A Believer's Thoughts on the Shack...why I will take my non-believer friends to see this...

Almost 10 years ago, 2007ish, I picked up a book that was the latest New York Times Best Seller, The Shack. I was a sophomore in high school and was fascinated with learning more about the Holy Spirit. I read this book and loved the way this creative author portrayed the Holy Trinity.

I passed this book on to special people in my life and found that it was easier for some non-believers or people who struggled in their faith to read this book than it was for them to read the Bible. One of those being my precious cousin, Hank. Hank was an awesome guy, a believer, but not a big reader. Yet, he found interest in this book. Every day over the course of time that he read this book, he would text me and tell me how much he loved it and how it was speaking to his heart. He loved that God would present himself to a man, to spend a weekend with him, just to show him that He is a good God. Hank longed for that kind of weekend in his life.

Fast forward 5 years, and my precious cousin in his 40’s passed away on March 26, 2011, due to a heart attack. I was devastated, beyond devastated. He was the first person that I was extremely close with that I ever lost. However, I watched God use that book, The Shack and teach Hank over the course of those 4 years. I watched Hank grow more in those 4 years of his walk with God than I had ever seen. God used The Shack to show Hank that He is a good God, and He cares for every need big and small. God used that book to connect with Hank on a level that he had never experienced. The book inspired Hank to read his Bible, to worship freely, and to pray without ceasing. I will forever be thankful for this precious book that sparked a fire in my cousin.

Now let’s fast forward 6 more years, to Sunday night, March 5, 2017. The Shack was released as a theatrical production! I was so excited to see it and have no regrets in watching it. It was absolutely amazing. I loved every precious minute of this story. There are many who choose to say that it is not correct, blasphemy, etc. Friends, I can say that that’s not the case at all. This precious movie is a story depicting a question of why do bad things happen to good people, believers even? And why do we have to forgive those who hurt us? Why are bad people that make poor choices still allowed into the kingdom of God? These are questions that are so hard for a non-believer or a person who is struggling in their walk to fathom and comprehend. This movie answers these questions so well and depicts the amazing love that our Father in heaven has for us.

Do I think this movie is a substitute for the gospel? Absolutely not! However, I can totally see this as a tool to bring non-believers and those who struggle in their walk to come into a deeper relationship with their Creator.

As I was watching this movie, I pulled out my phone (yes I know, rude in a theater, but I knew I would never remember these precious quotes if I didn’t write them down) and made a list of some awesome points this movie makes. ****SPOILER ALERT IF YOU HAVEN’T READ BOOK OR SEEN MOVIE*****

“After what you’ve been through, I didn’t think you could handle a father right now.” –Papa, God

o   This quote is when Mack is just realizing who he is speaking to, and questions why God is a woman. He mentions that he always pictured God as a white man with a long white beard. Mack is baffled and confused about everything around him at this point, which is when Papa makes this statement.

o   There are some very intricate and important reasons why God takes the expressions and forms he does for Mack. This shows that it’s in his nature to meet us where we are and to take us to where He is.

“When all you see is your pain, you lose sight of me.” –Papa, God

o   Mack is having a conversation with Papa and questioning how can He be good, if Missy was taken for no reason.

o   Papa explains to Mack that when we are focused on what’s wrong in our life, we aren’t able to focus on Him. We have to seek Him first for wisdom, instead of blaming. We aren’t able to look and see the good that can come from the bad, because we won’t look up from our mess to see the Healer of all things.

“Love always leaves a mark.” –Papa, God

o    Papa shows the scars in his wrist that are there because of the crucifixion of His son, Jesus on the cross at Calvary. He says that love always leaves something behind. His love for us was so great that He was willing to give it all, all, being His one and only son, so that we might live. We were created in His image and we too are left with marks, although they are not visible, are still left with marks on our heart from the people we love.

“… You were created to be loved. So for you to live as if you were unloved is a limitation, not the other way around… Living unloved is like clipping a bird’s wing and removing its ability to fly… A bird is not defined by being grounded but by his ability to fly. Remember this, humans are defined not by their limitations, but by the intentions I have for them; not by what they seem to be, but by everything it means to be created in my image. Love is NOT the limitation; love is the flying. I AM love. ”  --Papa, God

o   In this scene, Papa and Mack are looking out of this beautiful little “shack” and see a bird. Papa uses this as a teaching point for Mack and tells him what his purpose was meant to be, which is to be loved. We were never created to walk in defeat, failure, and self-loathing. We were created to be loved by the Most High and let that love encourage those around us and let it go back in praise to the Father.

o   God doesn’t see us as our limitations or the things that we struggle with, God see us as we can be. He can see what our finished product is. Our walk with Him is constantly preparing us for what is to come.

