tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38261667462205067432024-03-14T10:26:54.732-07:00CLAY JERNIGANFollower.Husband.Father.Pastor.Clay's Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02857867350098401127noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826166746220506743.post-36212128592797779752009-06-18T13:51:00.000-07:002009-06-18T14:24:31.486-07:00Garden Time<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMlp0fkHkwFTN2ZIRrwtRMzmlafvfX24ca7ZvkcZNmv37lxeQUTGIRn9oOiQKV81SgF2WQZLaTEcggmfrzkRSN75HfP8N5EmS2nlHLiuDU-uIfmK2Z8s7oSdkSFYxEA5R0c89zqH-530/s1600-h/IMG_0158.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348781323264326514" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMlp0fkHkwFTN2ZIRrwtRMzmlafvfX24ca7ZvkcZNmv37lxeQUTGIRn9oOiQKV81SgF2WQZLaTEcggmfrzkRSN75HfP8N5EmS2nlHLiuDU-uIfmK2Z8s7oSdkSFYxEA5R0c89zqH-530/s200/IMG_0158.JPG" border="0" /></a> O<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6529rEeME1jFNFWXV4Zbe8pHaCjoeHWPnHt9HcN_m-wR7OPiG9cOT501PYx6q9bHIE2Ze7W15lAMpyi4RDu2QTpVPEXT_XxsbGGJ0lhupBLkKWc8gkr35uknzu1TwwNZoOPn_mw2nns/s1600-h/IMG_0158.JPG"></a>ne thing Erin and I have <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">strived</span> to do as a parents as been to take advantage of or create moments were are children are able to engage new things. As we entered the month of May, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Eliana</span> and I planted several small seeds that would <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVaV_KjY2iyZpYYrod_nRohwgotr3_txnM9bB3VwzGksVlo6kSa36kqMlbw_uchFLkj2P00wF7vKnTd558xb8T7-wMUNHEgWLzJmna_QC5NvbhyphenhyphenNFzSS4aYLBlOtGQMCLnyKlH8_uDrk/s1600-h/IMG_0156.JPG"></a>hopefully yield a small harvest of cucumbers and squash. Well, to my dismay, these little seeds took off and a decision laid in my hands, "Do I keep these little <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">sproutlings</span> and make a garden in the back yard or do I throw them away when <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Eliana</span> is not looking?" Well, I decided to do something no one in my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">immedi</span> ate family have ever done, so I made the garden! To date we have several little cucumbers and squash growing. Oh yeah...and we planted one <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">watermelon</span> vine. Stay tuned to see what we get. You can see <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Eliana</span> watering the plants with such care and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">precision</span>.Clay's Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02857867350098401127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826166746220506743.post-47658077144493268382009-06-15T14:38:00.001-07:002009-06-15T14:44:54.983-07:00I'm Back...Well I have set out to do the impossible...blog at least one time a week. Now if you read my last blog, you would be forced to think that maybe another huricane came and I did not make it. That was an attempt at a joke, being that the last time I blogged was almost a year ago. So to think once a week for Clay to write is crazy. I agree.<br /><br />For some of you, exciting and wonderful things just come to your door every day and writing them down for those who care to know excites you. I have to admit while I believe exciting and wonderful things happen in my life (ecpecially when you have children), I just have to wonder who cares. Well regardless of who decides to read, here I go. Please check back in.Clay's Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02857867350098401127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826166746220506743.post-62487905535567435972008-09-06T06:03:00.000-07:002008-09-06T06:11:02.592-07:00We Survived!!!The winds and the rain came by the droves. Trees were popping everywhere around us...well okay not really. So Tropical Storm Hanna came and went with nothing to leave but a nice rain fall. I am certainly not complaining, although if I'm honest, I have found myself in the past becoming a little bummed when hurricanes in