He made me laugh out loud. Again...

One of the traits I love most about sweet husband is...he makes me laugh out loud.  A lot.

Last night we braved the storms and went to see a play at our local arts center.  The Arts Center is a fabulous place that offers wonderful artistic opportunities to all kinds of artists...painters, potters, thespians, musicians, sculptors, weavers...you name it, The Arts Center will provide opportunities to hone, display and/or share your talent.  It's the same venue where "The Three Tenors" were presented a few weeks ago.

Our community thespians were in rare form last night as they presented their final performance of "Dearly Departed"...a catalyst for side-splitting laughter and hilarity centered around a Southern family's funeral for their "dearly departed" patriarch, Bud Turpin.

We saw this play about 11 years ago and laughed so hard we cried.  So...we knew we didn't want to miss it.  What I didn't expect was for the fun to begin before the play ever did.

Sweet husband and I got to the venue about 15 minutes before showtime.  We were able to purchase tickets, chat with a couple of fellow-attenders, visit "the facilities", and still secure second row seats.  After we settled into our seats, I began to read the program.  It's always fun to read the bios of the actors and actresses...especially when most of them are personal friends. 

As I read, there was a rustling in the seat next to me.  It sounded like some kind of plastic wrap.  When I looked to my right, there was sweet husband proudly showing me what he had just pulled out of one of his coat pockets... two Little Debbie oatmeal creme pies.  Before I could adequately process what I was seeing, sweet husband proceeded to draw out from his other coat pocket...a can of Diet Dr. Pepper.  ...which he then popped open and enjoyed along with his Little Debbie pies.

The belly laughter commenced.

I guess it was apropos... We were, after all, about to see a play with the main characters being named Ray Bud and Junior.

I love my man and how he makes me laugh...

...he loves his Little Debbies with a Diet Dr. Pepper chaser.

she got showered. it was more like a downpour...

So...in the Hudson Jude Hedger countdown we are at 38 weeks.  As Bethany began rounding third base to head for home, she called a "time out" and had a shower.  ...not because she was dusty from running bases.  ...not THAT kind of shower.

Her precious friends, Laura Mann and Allyson Hughes, gave her a baby shower!  It was just WONDERFUL!  Of course, how could sitting around looking at tiny little shoes for tiny little feet...tiny little diapers for tiny little bottoms...tiny little pants for tiny little legs...Hooter Hiders for extra large hooters...what?!  Ahem. ...what?!  Cough.  ...what?!  You know...hooters.  oh. my.

Bethany and Peter were overwhelmed by the generosity showered over them for Hudson.  He is truly a blessed little guy already!  Of course, beginning with his momma and daddy... he couldn't ask for better!!

Here are some highlights from the afternoon.
    

The shower had a nautical theme.  Laura and Allyson did such a good job of decorating!  This was the sign-in table.

  

 

More decorations...notice the personalized ring-float.  Sweet touch!

 

  The table centerpiece was so cute, too!  Those girls outdid themselves!!
  

Even the food table was "decked" out!

  

 Here are the "hostesses with the mostest"...Laura on the left and Allyson on the right.

Incredible ladies...cherished friends.
  

  

As I said previously...tiny shoes for tiny feet...of course, they will swallow him the first few months.  It's hard to conceive just how small those tiny toes will be... 

  

How perfect!  A hedgehog onesie for Hudson Hedger!  Ha! Ha!

  

A manly diaper bag that even Peter won't mind carrying...

he actually picked it out!

  

An oh-so-sweet diaper cake!  ...for Hudson's not-so-sweet surprises!

 

Kendahl and Alaina Williams...such sweet young ladies!  Always eager to serve, never without a smile, talented violinists, too!  We love the Williams family!!

 

 What a blessing!!  People signed-up at the shower to provide a meal for Bethany and Peter after Hudson arrives.  By the end of the shower there were 22 people that had signed up to serve Bethany and Peter with a meal!  What evidences of God's grace!!

  

...and you thought I was kidding!  Here it is...the Hooter-Hider!

Oh, Bethany...please model it for us?

  

Yep.  ...a little awkward...you'll be a "pro" in no time!

  

So...she's ready to sail into motherhood.

Hudson Jude Hedger...report to the bridge at once!

 

signs of spring. these are my favorites...

First of all...may I just say...my sweet husband is "da bomb"!!  He is enjoying spring break this week and instead of "breaking," he's serving me!  He went to the store today so he could cook dinner for me this evening.  Yep...he even cleaned up afterward.  Am I a blessed woman or what?!?

