Miss you Nana!

Nana’s Legacy


“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, 13

Nancy Laws Copeland was the epitome of the faithful servant to Christ but most importantly to me she was my Nana and one of my best friends. She was a faithful daughter, good wife, loving mother, encouraging friend, loving grandmother and great grandmother. She prayed constantly for her family, her church and her friends. Whenever I, either for me or someone else, needed prayer I would call Nana because I always said she had a direct line to God.

Nana had a quiet, strong utmost faith in her Lord. Despite all she had been through in her life she knew that the Lord would keep his promises to her. Even when the storms and darkness of life would assail her she did not waver. Nana lived through war, social upheaval, and personal strife within her family over the years along with difficult medical issues especially over the last few years. Despite all of these tribulations, Nana’s strength was truly in the Lord. Watching her handle the challenges in her life has given me strength in my own journey. Her strength was a blessing to all of us.

Nana leaves three children, two sons in law, a daughter in law, two daughters of her heart, three grandchildren and a great grandson– all of whom were much loved. Nana was proud of every one of us – she always knew what was special about each of us. Nana loved that we were each our own person with our own strengths and weaknesses. Nana’s constant prayer of hope for each of us was that we find the same kind of personal relationship with the Lord she experienced. Nana believed in the promises made by Jesus and knew that Jesus was the way, the truth and the light (John 14:6).

And in this hope, Nana knew about the need we all have for forgiveness. In order to love the Lord and each other we must open our hearts and forgive ourselves for things we think we should have done and forgive each other for those things done against us. Despite what any of us may have done or not done, Nana offered forgiveness and abiding love. There were times we both had to work through issues and leave them in the past. We helped each other do that and we learned forgiveness was a blessing to the one who was forgiving. Nana taught me I cannot control other people but I can open my heart to move forward in the Lord’s unfailing love as Nana always did.

Do not let this fool you into thinking Nana and I always agreed. There were times, Nana and I did not always see eye to eye. Our discussions could get interesting depending on the subject matter. Plus Nana could be stubborn although she did not call it that – she just thought she was right. Some people say I get my independent streak from her and when Little Frank gets stubborn I see her in him. So there were times we would agree to disagree. We always agreed that we were still family, still friends, still loved each and still were praying for each other.

And Love, Nana was love in so many ways. When I was young, Laurens always meant Nana, Gran, rainbow sherbert, homemade rolls, coca cola in the bottle (no ice), the front porch swing and walks to library. I still have my pot belly Percy bear I got for Christmas one year that I remember dragging down the steps. I acted out all of kinds of stories on the front porch of Nana’s house and under the magnolia trees out front. My imagination always had plenty of ways for me to play. Then was the closet upstairs with the toys and the train whistle at night. I went to swimming and to summer camp at Camp Fellowship. I would spend hours in the bottom floor of the old Laurens library on South Harper Street.

Nana and I always shared a love of reading, history, enjoying sports although she was a Clemson football and North Carolina basketball fan (you know I love my Gamecocks and Duke basketball) and the theater. We had a wonderful trip together to Williamsburg when we explored together. I loved going to the Little Theater with Nana – it was our special time together. At the Sunday matinee I would tease her about me being the youngest one there so she had the best date. Nana and I talked about all sorts of things – she always believed in me and encouraged me to follow my dreams. Nana was the one person who did not fuss about my teenage driving. There were holidays in Laurens like Thanksgiving and other celebrations. Little Frank’s first birthday party was at Nana’s house which is a memory I will always treasure. I remember how excited Nana was when I told her we were having a baby. She was thrilled and I felt her prayers throughout the entire time.

Nana was the kind of person I want to be. Nana was active in her church including her circle and Sunday school. She always had a dessert ready the freezer for bereavement of church members and kept her prayer list by her Bible. Nana was active in the hospital auxiliary and other groups. She liked to play bridge and socialize with her friends. Nana was a teacher who impacted many students. Nana was someone you wanted to be friends with because she genuinely cared. Nana put Christ first and it showed in all that she was here on earth.

Nana – I love you and I know you love me. Little Frank wants us to come visit you in heaven. I explained it is too far to pack and drive right now but we will be together in heaven one day. He still wants to know more specifics as four year olds do. I told him you were so special Jesus called you home because he needed you more than we did. I know how special you are which makes me glad Jesus let you stay here with me for as long as he did.

I am filled with joy at the thought of you in heaven because I know you are exactly where you always wanted to be. Your chains are gone, you are without pain and sorrow. You were a blessing to us here and have given us a strong foundation to move forward. I know you would want us to be happy for you so I hope you do not mind but I am still going to cry a little down here. They are happy tears because I have so many precious memories of you and me. I will always carry you in my heart until we meet again and please keep praying for us because now you really do have a direct line to the Lord.

Jesus said: “So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice; and no one will take away your joy.” John 16:27

Blessings...

In finishing my first week of business ownership I am happy to report I am still here.  It has been an interesting week and I hope to fully operational with no more bumps in the road soon.  Today's frustration is printer related as I cannot get my new printer to work.  Technology can be frustrating!  I have met with a couple of clients and hope to be working on files soon. 