other areas are down graded. Now please don't get me wrong, I have no desire to see people get hurt, but the mass furry of such a storm is quite amazing. <br /><br />Well as I write the sun is shinning and there are children in the road throwing their frisbee. Looks like it is going to be a good day. Hope you enjoy yours.Clay's Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02857867350098401127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826166746220506743.post-74616620727533631742008-08-22T10:09:00.050-07:002008-08-22T10:36:44.385-07:00I Know....I Know!I know I know...it's been like months since my last entry. I do apologize to all 3 of you that actually check every month to see if Clay has anything to say. Well the big question is what in the world do I write about. I mean after a 2 month sebbatical and hours of pondering the next blog entry, one would expect something amazing, right? Well the truth is, there are so many things to write about, but where do I start? I think about the road my family has been down the last 6 months and the emotional effects brought on by the loss of a brother-in-law and a brother away in Iraq helping defend this awesome country. Or the times Erin, Eliana, and Harper and I have had to go enjoy with grandparents, friends, and each other. Or how overjoyed I get when I hear of how people at the Journey Church are investing their lives into the lives of others. Whether that be sharing a cup of coffee, helping paint rooms, listening to a couple struggling with their marriage, and college students staying up late to figure out how they are going to make an impact on their campus for Christ. ALL OF YOU GUYS ROCK!<br />There is no doubt the last few months have been full of some emotional highs and lows, but I thank my God that through it all he tells me He never changes. That means that through my ups and downs, He still lavishes the same love on me that He always has. That also means He has the same expectations for me regardless of my situations. Those expectations are for me to love Him, love my wife and children, and to love and invest in the lives of the people he has place around. I look forward to being more specific in my future posts about the great and not so great things going on. Until then...I hope not another 2 months.Clay's Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02857867350098401127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826166746220506743.post-34179531077216731922008-06-01T19:51:00.000-07:002008-12-13T04:55:28.862-08:00Harper's Room<div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">Just thought I would share pictures of Harper's room. We wanted to stay away from some typical "baby colors", so here is what we came up with. Just as a disclamer, there is nothing wrong with "baby colors", ie. pastal blues, just wanted something different. Here it is...</span></div><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207112930012590050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6DfY3XkHflxj6y5TeW7MJ42HAc_vVAB7aFwx9jsK8RGTYNcFAP0DqqcnV5MKl5uXinunKyrusKj7XHlOMhi-mJCLcxxLX8_LAG7Cv8TDMDPMz1veZY-4jLupmtcKBLxjR2DBbDdL4tU/s320/IMG_1125.jpg" border="0" /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGeUPf333M3_5lOSKGcp1yN8DQf7On6BspCn-aoWW5FNu6AtgNkaFUhfqIqyYPmuk66AL1s7bEUTH22h7qRgC12mv4ZeEwgEmyi5w7OaGayQ0CLbJEdGSCp4diO-aMSFabbd1o3HurAJk/s1600-h/IMG_1126.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207112934307557362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGeUPf333M3_5lOSKGcp1yN8DQf7On6BspCn-aoWW5FNu6AtgNkaFUhfqIqyYPmuk66AL1s7bEUTH22h7qRgC12mv4ZeEwgEmyi5w7OaGayQ0CLbJEdGSCp4diO-aMSFabbd1o3HurAJk/s320/IMG_1126.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu89B8TciIsvZuvwPOCWdVhKqV9D7Q0B0IKm5b8GJ18YQ7on06wp2nq0leR8uhKtV4tpXCKaKYEAQ-PB2SXDCWdrF-yukK4LXe8mAM4d5GKobgH7p4uvirpA9SNb78hxdSZektt-Rj3Q8/s1600-h/IMG_1128.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207112938602524674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu89B8TciIsvZuvwPOCWdVhKqV9D7Q0B0IKm5b8GJ18YQ7on06wp2nq0leR8uhKtV4tpXCKaKYEAQ-PB2SXDCWdrF-yukK4LXe8mAM4d5GKobgH7p4uvirpA9SNb78hxdSZektt-Rj3Q8/s320/IMG_1128.