I was walking through the house as he was prepping and the thought hit me from out of the blue...this is my favorite time of year!  The windows were open allowing wafts of crisp, cool air to fill the room...seeming to say, "Wake up, winter sleepyheads!  Take a deep breath and be renewed!"  The grill was preheating and the hint of charred remains from previous grillings awakened my hibernating sense of smell...snoozing since the grill was put to rest for the winter months.  The oven was baking potatoes...the perfect compliment to any piece of meat cooked on the grill...even for just the nose.

Sweet husband came back in from cleaning the grill and found me in the den experiencing sensory overload.  I threw out my arms and said, "It just hit me!  This is my absolute favorite time of the year!  The grill aroma...the windows open...no humidity...the PERFECT springtime moment!"

Let me hurry to add...I love flowers.  I love dogwood trees blooming.  I love seeing the new growth of leaves appear on the trees.  All of those evidences of new life springing forth after a long winter's rest are beautiful.  But, my world begins spinning a little faster than it did during the winter when I can let the outside in...and when sweet husband can work his magic with his Holland grill.

I was so excited...I had to document the moment...and the yumminess.

WARNING:  Drool-wipers will be needed!  ...or a barf-bag if you're vegetarian...

 I can't tell you how he does it...
but, this is what it looks like after he's done.

This is a beautiful beginning to a sumptuous symphony for the senses!
 

This is essential.  Sweet husband's "Father's Day" present to himself about 10 years ago.  I wasn't too happy about it then...but, he'd have quite a fight on his hands if he tried to get rid of it now.  I'm just sayin'...

These two jewels...

along with these two jewels...

combine to make the perfect sides for a sweet husband grilling.

Our neighbors' puppies, Samson and Delilah (not kidding...check the collar colors for which is which) were as excited about the symphony of smells as I was.  Actually, I think they probably felt as if they were being tortured unmercifully...considering the sensitivity of their smellers for these...

Are you serious?  How could we?  Right next to their yard!

Heartless.

But, we're talkin' people food here, people!  Samson and Delilah would not appreciate this!

I know...you wish it was scratch-n-sniff.  Sorry.  
File your complaint with Mr. Gates...or Mr. Jobs.

Dessert was...how shall I say?...a dream in a bowl!

Blue Bell ice cream is just a notch below real homemade ice cream.

Shshshshshsh...this is "Mayfield Country" after all. :-)
  

So...what screams "SPRING!" to you?

  

if you think it's about you but it's not. it's God's Son...

I was invited to speak for the Idlewild Baptist Church Women's Outreach Luncheon today.  A couple of months ago, the pastor's wife had videotaped a 5-minute snippet of me sharing some of my testimony which they showed on "Sanctity of Human Life" Sunday.  Evidently a result of that video was their extending an invitation to me to speak at their luncheon.

It was truly a lovely time.  Each of the ladies (or two together) decorated a table and invited unsaved or unchurched friends to fill their table.  There was a "give away" on each table, as well.

I sat at a chocolate-themed table...I tried to keep my drool at a minimum...and felt my hips growing just by osmosis.  We were surrounded by chocolate candy bars, chocolate miniatures, chocolate covered strawberries, and...the piece de resistance...a gorgeously decorated homemade chocolate cake, made fresh this morning by one of the ladies at the table.  Yes...the lucky person with a red dot on the bottom of her cup that was overflowing with chocolate got to take the cake home.  No...it wasn't me...that's not a bad thing...I gained about 10 pounds just looking at it during lunch.

After we ate lunch (well...the ladies ate lunch...I saved mine for after I spoke/sang...it was better that way...just trust me...) we played a couple of games and then I was invited to share.

I was reminded as I prepared and as I shared how powerful Christ-exalting testimonies are of God's grace, mercy and power.  God was so gracious to encourage me afresh by how He has lavished me undeservedly with His grace, mercy, love and kindness.  It's not necessarily an easy trip down memory lane...but, the trip always results in my heart being overwhelmed with thankfulness and awe that the God of all would be mindful of me.

The children of Israel erected altars in worship to God so they would remember His steadfast love and faithfulness...and they would show their children and their children's children and tell them the stories of how God had been faithful...never leaving them nor forsaking them.  They served as pointers to God...the only sure hope in a hopeless world. 

I think our testimonies serve as our "altars".  They are not about us...really.  They are about God and His power to ransom, love, sustain and keep His children.

As I reflected over my testimony, I was saddened by the infrequency in which I take opportunities to share it with people.  Those are missed opportunities to proclaim the grace of God!  Opportunities to share my testimony should not provoke shame or embarrassment...they should provoke humility, worship, praise, thankfulness, awe...that God has chosen to display His gospel and His glory in this earthen vessel.  My testimony doesn't point to me...it points to my Savior!

