help us with any facility and sound needs for our workshop and services. Miss Lori, Pastor's wife, came out to greet us...Pastor followed with a warm welcome. You would have thought we were the Gaithers with such a reception! Thankfully, they didn't seem too disappointed with just Whole In One.

I suppose what was so remarkable to me, was that this all seemed so natural for them. Just what they have always done. It didn't take me long to realize that this was simply from the overflow of their hearts.

I have read people wrongly in the past, but I'm pretty sure that Miss Lori and Anthony hit it off from the start! Under the guise of 'blessing' Gail and I, Miss Lori offered to watch Anthony...well...several times. Our desire not to offend our hosts, we obliged her. They had a blast at her house, the nursery, the park...and locations in between!

Uh...the service was great too! The congregation was so warm and receptive to our ministry. We shared the gospel through music and drama in the morning service, and we led worship in both AM and PM services.

Thank you, Pastor, Miss Lori, and the whole congregation of Baldwin First Assembly! You were an incredible blessing to us. Thank you for your extreme generosity, kindness, and true 'southern hospitality'! We look forward to being with you again in February. Blessings!!!

There you are, Anthony! I knew Miss Lori had you somewhere!

Anthony riding a frog at the park ("Miss Lori is the Best!")

Anthony ~ Train Conductor

Uniquely You Workshop, Baldwin, FL

Pastor Bert & Lori Hutson

On Saturday, November 12, Whole In One shared a Uniquely You Workshop with the congregation and leadership at Baldwin A/G in Baldwin, FL. There were 50+ people in attendence. We gave a Spiritual Gifts Assessment with a Personality Profile that helps people discover their God-given spiritual motivations and how their unique design opens the door for fruitful ministry.
I said to those gathered on Saturday, 'no one is ever saved just to sit in a pew!' Pastor Bert Hutson has been preparing the congregation over the past several weeks through sermons on Spiritual Gifts. It was clear to me that those who attended were hungry to learn more about themselves and the gifts that God has given.
Well over 90% of church conflicts are not theological, but they are interrelational problems often caused by personality clashes! It was fun to see the lightbulb come on as many were discovering what makes them tick--and what ticks them off!
February 24-28 have already been set aside for a follow-up Practics and Assimilation Workshop. Gail, Anthony, and I look forward to being in Baldwin!
Thank you, Pastor & Miss Lori, for all of your preparation and kind hospitality.