Wedding Blues...

So... I'm getting married in 13 days. I'm really excited about being married, but this wedding stuff can get annoying. Why do we make things so complicated? It sure seems difficult to get the deed done! Is this what God really intended the beginning of a marriage to look like? Scott and I keep talking about how all we want is to be married and happy... without worrying about suits, earrings, menus, etc. I can't wait for the moment when I get to walk down the aisle (before the wedding since we're doing all our pics ahead of time...) and meet his gaze for the first time as his bride. It's going to be beautiful!! Oh, on the upnote, I got my ring back, and I swear it's more beautiful than the day I got it!! It's so shiny and sparkly!!! He did a great job!! I only have this full week of school left, and then two days next week before I get to head home to Illionis. This is all passing by so fast that it seems like a blur!! It's going to be my first Christmas as Mrs. Robinson... now that's crazy!!

Bye Bye Bling...

Where to start!?! I had a great break!! I wasn't ready to leave Illinois... but the exciting thing is that I'll be back there in 16 days, and married in 19!! YAY!! Scott and I had a great time visiting with my family, and of course we had to do like 50 million things for the wedding! I felt like I never really got to sit down except for Thanksgiving Day, and then of course the 12 hours in the car there and back! I had a bridal shower on Sunday, and we received so many nice things. We are so blessed. Last night Scott and I just sat on the bed at my apartment and talked about how we are both experiencing the the "whoa" factor right now. We're both really excited to be getting married and ready to be married, but sometimes we catch ourselves going... "Whoa! When did I get old enough and grown up enough to be married!?!" It's a little crazy to me. Oh, and when I got my ring cleaned at Kay, they said the center stone was loose, so I had to send it off for TEN days so that it's back and perfect for the wedding. I miss it. So... I'll just look at this picture instead. =)

Growing Love...

I can't wait to go home! I'm SO ready for a break from teaching... and I miss my friends!!! Last night 3 of my bridesmaids called me because they were working on some of my wedding favors for the guests... I was sad I couldn't be there, but thankful for the invention of the speaker phone!! I am blessed to have so many wonderful friends!! Wedding stuff is fun, but I'm just excited to actually be married!! I'm going to say something at the risk of sounding corny and like a dumb, young, naive girl... I still get butterflies in my tummy when I know Scott's about to come over... and I still run to the door to give him kisses when I see him. It's so hard for me to imagine that all of that just dissapears? Scott and I work really hard to make our "us" time a priority... even though right now, most of our time IS "us" time. We know that down the line it will be coaching, kids, and cooking... so we have decided to always have a date night every week. It doesn't have to be an expensive date, or anything like that... just a night that we say... "I want to nurture our telationship... so this is reserved for you." It sounds dumb maybe, but we both look forward to it every week!! There's something that makes you get giggle inside from knowing you're still going to go on dates after you're married!!

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree...

Yesterday was a great first for Scott and me. We had the day off of school and we decided to put it to good use by buying our first Christmas tree! Now hear me out... normally, I'm the first person to be like... quit all this Christmas stuff... it's not even Thanksgiving yet!!! Guess who put up her new tree the minute she got home? Yep... that's right... ME. It's beautiful... and it didn't cost very much either! Scott and I had the sweetest best time making memories together... We decided to put it up now since A) we were really excited like two little kids, and B) We'll be in IL 11/22-11/28 AND 12/16-12/28. We wanted to get our money's worth of enjoyment out of it!!!

Te Amo...

I love that my man is so careful with my heart. Even in the midst of an emotional discussion he always tries to choose his words carefully. Last night was a bit emotional... but today he has been sweet to make sure I know I am not only loved, but CHERISHED. What a sweetheart I am going to marry!

Te Amo Mucho Honey Pooh Bear!!

To Make Him Smile...

Baby, I LOVE YOU!!!!

Yuck and Yay

Do you ever just feel like no matter what you do you're making somebody ticked? My 82 year old Granny says... "They'll get over it. Just go about your business." Maybe there is more wisdom in that than appears on the surface. There have been some people who have been very difficult to deal with in my life lately. I feel like I'm trying to take their feelings into consideration, but no matter what I do, or how I try to take the high road, someone gets upset. It's just another thing I need to hand over to Jesus...
In other news, I'm going to be back in IL for the WHOLE week of Thanksgiving!! YAY!! I cannot wait to see my friends and family! Oh, and I'm also getting married soon too... which is like a double YAY!!! Even through all of these ucky moments that I was talking about above... I'm so thankful for the man God has truly blessed me with. He helps me keep everything in perspective and shields me with His love. I can't wait to be Mrs. Robinson!