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGxTg_wxgGuuYyKbhbshwExWJ34OAwDSkqV5PMx5hCj1N2oON8A_Y7hj_N0RG3SDMD0eXsWuBolfLwF_AKxzlcI_iywzDamgQOLDL0rKEPWHkpqMof3buPxWsyCL3sBA3KlofLcXloSA/s1600-h/IMG_1125.jpg"></a><br /><div></div></div>Clay's Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02857867350098401127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826166746220506743.post-43197927897794963692008-05-10T20:18:00.000-07:002008-12-13T04:55:29.395-08:00Michael Is DancingFor many of you who have followed with us, my brother-in-law has battled cancer for the past two years. This past week the Lord decided Michael had to fight no more. While I have many words and feelings, I don't think I can express anything quite as well as his awesome wife Jen. Jen sent this email out the following morning after Michael passed. His life was truly one lived to the fullest. We will forever miss him.<br /><br />FROM JEN:<br /><br />hi friends!<br />i didn't think i'd be writing this email this soon. after a two year <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-1bQBFmKsKbUFClWgeUR1gVh7Q8cjbFT5m3tS7asDpBiApZ7JRYbDQqo4ZcKN3zkUcZLiw27Y_6XkDUvMqA55NvWb03YwnYQrBNKXIXiGKm8JGfF8xolMOelu-p5-RkSs4mybPCyh5o/s1600-h/Colwell2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198955736493185570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-1bQBFmKsKbUFClWgeUR1gVh7Q8cjbFT5m3tS7asDpBiApZ7JRYbDQqo4ZcKN3zkUcZLiw27Y_6XkDUvMqA55NvWb03YwnYQrBNKXIXiGKm8JGfF8xolMOelu-p5-RkSs4mybPCyh5o/s200/Colwell2.jpg" border="0" /></a>battle with cancer that michael fought with such toughness and determination he is nowrejoicing with our Lord in heaven. michael peacefullypassed away last night at 11:50 pm. yesterday was atough day. michael went to bed as normal saturday night. he even slipped out of bed around 3:00am. i helped him back into bed and he made some silly comment about being clumsy. when the boys woke me up in the morning around 7:30 i noticed michael was slightly labored in his breathing. at first i justthought he was snoring, but after looking at him his left eye was slightly open and looked un responsive. i tried to wake him up and couldn't. i moved his arms, legs, tried sitting him up and put water on his face,but nothing. i then called our oncologist office who told me to call 911 right away. i did and the firetruck and ambulance were here in under fifteen minutes and by 8:25 we were in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. once arriving they put him on a ventilator and got a ct scan to see what was happening. two of his tumors had some more bleeding and there was tremendous pressure in his head causing his brain tobe pushed down to the base of his brain stem (called herniated). i was quickly told this was not a reversible condition and there was nothing we could do. he would not recover from this. he was not in any pain and it <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi800IZMqxysgtjRdRiSrmTUMDRoREXX-xTLrHqrhRof-Q_aTNu1uqaAzF-ahjrExxciSDlQmu_ZMVN17MKEPJCqga5FzMl0H_D5hkIOoqFGroGFOq06vcXYcRSWDq1CBXwhzGMVZd_0SE/s1600-h/Colwell.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198955727903250946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi800IZMqxysgtjRdRiSrmTUMDRoREXX-xTLrHqrhRof-Q_aTNu1uqaAzF-ahjrExxciSDlQmu_ZMVN17MKEPJCqga5FzMl0H_D5hkIOoqFGroGFOq06vcXYcRSWDq1CBXwhzGMVZd_0SE/s200/Colwell.jpg" border="0" /></a>would be a matter of hours before we would lose him. around 11-12 they moved him up to an icu room where we (me, my dad, bill and andy) sat with him. my mom and sister also made it to the hospital for a little while and were able to say their goodbyes. michael's parents got in their car and tarted the seemingly never ending drive. thankfully hey arrived around 10:00pm and michael was still with s. the ventilator was the only thing keeping him live. after spending some time with him we decided round 11:30ish to stop the ventilator. this was something michael and i had talked about. it only took minutes since he was not able to breath on his own before he peacefully was embraced by our loving heavenly Father who took him home. of course i would have preferred a