Return to Roxboro

On Friday afternoon, I was grinning from ear to ear as I drove into Roxboro, NC. For those of you who don't know about Roxboro (and that's probably most of you), it's a small, rural North Carolina town on the Virginia border. Although it's small, one of the most important events in the history of the world happened there. I met Barry Carroll and got engaged there 20 years ago!!! How's that for history making?!

It was a fabulous weekend. I originally went to spend time with my friend Renee Swope who was speaking at Long Memorial Methodist Church. Shout out to you UMC girls!! I love, love, love getting to hear Renee speak. Somehow she always cuts right through to my heart. She's left me pondering my SHAPE, and no, this time I'm not talking about my weight. :) Renee is more fun and encouragement than should be able to fit in that petite little body!

Charity Helmes led worship. She's one more anointed worship leader. She took me by the heart and led me right up to Jesus' feet as He sat on His throne. Truly! My favorite hymn is "Come Thou Fount", and when she sang it my heart was truly tuned to sing His praise.

The other treat was spending time with my friend Cindy. She's one of those rare and wonderful people who you can pick right back up with no matter how many years have passed. Time with Cindy is the most peaceful, soothing experience. She makes me think deep thoughts and challenges my life with her giving spirit more than anybody I know. Cindy is battling breast cancer with a gusto that is inspiring. The hardest I laughed all weekend was when she whipped off her new wig right there on Main St. She stood there bald and beautiful flipping her wig around like it was a little pet dog. Hilarious and brave!

There are some places so filled with happy memories that it fills your heart. Roxboro is one of those places for me. I'm not waiting so long to return again!