This is me tonight! For my families sake I better get some sleep!Saturday, June 13, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
What to say
Tonight is our Spring sports awards at MC. I usually spit out a quick speech, give awards and let someone else take the floor. Tonight will be different. I am struggling with what I want to talk about. I have some girls that are talented and some not so but they have all worked VERY HARD. We have broke several school records and made great personal improvements. At times I would say we had a "building" season but at others I would say this has simply been a "good" season. I will be losing two girls this year that I am particularly close to. They will be graduating and moving on to new things. I wish them best but am sad to see them go. Audrey will miss Liz, her piggy back rides and taking her on a run with the team. I will miss Stacy, her motivation and perseverance....not to mention sanity among teenage girls!!
This seems simple just get up there and spit out what you just typed. The problem is I can't, where do I draw the line in recognitions? Personal bests? County champs? Conference Champs, Sectional Winners, School record breakers? Hard Workers? I could talk forever about all of the different personal victories (not a bad problem to have). I cannot express how much I will miss 2 Seniors without ignoring 4 other seniors. Hmmm I am stumped and have three hours to figure it out :)
This seems simple just get up there and spit out what you just typed. The problem is I can't, where do I draw the line in recognitions? Personal bests? County champs? Conference Champs, Sectional Winners, School record breakers? Hard Workers? I could talk forever about all of the different personal victories (not a bad problem to have). I cannot express how much I will miss 2 Seniors without ignoring 4 other seniors. Hmmm I am stumped and have three hours to figure it out :)
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
How long have I been saved????
Raised in Church-check
Bible reader-check
Faithful church attender-check
Growth Group member-check
Christ follower and lover-check
Saved by grace-check
Understanding salvation.......just beginning to grasp it. Lately I have been doing some searching and thinking within myself and my spiritual relationship with God and WOW, is it ugly. I have never fully understood or realized what God did for ME. I am not saying I have a complete grasp but I am gaining insight. Today I was listening to Todd Agnew (this is one of my favorites) and he was describing so perfectly what I am finally coming to realize. Even when I mess up his love is unchanging. God knows my thoughts, ideas and imperfections but yet he still sees in me something worthy of reflecting His Glory. There is no way I can fully grasp that this God who is perfect and sacrificed His Son for me can completely forget every sin I have ever committed and not change his feelings about me. Sin after sin after sin, shortcoming after shortcoming after shortcoming God is there to forgive me and show me his mercy.
1 John 1 8 If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. 9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.
I used to think and until recently tried to be "perfect" follow all the rules and do everything God called us to do. In the past few months I have learned that I was trying to do these actions out of a desire to be perfect. I wanted to keep all the rules for the sake of not messing up and sinning. I need to have a servant's heart, following God's commands because I love Him. Not trying to be sinless because that is impossible.
Ephesians 2 7in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast.
I know God only gives us what we can handle with his strength; generally I only think of this when "bad" things are happening to myself or others. As I was typing tonight I realized that God has been revealing passages to me in new ways and with new understanding. Until this point in my life and after particular circumstance am I ready to handle this new knowledge and only with his strength/wisdom can I grasp these teachings.
Bible reader-check
Faithful church attender-check
Growth Group member-check
Christ follower and lover-check
Saved by grace-check
Understanding salvation.......just beginning to grasp it. Lately I have been doing some searching and thinking within myself and my spiritual relationship with God and WOW, is it ugly. I have never fully understood or realized what God did for ME. I am not saying I have a complete grasp but I am gaining insight. Today I was listening to Todd Agnew (this is one of my favorites) and he was describing so perfectly what I am finally coming to realize. Even when I mess up his love is unchanging. God knows my thoughts, ideas and imperfections but yet he still sees in me something worthy of reflecting His Glory. There is no way I can fully grasp that this God who is perfect and sacrificed His Son for me can completely forget every sin I have ever committed and not change his feelings about me. Sin after sin after sin, shortcoming after shortcoming after shortcoming God is there to forgive me and show me his mercy.
1 John 1 8 If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. 9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.
I used to think and until recently tried to be "perfect" follow all the rules and do everything God called us to do. In the past few months I have learned that I was trying to do these actions out of a desire to be perfect. I wanted to keep all the rules for the sake of not messing up and sinning. I need to have a servant's heart, following God's commands because I love Him. Not trying to be sinless because that is impossible.
Ephesians 2 7in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast.
I know God only gives us what we can handle with his strength; generally I only think of this when "bad" things are happening to myself or others. As I was typing tonight I realized that God has been revealing passages to me in new ways and with new understanding. Until this point in my life and after particular circumstance am I ready to handle this new knowledge and only with his strength/wisdom can I grasp these teachings.
Monday, May 25, 2009
On Our Own?
