Passed by My Old-self on the Interstate Yesterday on the way back home to Clarksville: Thanking Jesus for my Liberation from who I used to be.
October 10 2005
Yesterday went back up to Clarksville for a family reunion. Rarely do I go to C-Vegas. The first family reunion we've had in 12 years. As I traveled back home I couldn't help but think about my life and all I had went through in Clarksville.
I drove past the hospital I was born in, stayed in when I was sick, and the hospital my Mom died in. The memories played in my head like a movie. I was going to a reunion that my Momma wouldn't be at. It still hurts dealing with her loss but it's better now. I have a family of my own. Praise God for my wife, Rachel. And now we have a baby on the way. I ask God to give me the grace and strength and wisdom to be the dad I never had. I love being a husband to her. I remember looking over at Rachel in the truck yesterday thinking about all this. My life and my past. She was asleep. I felt so blessed to have her. I then looked down at her stomach and smiled thinking about our baby. The memorey montage overwhelmed my mind. I drove into Clarksville in a daze thinking about...The life I grew up in, the person I used to be, the drama and screaming, the hurting, the confusion and the crying, the lonlieness. I passed by the person I used to be on the interstate coming into Clarksville. I kept on driving. Because Christ has set me free. I am a new creation in Him. I can not go back to that person anymore. Once you surrender to Jesus, thats it. I don't have to be burdened anymore.
Sigur Ros, Track 1, ( ), whispers reminisently through my speakers.
photo from clint
My cousin, Paige, sophomore and my sister, Danielle.
photo from clint
Paige, Danielle, and Taylor (my Aunt's, friend's daughter).
photo from clint
David, my sister's fiance.
photo from clint
My cousin, J.T. and his girlfriend, Erica.
photo from clint
Danielle, David, and Lee.
photo from clint
The remaining immediate family I have in this picture. My aunt is the one hiding on the right. My Momma, Grandfather, Grandmother, and great-grandparents are all in Heaven.
photo from clint
Struting off our full bellies. I ate 10 pieces of catfish, 2 helpings of white beans and onions, fries, and 3 glasses of sweet ice tea.
photo from clint
Me, my sister, Danielle, and my little but much bigger than me, brother, Lee. Clarksville, Tn. October 9, 2005.
photo from clint
This is my brother, Lee. He's went through so much. My favorite athlete of all time. Can play any sport. Former all state soccor star from Clarksville High. Has played minor league soccor and now coaches 4 traveling soccor teams. One of the most tender-hearted and loving persons i have ever met. How he even has a smile on his face after all we've endured is glory to God. I love my little brother.
photo from clint
My beautiful little sister, Danielle. She is so talented. One of the smartest people I have ever been around. I'm so proud of her. She has her college degree and a professional job. She'll be married next year. An example of a woman who has been through so much pain and death yet came out on top of it all without a sour spirit. Praise God! I love my little sister.
I drove past the hospital I was born in, stayed in when I was sick, and the hospital my Mom died in. The memories played in my head like a movie. I was going to a reunion that my Momma wouldn't be at. It still hurts dealing with her loss but it's better now. I have a family of my own. Praise God for my wife, Rachel. And now we have a baby on the way. I ask God to give me the grace and strength and wisdom to be the dad I never had. I love being a husband to her. I remember looking over at Rachel in the truck yesterday thinking about all this. My life and my past. She was asleep. I felt so blessed to have her. I then looked down at her stomach and smiled thinking about our baby. The memorey montage overwhelmed my mind. I drove into Clarksville in a daze thinking about...The life I grew up in, the person I used to be, the drama and screaming, the hurting, the confusion and the crying, the lonlieness. I passed by the person I used to be on the interstate coming into Clarksville. I kept on driving. Because Christ has set me free. I am a new creation in Him. I can not go back to that person anymore. Once you surrender to Jesus, thats it. I don't have to be burdened anymore.
Sigur Ros, Track 1, ( ), whispers reminisently through my speakers.
photo from clint
My cousin, Paige, sophomore and my sister, Danielle.
photo from clint
Paige, Danielle, and Taylor (my Aunt's, friend's daughter).
photo from clint
David, my sister's fiance.
photo from clint
My cousin, J.T. and his girlfriend, Erica.
photo from clint
Danielle, David, and Lee.
photo from clint
The remaining immediate family I have in this picture. My aunt is the one hiding on the right. My Momma, Grandfather, Grandmother, and great-grandparents are all in Heaven.
photo from clint
Struting off our full bellies. I ate 10 pieces of catfish, 2 helpings of white beans and onions, fries, and 3 glasses of sweet ice tea.
photo from clint
Me, my sister, Danielle, and my little but much bigger than me, brother, Lee. Clarksville, Tn. October 9, 2005.
photo from clint
This is my brother, Lee. He's went through so much. My favorite athlete of all time. Can play any sport. Former all state soccor star from Clarksville High. Has played minor league soccor and now coaches 4 traveling soccor teams. One of the most tender-hearted and loving persons i have ever met. How he even has a smile on his face after all we've endured is glory to God. I love my little brother.
photo from clint
My beautiful little sister, Danielle. She is so talented. One of the smartest people I have ever been around. I'm so proud of her. She has her college degree and a professional job. She'll be married next year. An example of a woman who has been through so much pain and death yet came out on top of it all without a sour spirit. Praise God! I love my little sister.
Rachael Vance
October 10 2005
this is so amazing. i have so much respect for u and rachel. your family seems great ,too. the pics are really good. i am glad u had a good time! -R <
jeff martin
October 10 2005
hey buddy. you're always being an inspiration to me. i love your candidness and openess to be used by our Lord. we need to get togther and hang out while we can before your kid gets here. when he/she does get here, i want you to call me up and use me whenever you need a babysitter or whenever you and rachel just want some time alone... ttyl