miraculous healing, but since obviously this was michael's time to go i couldn't have asked for better circumstances surrounding the day. we were blessed with lots of loving friends in the waiting room, great neighbors who stepped upwithout hesitating, an <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZntaT3JPZZW6ZRp9rlmpRr3SDP2m165HV86UqhIVGUa5iqHTzmFQepzwgQ57aHJCQpmwlqjr00I-9MNL09EmAYS6BYOzF9KKpquWcTWcCcbWE8QekFrK65CPMbMgDYMWOzaSUd49tAek/s1600-h/Colwell1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198955736493185554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZntaT3JPZZW6ZRp9rlmpRr3SDP2m165HV86UqhIVGUa5iqHTzmFQepzwgQ57aHJCQpmwlqjr00I-9MNL09EmAYS6BYOzF9KKpquWcTWcCcbWE8QekFrK65CPMbMgDYMWOzaSUd49tAek/s200/Colwell1.jpg" border="0" /></a>amazing hospital staff who wassupportive and michael being painfree and totally peaceful. it was a long hard day, but i can smile today knowing he's where he belongs. and nobody loves him more than my God. he's left an imprint in many lives which is exactly what he wanted to do. he will continue to live on through all of us and especiallyhis sweet boys. please pray for them as this is something so foreign and strange. i talked with them this morning and we shared some tears together, but all agreed we would still love and talk about daddy whenever we wanted to. and of course he would never stop loving us. thank you already for all your love and support. it comforting to know i have so many amazing people around me ready to help with anything! let this week be a celebration of michael's life! he most definitely deserves it!<br /><br />love,<br />jenClay's Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02857867350098401127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826166746220506743.post-40159054766724814902008-04-25T11:14:00.000-07:002008-12-13T04:55:29.899-08:00A Great Week with The Family<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFALbyLNeiuzoxLuakLSQGjCYcMvQlWMWxh0eFFYlSUo7BrI4EyyJ4ccaPCiJAisajWPj92OsUP2lhl9HODRKXOnvuz3K3mXkC-Zk5iUrv-QSDqUjFv6PSPcVgXTdQWxlsJkNyYZrkXLs/s1600-h/Eliana-Adorable.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193361648146551906" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFALbyLNeiuzoxLuakLSQGjCYcMvQlWMWxh0eFFYlSUo7BrI4EyyJ4ccaPCiJAisajWPj92OsUP2lhl9HODRKXOnvuz3K3mXkC-Zk5iUrv-QSDqUjFv6PSPcVgXTdQWxlsJkNyYZrkXLs/s200/Eliana-Adorable.JPG" border="0" /></a>I have had the most wonderful week. I have had the opportunity to be at home while our family is getting back on its feet from the birth of our second child - Harper. The time at home has allowed me to accomplish little jobs around the house, but most of all bond <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_I0sXmVO6t86w_TUJNxBQRWj7UEE0X6pGn34Z5xQxxYE-vbuTau0ZnzrxoADCIR2MXVfiJIce0BJWKc-x23IfAm_dRF2l8TI7L3CxxIx8YHJ63giajqGnnGReYjKK1x4j-0IrT6-J9s/s1600-h/Memaw-Eliana+Ball.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193364375450784914" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_I0sXmVO6t86w_TUJNxBQRWj7UEE0X6pGn34Z5xQxxYE-vbuTau0ZnzrxoADCIR2MXVfiJIce0BJWKc-x23IfAm_dRF2l8TI7L3CxxIx8YHJ63giajqGnnGReYjKK1x4j-0IrT6-J9s/s200/Memaw-Eliana+Ball.JPG" border="0" /></a>with my little man and precious little girl. On Wednesday, Eliana's Memaw and Grandpap (my mother and step-father) came to visit for a few hours. From the pictures you can see one of the things she enjoys the most right now - SWINGING. Probably some of the most frequent words I hear are "Daddy swing?" To which how do you resist such a sweet request? It has been an incredible week and while I look forward to getting back into a little routine, I will <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBL8_jFjDsLcvWVBGWjD5WcCYrJSBYDaCRSGsxx_lq1Ui_0bCggdQM72GuMaLUTmtK6Nr5huAjn3LeqVn55EONqDLaublyt1GkBhLBHA8TpO-p9hVjK4jxKJkYVAUyuaqm2nLW8PDIwlk/s1600-h/Eliana+Kisses+Harper.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193365457782543522" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBL8_jFjDsLcvWVBGWjD5WcCYrJSBYDaCRSGsxx_lq1Ui_0bCggdQM72GuMaLUTmtK6Nr5huAjn3LeqVn55EONqDLaublyt1GkBhLBHA8TpO-p9hVjK4jxKJkYVAUyuaqm2nLW8PDIwlk/s200/Eliana+Kisses+Harper.JPG" border="0" /></a>forever cherish this week with my beautiful wife and two precious children. Thank you God for the tender grace you give in little things.