Lane Turner Dickerson, Vacation, My Papaw, and a Little Pain

Let me start off with the most exciting news.  We will be blessed with a baby boy in February, strongly named Lane Turner Dickerson.  Of the three, this has definitely been the most anticipated gender revealing day.  All along, my wife and I having praying for a healthy baby after God blessed us with another pregnancy.  We didn't want to get too selfish in regards to the sex of the baby because it took us over a year and a half to conceive.  Although we were both secretly hoping we would have a girl.  There's nothing wrong with that, is there? 

As soon as we found out yesterday, I was instantly filled with joy and excitement and couldn't imagine having a girl now.  This baby was Lane Turner all the way.  My wife is so beautiful and even more so when she is expecting, and with this new baby boy, we have all the more reason to go for four (which was my original plan). 

While thinking about this new life we are blessed with, I have also been thinking a lot about my Papaw this week.  One year ago today he went home and even though he was 87, it still seemed too early.  I could always count on him for wise counsel along with great Indiana basketball discussions.  I could say considerable more about his life, but my brother put it best...he was the greatest Christian I ever knew.  I wish he could have met Lane Turner, as he had an ability to make everyone feel as if they are the favorite. 

Our church is also celebrating our Centennial.  It has been a busy week there as well.  We are excited about welcoming back former pastors and music ministers.  Sunday will be a filled day all around as after the afternoon service, I will be driving to Disney World.  

Also in this week, there has been vacation prep time.  For me, not so much packing as it is getting things squared away at work.  I have never been gone for two weeks and I am realizing how difficult it is to be away for that length of time with a demanding business (God has blessed me in my company).  I am extremely excited, though. I can't wait to spend two weeks with my family.

As if that's not enough for a week, I have had some dental issues and a tremendous amount of pain.  A few weeks ago, I was flossing and one of my fillings came out.  It was a tooth that I had knocked a filling out of earlier this year playing basketball.  I went in Friday to get it filled for the third time and since then, the pain has gotten worse.  Finally yesterday morning, I called my dentist and he suggested a root canal, but didn't know when they could get to me.  Since I am going on vacation, whatever was to be done I wanted done immediately.  I talked to an oral surgeon in Cookeville and the procedure was going to be around $1500 and a $700-$800 crown in a few weeks.  There were no guarantees this would work. 

I called my dentist back and we went over several options, and we reviewed my X-rays.  He said that the wisdom tooth was growing at an angle over the troubled tooth, and that on that side of my mouth the teeth were crowded.  So, he mentioned extraction as an option.  Keep in mind the whole time I am thinking of that $2300 number and the dreaded procedures involved.  So I posed the question, "An extraction, huh?  How much?"  To which he replied $68.  Without hesitation I said, "How quick can you get me in?"   He said, "I'll see you in a few hours." 

I'm now ready for vacation....even more. 

 

Choose to celebrate His Birth!

Since yesterday morning, on three separate occasions I have heard people say they can't wait until Christmas is over.  WOW!!!  A time of year that everyone seems to anticipate as much as any other time of year, and you want to just skip it?  If we were all honest, each one of us would have to say there has been at least a few stress-filled moments or days this the last month of the year.

I don't believe that we can use the excuse of getting "wrapped" up in too much activity or responsibility anymore.  You see, we have a choice.  I have a choice, and you have a choice.  What do you choose?  Of course there will be that fear of letting someone down if you don't attend their party or gathering this Christmas.  You may be worried that some disappointment may set in if you forget to buy a gift for everyone you know and their cousin.  Is it worth it?  I am guilty of all of this, and I am blogging for myself more than you.  I need to make a different choice.

I am also hearing more mumblings of the date of the Birth of Christ not being December 25th.  That talk seems to be more prevalent than in years past. (maybe I am becoming a better listener?  doubt it!)  Well to all of those doubters in the 25th being the birth of our Savior, you are most likely right!  There is very little possibility that Christ was born on the 25th of December, and most Biblical Scholars will say not even in December or the surrounding months.  Does it matter?  Really?  I choose to celebrate His Birth.  If the early Church in the time of Emperor Constantine had chosen another day of the year to celebrate Christ's birth, well the day after Thanksgiving would be less profitable for many businesses.  You see, the date doesn't matter, the celebration does.  I'm sure there are a few of you reading this, who are clearly better than me, saying, "I celebrate Christ's birth all year".  You are some amazing people.  I am working on continually celebrating Christ in everything I do, but I have not arrived there yet.  There is still much to be done.  Let me say this, do you celebrate you child's birthday?  Niece? Nephew? Mom? Dad?  I'm guessing you are thankful all year for that loved one, but you take one day a year to celebrate their birth don't you?

Everyday as one of God's children should be a day lived for Christ.  Praising Him, serving Him, loving Him and loving others.  We should all be working towards living a life for him.  In the meantime, don't let yourself disappoint Him who saves because you are too concerned about letting others down.  Choose to celebrate HIS BIRTH!!!  Even if it is not December 25th in your mind.

Merry CHRISTmas from the Dickersons!

The boys and their Papaw Moore last Christmas......

Winter Wonderland

As I leave work early today to go home and play in the snow with the family, I am reminded of some great times the white weather has given me over the years. From the big snows as a kid in Indiana to the once in a blue moon dustings in Tennessee, there has been no shortage of great memories in the white stuff.
A few memories the stand above the others....
Having a blast with no regard for safety while being pulled behind the blazer on the tube as a small child in Indiana! (thanks, dad) I am glad no sudden stops were needed!
The first winter we lived in Albemarle, NC, and the record snow we had that year....not quite as exciting as hurricane Hugo the following year, but a little more enjoyable. The rumor was the new Hoosier family in town brought old man winter with them!
The storm of the century while we lived in Kentucky. Along with a couple of my buddies, neglecting to consult the weather forecast, went to spend the night at a cabin my friends mom had on the lake(your mom goes to college). When we woke up the next morning, eighteen inches of snow had fallen. We spent the next three days cleaning out the pantry, and proceeded to call the National Guard when we ran out of food. They picked us up in a hummer, dropped us off at my house where about 10 of my other friends had been staying for those three days. We ended up being out of school for over two weeks, and went sledding every day. After spending 137 dollars on hot chocolate mix and exhausting mom, the snow was gone...fun times.
In Tennessee, the snow has been less frequent, but oh what a blast when it does come. The ice storm of 98 aside, old man winter has been kind to the Volunteer state. One of my first "dates" with Terri was sledding behind the house on Winding Lane. The way I felt spending that day with her, I knew I was in trouble! Then we had the potential America's funniest home video winner the following year, when Tristan slammed into the neighbor's mail box when he lost control of his sled. That has provided laughs for years now. The last two years, however, have been the best. Playing in the snow with my boys is just a different kind of fun. Gotta go...we are going to see if we can expand on the snowman family we made last year! Dad was 7'2".....