What A Mighty God We Serve.

Last night was Cross Movement Dance's recital (part 1).  My daughter participated in this program when she was 4 years old and sparkled like a diamond at the performance.  I remember her little "JC" outfit and how adorable she was.  She's asked every year to do it, but because of time restraints, it just didn't work out.  This year, we made it happen!  With an amazing leader of Meredith Worley and her MANY MANY godly minions- last night went off without a hitch (at least that we saw).  I'll be honest... this isn't my cup of tea.  I don't like commitments.  I don't like having to prepare and get things ready.  I don't like having to fix hair and makeup.  I just don't enjoy those types of things.  I enjoy watching OTHERS do that stuff while I praise them with words of affirmation of how effortlessly they do it.  But God told me months ago that this was going to be amazing.  He whispered to me that Haley needed this and they needed her.  As we prepared for this past week of practices and preparations, I began it with prayer.  I had the easy part.  Fix one kid up and get her there in time.  Many circumstances tried to hinder that process, but God is bigger.  He aligned the stars so we could be there.   It was truly beautiful to see so many people be the hands and feet of Christ.  I pray these people never underestimate their impact.  I saw mommies who I don't get to see often who lifted my spirits and reminded me they've been praying for me.  They hugged on me and made me laugh.  They reminded Haley of how precious she is (because I don't tell her NEARLY enough).  They pointed every process of last night towards a proclamation that we serve a mighty God.  I felt calm as I watched my princess dance on the stage.  I was in awe of all the beauties (male and female) who went up there to glorify God.  It was simply breathtaking.  It was more than you or me.. it was about Him.

I woke this morning of news of a young girl who took her last breath last night.  I don't know the circumstances, but I know that I reconnected with a former student last night.  She hugged me and told me she'd love to come see me in my classroom again.  She reminded me that she'll be a sophomore this year.  (I told her there is NO WAY she's already a sophomore).  The first thing that I thought of was my sweet Sarah when I learned of this girl's sudden passing.  She was a freshman.  Sarah is about that age.. this sweet, former student who I JUST SAW.  Life is so short.  Life is so precious.  Since losing my mom, I don't hold back words anymore for how I feel about others.  I throw out a LOT of I love yous.. and I mean them.  I hug a LOT.  I take time to talk to others a LOT.  It's annoying to some.  But I feel like it's part of my mission to God.  To remind others that they ARE loved and worth something.  God reminds me of that all the time.    I don't feel worthy of my blessings.  I have SO much to be thankful for.  I have a little half pound reminder in my belly everyday that God is amazing- because he kicks me constantly and I just don't see HOW there can be a real live baby growing in there.  It truly is a miracle.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 

 

Thank you for every single person who has shown love to me and my family.  Now's let's go spread that love to others.

Things Change... It Just Happens

So I've been trying for at least a year to access this blog.  One.. I forgot about it.  Life got busy.  I was enjoying raising a rambunctious little boy with a big heart and his big sister who brings sunshine to every one she meets.  I was busy being a teacher who's switched schools a few times and loved on many kids.  I've been living life to the fullest.  IN FACT, life has been a little hopping lately.  I mean, THREE years away causes changes.

First of all, I'm still married to the love of my life Chad.  He's pretty great.  He puts up with a lot, but hey, I do too.  We "complete" each other.  We are at Rich Fork Baptist Church where we are continuing to grow as a family to love Christ more and serve Him in ways that He asks us to- even if it means being uncomfortable.  I'll be starting at Southwood Elementary (my alma mater) teaching 5th grade this year.  New adventures are happening.  It's titled "Adventures of Being a Mommy" right?  Couldn't have picked a better blog name.

Coincidentally, on April 1 (April Fool's Day AND my husband's birthday) we found out MORE exciting news.  God has blessed us with one more amazing child... well, he's being created AS I TYPE THIS.  I did say "HE".  We found out this little miracle is a boy last week and I couldn't be happier.  He's healthy and perfect and he's going to complete our family.  We'd always said "If God sees fit.." and He did.  Baby boy's presence fights my body every day to see who will win.  Baby wins most days and my body loses.  It's VERY different to be pregnant at 37 than it was at 27.  I feel 90 years old and I throw up ALL the time.  But guess what?  Baby boy doesn't seem to mind.

Kids reactions:
Tyler: (who wanted a boy)  I am happy (because it's a BOY and I want a baby brother) and nervous (I'm nervous because I don't know what he's going to look like but I'll still love him anyway).
Haley (who wanted a girl)  I am sad (because I wanted it to be a girl) and happy (because Tyler will actually have someone to play with now and I get you all to myself)

Little does she know....