Play Date

In our home, we love play dates for Mary so she can better learn to communicate and share.  It's even a bigger bonus when the other playmate is from a godly home.  In this way, we hope, that good habits will be shared by both homes with little risk of learning bad traits; unless you consider singing a bad trait.  Mary LOVES to sing!  She has acquired this from her mom, and her silly ideas originate from her dad.  (I mean, can't we all use a little silliness in our lives?)

In a bigger picture, we can learn much from children.  Learning.  Laughing.  Smiling.  Singing.  Imagination.  Sharing.  Giving.  These are attributes that would add to our lives as adults, but we need to be reminded once in a while, that we should be as children.  Imagine our world with more child-like qualities?  Sounds fun and exciting!  In our home we love Disney movies, and right now I'm on a "Bolt" kick...so here are few clips for you to enjoy!

"It's a good day to die!"

Bolt talking with the pigeons.

That's My King

I have never grown weary of being lifted up spiritually.  No matter if it comes through hearing a sermon, reading Scripture, listening to music, or watching a video.  Here is a great video that introduces us to S.M. Lockridge, a powerful preacher.  Take a moment and watch this video...then be encouraged!

A Few Simple Words

 Mary and Papaw on his new lawn mower

Mary and Nana making "silly faces" while at Pigeon Forge back in July

Below are the few words that I shared at Mom's Memorial Service last week.  I wanted to share them with you...enjoy!

Have you noticed that you always want another day when leaving the beach? Another hour when leaving the colorful mountains? When leaving a joyous reunion of loved ones, you want to hear just one more story? This evening we are no different. We want just one more hug, one more kiss, one more smile, one more laugh, one more story, or one more “I love you.” Yet, deep in our hearts, we know this is not the end; rather just the beginning. A beginning of Mom’s new life in heaven. She is now awaiting our arrival in that grand and glorious kingdom. That is once she has spent time at the feet of Jesus, and then spending time with her daddy, mom, brother, sister, and others. What a sight that must be!

With that thought in mind, are you prepared for eternity? If you desire to see her again, you must be born again.  You must have a relationship with Jesus Christ. What could possibly be important in your life to keep you from peace, love, forgiveness, and hope…and Mom?

When mom and I talked about this service, she adamantly wanted it to be about Christ.

In fact, at first she was opposed to this service, but once I explained to her that this was for us, she consented. By the way, if you want to hear stories of our childhood growing up, just ask one of us; beware, they are probably not short, and they will most likely evoke laughter and smiles.

Yes, tonight is a special night, but not because of Nancy Carol Fortune Lee Lilly, but because we lift high the wonderful name of Jesus Christ. Mom, we love you, and we shall see you again…farewell!

Talk to you later...

 Yesterday was a sad day in the lives of our family.  Mom quietly slipped from our presence into the everlasting comfort of God's kingdom.  She was diagnosed with cancer back in January, and given slim hopes of making a few months, but God was gracious in giving her several months of good/quality living.  I'm going to miss (already do) those frequent phone calls, stories, laughter, advice (even when I didn't ask for it), meals, and her being Nana to my precious little girl Mary.  We prayed for God to take her in His time, and not my time.  Even though they seldom occur together, I still trust my Heavenly Father to work His will and desire into our lives.  Now, there is one more reason for me to long for heaven...but not until my time has come: there is yet more living to take place.  I plan to drink deeply from the well of life.  I plan to drink often from that fountain.  To God be the glory, honor, and majesty for blessing me with a wonderful mom who modeled much for me to observe.  I love you mom!  I will see you on the shores of that river where pain, disease, and suffering have been vanquished by our Master and Redeemer.  Until then...talk to you later.

Obituary

Nancy Lee Lilly of Statesville, NC, formerly of Logan, WV, peacefully went home to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, September 11, 2011 at home after a courageous battle against cancer.  She was born October 8, 1938 in Logan, WV to the late Rev. W.E. and Edith Fortune.  Also preceding her in death was one brother Jack E. Fortune, one infant sister, Sue Ann Fortune; paternal grandparents, John and Tiny Fortune; maternal grandparents, Paul and Ada Austin.  Nancy graduated from Logan High School (1957), and worked various jobs, but her prize employment was as a stay at home mom to four wonderful children.  Most recently she retired from Michael Weinig Company, and was church pianist at Monticello Baptist Church.  She is survived by her loving husband, Dean Lilly; daughters Wendy Michelle Lee (Rick Hurlinger) of Martinsburg, WV; Sabrina Dawn Adkins (Doug) of Salisbury, NC; sons James Maurice Lee (Rhonda) of Winton, CA; Rev. Jack Randall Lee (Lisa) of Fuquay-Varina, NC; one grandson, Jeffrey Ryan Motes (Noelle) of Salisbury, NC; one granddaughter Mary Elisabeth Lee of Fuquay-Varina, NC.  Also three brothers, Rev. James (Elouine) Fortune, Thomas (Annetta) Fortune and Paul (Sharon) Fortune all of West Logan, WV; step-sons Rick Lilly (Milisia) of Logan,WV, and Randy Lilly (Crystal) of Huntington, WV, and step grand-children Chelsey, Ali Kaye and Decklan, plus a host of nieces and nephews and friends.

A memorial service will be held to honor her life in Christ on Thursday, September 15 at 7:00 p.m. at Monticello Baptist Church, 3603 Taylorsville Hwy, Statesville, NC.  Memorial contributions may be made to your favorite charity or to any cancer research agency.  Reavis Funeral Home in Statesville, NC is in charge of arrangements.

Water

Ah, the feel of cool water splashing about your legs and arms in the midst of a hot day always brings a smile to your face.  Recently, the Lee family enjoyed a short break, and trekked down to North Myrtle Beach for some family time.  Most of the time was spent in water.  The pool, lazy river, or ocean, didn’t matter as long as it was wet.  The temps were comfortable (around 86 degrees) and the water was so inviting.  We thoroughly enjoyed spending time playing in the water, and enjoying one another’s company.

We knew we had to take Mary to the beach soon when she spotted a sea shell and asked, “What’s this?”  I guess we took for granted that she would remember, having lived in Beaufort, what a sea shell actually looked like…guess we were wrong.  As you can imagine, we spent many hours on the beach enjoying the pounding waves that knocked a 38 pound toddler around (yet, she smiled each time a wave moved her around), and carefully looking at the countless sea shells that covered the sandy shore.

This trip is destined to be a classic, and hopefully, we’ll repeat it soon.  A great time was had, and we did not even venture out of the hotel to see the many sights.  There will be time for that, just keep the pool water ready to be enjoyed.