“You’re trying to make sense of your world with an incomplete picture.” --Sarayu, The Holy Spirit

o   Here, the Holy Spirit is speaking with Mack in the garden and they are discussing the confusion and chaos of his life in losing his daughter, Missy. Meanwhile, they are paralleling this with his his work in the garden with the Holy Spirit. Mack sees it as a huge disaster and mess. However, when you look at the garden from an aerial view you are able to see the beautiful design that has been created. It is absolutely breathtaking, when you look at it from that perspective.

o   Sometimes we can’t see the end in sight, we can’t see what is coming next, but God does. We can’t put the full picture together, but we can TRUST in the one who is working all things together for our good, because HE IS A GOOD GOD.

“It’s wild, perfectly in process. This mess is you.”---Sarayu, The Holy Spirit

o   God recognizes that we don’t have it all figured out. He knows and sees that we are not the finished products that He has in store. He sees that and loves us despite ourselves.

o   The Holy Spirit, also named Sarayu, tells Mack as they look at the garden again, that it’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay. We are a process. We are a mess, but when we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us and through us we are able to still be used through our mess.

“You’re letting it consume you, that’s inside you. You look at me”--- the Son, Jesus

o   Mack is in a boat out in the water waiting on the Son to come back from working in the shed. While out in the boat, he begins to have a horrible hallucination and fright. He can’t seem to break free from it.

o   While in this horrible dream like sequence, Jesus speaks this to him. He is telling Mack to focus on HIM! Focus on Jesus! Don’t let our problems, fears, defeats, losses, and hurt consume our beings, instead focus on Jesus and we will finish the race! When Mack finds the eyes of Jesus, He is able to let go of that past regret and is actually able to walk on water with the Son of God!

“You’re imagining a future without me and that future does not exist.”—the Son, Jesus

o   Jesus promises to never leave nor forsake us no matter what. At this point in the story, Mack is trying to figure out how the rest of his life is going to pan out without Missy. However, the Son explains that He is going before us and with us throughout the whole journey.

“It was the work of evil, no one in your world is immune to it.” –Saaryu, the Holy Spirit

o   Sarayu is explaining to Mack God is a good God, but there is an enemy on the planet that seeks to kill and destroy. There is no one on earth that can get away from it. We can have God’s hand over us, but there is always going to be evil in this world.

o   This is one of the quotes that dispel the argument that The Shack does not believe in the enemy or mention Hell. It very well says that evil is searching to hurt the people of God. The Holy Spirit.

“ I can work incredible good out of unspeakable tragedies, that doesn’t mean I orchestrate the tragedy.” –Papa, God

o   I love this so much. It’s just the verse Romans 8:28 written in simpler terms, the NIV says, “And we know that in All things, God works for the good of those who love him.”

o   God doesn’t cause bad things to happen, but He can use them for good in our lives.

o   Mack is trying to process his loss, but is starting to learn that God is not to blame for this tragedy. God does not cause suffering in our lives, but He will use the suffering to bring even greater blessings.

“Look around, don’t forget to enjoy the journey.” –

o   I just loved this because God is always using things around us to bless us and give us hope. Mack is surrounded by this beautiful lake, garden, and mountain throughout his weekend with the 3. God wants us to be captivated by His beauty. He doesn't want us focused on the problem, but on our journey out of the problem with our eyes fixed on Him!

 “For what we have to do today, you’re going to need a Father.” –Papa, God

o   Later on in the movie, after Mack has dealt with the painful past dealing with the disappearance and death of his daughter, “Papa” is no longer seen as a woman. Instead, he appears as a man middle aged Asian man, who provides incredible strength and guidance, as Mack finishes the hardest part of his emotional journey.  It once again shows that our Heavenly Father knows exactly what we need, before we ever need it.