Stuffed with Fluff!

Winnie-the-Pooh,Winnie-the-Pooh,Tubby little cubby all stuffed with fluff. He's Winnie-the-Pooh.Winnie-the-Pooh. Willy, nilly, silly, old bear!!

I LOVE that movie... especially when I'm sick!!

Sniffle Sniffle

I think I'm a whimp. I feel like one. It seems like every week there has been something wrong with me... this week I have a sinus infection. Last week I got sick to my stomach at school from a migraine and had to go home. I've already had strep. I just feel like I can't get healthy. I've been taking my vitamins and everything!!! Grrr!!! I use hand sanitizer at school ALL DAY LONG... but little first graders are just full of love and germs and they love to share both!! So if you get a minute, please pray that I feel better soon!! So, amidst my sickness I've been looking for the bright side... and I have been comforted with one tremendous blessing: my soon to be hubby is the best nurturer ever! He takes great care of me, and I am thankful for it! I talked with Granny this morning, and she told me to get all this sickness out of me before I have babies because moms aren't allowed to be sick. I totally agree... I can count on one hand the times my mom was REALLY sick when I was growing up... and I think I hated those days more than she did! I love my Daddy, but Moms just know how things should be... like how to pack your lunch perfect (and with a note) and how to tuck you in just right at night. I'm so thankful for my mom and the love she always showed me in the everyday little things. I hope I can be a mom like that when I have kids... and a healthy one too!!!

Oceans Apart...

This post is about being thankful for the little (or not so little) things in life. This is one of our engagement pictures. Sure, maybe you're thinking... that's a dumb picture to have taken at an engagement session... but is it?? Scott and I spent a year apart while I lived in Puerto Rico and worked as a missionary teacher and he lived in Alabama working as a middle school math teacher and football coach. We spent so much time on the phone that I'm surprised AT&T didn't quit having free mobile to mobile since we were using all of it up!!! We took this picture so that we would always remember the sacrifices that we made, and that love and relationships have to be built on them in order to survive. I remember how there were some moments where I felt like we were oceans a part... and we literally were... but I also remember moments when I felt like he was right there with me...even though there was the great expanse of an ocean between us. I think that's how I feel with God sometimes. Oh, I know He's ALWAYS there... or here, rather... but sometimes I feel like He's further than an ocean away. Some days I long for a physical hug from Jesus. I know that when I am in Heaven I'll finally know what it's like to be in perfect union with God... until then, I'm just so blessed and thankful for how close and available He makes Himself to us here on Earth. Oh, and I'm so thankful for the physical presence of people here who give me hugs and are vessels of God's love.

So Blessed!!

I'm sitting here staring at the same computer that I stared at every day that I lived in Puerto Rico while I killed time waiting for Scott to call... and listening to Colbie Calliet just like I always did... and I'm filled with joy at the blessings God has given me... No more goodbyes... In 55 days I'll be Mrs. Robinson, and I'm SO excited about that! I keep thinking a lot about babies. I'm excited about having one... just not right now!! Today I did a lot of praying for my unborn kids and for Scott and I that we will become great parents when the time comes. Right now though, I'm just trying to remember to feed my fish 2x a day... and it's a good thing Eugene can't talk, or he'd tell you I forget sometimes!!! I feel like I'm living in a dream. My life is SOOO good, and I'm SOOO blessed. I know that there are a lot of things that people are uneasy about right now: the economy, the environment, etc. I'm just trying to surrender those to Jesus daily, and trust Him to take care of the things I have absolutely NO control over. Meanwhile, I'm just thankful for my future hubby who's sitting on the couch breaking down a football film for playoffs... while I sit in my favorite old ISU hoodie with a smile on my face at how far God has brought me in my life... Thank you Jesus. Thank you for all that You have done for me, and promise to continue to do. You make me feel so full of love, and I can't get enough of it!! I love you!

May the circle be unbroken...