<br /><div></div>Clay's Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02857867350098401127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826166746220506743.post-14117543562565248432008-04-22T17:42:00.000-07:002008-12-13T04:55:30.285-08:00A Long Night<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyM81aMr54XKlSIOg99bUOFOXech4v9ZcaSxPxpHFN12ENAi5bcHijC6XlezTgB4_8JpvkZdBwV4lz9ylarVz7UaHqvtldwYlWZhKiR7Eawy2itNdGxBP8X-Felw2eg1MD2jnvTl2W_aI/s1600-h/Erin,+Eliana,+Harper.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192237646615253378" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyM81aMr54XKlSIOg99bUOFOXech4v9ZcaSxPxpHFN12ENAi5bcHijC6XlezTgB4_8JpvkZdBwV4lz9ylarVz7UaHqvtldwYlWZhKiR7Eawy2itNdGxBP8X-Felw2eg1MD2jnvTl2W_aI/s200/Erin,+Eliana,+Harper.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Well we have been home now for a few days and I was bragging on how well Harper was doing until...LAST NIGHT! Wow! He decided to make up for his restful evenings. Erin and I have tried to work out our strategy of who does what and when. Well we were both up and down throughout the entire night. Our little man just could not get settled. Or when he did get settled he decided to fill the ol' diaper. Just when he was cleaned and ready to rest, he was hungry. Erin was able to sleep in a little this morning while I took care of Eliana. Amazingly, Eliana slept through everything last night. Our little girl has proven to be a trooper and a great big sister. Eliana seems to be doing good with the new transition, however, when she saw Harper nursing this afernoon, she decided that she needed to be in mommy's lap. Fortunately, Erin was finishing with Harper and could give her the attention she was needing from her Mom. We certainly still have quite a process ahead of us for our little girl. We feel so blessed and fortunate to have our beautiful daughter and new son. Pray that we have a night with a little more rest. :) </div>Clay's Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02857867350098401127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826166746220506743.post-45693285810868136772008-04-19T13:01:00.000-07:002009-06-17T08:19:52.511-07:00New Jernigan Addition!!!<div align="center">Erin, Eliana, Cooper (dog) and I would like to introduce the newest Jernigan member. Harper Michael Jernigan was born April 17th at 7:00 pm, weighing in at 8lbs 4oz. and 20 1/2 inches long. </div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMN8qgcI12zYrhhGeG8ta5nrfZFj2CC2oQZhyphenhyphen5vPXBiyWiDqNCS4IlpgPuLrwsr5QWa97MdGtZKcFAVr9zIKiMwWIS6c-zCDDEuyBy_2VB7a-amXIYJo6XjTL9Agcqp8kXh9vaSlk1nY/s1600-h/Hospital-14.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191052434377929570" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7581Ed9K6HE1A24T6f80yTQPan3pQSBwSQZfuGPXXKKnIjnUgi3sHdX7sAqFkXkznZ3zKQbHrnMtaoOqHROxt9EzhVbm7U1RjyvM7Pq5tx2JPBq8UmGunda0-za_aUVJ1ZEbOoMWNATk/s200/Harper(Clemson).JPG" border="0" /></a></p>We could not be any more proud and excited. We do appologize for taking so long to get pictures out, but there were several technical difficulties that have prohibited us from getting pictures out before we returned home. We are now getting settled in with much thanks to our friends and family that have helped over the past several days. We are looking forward to being at home now with our incredible daughter, hansome son, and insane dog. We look forward to keeping you updated on our progress. Thank you again to all our friends and family that have helped over the last couple of days and upcoming weeks. We love you all!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMN8qgcI12zYrhhGeG8ta5nrfZFj2CC2oQZhyphenhyphen5vPXBiyWiDqNCS4IlpgPuLrwsr5QWa97MdGtZKcFAVr9zIKiMwWIS6c-zCDDEuyBy_2VB7a-amXIYJo6XjTL9Agcqp8kXh9vaSlk1nY/s1600-h/Hospital-14.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191061655672714162" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMN8qgcI12zYrhhGeG8ta5nrfZFj2CC2oQZhyphenhyphen5vPXBiyWiDqNCS4IlpgPuLrwsr5QWa97MdGtZKcFAVr9zIKiMwWIS6c-zCDDEuyBy_2VB7a-amXIYJo6XjTL9Agcqp8kXh9vaSlk1nY/s200/Hospital-14.