“Everything bears consequences, I’m not asking to excuse what he did, I’m asking you to trust me.”—Papa, God

o   This is special because Mack is being asked to forgive the man who took Missy. God doesn’t say that there is no justice. He doesn’t say that the man is off the hook. God says every thing has a consequence, which means He is the judge, not us.

o   It’s okay to be angry and it’s okay to not understand, but we have to trust in Him to be our advocate and our justice.

“The pain inside you, is devouring your joy.”---Papa, God

o   When we allow our pain and our thoughts to take control of our minds, we rob ourselves of the joy we can have in Jesus. Even if we are not happy, we can still have joy in the fact that we are going to spend eternity with Him. We aren’t mean to live in defeat.  

“It’s crippling your ability to love.”—Papa, God

o   Mack’s inability to forgive was causing him to not be able to love. He couldn’t forgive himself and he couldn’t forgive the man who took Missy, and he couldn’t stop blaming God. Papa shows him that this was causing him to not be able to love his family, his wife, his kids, his friends in the way that he is called to.

“You are important, so everything you do is important.” ---Papa, God

o   I saved the best for last. I just love how God is reminding us that he cares about everything big and small in our lives. He is interested in our hurts, our desires, our passions, our disappointments, and everything in between.

o    Just like the scripture says, “You have collected all of my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” Psalm 56:8

o   Sarayu, the Holy Spirit, collects all of his tears in a bottle throughout the movie. It just shows in a tangible way how intricate God is. It shows how He cares about detail and that our emotions are real and matter to Him.

As you can tell, I loved this movie it spoke to my heart. It was used to help heal pieces in my heart that I didn’t know were still broken. It was a beautiful representation of the trinity and the PURE, HOLY, JUST, KIND, ADORING, LOVE that the Father has for us.

This movie was never meant to replace the Gospel or say that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit looks like those particular characters. It was meant to be a tool to help people connect with the Living God. It wasn’t mean to tell you exactly what they look like and how they will sound and talk, it was meant to show us that God WANTS US A RELATIONSHIP WITH US. He is constantly pursuing on hearts and will do whatever it takes, even if it is a weekend with a man in The Shack. He cares about You, You matter.

Put aside your religious cloak, throw it down, and take a non-believer to this movie.  Then, take them out for coffee or fro-yo after. Go help them understand that God is 3 in 1, He may not look like those characters, but His character is evident in all of those characters' words and actions. Tell them He is pursuing their hearts and longs for a relationship with them. Use this movie as a ministry tool. 

Just go love people like Jesus did. 

Living to make Jesus Famous,

Amy DuVall

Xoxox

So, You want to go to London?

So, we have been home for a little over TWO MONTHS now from one of the most beautiful cities on Earth. I have been meaning to get all of this written down so I wouldn't forget it. I truly don't even know how to describe all the amazing things and wonderful opportunities we had while across the pond. I guess I shall start from the beginning....

We have been planning London since about August, early September. I came home from a horrible day, and for some reason Seth happened to have the computer out. I mentioned that I wanted to get away for our anniversary, I was thinking something in the country, you know like the beach or mountains possibly. Out of his mouth pops, "So you want to go to London?" How often is it that your husband offers take you across the ocean to another country on vacation?!? Let me answer that for you, that would be the first! (The other times out of the country have been on Missions Trips, which are equally as wonderful, possibly more, but this was totally different) So, of course I responded with SURE!!!! My Pinterest board began about 5 minutes later and was a continuos hobby and stress relief up until the day before!

Now, fast forward 3 months and its December 28, 2016, our anniversary! Our flight was scheduled to leave at 6:30 from Augusta. We flew from Augusta to Atlanta. We had about a 3 hour lay over in Atlanta and we were starving for dinner. We passed a Carrabba's and was set on that being our anniversary dinner......well little did we know the kitchen closed at 8 and was no longer serving food. So, we walked to another terminal and ate our anniversary dinner at Longhorns in the airport. It was quite delicious and our last sip of sweet tea before hopping across the pond. :) 

The flight from Atlanta to London was about 8 hours long. We left Atlanta at 11:30 pm and arrived in London at around 1:30 pm their time. They are 5 hours ahead of the Eastern Time Zone. The flight was actually pretty great for me. I slept almost the entire time. I missed all the meals they served and sodas. I never even had to get up and use the restroom! (haha, this is a big deal for me on a plane) Seth said he took naps intermittently, but nothing like I was. I made sure to stay busy that whole day, so that I would sleep really well that night. It was my first time flying through the night, and I must say I really enjoyed it.