Today Mr. Bama and I went to pick out our wedding rings. It was such a great feeling. I can't wait to marry him on December 20, 2008. I look back at all the pain I had to go through in order for God to fully orchestrate His plan for me and my new life with Scott. It's amazing to me. Many tears were cried, and questions asked during those really dark, hard moments. But my oh my... my Scott has the most tender and caring servant heart. I have to pinch myself to realize that this is really happening some days...

Education

It's been FOREVER since I've written! I'm not a big fan of Mediacom (in case you were wondering who is responsible for my delay in postings!) However, they ASSURE me that my internet/phone/and cable/on-demand are going to work fantastic from now on. Yeah... we'll see. Boy, I sound SO cynical!
Life here has been good... just trying to get the invitations done, the flowers ready and stuff like that. My kids are pretty cute... they never cease to amaze me. Of course, after this week, neither do the parents! What happened to parents like mine that supported the teacher? When I was in school, if I got in trouble at school, I KNEW there would be trouble at home. Now? Oh no! Now it's like the teacher is in constant defense mode of every action he/she takes. It's like the child is ALWAYS right, and the teacher better be able to provide evidence otherwise. I actually had a parent tell me that her child was honest and told me she did wrong, so the parent wasn't sure why the child had to sit out of recess and have a consequence for her action. Are you kidding me?!? So to all of you who actually read this... please support your child's teacher. And if you don't have kids... yet... please remember this and me when you do. Haha!!

Hungry?

"We're too busy asking what God can do FOR us. Instead, we should be seeking what God can do IN us, that He may be able to then do abundant things THROUGH us."

My what a difference a few prepositions can make... I've been chewing on this for several days... and it applies to so many aspects of life. Maybe you should chew on it for awhile too...

Broken glasses...

Ask and you shall receive. On Sunday I prayed for God to show me my wretchedness that I might see Him better, and grow more in Him as He developed all parts of me... the result? One seriously tough spiritual week for me! Monday and Tuesday I was very convicted of my pride. Wednesday and Thursday I was convicted about not going the extra mile as a servant, and only doing what I have to do, not all that I can do. Thursday and Friday I also fell into a gossip pit. All of this made me wonder: Is this a heavy attack from Satan, or, (an even scarier thought) is this just what/who I really am/have been lately, and God finally removed my pride-filled glasses so that I may see myself and my wretchedness? God sure does answer prayer! But this morning in my quiet time I just thanked God for showing me my wretchedness. I want to become more and more disciplined in the Lord, and grow all of my spiritual muscles, not just the ones that are fun/easy to develop. So, my prayer is that God helps me to turn my ear in tune with His Holy Spirit that I may hear His promptings and act accordingly, instead of in my flesh. It has made me have a more grateful attitude as I have once again been reminded just how much I NEED my Jesus.

AHH!!

Sadness!! I haven't posted in WAY TOO LONG!!! My apologies for those who actually read this! ;-) Things are going pretty well in life right now. I FINALLY feel like I'm getting into the swing of things at school. Which, let me tell you... is a relief and an answer to prayer! Speaking of prayer... I've been working REALLY hard to get up and have my quiet time in the morning before school, because otherwise it gets shoved aside some nights... and that's not cool. So far, Jesus has been waking me up every morning. It's just the getting out of bed that I don't like. Once I'm actually praying/reading/journaling... I LOVE IT!!!! Let's see... what else... well, so far I've surprised myself with how avid of a football fan I've become! The Hurricanes are 4-0 so far this season, with our toughest opponent this Friday... eeek!!! I'm proud to say that I'm the crazy lady who yells and screams at the top of her lungs through the entire game! What's nice is that my mother-in-law does the same thing right next to me =) There's strength in numbers!! Other than that, nothing much new and/or exciting is going on... just living life the best I can!

Ugg...

I'm worn out. Please say a prayer for me. I'm hoping to spend some relaxing time with Jesus this weekend... I need a Spirit refresher!!

Fear...