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin224bAzuuNnuoP7m4-360cjbWNUalayBrEmu3ApKf-oXqV7p4BoSp3JSMp-KbQBJ8IQJvSBBJVvRhy1Ay4BDWniuaof0dPLQ0ZTofewCZmQAUJSynxPvXWFx_EKi_AJr2rzZQ_r6ROkY/s1600-h/Jerrel,Gail,Harper.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191060642060432274" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin224bAzuuNnuoP7m4-360cjbWNUalayBrEmu3ApKf-oXqV7p4BoSp3JSMp-KbQBJ8IQJvSBBJVvRhy1Ay4BDWniuaof0dPLQ0ZTofewCZmQAUJSynxPvXWFx_EKi_AJr2rzZQ_r6ROkY/s200/Jerrel,Gail,Harper.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRx_cHNjEzKruQn3hO6yRLbM-VxUWdpW5Y131tZmcsnOeeq8lIzUNYLMOlK_zHF_p4_lTabP_sJZgUbC24U9pr5AdjCM-tgulClddM3OCzE4fHw85Pw0yvWk3nBO2RG2tmPCkhUk5ChU/s1600-h/Hontas,Eddie,Harper.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191060646355399586" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRx_cHNjEzKruQn3hO6yRLbM-VxUWdpW5Y131tZmcsnOeeq8lIzUNYLMOlK_zHF_p4_lTabP_sJZgUbC24U9pr5AdjCM-tgulClddM3OCzE4fHw85Pw0yvWk3nBO2RG2tmPCkhUk5ChU/s200/Hontas,Eddie,Harper.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRx_cHNjEzKruQn3hO6yRLbM-VxUWdpW5Y131tZmcsnOeeq8lIzUNYLMOlK_zHF_p4_lTabP_sJZgUbC24U9pr5AdjCM-tgulClddM3OCzE4fHw85Pw0yvWk3nBO2RG2tmPCkhUk5ChU/s1600-h/Hontas,Eddie,Harper.JPG"></a></p>Clay's Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02857867350098401127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826166746220506743.post-63869301617052695662008-01-28T11:07:00.000-08:002008-12-13T04:55:31.520-08:00Above And Beyond...<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY97izTYKVGssfOur23uRRPz1Lh1fvj2iGyrF2mFs1lOOlJNKfbMWG735sFEWtt8j_UDvbmq6NESzFnyfJXKb4vhyQ498Fq6ma8DGXvpxbKmJwwqPIDBFA87tJYv3LxohzKKBnSqYlYKw/s1600-h/John+Mills.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160612387294800450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY97izTYKVGssfOur23uRRPz1Lh1fvj2iGyrF2mFs1lOOlJNKfbMWG735sFEWtt8j_UDvbmq6NESzFnyfJXKb4vhyQ498Fq6ma8DGXvpxbKmJwwqPIDBFA87tJYv3LxohzKKBnSqYlYKw/s320/John+Mills.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>As I look around me I am continually blown away with the people God has allowed me to serve with. I see the gifts and talents that God has given these men and women and the many ways that they respond with complete selflessness. I could mention many individuals just from the group of men and women that I have had the tremendous honor and pleasure to serve and work along side of each week through the weekly tasks at the Journey Church. Yet, today one man comes to mind. As many of you know, it takes many of us each week to set up the many elements needed for our weekly service. When just one person is out, that absence is felt by all. Two Sunday's ago, my friend had made it know that unfortunately he would be unable to attend the service that night because he had to catch a plane flight on work related means. Now if this was me (just being honest), I would have used this as my weekend to finally have a break from the tedious Sunday setup tasks. However, when I arrived 2 Sundays ago, he was there to help. When I questioned him, he responded, "I knew you guys would be a few guys down...and hey, that's what it's all about." Although I kept working, those words have stayed with me all week. "Hey, that's what it's all about." The heart that thinks beyond self, thinking of the other. I mean WOW! Well as though that were not enough, as we were breaking down last night I remembered that my friends father had just come in town to visit. Visits are far and few between so I knew how much he longed to be at his home with his family. I tried multiple times, in some manner almost wanting to physically remove him, but he insisted, "You need help tonight and hey, that's what it's all about." DANG! Twice now. The truth is, this heart and attitude is an example of the many that I get to serve with each week and it challenges me daily. I want to say thank you to my friend whom God has used to remind me to continually think of others beyond myself. John Mills you set the bar!