When we arrived at the airport, we had to go to customs of course. It was a long line, but did not take as long as I thought it would! Our bags came out just fine and then exchanged our money for theirs! Then, we waited on our taxi that we booked before we got there. However, because our flight was delayed they did not wait around for us. So, we had to take "the tube" from the airport to our hotel. This was a lot of walking and a lot of pushing our luggage around. I don't pack heavy, but I don't pack light. So, my legs were already killing me and it wasn't even technically Day 1. Let me also make note though that MY HUSBAND IS SUPER AMAZING. He can figure out where he is and how to get to the next spot, no matter where he is. Sometimes he doesn't even have to use the map, it's like he just knows! I always feel safe when he is leading us around.

We made it to our hotel, which was called Tune Hotels. It was a great place to stay, it was very central to all of the sights and "the tube." This hotel was not the most expensive or the most grand, but we had the BEST customer service you could ask for. The room was EXTREMELY cozy (aka small), haha. Being completely honest, we did not have room for both of our suitcases to be laid out on the floor or propped out on a travel rack. :) The bathroom was only big enough for one person to stand in. The shower was stand up and the sink and toilet were semi connected, if you will. However, we have made a deal that the hotels when we travel, just need to be livable and not disgusting. They don't have to be fancy, because we are hardly ever in there anyways. When we are traveling (except at the beach), we are on the go, go, go.

After we made it to our hotel, we unpacked (as much as we could, hehe) and chilled for all of about 30 minutes. We changed clothes and headed out on the town. The time there was crazy. It got dark at 4:00pm and yet it still felt like it was the morning time to us. Totally bizarre. We walked from our Hotel to see Big Ben, the London Eye, and the shops! We were starving when we left the hotel, yet as soon as we started to see all of the big sights, It was like our hunger was totally gone. We of course had to take pictures immediately and pose for the touristy stuff (like telephone booths). I felt like I was in a dream walking hand in hand with my handsome hubs!

Once we realized how cold we were and we had explored a bunch, ( I did not wear layers on this particular night, I wasn't prepared this night, but after that time I dressed in layers for the rest of the trip) we decided to finally find a place for dinner. We ended up at this cute little place called, "Trovia". It was tiny, warm, yet fancy. The chairs though were so very tiny. This was our first time eating out in London and boy were our eyes opened. The way they seat you is quite hilarious. The tables are so incredibly close to others. No joke, myself and the lady at the next table brushed elbows more than once throughout the meal. It wasn't just at this particular restaurant, we had this experience everywhere we went. Seating is limited and you fit in where you can. What I found to be so interesting, was that it seemed to bother no one. It was like we are all friends just having dinner. Loved it. Totally different than a meal in the states. We also came to realize quickly that ice is not served in drinks and you don't get refills. :) This is a huge thing to me because I am one to drink several glasses of drink before my meal comes. I had to quickly learn to slow down drinking habits. (and by drinking habits I mean diet coke, guys. :) ) When our waiter heard us talking, he quickly found out that we were from the states. He helped me pick out something from the menu (chips, aka fries) and chicken wings. Seth was much more venturous and dinner time than I was. He had lamb for dinner! I was sticking with what I know I like. :) Every waiter that we had in London was so genuinely kind and really seemed to enjoy their jobs. I loved interacting with them!

After dinner, we walked back to our hotel and stopped at little convenient type store that was directly across from our hotel to grab some bottled Powerade and Dr. Pepper.  We did so much walking on this trip it was insane. :) I so wish I wouldn't have left my fitbit on the charger back at home, I would have gained some serious badges. :) By the time we got back to the hotel, we were exhausted. I connected to their Wifi and chatted with my mom for a bit (we don't have international plan, so I was only able to text, Facebook, snapchat, FaceTime when I had wifi). After talking with her, we went to bed!

The next day began early. We woke up at odd hours throughout the night due to the jet lag and time differences. However, we ended up getting up and ready to walk out hotel lobby at about 8:30. We had breakfast at a local bakery across the street and walked to the nearest "Tube" (subway station). We took the tube to go get our Broadway tickets for the night's showing of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. We bought our tickets online but we had to pick them up there.