Whew! I know it's been awhile since I've posted on here... but it's been a hectic week, and it's only Tuesday! I am SO thankful that God takes care of us. Monday was really a tough day for me in the classroom, but after much prayer on the elliptical machine yesterday, today went much more smoothly. Thanks Jesus. I'm starting to get used to the pace of my first grade friends, and that's helping A LOT. I'm really excited about the fact that I can teach in a school where I can talk about God. I'm really trying to make the best of it, and show them Jesus as much as I can. Today we during our devotion time we drew something that we were VERY afraid of on our white boards. I read them 1st John 4:18, and we talked about how Jesus loves us with a perfect love and what it means for fear to be cast out. We declared to our boards that "We have a perfect love and are not afraid!" Then we erased those fears as fast as you could blink! Watching over my kids shoulders I saw some of what they were afraid of... frogs, the dark, monsters under the bed.... and it got me thinking. At first I wanted to be able to tell them that those were fears that would soon go away, and that as they grew older "real" fears would follow... fears about jobs, money, sickness, love, etc. But then again... is my fear as a 25 year old greater than the fear of a 5 year old? Not to Jesus. His love is perfect enough for all of them.

Rest...

God is SO good. Yesterday after the first half day of school I took a 4 hour nap. I went to bed around 11 and woke up at 7. I ate some breakfast... and took another 2 hour nap. I feel really rested for the first time in a LONG time... I needed that Jesus, so thanks! I worked some at school today, and I'm going back tomorrow to work some more, but I'm thankful for the rest I've gotten so I can tackle this next week head on! I only have 14 little ones, but they can be a hand full! Teaching is going to be great birth control... lol!! I'm off to enjoy the evening on the couch, snuggled up next to my honey, who helped me in my classroom all afternoon and then took me out for Chinese. What a sweetie. I LOVE HIM!!

"You Said"

Read the post right below this if you haven't... and pray for New Zealand and it's people... then take a minute to really reflect on these words to the song "You Said" by Shane and Shane. This song has been dear to my heart since I was at ISU, but rang true even more as I was moved to Puerto Rico. Now this song screams NEW ZEALAND to me...

You said, Ask and you will receive
Whatever you need
You said, Pray and I'll hear from heaven
And I'll heal your land
You said Your glory will fill the earth
Like water the sea
You said, Lift up your eyes
The harvest is here, the kingdom is near
You said, Ask and I'll give the nations to you O Lord,
That's the cry of my heart
Distant shores and the islands will see Your light,
As it rises on us O Lord,
I ask for the nations (repeat)

New Zealand

I have a HUGE prayer request... some of my VERY dear friends... Joe and Amy Flammer are on a church planting team in New Zealand. They are in the midst of survey work and heading God's leading as they search which city to plant the church in as they minister to the people of New Zealand. They are in the midst of a 24 hour prayer vigil, but your prayers are coveted past these 24 hours. Please click HERE for more information about God's work through them in New Zealand. As someone who spent a year as a missionary abroad, I'm asking you to take the time to pray for this. God does not call all of us overseas, but He does call all of us to support overseas missionaries. Joe was the youth minister at my home church (South Fork Church of Christ) and his wife Amy was a vital part of the youth ministry as a youth sponsor. I was a youth sponsor with them as well as part of the small group that met Tuesday nights in their home. They are incredible people who love Jesus with every part of their hearts... so please lift them up as they serve in New Zealand. Here is some information for you to use while you pray...

Pray for New Zealand
My righteousness is on the run, my salvation right on time, even faraway islands will look to
me and take hope in my saving power.
-Isaiah 51:5
Since the 1950’s Christianity in New Zealand has been rapidly declining. As
Christianity has been declining, New Zealand has seem more crime, more broken
families, more abuse, and become a more desolate place. Please join us as we
pray for the redemption of this country.
Leaders: The Prime Minister of New Zealand is a professed Agnostic. As the
leader of the country, her values set the tone for much of what happens in New
Zealand. Please pray for the leadership and for the Prime Minister, Helen Clark
as New Zealand tries to follow her lead.
Families: The status of the family is in rapid decline. The number of solo (single)
parent homes and defacto relationships outnumber what we would call the traditional
family. The lack of healthy families is having a huge impact on both youth
and adults. Please pray for the state of the family in New Zealand. Pray that our
team can help show the Kiwis what Godly families and marriages look like.
Depression: The depression and suicide rates in New Zealand rank among the
highest of any country in the world. People have lost hope. It has been a few
generations since most families were pursuing a relationship with God. We believe
that disregarding faith has left a huge hole in many lives, giving them nothing
to fall back on. Please pray for people to find hope in life. Pray that our team
can help to offer hope to the many people who are suffering from depression.
Pray for each city
For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching but having itching ears
they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions and will turn away
from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.
-2 Timothy 4:3-4
We will be visiting two cities on this trip: Christchurch and Wellington. Each city
has a distinct culture. Each city has around 10% of the people attending church
on a regular basis.
Christchurch: Christchurch was founded on Christian principals, and even
named for such. In the many years since the city was founded the people have
turned their back on God. Please pray for the hearts of the people of Christchurch
to be open to hearing the Gospel.
Wellington: Wellington is a city that feels alive. People are friendly and enjoy
interacting with others. Pray that we might have interactions with people in this
city that will help lead us to identify more needs. Please pray that our interactions
will plant seeds in the lives of those we are around.
Pray for the people of New Zealand
In their case, the god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers to keep them from
seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of God.
-2 Corinthians 4:4
One of the unique parts of survey work is getting to meet so many people and
learning about the people of New Zealand through interacting with them in daily
life.
1