Mom and Dad have been in Jamaica for over one week. It may sound strange to some but this has been the longest amount of time, since being on my own, that I have not been able to contact my parents for immediate guidance, assistance, or conversation. Yes, as some are thinking, I am getting along just fine. Since they left their has been a death, a birthday and a "holiday" weekend.
The death was bitter sweet and my sympathies go out to my brother in-law and his family.
The birthday was celebrated in fashion. My grandmother turned 86! At her request we went to lunch at IHOP, yummmmmmmm! Audrey decided that grandma needed extra attention. While using the potty with her dad, she informed our bust boy that it was grandma's birthday. He made it his mission to have her sang to. We had seen other birthday wishes yesterday and two or three staff members would sing, but Grandma got the whole crew (well at least 10) and ice cream! Audrey's face was quite funny as she "supervised" the ordeal. Not necessarily playing and singing along but watching everything as if she planned it to happen (I guess she did in a way).
Last night we had a few hamburgers and smores with my sister, brother in-law and brother. We played outside and euchre inside after the mosquitos had ate us up. The highlight of the evening was when we all decided to get in the pool! Please remember we just filled our pool on Friday! The only smart one was Braylon, who refused to be in the water! We only lasted about 15 minutes but it was fun having our first splash of the summer!
The weekend has been great and I have enjoyed it but I cannot help to wonder what will it be like when places are reversed. When my family is in Jamaica and Mom is here, reporting to me all the news and events from the states. When I hear about mulching and garage sales at Aaron's parents and know that Audrey is missing out on cousin/papaw time. When my family is having a summer splash and we are not with them. While talking with mom and dad on skpe this past week, I have enjoyed showing them the kids and telling them their latest adventures, funny sayings and abilities (Braylon learned to clap) but the entire time I know they will be home soon. I see in my mom and dad's eyes that they long to hold the bouncing boy on the computer screen and give my giggling Audrey a hug....how will I feel when in Jamaica as I see those longing eyes knowing it will be another month, maybe two or three before we can actually touch again.
The death was bitter sweet and my sympathies go out to my brother in-law and his family.
The birthday was celebrated in fashion. My grandmother turned 86! At her request we went to lunch at IHOP, yummmmmmmm! Audrey decided that grandma needed extra attention. While using the potty with her dad, she informed our bust boy that it was grandma's birthday. He made it his mission to have her sang to. We had seen other birthday wishes yesterday and two or three staff members would sing, but Grandma got the whole crew (well at least 10) and ice cream! Audrey's face was quite funny as she "supervised" the ordeal. Not necessarily playing and singing along but watching everything as if she planned it to happen (I guess she did in a way).
Last night we had a few hamburgers and smores with my sister, brother in-law and brother. We played outside and euchre inside after the mosquitos had ate us up. The highlight of the evening was when we all decided to get in the pool! Please remember we just filled our pool on Friday! The only smart one was Braylon, who refused to be in the water! We only lasted about 15 minutes but it was fun having our first splash of the summer!
The weekend has been great and I have enjoyed it but I cannot help to wonder what will it be like when places are reversed. When my family is in Jamaica and Mom is here, reporting to me all the news and events from the states. When I hear about mulching and garage sales at Aaron's parents and know that Audrey is missing out on cousin/papaw time. When my family is having a summer splash and we are not with them. While talking with mom and dad on skpe this past week, I have enjoyed showing them the kids and telling them their latest adventures, funny sayings and abilities (Braylon learned to clap) but the entire time I know they will be home soon. I see in my mom and dad's eyes that they long to hold the bouncing boy on the computer screen and give my giggling Audrey a hug....how will I feel when in Jamaica as I see those longing eyes knowing it will be another month, maybe two or three before we can actually touch again.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Waiting, Waiting, Waiting
I am tired of waiting, sick of not knowing, impatient with being patient, ready for consistency and answers.
The weather cannot be stable for more than two days
Aaron's schedule has been changing daily for two weeks and continues changing (thank you weather, grrr!)
We do not know any plans for Jamaica (are we going? we think we are going, When will leave?)
I KNOW that God has a plan and everything will happen as He designs.
Right now I need an attitude adjustment and a better outlook!
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Congratulations!
Today is a BIG day! My baby sister graduated from college :) It took 5 years of hard work, sweat (yes a PE class does require sweat), tears, laughter, determination, many gallons of gas, money and lots sleepless nights but it is over, she is a graduate with a Baccalaureate degree! I am so proud of her! What will she do next? She is capable to do anything she puts her mind to. As she worries over where the future leads, I want to remind her of Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope. Great Job Carla!
I am excited to see where the next part of the road in your journey leads you!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Take a moment please
Please pray for the family in this article. I do not know them personally but my heart aches for them. It appears the boys were on there way to a pre-county meal in preparation for the county track meet today. How quickly our lives can change. With the close knit community of Union students and parents, I am sure there are several people effected by this tragedy.
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