I'd love to hear your Jesus story!  Care to share?

   

We didn't hunt eggs. We deviled 'em...

Last year we began what we now hope (after this year...#2) will be a family tradition...an Easter afternoon picnic. We journey to Sequoyah Park...find an optimum spot (ie: level, shady, dog-poop free...well, 2 out of 3 ain't bad), spread blankets, unfold camp chairs, set out food and commence the chow-down. After a sumptuous repast, the younger folks enjoy some games, while the older folks let their food settle...with the agreement that the older folks will "take the winners".  

We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful picnic day. The spot was lovely, though not dog-poop free...(sigh). The sky was crystal blue. The temperature was a comfortable 80 degrees with low humidity and a consistent gentle breeze. It was picture perfect...

Don't you agree?

 Here's the spread.  The menu included fried chicken, ham, potato salad, deviled eggs, broccoli salad, slaw, fruit salad, grape salad, pickled okra (a Bethany fave), queen olives, a strawberry & blueberry dessert and chocolate chip bars.  Mmm...Mmm...good!!

There was something for everyone...

 Peter was particularly enthused.  (It wouldn't be a family event without a goofy Peter photo.)

Drew, Mike and Jim Holder...I just love relaxing times with family and friends!

Pat Holder visiting with Jane Hedger...Pete Hedger chilling with the men (see Drew's knee?)

We were excited to have Loren's brother, Lawson, with us.  I was particularly thrilled to see his Auburn University hat...WAR EAGLE!!

It was so great to catch up with Stephen Holder!  He lives in Nashville now, but had come in for the weekend.  Here he is with his mom, Pat.  Precious friends...

The young guns enjoyed some corn hole... 

...then the dads showed 'em how it was done!

A cheery game of croquet was played.  Jim wielded a skillful stick...

...while Drew was quite determined.

...but, found frisbie much more to his liking.

There were four-legged friends enjoying the party (and river). Here's Maggie with her owner Scott Andrews.

...and Lance, in one of the only moments he wasn't barking and defending our picnic site against other dogs enticed by the delicious aroma emanating from the food table.  I'm thankful to report, no chicken was lost...Thank you, Lance!

 Nicole Hedger had her four-legged friend, Kiwi, along for the afternoon.  No pic of Kiwi...but, here's Nicole enjoying a post-picnic siesta...
smart girl!

Lucy Andrews was the youngest picnicker.  She was a trooper...sans nap!  Next year we'll have two more babies joining the picnic...

  Hudson Jude Hedger due May 1, 2010 and...

 Sweet Baby Andrews...due August 2010.

Here are the 2010 Easter Picnickers... from left to right...

Peter & Bethany Hedger; Sweet Husband & Me; Drew; Jim, Pat & Stephen Holder; Deborah & Durie Andrews; Sarah, Josh & Lucy Andrews; Lawson Milstead; Loren & Jake Simmons; Ashley & Scott Andrews; Sam, Pete, Jane & Nicole Hedger.

MIA:  Josh & Meggie Simmons...maybe next year?

It's Good Friday. Sunday's on it's way...

This brings tears to my eyes...  It never fails to affect me...



This brings back memories of our children dancing and singing. It used to be a fave! ...a loooooong time ago! :)

the witnesses speak. they speak of Jesus...

So, here in our little town in the valley we have "holy week services" each day (Monday thru Friday) at 12:05PM during the week leading up to Resurrection Sunday.  A friend invited me to yesterday's service to hear the senior adult choir sing...she's the director.  I was very happy to accept.

The service began with a piano and organ arrangement of "Lamb of God" originally sung by Twila Paris.  It was lovely.  The pastor of the host church then opened in prayer...a very humble, reverent prayer.  We then were invited to sing the wonderful Stuart Townend and Keith Getty hymn "This The Power of the Cross"...a very gospel saturated, recently penned hymn.  We were then led in worship by the choir as they sang a lovely medley of "More Precious Than Silver" and "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross". Then the pastor from one of the other local churches stepped forward to deliver a "holy week meditation".

This is where my blood pressure begins to rise...I'm feeling a vein in the side of my neck getting bigger and pulsating in an erratic rhythm...

The pastor invited everyone to turn to Hebrews 12:1-2...a familiar passage following the "Hall of Faith" chapter 11.  "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 set before us, 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."

What a great passage for a "holy week meditation"...or so I thought.

The pastor began with a story about a young boy who was on a baseball team.  He didn't get to play very often, spending each game on the bench.  But, in this game the coach approached him and told him to grab a bat...he was going in.  The boy was terrified and had no confidence that he could hit the baseball...and there were already two outs.