City Profiles
Christchurch
Making up the second largest
city in New Zealand, Christchurch
is home to over 400,000
people. Christchurch is a very
English city located in the middle
of the south island. A big
influence in Christchurch are
the social classes that tend to
divide the people into distinct
social circles, leaving many people
to be marginalized if they do
not fit in to the ‘in’ crowd.
Christchurch is also home to the
Wizard of Canterbury, a mascot
that says very little but has a
definite presence in Christchurch
as a being of power and
influence. Many people in
Christchurch see Christianity as
an obsolete tradition.
Wellington
Being the Nation’s Capital, Wellington
is home to almost
200,000 people, many from
around the world. Wellington is
a geographically segmented city
located at the very southern part
of the north island. Wellington
has a vibe to it that gives the
city a sense of life and excitement.
You will find many well
educated people here who are
interested in exploring spirituality.
The also tend to be very
knowledgeable about different
religions and spiritual practices.
West Auckland
Making up the most diverse
area of Auckland, West Auckland,
or the Waitakere region, is
home to almost 200,000 people.
This is a growing area with
much diversity. A large percentage
of Pacific peoples make
up the population. In West
Auckland you will find a variety
of cultures, ethnicities, and
socio-economic classes. The
ethnic diversity is reflected in,
the religious community which
is composed of many small
house churches that each have a
different flavor and culture.
the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective
james 5:16
prayer guide for New Zealand church plant team

Street Interviews: One way to get an earful of information about the church is through conducting
random street interviews. Please pray for the people that we encounter. Ask God to
cross our paths with the right people and people who are willing to share information about
their faith, the community, and their life. We also pray that we might be a light or plant a seed
through these conversations. Will you do the same?
Kiwis: The people in New Zealand are searching. Life is hard and they are looking for answers,
if the church isn’t there for them, they will find something else. Please pray for a softening of
the hearts of Kiwis. Please pray for more Kiwis who are searching to turn towards God and not
the many other religions/spiritualities that are so prominent in New Zealand.

Pray for our survey work
Therefore, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord, your
labor is not in vain.
-1 Corinthians 15:58
Plans: We have learned that it doesn’t matter what we plan for our trips, God will find a way to
lead us to see what he wants us to! Please pray that we are flexible with our plans, leaving room
for the guidance of the Spirit. Also, please pray for the plans that we have to meet with principals,
ministers, community experts, and other events to help us learn about the city. Please pray
that these things go well and serve their purpose to give us a better understanding of the needs
in each area.
Perseverance: We will be traveling for eight days. These trips tend to be very high energy, information
packed, with many meetings, less sleep and fast food! Please pray for patience and
perseverance as we do our best to work together, process information, and keep going as our
time is limited. Please pray for perseverance in our street interviews as well (see Pray for the people
of New Zealand.)
Pray for the team (Hamish, Molly & Liam, Nate, Whitney & Lane, and Joe & Amy)
But wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good , impartial
and sincere.
-James 3:17
We have been blessed with an amazing team with six different personalities, gift sets, and passions.
We are thankful for each member and what they have to offer. Thank God for the blessing
of our team as well as praying for the following:
Families: This is the first survey trips for the new babies and new parents. Please pray for
health and safety, an ease in the constant transition that will take away from regular routines,
good nights of sleep and extra energy for the new parents.
Unity: We will be visiting churches, talking to people on the streets, praying, interviewing
community experts, and immersing ourselves into each community. Please pray that we will see,
hear and learn the same things about each community that will help us all to come away with
the same thoughts and feelings.
Wisdom: There are so many things to choose from to help us learn about each community. We
will also be learning a lot of information and looking for specific areas in each city that need a
church. Please pray that we will have wisdom in our choices, decisions, and discussions regarding
each area.