The next day was one of my most favorite days, it was very busy but oh so fun, New Year’s Eve. First things first, we rode the tube to Westminster Abbey. Just the mere sight of it was breathtaking. There was so much history in that building from decades and centuries ago to history of my time (like watching the Princess Diana’s funeral to the wedding of William and Kate), I was in total awe of it all. We purchased the London pass, which allowed us to enter in without having to purchase a separate ticket. We did a self-guided tour that had headphones that you could play information from through the Abbey. It was absolutely my favorite part of the trip.  

After we went to the Abbey, we walked to Buckingham Palace to see it and the changing of the guard. We got there just in time to get a good place to stand to watch the changing. It reminded me a lot of the Tomb on the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery in Washington D.C. It was very cool to watch the history behind it all. Every corner of London has a piece of History and I just am very obsessed with the Royals so just being in front of Buckingham Palace was enough for me. We stayed and watched the procession and just took it all in. It was so surreal being in another country witnessing their ceremonies that are so important to their culture and history.

After we left the palace, we went to the gift shop (of course), I bought an ornament from their along with some souvenirs for my family. From there we walked to Kensington Palace, where PRINCESS KATE AND WILLIAM LIVE! I so wanted just run right through the gates and find her, but I decided to act like I had myself together. (hehe) Of course, a picture was taken. We hit a couple of stores, and made our way back to our hotel to get ready for the New Year’s Eve Firework Show on the London Eye.

We got there found a great spot on the bridge and waited. It wasn’t nothing like New York at New Years. We had room to move and was able to actually enjoy the evening. However, I did have to walk forever and a day to find the bathroom. Seth was so sweet though and helped me find one.  We came back found a spot on the bridge and watched the fireworks shoot off the London Eye. It was another bucket list moment in the books! Seth is always making my dreams come true!

On New Year ’s Day, we went and rode a double decker bus and enjoyed all sorts of things off our bucket list for London. We had high tea together, then we rode the London Eye, found Princess Diana’s memorial, went to a Disney store in London, walked through Piccadilly Circus, found Abbey Road where the Beatles were, toured Little Venice, found the National History Museum, and so much more. We had a great time and everything was magnificent. Our final night we got dressed fancy for dinner and went on a beautiful midnight stroll in the streets of London. It was the most picture perfect night and is one that we will remember forever. 

The next morning we flew back to the states and had a crazy funny ride home. It was a trip of lifetime and I look forward to many more trips with my precious husband. He never ceases to amaze me with the trips he plans for me. I love him more and more every day as he is constantly pursuing my heart. Our adventures fill our lives, we love seeing this world that the Lord has created. This world is His masterpiece and we enjoy experiencing it!

Living to make Jesus famous,

Amy and Seth DuVall 

until next time....xoxoxox

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year......

It feels like just yesterday we were sitting at home talking about how great the Halloween event went at church and then BAM, it's the day after Christmas.

Where did the time go? What did I do with it? Can I please get it back? 

As I sit here in my quiet living room, with the boxes of Christmas decor I have begun to put up and my empty tree....I feel the Christmas blues beginning to sink in. Why does this day come and go so quick? I always know it's coming and have months to prepare, but when it is finally here I feel like I didn't have the slightest minute to catch my breath....It makes me so sad to see my most favorite time of the year end. 

December started off great, we hosted the Cousin Christmas Ornament Exchange at our house, participated in various church events, school events, work events, and family and friends events. We looked at lights together with close friends, had dinners, lunches, and much more....My blog could go on and on if I shared everything we did and how it was special, but as I reflect on this Christmas season, I must share that my most favorite has been the last 3 days of it all. 

Christmas Eve is always the night we go to my Mama's big family Christmas with my Papa, my aunts, and all of my cousins. We all draw names on Thanksgiving and that determines who we give a gift to on Christmas Eve. It's always fun to see what that person picked for you. Everyone tries to give meaningful gifts and we don't open all at the same time. We seriously do ONE present at a time and we all look at each one to see what the other has gotten. After the present is opened and show, we all say "Good Present, Good Present". Some presents get more applause and approval, if the audience agrees it was an exceptional present. (haha, we aren't mean about it, I promise)

Now, I would be lying if I said that everyone likes to do that. I'm not sure how it started, but it's become a thing we do, and if you don't hear a "Good Present" after your gift that you gave, it is the first word out of your mouth, "um, I don't get a 'good present'?" Look, we are a weird family...It's our thing. It is what it is and I love it. Does it make Christmas Eve last till almost 11pm, yes it does...but it's fun. 

