How are You?

This is a question I have been asked lately by plenty of different people. Everyone from my family, to friends, to even a couple of kids. My answer simply is...I'm okay. Part of me believes this and the other part of me is saying, dude i'm just trying to put one foot in front of the other without tripping.

And you know, sometimes thats what faith is. Putting one foot in front of the other. Walking intent on not tripping. In Hebrews, faith is described as believing in the unseen. Fixing our eyes on this unseen and knowing that even when we are absolutely unfaithful, God alway is. Max Lucado once said, "He has shown that he never fails, though there is nothing but failure in us."

I have sat here these past few days...trying to understand and make sense of everything thats going on around me and in me. I know that when I look back on my experience here, I will be nothing but thankful for the trials I've went through. For through it all, God has and is teaching me so much about me and more importantly about Him.

The joy of the Lord is my strength. As I go out today...putting one foot in front of the other, that verse resonates in my heart. You, your joy Lord, is my strength. I will not rely on my own strength...cuz we all know how that turns out...but instead...I will look to you, I will fix my eyes on you, the author and perfector of my faith, and I will as Paul said, struggle with all YOUR energy, which so powerfully works in me.

Readers, you are all in my prayers. God is faithful, even when we are not...

God bless you all!

Warm Weather!

At the insisting of my mother, I decided to write a quick post. I guess i've had a lot on my mind as of late and have been very busy, so I just haven't had the time nor the will to write. This past week was our last week of academic program (*tear). Although I was sad that the time has passed by so quickly, I was running on empty-so I was ready for a few days of relaxation and no kids. OMG, did that come out of my mouth? I know you are suprised but yes, even I desire a few days off. lol

It is Memorial Day weekend and it has turned out to be a very nice, relaxing one. Yesterday, a co-worker and I took our 3rd graders to the park, lunch, and a movie. Although we don't have the warm 80 degree weather Arkansas is getting, it has been nice, in upper 60s and lower 70s. I enjoyed being outside with the kids and laughing at them as they all tried their hand on the tire swing. We went and watched the movie speedracer...I wouldn't recommend it for anyone over the age of 10! lol

Today is Sunday. As I sat out on my deck (for like 3 hours!), I realized how much I've grown accustomed to and love the sounds of my neighborhood. Today, at any moment I could hear the ice cream truck's jingle, the 80s music playing as my neighbors barbequed in their backyard, the laughter of some of the neighborhood children playing basketball and riding their bikes past my house, and of course, the occasional police siren going by.

I grew up in the country...and when I say country, I mean country...my neighbors were cows! I never really knew what it was like to live in a neighborhood and although I do miss being able to just go outside and enjoy walking barefoot in the grass and not seeing concrete and houses everywhere I look...I love the sounds and the smells of the city.

Lately, I have been reminded that as Christians, God made us for community. I forget this sometimes because I am a very independent person and I really enjoy soldiarity at times. Yet, at other times, I yearn for friends and community...and I know I am "filled up" when I get to be around those whom I love.

Tomorrow is Memorial Day. I know for some that means time to sleep in and rest, while for others that means barbequing and being with others. I do hope, whatever your plans, you go out and enjoy the beautiful day...



God bless you all!

What happens in Bible Study...stays in Bible Study

Today was the last bible study of the year, so we decided to have a party.

We ate Chipotle burritos and chips and played games like Name that Tune, Clothing Relay, Bobbing for Apples, and Food Relay. The kids really enjoyed it!

Hope you enjoy the pictures! And of course...the video :)

God bless you all!!!!!

the Diamondbacks

Today was the official start of softball. Yes, I practically coach anything I can! Today we took the girls to "opening day." It was a pretty big deal, complete with Mayor Daley and a couple of former pro baseball players.

We had a ton of fun and the girls ended up playing a "semi-real" game. A high school team and our girls played together...and you know what? They did okay. A few players really impressed me. For example...Cheyenne, Jameisha, and Kanika can all hit the ball pretty solid, while Maia is definitely going to be our short stop (she had 3 outs in the game). I think the best thing about the scrimmage is that now, Andrea and I have a better idea of where we will position the girls.

Anyways, they got to wear their uniforms (the Diamondbacks) and I took a few pictures and even recorded a couple of videos of the girls batting. Here is a video of Iris batting (yes that is one of our girls dancing at first base lol)!

God bless you all!!!

Questions

Do you ever just take a step back and look at your life?

Do you ever think...who is most important in your life?

What is most important in your life?

What am I holding on to that I just need to let go of?

What feeds my soul?


These are the questions that are resonating with me tonight...these are questions that I am asking myself to see where my priorities are....


"I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes-I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!" Job 19:25-27


God bless you all.

Ahh...the simplicity of kids' minds!

I was talking to a young lady today. We got on the subject of how I never cook (Yes I am notorious for the blue box and boiling water). She always gripes at me for this and says i'm going to get fat eating out all the time (which is funny since I rarely have the money or opprotunity to eat out). And we joked back and forth about what is better for you (or more convenient!).

She then told me what she would do if she was president. She is a smart girl so i'm thinking...end the war...universal healthcare...more charter schools or something profound. Nope...what would she do?

a. cigaretes would be illegal. they wouldn't even be available anywhere.

b. restaurants would be so expensive, no one would be able to eat there.

lol. yes. those were her two things she will do when she is president. Ahh...the simplicity of kids' minds!

She does have a point tho...maybe people would be a whole lot healthier physically if no one smoked. For as a person w/a degree in the health field...i know that almost all ailments can be and are caused from smoking. And also, maybe more families would be intact. Why? Because they'd have to sit down together and eat dinner. They'd have to actually spend time together instead of running through the fast food line and eating in their cars while onto their next event/game/whatever.

Yes...simple answers to our country's problems...or is it? You be the judge :)

God bless you all!

Where there is darkness....light

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;

where there is hatred, let me sow love;

when there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

and where there is sadness, joy.

Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;

to be understood, as to understand,

to be loved as to love;

for it is in giving that we receive,

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying [to ourselves] that we are born to eternal.

-St. Franicis of Assisi