Thank you for partnering with us through your prayers. We are excited to let you know how we
saw God work during this time.
prayer guide for New Zealand church plant team

Huh??

Right now I feel like this would be a better form of communication than the type I've been dealing with as of late. I want to be an effective teacher... but I need some information before I can be that... ugg. Say a prayer for me... I'm definitely developing the fruit of the Spirit of patience!!

Exhausted...

Today was my first day in my classroom and I'm so tired!! Right now I have stuff everywhere and it looks like a tornado hit my room! Despite much confusion I think it is finally settled that I'm teaching first grade. I'm excited... and nervous! Right now... I'm just ready for bed! It's going to be another LONG day tomorrow! More later... buenos noches!

Just Because...

This is just a post to say that I love my beloved more than I could even imagine! He is too wonderful to me sometimes!! This morning he came over to my apartment to wake me up with kisses before we went to workout. I hadn't felt well last night and he was hesitant to leave, but I assured him I'd be fine. When I opened my sleepy eyes this morning to see his smiling face, my heart fluttered as I saw the beautiful flower arrangement he was holding. I teared up and asked, "Baby!? What's all this for?" He just smiled and said, "Just because. Just because I love you Beautiful." How sweet is that? A little known fact I'll share with you... Scott is the only boy to ever have gotten me flowers...well, besides my Daddy. Scott's the first, and he'll be the last. I love you Honey Pooh Bear... with all my heart! I'll always be your Sugarbear!

Lion of Zion...

Psalm 24

A psalm of David.

1 The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.
The world and all its people belong to him.
2 For he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas
and built it on the ocean depths.

3 Who may climb the mountain of the Lord?
Who may stand in his holy place?
4 Only those whose hands and hearts are pure,
who do not worship idols
and never tell lies.
5 They will receive the Lord’s blessing
and have a right relationship with God their savior.
6 Such people may seek you
and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob.

7 Open up, ancient gates!
Open up, ancient doors,
and let the King of glory enter.
8 Who is the King of glory?
The Lord, strong and mighty;
the Lord, invincible in battle.
9 Open up, ancient gates!
Open up, ancient doors,
and let the King of glory enter.

10 Who is the King of glory?

The Lord of Heaven’s Armies—
he is the King of glory.


When I went to the St. Louis Zoo with Scott I took this picture. I was enthralled with this lion. I couldn't help but be moved to think of the Lord and His power. He truly is the the King of Glory!!

Grace...

We're doing the rounds. Church shopping as some would call it. We're looking for a place to be part of a family of believers~ to learn and grow beside as we walk on our journey of faith in Jesus. I must admit that the last two Sundays have been tough for me. The South is filled with charismatic churches... and I'm not opposed to them... it's just not where I tend t fit in the best. I'd been praying a lot about all of this stuff this week... a lot about finding a church where Scott and I would both feel comfortable, about speaking in tongues, about the Holy Spirit, about doctrine, etc. This morning we went to Grace Fellowship... and it was just what I was looking for! We both felt great there. We want to find out more about it... so we're going to continue to go there and ask some questions. We want to know that the preacher went to seminary, and more about their beliefs too. The message was straight out of the Word though, and that was EXACTLY what I was looking for! The music was really great too. I was so excited to see that they have life groups that meet throughout the week, and that they are going to offer an 8 week intensive Bible study class starting in August as well. There were LOADS of kids, and they had children's church. The youth group age kids seemed to be plentiful, and it looked like a healthy place. The coolest part was that the message was on the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues, and what the Bible says and doesn't say about it. The Lord really touched my heart because I had been crying out to God for Him to reveal more about that to me in His Word. He reaffirmed what I had found in His Word before, and the doubts melted away. It was really wonderful... in every way. I know that it might not end up being exactly what we're thinking it is just from attending one service... but I'm just so joyous and feel SO uplifted to have found a place that we both really enjoyed this morning, but were also challenged at in the service. Praise the Lord!!!!