In going through the process of deciding to open my own law firm I prayed alot.  I still am praying!  I know in my heart the God has a plan for me in this world and hope that I am doing his will. 

One song I have enjoyed during this time is from Laura Story.

Laura Story - "Blessings" Lyrics


We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things
‘Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

‘Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know the pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home,
It's not our home

‘Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near

What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are your mercies in disguise

Happy Birthday to Me!

Thank you for all the birthday wishes!  Frank IV wanted to know where my presents were this morning...he wanted to "help" unwrap them.  :)

It has been quick year and hopefully I am another year wiser.  I am blessed to have the love and support of my family and friends.  Y'all make it all worthwhile. 

Love to everyone! 

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and is ready to enjoy 2011.  I will be praying that you have a wonderful 2011.

I hope this year to be more open to God's plan for me, my family and the world.  I have agreed to act the church Treasurer at our church which is a huge responsibility and I am praying that I do God's will.  We are in the process of making some changes on how we handle matters financailly at church (coming into the electronic age) so it will be a learning experience.  I am also continuing with my Disciple II bible study on Monday nights and singing with the choir.  Last Sunday I was the only lady there and sang with five gentlemen for our 11am service.  Frank IV will be starting in our children's choir this month too. 

We continue to live at Newport Drive where we are enjoying our new freezer thanks to Nannie and Granddaddy!  I am thrilled to have the freezer and continue to try to organize all of the new Christmas toys and general "stuff" that has us bursting at the seams.  We were blessed at Christmas time, especially Frank IV who continues to try and play with everything he received.

Work wise, I am still at Merritt, Flebotte, Wilson, Webb & Caruso, PPLC as an associate attorney.  Frank continues to work at Blythewood Oil and operate Cahoons Closet, LLC.  Frank IV continues in the three year old class at Brookland Academy where is he progressing rapidly.  We are working on letter and word recognition and he can almost count to 100.  I am the PTO president until May 2011 as well.

We are looking forward to celebrating Frank's 4th birthday on February 2, 2011 and having an awesome new year.  Until we talk again, Keep a Song in Your Heart...here is a good one!

"I'm gonna live so God can use me anywhere, Lord, anytime!

I'm gonna live so God can use me anywhere, Lord, anytime!

I'm gonna work so God can use me anywhere, Lord, anytime!

I'm gonna work so God can use me anywhere, Lord, anytime!

I'm gonna pray so God can use me anywhere, Lord, anytime!

I'm gonna pray so God can use me anywhere, Lord, anytime!

I'm gonna sing so God can use me anywhere, Lord, anytime!

I'm gonna sing so God can use me anywhere, Lord, anytime!"

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to everyone.  We hope that you have a holiday season filled with blessings and time with family.  As we try to tell Frank IV, it is not about the presents (presents are a fun part) but about the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  In the hustle and bustle of Christmas I hope you have time to reflect and remember the true reason for the season.

As I look back over the year of 2010, it has been filled with challenges, laughter and tears.  I could not have made it through the year without the knowledge that God was with me every step of the way, despite me asking "why me?"  I do not know the road that lies ahead but I look forward to the challenge knowing that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  For that I am truly thankful and blessed.

Luke Chapter 2:  "1 In those days, Caesar Augustus made a law. It required that a list be made of everyone in the whole Roman world. 2 It was the first time a list was made of the people while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be listed. 4 So Joseph went also. He went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea. That is where Bethlehem, the town of David, was. Joseph went there because he belonged to the family line of David. 5 He went there with Mary to be listed. Mary was engaged to him. She was expecting a baby. 6 While Joseph and Mary were there, the time came for the child to be born. 7 She gave birth to her first baby. It was a boy. She wrapped him in large strips of cloth. Then she placed him in a manger. There was no room for them in the inn.

8 There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby. It was night, and they were looking after their sheep. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them. And the glory of the Lord shone around them. They were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy. It is for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord. 12 Here is how you will know I am telling you the truth. You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger." 13 Suddenly a large group of angels from heaven also appeared. They were praising God. They said, 14 "May glory be given to God in the highest heaven! And may peace be given to those he is pleased with on earth!" 15 The angels left and went into heaven. Then the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem. Let's see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the baby. The baby was lying in the manger. 17 After the shepherds had seen him, they told everyone. They reported what the angel had said about this child. 18 All who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary kept all these things like a secret treasure in her heart. She thought about them over and over. 20 The shepherds returned. They gave glory and praise to God. Everything they had seen and heard was just as they had been told."

Thank you Veterans & Active Duty Servicemen and Women

Dear Lord:  Thank you for all of our veterans and currently servicing military troops that support and defend our country.  Please be with them as they serve and bless those families who lost loved ones in defense of our country.  Help those who have returned injured to heal and be with all military families on this Veteran's Day 2010.  Amen.

Fall Festival 2010 - Frank & Friends October 29, 2010