My grandfather.

I just got home from celebrating my grandfather's 84th birthday. If you have read my blog for any length of time, you know how much I love him. We celebrated him all weekend with food, laughter and family.

I had a crazy thought Saturday morning and decided that I wanted to honor him at his church by speaking about the impact he has made on my life... because he is so godly.

I am SUPER emotional and knew this could be disasterous but I got his pastor's phone number and left him a message asking him if it would be ok. He called me back and said it was. We had plans that night so I had minutes to figure out what I wanted to say about this sweet, amazing man who has made such an impact in my life.

Where do I start and how in the world am I not going to cry?? I told Tim and mom that their job was to pray for me not to cry. Papaw had no idea this was being planned. I SO wanted to do a good job in honoring him in this small way for a life of integrity, service, and righteousness.

There are so many evil things in this world but my grandfather is the opposite of those. He reminds me of Jesus. Some of my earliest memories were of him and my grandmother reading the Bible to me after a bath as I fell asleep at their house. They have prayed for me everyday of my life. I believe those prayers have protected me, led me, and blessed me in ways I will never know. He taught me how to play first base (with my dad who is equally as loving!) and came to every game to cheer me on. He is a giver~ never asking for anything in return or wanting it.

He just loves to love people.

So, anyway, Sunday morning came and I had my notes in hand. I wish I could have gotten up and spoken from the heart with no notes but I knew how hard this would be for me. We spent an hour looking for our car keys because Lake had gotten them. They could have been anywhere in my mom's whole house. We were looking in the dryer, toilet, tupperware cabinet...

I thought we were not going to be able to go at all. But we found them at the last second in a couch. I think that is why my hair is so crazy.

I have attached a clip on here so you can see the end of it. I look like a wreck because I WAS. I told Tim and mom that they DID NOT pray hard enough.

It was such an honor though. The scriptures I used were...

"But from everlasting to everlasting
the Lord's love is with those who fear him,
And his righteousness with their children's children."
Psalm 103:17
"The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:16
"Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16 (with the flashlight)
"Gray hair is a crown of splendor, it is attained my a righteous life." Prov. 16:31

I was ready!
But... as soon as I walked up to that podium, I lost it. I couldn't see my paper because everything was blurry. I told Tim and mom that, obviously, they did not pray hard enough for me not to cry! But, here is a clip of it for your enjoyment. I wish Tim would have kept filming the standing ovation for Papaw and the great big hug I gave to him!!
My grandfather was so shocked. He said,

"well, good gracious, honey!"
I LOVE HIM!!!
This video embarasses me bc I look like such a dork but I thought it would make you smile.
**don't forget to pause the music at the bottom!**