Sunday, September 14, 2008

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!**

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

That was so good, Steph! (And don't worry, I think all girls cry when we have to speak about someone we love--I know I do!)
--Kelli

Taylor said...

There are tear drops on my keyboard! That was so sweet and special. What a tremendous honor to your grandfather!

Jaime said...

That was very sweet. Thank you for sharing...and making me cry! :)

Anonymous said...

OK - I'm crying before 8:30 in the morning - its going to be a good day :)
Cherie

AG said...

I am so glad you went to his church and honored him in such special way.

Angela said...

So sweet!!!!!!!! There's no way I could've done it without crying either. That is so amazing that you have such a wonderful relationship with him.

By the way, I totally thought of you when I saw that Julianne Hough is going to be on Dancing with the Stars! She's your Barbie girl! :)

Nicole said...

That was so awesome...the fact that you can even get up in front of all those people and speak amazes me...of course that has always been my weakness. I am sure you made your grandfather super proud (he sounds a lot like my grandma!!).

lots_of_love_four_kids said...

You did a great job- and I don't know many that could speak without tears for someone that they love so much and who has had such a tremendous impact. I was crying along with you and smiling too- especially when Tim turns the camera to your Grandfather- and one of the boys can't resist the camera!
Thanks for sharing this with us!
hope that you are doing and feeling well today!
(HUG)
-Jenni

BethAnne said...

I bet he was so proud and I daresay yours werent the only tears that were flowing!

maryanne420 said...

stephanie,

that really touched me! i was also very close to my late grandpa. you did a fantastic job and what a great thing to teach your children--honoring your grandpa.

Jes said...

Bummer! I can't get it to play for some reason.
If you see this and want to text it to me, I really would love to watch it.
What a gift that must have been to your grandfather!
I had a grandmother like that. I'm absolutely convinced that her fervent prayers were used by Jesus to draw me out of the dominion of darkness.
Love you, Sweet Stephanie.