OUCH!!!!!

Well, I'm back from the beach with red welts on my right forearm and right side at my waist... you guessed it: a jelly fish befriended me... even though I didn't ask it to hug me!! Ouch, ouch, ouch! They type that got me was a sea nettle I think... stupid jellyfish! GRR!!!

Beach...

So it's Friday, and Scott and I are about to head off to the Y to work out, and then we're off to the beach for a day in the sun filled with smiles and sand castles! I LOVE sand castles. The beach here is beautiful, but I have to admit, I was spoiled by having my first ocean/beach experience be in Puerto Rico!!! In memory of that beautiful place that God took me for a year... here's a few pics! This is me at Cabo Rojo beach... loved it!!!This is me standing in the waterfall at El Yunque... it was such an amazing sight! What a great God we have that He created such a beautiful place for us to live and visit!!BUT.... the most beautiful of all were my kids... they blessed me EVERY day, and taught me more than I could ever have hoped to teach them in a year!! I miss them dearly!

creak....

Remember how I was SO excited about joining the Y yesterday? Apparently, my body was not as excited and decided to tell me this morning as I rolled out of bed! Here's a little picture of how I'm feeling today...

YMCA...

Yeppers... you guessed it! It's time to get fit at the YMCA!! Scott and I joined yesterday and so far I've been there twice... not too shabby, as long as I keep it up! Today we started our life style change of healthy eating, and being more active. So far, so good. We measured various points on our body to watch the weight melt off. Oh, and we hit up the Walgreens for the always dreaded SCALE. Ugg. I swear the thing was broken when we got it. I don' remember weighing that much! LOL!! I posted a picture below of what I look like now... oh, and I dyed my hair blonde ;)
That Puerto Rico sun really helped my tan, huh? Haha. Just kidding! But on a serious note... I'm not setting any crazy goals. Just a few reasonable ones...

1. Put the Lord first and remember the spiritual discipline of self-control.
2. Be healthier than when I started.
3. Be happier with my self image than when I started.

That's it. I'll keep you posted on how this journey goes... please pray for me that it will be a successful one!

Live... from Alabama!!!

Hey, Hey, Hey!! I'm finally back online, and ready to become a regular again! This time of transition has been a CRAZY one, that's for sure! I was SOO excited to see my Baby when we met in the airport in Chicago headed to St. Louis to meet my parents! Scott and I got engaged May 31... the night I got home from Puerto Rico. We spent a WONDERFUL month in IL with family and friends, then we loaded up the Penske truck and bounced our way to AL on July 1st. I'll write more tomorrow... but here's some of our engagement pics and my new favorite accessory.

Moving FOURward....

It's finally hit... the excitement period! I'm getting restless. It could have something to do with the fact that I did absolutely nothing at work all day today. The kids finished May 16, and the teachers are still there... killing time...and it's only Tuesday. I have to make it through Friday of this! Anyways, I'm getting all antsy and excited to see everyone... especially my Bama Boy! Four days until I don't have to have an ocean between us anymore~ now that's a reason to be EXCITED!!!

Cinco Dias...

I have 5 days left in Puerto Rico... so in honor of them, I figured I would share 5 lessons I've learned while being here...


Lesson #1 Never forget to pass along your blessings; sharing is caring.
I have been amazed by how eagerly everyone here has been to share however little or much they have with me. Whether it's a car ride, a shower, or rice and beans, people were never hesitant to help me in any way they could. It's made me so much more aware of just how much we have... and how much God has blessed us. I think I'll always be a little more ready to pass on my blessings from now on...

Lesson #2 Never take your shower for granted, or your clean water.
Now, I've always thought I was a pretty grounded person in most regards. I don't feel like I'm someone who has to have the newest and latest of everything... but I learned true appreciation during my stay here. My house does not have hot water... which means that I was never able to take a hot shower. Don't worry, you get used to the cold showers more quickly than you'd think, and honestly, with as hot as it gets here... sometimes they are nice =) Anyways... I thought God was teaching me a good lesson about appreciating the blessings in my life... even the little ones, and I was okay with learning the lesson. Well... apparently He thought I needed a little more intensive course, because our shower broke. I mean... no water comes out of it through the shower head, or the bath faucet. 2 1/2 months later and a gallon jug that's become my new best friend... I'm ready for a shower. A REAL shower. I don't even care if it's hot or not. I've had some people here ask me how I dealt with that... and I told them my honest answer~ at first I was irritated, but then when I was dumping water on my head I was reminded of how many people would give anything for what I had... clean water. Once you think about it like that... it doesn't seem so bad.