<br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY97izTYKVGssfOur23uRRPz1Lh1fvj2iGyrF2mFs1lOOlJNKfbMWG735sFEWtt8j_UDvbmq6NESzFnyfJXKb4vhyQ498Fq6ma8DGXvpxbKmJwwqPIDBFA87tJYv3LxohzKKBnSqYlYKw/s1600-h/John+Mills.jpg"></a></p>Clay's Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02857867350098401127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826166746220506743.post-536587304245265752008-01-11T11:12:00.000-08:002008-12-13T04:55:32.081-08:00Daddy's Arms<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoeMOu_YFmWRx-AXaV8KswXZ9OvIRTGPO3E1qxF3Um3n1f48UQixs8PzPa8qwZ3ECtrVobYRuNprSxZ-9kUTi0nhgWxWmaHvn7ZIA9ZhWBM2QyVe2LeFu_RiONdRZx3CRSU7VoDfyNxA/s1600-h/Eliana.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160614689397271122" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoeMOu_YFmWRx-AXaV8KswXZ9OvIRTGPO3E1qxF3Um3n1f48UQixs8PzPa8qwZ3ECtrVobYRuNprSxZ-9kUTi0nhgWxWmaHvn7ZIA9ZhWBM2QyVe2LeFu_RiONdRZx3CRSU7VoDfyNxA/s200/Eliana.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Well as I sit and write this entry, I am praying that I did not catch my daughters illness. This past Tuesday evening, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Eliana</span> and I were down visiting my friend Chris Cinnamon and his young son, while my wife Erin hosted a baby shower in our home. I had noticed that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Eliana</span> had not been feeling well, but she was still in good spirits. Within moments of sitting down at the table to share an incredible bowl of chili and grilled <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">cheese</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">sandwich</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Eliana</span> walked over and exploded all over the carpet and couch. This was a great display of projectile vomit. WOW! I had no idea a little girl her size could manage such volume. Needless to say it was a prolonged evening. The highlight of the evening was me holding <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Eliana</span> in the shower as she continued to expel any remnants of what remained in her little belly. I tried to comfort her by saying "It's was going to be okay" and "just let it go". For the last several days I have continued to think about how God gives us <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">glimpses</span> of Himself and the relationship he longs to have with us. As I have thought about that moment, my mind has continued to drift back to the evening that I confessed my sin to God and vowed to make Christ the Lord and Savior of my life. That was a moment that in a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">metaphor</span>, God held me and allowed me to cast all my sin/vomit upon Him. It was as though he were replaying, "Let it go...that's why my Son died for You". My relationship with the Heavenly Father continues to show me the kind of dad I want to be. You see, just has I longed to hold my child at her lowest point, God longs to hold His children in our lowest. The truth is that we are all sick apart from God. Gods arms are open to all of us, may we not fear casting our sin/vomit upon Him.</div>Clay's Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02857867350098401127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826166746220506743.post-69994109973136573042008-01-05T19:00:00.000-08:002008-12-13T04:55:32.227-08:00Polkapalooza 07'<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlufVJ7tYGzZg5E4wXJTb9O2AxkZ3lmcbNDhP_sMyMHggMUxNpKwZsHPyJoZ3PjkMlgt5Mn7jvWVPEHW8xMPuU-E2OKvqClYivp3-fkjEhvb5p63eFb6djRAnlQHiy4_o-BF62tM1zCHI/s1600-h/n811110159_1978335_6301.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152197720359498562" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="186" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlufVJ7tYGzZg5E4wXJTb9O2AxkZ3lmcbNDhP_sMyMHggMUxNpKwZsHPyJoZ3PjkMlgt5Mn7jvWVPEHW8xMPuU-E2OKvqClYivp3-fkjEhvb5p63eFb6djRAnlQHiy4_o-BF62tM1zCHI/s320/n811110159_1978335_6301.jpg" width="285" border="0" /></a>This past New Year's Eve, we were invited to participate in what would later be termed...