On this Christmas Eve, we had several fun and exciting things happen. Our cousin, Beth, started a tradition of a Christmas Video, we send in pictures to her and she creates a video of our family from the end of the last Christmas Eve up until a few weeks before. We get to see the key moments of each little family's year all wrapped up in a video. It's amazing and it has become one the biggest hits of the night each year. On this particular video, the last couple of pictures were all of our cousin, Justin, and his girl friend, Adrianne. When their pictures hit the screen, he hit one knee and asked her to MARRY HIM!

She said YES! It was such a fun night and of course we all had to stop for several photo ops and to celebrate the Future Mr. and Mrs.!

Later that evening, after all of the Good Presents had been opened....my cousin, Jason, announced probably one of the coolest things anyone in our family has ever done. He PUBLISHED A BOOK. Not just any book, a book with my Papa's most precious and funny stories. He had my cousin, Lindsay, and 2 of my aunts help him on this project. And with their help, they produced this beautiful masterpiece that captivates my Papa's timeless memories into the first Volume. Tears were rolling, emotions flying, and pride soaring as these stories who were just mere memories became words on a page that would never be forgotten by our future generations.

Our Papa has been battling cancer for quite sometime, every year is a gift that we get to spend with him. I look at his little slim body, that used to be so thick and strong, and it makes my heart physically hurt. I look at his face that used to be so full, and now is so thin. However, I listen to his voice and it hasn't changed a bit. His stories are the same, his jokes are still there, and his sweet terms of endearment are still as cute as ever. He could have easily decided to "skip" Christmas and avoid coming, but he came and made the night by allowing his to stories to be published into this book that will live on forever.  I pray for many more Christmas Eves with his special heart, and I realize that all those years I looked forward to Christmas Eve for Santa to come and for presents to arrive that those things were never that important at all. As I sit here with tears streaming down my face, I can honestly say presents and gifts mean nothing compared to who is giving them. I love my Papa, parents, my brothers, my aunts, my uncles, my cousins, and I have learned that they are what makes this season the "most wonderful time of the year." The Lord has given me an abundance of blessings, and I have spent some precious time counting each and every one of them.

So, overall, Christmas was very precious and I feel like my heart could explode with those blessings. I felt like this season went so quick, I wanted to savor every moment and I truly tried. However, on some days I feel like I was just rushing through to get to the next event.

For those of you that felt a little like me, I pray that you this coming year can be one for memories in the little moments. That's what my cousin's book is all about, enjoy the little moments that become memories that turn into stories for generations. I pray for the next year to be one full of grace to help you as you go from event to event that your mindset changes to see that it is really from memory to memory....These will be the moments you will remember forever.

Perhaps, none of that makes sense to you. Maybe you are one that the season drags for you? Maybe you lost a loved one this Christmas, maybe you are walking through a sorrowful season that makes you not quite feel up to celebrating full force, maybe you and a family member aren't quite getting along....If that's the case, please know that you are not a grinch, you are not a scrooge, you are a person, with real feelings that matter. I pray that next year that void in your heart is filled and you no longer feel the sorrow or the pain. I pray that next year you will full of Joy and can look back on this year and see how far you've come. I pray that next year, your year this year can be a testimony for friends and loved ones. I pray that next year you will look back and can say, "This truly is the Most Wonderful Time of the Year."

Can't wait to share our London trip with you guys, but until then Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Living to make Jesus Famous,

Amy and Seth DuVall

xoxoxox

Fall with the DuValls

October came and went so fast, it seemed like one minute it was October 1st and then the next it was Halloween. At least for us, it went like that. October has become one of our busiest months of the year, but it is one full of the most blessings.

Let me also begin by saying, I started decorating for fall September 1st. I was so ready for this season!

October 1st kicks off our month with the birthday of my precious niece, Caroline Grace! We celebrated with her at a Mexican dinner fiesta! She keeps reminding us that next year she will be in the double digits. Time please slow down....