Lesson #3 Never take your independence for granted; even if gas is $4/gallon.
I don't have a car here. It didn't seem like it was worth the hassle for one year... Luckily, I've had some wonderful people who, by now, must feel like a taxi service for me! Even with all of their kind help of transporting me to places I needed to go... I still missed the ability to just get up and "go" whenever I wanted to. Where I live you can't really go for walks... it's hard to explain, but if you were to see it, you'd understand. I felt very cramped inside of a room a lot of the time... so before you complain next time that you're bored... or there's nothing to do... really think about what you're saying. There are endless opportunities in front of you. Go for a walk. Take a drive. Spend time in a room other than your bedroom... I know I'm looking forward to that.

Lesson #4 Never forget what it feels like to be the minority; help others.
I have been part of the majority my entire life in so many ways... until July 18th of 2007 when I moved to Puerto Rico. I was in a place where I looked different than everyone around me (Well, kinda. I got confused for a Puerto Rican several times...) I spoke a different language, ate different food, and listened to different music (Hello Country! I can't wait for a radio station that plays that!) The point is, I learned what it felt like to be in the other person's shoes, and I am making it a point not to ever forget that in the future. It has made me more aware of others and their possible needs that I could help with, instead of letting them struggle through on their own. It's made me less egocentric, and more open eyed to those around me, whether I know them or not.

Lesson #5 Never forget that if God calls you to it, He's going to get you through it!
I made it, and I've had fun along the way. A year ago, I was a wide-eyed girl from the farm who had never seen a beach, let a lone an ocean, or even ridden on an airplane... and now I've lived on a tropical island. Crazy, huh? Not really. That's what happens when you let the love of God cast out all fear in your life. Some people think that if you follow the Lord, you're going to have this boring life full of rules... well, this last year of my life has proved to me that that is anything but true... God has grown me and stretched me in so many ways that I cannot even completely even see/know yet. I am not the same girl who came here last summer... my faith has deepened drastically, my view of myself has improved, and I've realized how to utilize the strength within me that comes from the Lord. Never did He leave or forsake me... not even on an island. This has been the best experience of my life, and if you asked me tomorrow to do it over again, I would... without hesitation. I have learned how to live love here... and that's been the most important lesson I could have hoped to learn.

6 days...

Less than a week until I get to see my Bama Boy! I can't wait, and I can't get this Train song outta my head either! I just want to get to him!!

Well an airplane's faster than a Cadillac
and a whole lot smoother than a camel's back

But I don't care how you get to me
Just get to me

Parasail or first class mail
Get on the back of a Nightingale
Just to get me, I don't care just get to me
Prokeds, mopeds take a limousine instead
They ain't cheap but they're easy to find
Get on the highway point yourself my way
Take a roller coaster that comes in sideways
Just get to me- yeah

Go on hitch a ride
On the back of a butterfly
There's no better way to flyTo get to me I look around what I got
And without you, it ain't a lot
I got everything, with you, everything.

Maybe you could pollinate over
The Golden Gate
Take a left hand turn
At the corner of Haight
And then a sharp right
At the first street light
And get yourself on a motor bike
And if you think you'll
Get stuck in a traffic jam
That's fine, just send yourself
Through a telephone line
It doesn't matter how you get to me
Just get to me


Go on hitch a ride
On the back of a butterfly
There's no better way to flyTo get to meI look around what I got
And without you, it ain't a lot
I got everything, with you, everything.

Cause after every day
The wind blows the night time my way
And I imagine that you are

Above me like a star

And you keep on glowing
And you keep on showing me the way
And I imagine that you are
Above me like a star
Shine Shine Shine...

Go on hitch a ride
On the back of a butterfly
There's no better way to fly
To get to me
I look around what I got
And without you, it ain't a lot
I got everything, with you, everything.
Go on hitch a ride On the back of a butterfly

There's no better way to fly

To get to me
I look around what I got
And without you, it ain't a lot
I got everything, with you, everything.
I got everything, with you, everything I got everything, with you, everything Yeah...