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Polkapalooza</span> 07'. It was an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">absolute</span> incredible evening of food, meeting new people, music, and fireworks. Some of the highlights of the evening included Guitar Hero on the big screen, various musical performances, and a fireworks display that literally kept us on our toes. Needless to say, one firework came a little too close. Our friends Rita and Kyle Polk have set the bar for what it means to show hospitality and love to those around them. These two completely opened there home so that people from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Greenville</span> to Charleston might connect and celebrate the coming of the new year. Kyle and Rita's love and enjoyment of people is just one of the many reasons Erin and I enjoy them so much. Please check out more pictures of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Polkapolooa</span> 07' -- <strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=80924&page=1&id=811110159">here</a></strong>.Clay's Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02857867350098401127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826166746220506743.post-41015996499613727282008-01-03T14:41:00.000-08:002008-12-13T04:55:32.433-08:00Sick Little One<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMakWK154RDjoSZWqqp7G_OVSNMvBjng27cy2MwIDI9bbf3ZkCFNiIC1UVzqR6KQHzWEVTIQeFV7Bnfzd6z1KpPnfCEJqn3oUsylIvD_AOYnnGV9cpONeygL4TNoEpCSMD5P-WI9_cCLs/s1600-h/cookie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5151387560678454050" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 147px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 102px" height="94" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMakWK154RDjoSZWqqp7G_OVSNMvBjng27cy2MwIDI9bbf3ZkCFNiIC1UVzqR6KQHzWEVTIQeFV7Bnfzd6z1KpPnfCEJqn3oUsylIvD_AOYnnGV9cpONeygL4TNoEpCSMD5P-WI9_cCLs/s200/cookie.jpg" width="145" border="0" /></a>Well as I type, my little girl is standing between me and the computer wanting to know "where Cookie go?" It is amazing how a little girl with a fever still has the energy to request one of her most favorite things in the world-a fury blue monster that loves cookies. If it were up to my daughter she would live on Sesame Street, but until then she has to settle for the Youtube versions. If you would like to see two of her most favorite Sesame Street segments, click on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BovQyphS8kA">Cookie Monster</a> or <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lv38j4lPzd0">Elmo</a>.</div>Clay's Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02857867350098401127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826166746220506743.post-16107551156829892082008-01-02T10:44:00.000-08:002008-12-13T04:55:32.593-08:00New Beginnings<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFMz48vXbCy62eDplXnE9Caap3TfFaM807zyqt97AIzthTIJfYM838lHzA_L6APKz_M1_wOoIXIuhc-T12IYuykcIT3NYa0jGubS3TeL6WaAVUtxA6XJ54zD8SzUUpuugV7KDRQp3opc/s1600-h/my_accounts.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150953408204305138" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 128px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 119px" height="102" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFMz48vXbCy62eDplXnE9Caap3TfFaM807zyqt97AIzthTIJfYM838lHzA_L6APKz_M1_wOoIXIuhc-T12IYuykcIT3NYa0jGubS3TeL6WaAVUtxA6XJ54zD8SzUUpuugV7KDRQp3opc/s320/my_accounts.jpg" width="117" border="0" /></a>Well today I am stepping foot into the world of blogging. My commitment level to many things says that this will not last more than a few weeks or months. Never the less....I begin. I am not sure exactly what things I will write about. Will it be primarily about myself, my family, my friends, relationship with Christ? I assume it will vary from entry to entry, as it probably should. I welcome you all and look forward to any and all comments. Happy New Year and may you be willing to start the thing you have been putting off. Best wishes to your new beginnings.Clay's Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02857867350098401127noreply@blogger.com0