Together We Shine :)

On October 5th, my mama and I woke up super early, like 4:30 am early to go to the Stars Hallow Birthday Celebration at local coffee shops around the country. The one closest to us was in Columbia. Local coffee shops around the states transformed into Luke's for the day and it was a fun morning with my mama to celebrate our love for our favorite TV show, Gilmore Girls. We drank coffee out of a Luke's cup, was served by a Luke look alike and met some super interesting people. The only reason we were able to do this on a weekday was due to our day off of school for Hurricane Matthew that was approaching. I am thankful for the little things that make moments into huge memories!

As the next days approached, we got news about Hurricane Matthew an that it was quickly approaching Charleston and Myrtle Beach! Our schools got notified that we would be out of school for the next 3 days to possibly used as shelters for evacuees, (Wednesday Thursday, and Friday)! We got even more exciting news later that our sweet friends that are Youth Pastors at First Assembly from Charleston would be coming to stay with us due to the storm. I was a nervous wreck, even though I was super excited. Why a wreck, you ask? Because we have never had house guests, our home is full of unfinished projects between Seth and I, Marley sheds, and I just am a nervous person in general. I was worried the house wasn't clean enough, cute enough, or welcoming enough. However, I should have known not to worry, because these friends that came weren't just friends they were FRAMILY. (Friends that become family). They weren't concerned with the dust or the amount of things needed painting, they were there and were by far the coolest house guests I think anyone could ever have. Check out my sweet friend Julie's Blog to read about everything we did that week!

The following week as we returned back to school, I got super sick with a horrible stomach virus and had to miss school for a day and half. I hate missing school, because I hate creating work for a substitute to use. However, it was in those two days that I was able to see how blessed I am at school. My 5th grade team checked on me, my super awesome amazing teacher aides ran the class smoothly, and even the parents of my kiddos were checking in. I was very thankful for such a sweet group of people that Lord has surrounded me with.

Later in October, we went to an amazing event in Rock Hill called, Helloween. we took some of our college and career age students! It was an amazing time that rocked me to the core. It was a live "play" type thing that you walked through. You walked through all of these situations in which a person died, and at the time of death you either saw a demon come or an angel. After you walked through all of the different scenes, you got to visit the throne room in Heaven. Let me tell you, I seriously felt like I was in one of the most anointed places that I have ever experienced. It was like I was really looking at Jesus and hearing the words from His lips. Unfortunately, you don't get to stay there forever like we will get to do one day. In this walk through, you must also go visit Hell. When I say Hell, it truly felt like one of the most intense things I have ever experienced. The guy playing Satan was our youth pastor friend, but it didn't even seem like it was him. It felt so gut wrenching and real. I couldn't hold back the tears! Lives were being thrown into this eternal place of hate and horrible torture. Those lives in the play symbolized real people with real problems. At the end of the night, everyone was given the opportunity to rededicate their lives to the Lord. We had two in our group that chose to do so! YAY!!! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

October was also full of lots of Cheerleading games for this little Sassy Pants. She has done an amazing job learning new cheers, making new friends, and always making us laugh out on the field!

While October was full of love and laughter, one particular day I was filled with total heartbreak as I was I shopping in Hamrick's. I made a Facebook post about it that read like this:

"Oh little mama, I see you. I see you for the seventh time asking your little boy to quit getting under the clothes racks. I see you sighing in embarrassment as you had to raise your voice, I see you scrounging fast to get the last thing you need, I see you trying to hold up those jeans to see which pair will fit your daughter this coming fall, while she's in the buggy crying because she just spilt an entire ChickFila honey mustard sauce on her adorable monogrammed shirt. I see you. 

I see you looking at me with my "empty" buggy, except for my purse in the seat where a child "should" be. I see you smile and push back the tears as you say, "wouldn't it be nice?!", as you nod at my buggy. I see you, as I smile and push back my tears and say "your kids are precious and beautiful". I see you. 

But did you see me? I wasn't judging you, I wasn't annoyed with you, I wasn't even upset with you, I was just looking at you and admiring the person you are. A mom. I saw something that I long to be one day. 

I see you sister, I see you. You will make it. This too shall pass. They won't be that little forever, and some women will never know the love, joy, frustration, or stress you feel....so know sweet lady, I saw you, Jesus sees you. I believe in you, because God chose you!" 