He went to the plate and the ball zipped past him...strike one!  He took a deep breath and repositioned himself in the batter's box.  The ball, once again, sped past him smacking the catcher's mitt...strike two!  The boy was feeling hopeless...but, his whole family was behind him yelling, "You can do it!  You can hit the ball!"  His hopes slightly buoyed the boy prepared himself once again.  Still hearing the chants of his family and friends, the boy watched as the pitcher wound up to prepare to pitch the ball.  A little wiggle of his hips and a tightening of his hands around the neck of the bat and the boy was ready...just in time for...strike three!  He was out.  The game was over and all was lost.

The boy returned to the dugout feeling like a failure and not wanting to make eye contact with anyone.  Then he felt a hand on his shoulder and heard his father say, "Son, get your bat and come back out here...it isn't over, yet."  The boy didn't understand.  He was the third out in the ninth inning...why was his dad telling him it wasn't over?  Not feeling like arguing, he took his bat and returned to home plate.

When he got there he saw his father on the pitcher's mound and the rest of his family positioned in the infield and outfield...grandma was even in centerfield.  His dad pitched the ball and...CRACK!...the boy made contact and the ball soared out into the field.

The boy ran as fast as he could to first base, rounded it and headed to second.  He began to wonder where the ball was.  He didn't think he'd hit it hard enough for a homerun.  As he rounded third base and headed for home, he saw his whole family gathered around homeplate with his father standing behind homebase with his arms held out wide.  Upon reaching home base, the boy was scooped up in his father's arms and surrounded by the love and encouragement of his family. Ah, yes...all was well.

Okay...it's an nice story...but, where is the "holy week message"?

The pastor then proceeded to expound on how we are "surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses" just like the boy in the story.  They are all around us, encouraging us from heaven.  He mentioned several family members of his who have passed away and he's sure they are encouraging him as he still lives on this earth.

I was thinking...hmmm...don't really agree with that...let's move on to the real "holy week message"..."let us lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely...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..."

He asked us if we ever felt burdened...discouraged...weighed down with the cares of this world.  He then said we need to remember that we are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses who are encouraging us.  They are speaking encouraging words over us.

Then he asked us if we speak encouraging words to others...would others describe us as an encourager or a discourager?  The pastor then closed by encouraging everyone to remember the cloud of witnesses surrounding us...he prayed and...

That was it.

I was dumbfounded...numb...in disbelief...shocked...  We had just been encouraged during this "holy week meditation" from Hebrews 12:1-2 to ponder "dead" people...instead of Jesus Christ, who took on our sin, though He was sinless, and bore the wrath of God that we deserved.  The Word of God even tells us that those "witnesses" who were saved by God's grace and have gone before us are praising and singing "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing." (Revelation 5:12)

The service ended with the congregation singing "Beneath the Cross of Jesus" and I took some measure of comfort that lyricist Elizabeth Clephane pointed us to Jesus and the cross before we exited.

This morning I was thankful for a true "holy week meditation" by J. C. Ryle...

"Never let it be forgotten that He (Jesus) had a real human body, a body exactly like our own, just as sensitive, just as vulnerable, just as capable of feeling intense pain.  And then let us see what that body endured...

Was He flogged?  It was done so that 'by His wounds we are healed' (Isaiah 53:5)

Was He condemned, though innocent?  It was done so that we might be acquitted, though guilty.

Did He wear a crown of thorns?  It was done so that we might wear the crown of glory.

Was He stripped of His clothes?  It was done so that we might be clothed in everlasting righteousness.

Was He mocked and reviled?  It was done so that we might be honored and blessed.

Was He reckoned a criminal and counted among those who have done wrong?  It was done so that we might be reckoned innocent, and declared free from all sin.

Was He declared unable to save Himself?  It was so that He might be able to save others to the uttermost.

Did He die at last, and that the most painful and disgraceful death?  It was done so that we might live forevermore, and be exalted to the highest glory.

Let us ponder these things well:  they are worth remembering.  

As the Church of England Homily of Passion says so well:  'Let this image of Christ crucified be always printed in our hearts.  Let it stir us up to the hatred of sin, and provoke our minds to the earnest love of Almighty God."


Yes...may we be mindful of and thankful for those who have gone before us having lived lives of great faith...like the "great cloud of witnesses" whom God describes in Hebrews 11.

But, may our hearts and our eyes be fixed on Jesus..."who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.  And being found in human form, He humbled Himself becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.  Therefore, God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee would bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."  (Philippians 2: 6-11)