PRECIOUS MEMORIES

DonnyMac visit August 20, 2022 - Concord, NC

Photographs - DonnyMac

The memories of yesterday still reign in my head and my heart.  It is simply a day I will never forget.  To share and be able to spend this day with friends is truly a blessing.  Simply to host this gathering with DonnyMac at my house is truly humbling, and God is the one who made all this possible. 

As I write, I’m listening to DonnyMac’s “HOME” which we all love.  Joyful tears are streaming down my face listening to his songs.  I’ve been very fortunate to have met DonnyMac twice, once in Franklin, TN two months ago and yesterday.   God has blessed me not only once but now twice.  To be able to share this experience yesterday with three others from our local Substack family, Laura, Donna, Milinda, and with some of my closest friends means the world to me.  I am so thankful they were able to make it.

There is a funny incident I recall as Donny was performing.  I have many clocks in my house that chime every 15 minutes or so.  The clock on the mantle made its presence known yesterday.  It brings a smile to my face thinking about this.  Just as he started singing “Glorious Victorious,” the clock on the mantle struck 15 minutes past the hour.  So, the new words to beginning of this song is “Into the River Jordan, Jesus the clock”, etc.  Not really, but that’s what Donny sang as the mantle clock chimed in the background.  I guess it’s one of those things that you just had to be there for, but the laughter and the expression on his face were priceless.  I have this funny moment recorded, and I’m still laughing as I watch this short clip. 

Memories were definitely made for the ones who were able to attend yesterday.  There was laughter in the air, and stories shared.  I hope the friendships recently made have grown a little deeper after the experience yesterday.  For me, I feel they have.

It’s been six months since Graham started the Substack community/family.  When this journey started nearly six months ago, I never imagined I would have experienced what I have thus far.  I shake my head just thinking about it.  Am I dreaming?  No, it’s reality, but I credit God first and foremost.  God is the one who has made all this possible.  The people I’ve met in person and virtually all over the world via social media just blows my mind.   That’s the best way I can simply put it.  Every person I’ve met thus far mean the world to me.  I try and never take anyone I meet for granted.

First and foremost, my faith in God and HIS gift of Amazing Grace is the sustaining factor that makes this current journey possible.  The blessings God has provided of meeting Graham virtually, DonnyMac personally, and this amazing Substack family is truly humbling and I’m forever grateful.  Everyone of you mean the world to me.  I know I’ve said or written that before in comments at various places, but I truly mean it. 

Although I know God is the one that has worked behind the scenes through Graham and DonnyMac, words simply can’t express how much these two have encouraged and inspired me to come out of my comfort zone through their amazing talents.  I know I would not be where I am today without God placing these two in my life at a point when HE knew I needed it and would be willing to accept it.

Donny, thank you for visiting North Carolina and coming to my house yesterday to meet my friends and those of the local Substack family who support you.  It will be a day I know I will never forget.  The memories created and the friendships will only grow because of this experience.  I truly thank you from the bottom of my heart.  I was truly blessed, and I know everyone else was too.

As I close, cherish each and every day we have in this one life we’re given.  Take the time to let your family and friends know you love and care for them.   We live in a crazy and mixed-up world right now, and we need to take the time to let those we treasure how much we care about them. 

Thank you for letting me share this journey and my heart with you.  Yesterday will be a day I won’t ever forget.  Memories created and stories shared will remain close to my heart.

From my heart to yours, may God richly bless each and every one of you!