At the time I felt like I had been punched in the stomach on this particular day, but after many encouraging Facebook posts from sweet friends, I was reminded that God sees me and He sees this season and is walking through it with us. He already knows the outcome of the season and the one that will follow. 

October gave us lots of fun times at church as we led into Halloween and I decided to start a new bible study with some precious ladies, and also gave us some sweet little family time. 

October also allowed us to celebrate the 2nd birthday of my best friend's baby! She did an awesome job on his Mickey Farm Party! We love him to pieces! 

Seth was given the opportunity to speak at JET Middle School's Fellowship of Christian Athletes Event! It was awesome to be a part of an event where kids take time out of there day to take time for Jesus! They were some of the most kindest, well mannered, loving kids we have met! We truly enjoyed going there! I always love hearing my husband give his Testimony! He always conveys the Gospel in an amazing, compassionate, real way. 

October 21st is two special friends of ours birthdays, so every year we try and do some type of little special dinner. This year we made it to TBonz with some of our college and career kids to celebrate and it was nothing short of eventful. Between stealing ice-cream and brownies from each other waiting hours (or so it seemed) for food, we had a great night celebrating Casey and Lauren! 

Every year we always go to the fair with my sister in law, her husband, and six kiddos! It's ALWAYS such a blast and this year was no different. We ran into so many people we knew and got to enjoy the company of so many of our family and friends. The fair is the epitome of Fall to me. 

The Twins! 

The Wednesday Night before Halloween we had game night at church! The kids had a blast and the youth were awesome helpers! We played games like the Mummy Relay, the Pumpkin Smash Mash and much more! We love celebrating Fall and the fellowship it brings!

During this same week, I also had Red Ribbon Week going on at school. (which means that we had different Spirit Days every day) My favorite day this year was Team Day and 50's day!

 

The Saturday before Halloween is always the Jackolatern Jubilee in Downtown North Augusta,
so I spent some time down there watching Caroline Grace do Jazzersize and have lunch with my good friends! It was a good day! That night we had girl's night at church! We painted pumpkins, jammed out to Taylor Swift, and of course ate Chickfila! It was a great night!!! We spent a lot of time just enjoying each other and laughing at all the silly moments we have had through the years together.

The next day was October 30th, which was our annual Trunk or Treat! This event turned out a BAZILLION times better than I ever imagined it would! We had so many trunk or treaters with their families. We had so many people volunteer to do trunks. It turned out so wonderful. I love being apart of something that is all about leading people to Jesus. This was an outreach the was designed to show our community some love, some Jesus, and just plain fun! Seth and I always try and do a fun costume and this year we really enjoyed it! Our outfits the last 3 years have came from the Goodwill. I love finding outfits and that don't cost a fortune from a Halloween store, this year we played Shaggy and Velma from Scooby Doo. I even managed to find Marley a Scooby outfit for $3 at Goodwill also!

Halloween Day was super crazy as well! We had our Character Day at school. Our 5th Grade Team decided to be the Magic School Bus Cast. We had a huge character parade with the whole school. The kids and teachers loved it. It made the day something special at school and honestly wasn't as chaotic as I thought it would be with all the excitement of the day!

On Halloween Day,  our church also had the opportunity to go visit the Children's Hospital! My mom rents out costumes for parties and events, and she allowed us to take them with us to the hospital! This was one of the sweetest, but saddest days I have ever been a part of. These kids were so precious as they looked at Minnie and Mickey with such joy and happiness. We loved every bit of it! There were so many children and families who just looked so happy to be out of their hospital rooms and "trick or treat" with candy and small prizes. I am always reminded how truly blessed I am and the kids in my life are. We take so much for granted and I loved that we were able to play a small part in putting a smile on their face for the day.

Halloween night, my little Presley called (okay really her mom, Lindsay called) and asked me if I wanted to go trick or treating with her and Presley! So, of course I did! It was so surreal going trick or treating in the neighborhood where Lindsay and I always went trick or treating with our cousins. :( It made me so sad, but happy to see Lindsay carrying on the tradition with her little.

October was a fun month! It was slammed busy, but it was fun and full of memory making! That's what Seth and I are all about: Making Memories and Telling People About Jesus! :)

Adios October, Hello November! We hope you enjoyed Fall with DuValls! 

Living to make Jesus famous,

Seth and Amy DuVall