LiVing: making the most of each day

The "catch-up" everything in one blog

2011-06-24T08:59:00.000-07:00

I have to admit, I was not thinking about blogging those last 3 weeks of school. It took all of me just to get through them and I am so glad that's behind me. Since summer began, however, I haven't really rested or sat still, I should say. I have been very busy. Dad came to visit so that he could help me with my classroom (packing/moving) and with painting the nursery. Then, I flew back with him to NC for a week and 2 baby showers. Since I"ve been home, it seems there's been one thing after another with church activities, dr appt, workshop for school, etc. Now, it's Friday and we leave Sunday to go to Alabama for about 10 days. When we get back on the 6th, i have a dr. appt the next day at which time I'll start going every week. Then there's also cooking club, a trip to Schlitterbahn, a baby shower with our church family, church, breastfeeding classes at the hospital and the list just doesn't seem to end! I am glad that I have the freedom to do all these things; teaching is hard, but this is one benefit that sure makes putting up with 10 months of crap worth it!

Anyhoo, I am 33 weeks now. And, like I mentioned, I will be going back to the Dr. at week 35 (July 7th) and then I'll be going every Thursday until Aubrey decides it's time! What a thought!

Here are a few photos from the showers I had and from Aubrey's room that is coming along:

Cinco de Mayo

2011-05-05T19:07:00.000-07:00

So I've been studying Cinco de Mayo with my 8th graders at school all week. I decided to try to make some homemade "mole" sauce for them to try, so Aaron and I experimented tonight for dinner! It wasn't too bad...more chili flavorite than chocolate this time. Next time, I'd tone down the spiciness just a bit and add more chocolate, but I'm pretty proud of how it turned out! Here is everything before I started:

Here's what it looked like in the pan while it was simmering:

And here's Aaron enjoying the finished product:

I actually took what was in the pan and blended it to make the sauce. I'm gonna let my kids at school use tortilla triangles to dip in the sauce tomorrow, just for the experience! We ate ours with chicken and jasmine rice. I'll let ya know what the 8th graders say :)

The last of the crafts...for now

2011-05-02T19:03:00.000-07:00

Our last 2 weekends have been pretty busy, so I didn't get any crafting done. However, Aaron had a church meeting tonight so I was able to spend some time finishing up what I've started. Here is a picture of the actual wall art that comes with the bedding we picked out:

And here's a picture of the (almost) finished ones that I did. They lack a few touch ups and the ribbons they will hang on:

I'm pretty happy with how they turned out. I don't think I'll ever know the difference!

Here is another small project I did. Found this as unfinished wood at hobby lobby. It is a mirror that'll look cute in a little bookcase, I think:

Sunday, Aaron and I put together Aubrey's crib. Someone found it for us at a yard sale, and it is really cute, though needing a good cleaning and a little touch up paint. I like the idea of fixing the nursery up piece by piece, but I need to get busy finding the other pieces!

Finally, it has been very strange but a few people in the last 2 days have asked me how the 1st trimester is going. Huh? I feel huge, but obviously don't look like I'm almost 26 weeks. When I tell them I'm about 2 weeks away from the 3rd trimester they are very shocked. I guess I will take this as a compliment and hope it stays this way as long as possible :) Here's a few makeshift photos (again, Aaron's not home!). Please excuse the bathroom, haha!

So what do you think? Do I look ready to start the 3rd trimester in a few weeks?

Busy weekend!

2011-04-17T16:09:00.000-07:00

Whew! I feel like we are soo busy, but I really do not mind! I know that it is making time pass more quickly. Closer to June 3rd (summer begins!) and closer to late July/early August...our Aubrey arrives. (Is it wishful thinking to hope we might have her early??)

This weekend was no exception to the busy-ness. Friday was even a test of faith, for me at least. Our church has challenged each family to do 3 weeks of sacrifice where we choose a monetary thing to give up for the 3 weeks leading up to Easter, and then we donate to missions the money we would have spent to that "thing." Aaron and I decided to sacrifice eating out, and it has been so difficult! Friday nights are usually our eat out nights, which have become sort of a date night just to get out of La Vernia and relax, talk, explore, etc. Staying home the first Friday night was not too bad because I had already planned what to cook for the week, including that night. This past Friday, however, I had a craving for ribs! All you pregnant ladies present and past know that cravings mean serious business! As bad as I wanted to just give in and go out to eat, we didn't. And...as late as it was already, I decided not to cook anything major, but we both just made some ramen noodles and ate PB&Js. The funny thing is: that food made me full just like ribs would have. It was just a matter of will power. I'm pretty proud of myself. But, I will have ribs soon :)

I was so exhausted that I fell asleep around 8:30 or 9:00 Friday night. The exhaustion is slowly coming back, but I keep reminding myself that I only have 7 more weeks of work to get through. Since I got so much rest, I was up and ready Saturday morning to go into San Antonio looking for baby stuff. We went mostly thrifting for furniture, but didn't find any. I found some cute outfits at a consignment store called Kid2Kid. Here are a couple of the things we found:

Saturday night, we were invited to go to the "Fiesta Flambeau" parade in downtown San Antonio. It was a lot of fun, though really long. I got uncomfortable sitting for that long, but the cultural experience was priceless. Here Aaron and I are waiting for the show to start:

Today, Sunday, was another good day of rest. I decided to work on some of my craft projects again and actually finished a few things. Here are Aubrey's letters for the wall in her room, all of them together and some close-ups:

Also, I finished the first canvas in the 3 piece wall art I'm making that goes with her bedding. The pink and green look very neon in the pics, but they are more subtle. Her "toy bag" came in so I am able to match up colors and everything looks great so far!

Finally, here is my 23 weeks picture. Pardon my lazy Sunday clothes, but I did put on my Carolina t-shirt, in honor of everyone in NC, especially Johnston County, that were affected by the tornadoes that came through. It is scary to be so far away and see the pics of the debris and damage. I am praying for NC!

Til next time!

Sunday Craft Day!

2011-04-11T08:46:00.000-07:00

I spent a lot of time on Sunday getting started (and finishing) some ideas that I had in mind for Aubrey's room. Once we decided on the bedding, my creative juices started flowing! The bedding we chose is called "Poppy" from a designer - Cotton Tale. They sell it at Babies-R-Us. Here is a photo with a black crib, we'll be using a white one:

When I got started looking, I noticed that the canvases in the 3 piece wall art look very simple to make! So, I have all the supplies and have started this project, but not finished quite yet. I want to take my time so that they look professionally done, not rushed through. More pics to come of that later. Here are all my supplies that I started with:

Hobby Lobby was out of the letter "y," but convinced me that they would be getting more in this Thursday. Another project I wanted to do was a homemade hairbow holder. I started with a wood plaque, paint, and ribbon, and here's the final project. I really hope the colors match up:

Lastly, I decided to leave the letters white, with her room being painted green (we are thinking). So, I'm adding ribbon and flowers, which takes a little longer than I had imagined. So here's the letter A that I've gotten done so far:

Wonder what I'll come up with next?

21-22 weeks...deciding on a name!

2011-04-10T16:21:00.000-07:00

This past Friday night (yes, this is over a week late) we went out to eat on the riverwalk. I love spending Friday nights as kind of a "date night" with Aaron. It's pretty much my favorite time of the week because it means I don't have to get up early the next day! We ate at a place called "Iron Cactus" which was a GREAT Tex-Mex kind of place. Food was excellent, conversation even better; that night I think we actually finally decided what we would name our daughter. We didn't tell that night, but we did soon after. If you haven't heard...her name is going to be Aubrey Madison. We thought about it quite a bit...I wanted it to be special, of course. She will have the same initials as Aaron - AMS. Madison, a name I've always loved, also means "son of Matthew," also tying in Aaron's middle name. I am glad that she will have those things in common with her daddy. :)

18 weeks, but not a baby post!

2011-03-11T07:23:00.000-08:00

Today I am 18 weeks! 2 weeks from tomorrow we'll find out if Baby S is a girl or boy. I really have no inclinations, but I can't wait until that milestone is here so we can really start planning!

I wanted to post today, though, to write about my wonderful husband. He left early this morning to start a day's worth of travelling to end up in Haiti, he thought. Long story short, the group won't be leaving until tomorrow morning...and I have cherished these extra times to be able to talk to him; once he's international, we will be savoring 50 texts until he comes back to Florida on Wednesday. Maybe you are all laughing at me by now about how mushy and sentimental I'm being, and I'll admit pregnancy has me a little bit emotional, but I've had such a hard time with him leaving. I cried 3 times, including saying goodbye this morning. And...as I sit and write this I am fighting the urge to tear up again! I KNOW! The week will go by so fast, especially with me being in NC starting Saturday. But, here's what God has shown me through this...

I love that man so much! We all often take our loved ones for granted. I don't know what I'd do without him though. He's my soulmate, my spiritual leader, and my best friend. We are about to take one of the biggest steps forward in our lives as we attempt to raise a child together! And I'd rather do that with no one else! Don't get me wrong - we're not a perfect couple, and we fight and get on each other's nerves enough! I am proud of the way he is spending this week serving, and how excited he was is about it. To sum it all up, I don't want to live life with anyone else but him.

Sometimes, this life we live is hard. Ministry is hard. We're so far from "home" and we've been burned so badly in the past that it'd be easy to quit. But, we stick it out. We've made some good changes, and we're happy! And I've realized that "home" is wherever he is.

Ok, enough lovey dovey! Just wanted you all to know how awesome my husband is. Be jealous!

16 weeks

2011-02-27T17:42:00.000-08:00

Hello 16 weeks! My new weeks start every Thursday, but I have a hard time updating because of my busy schedule during the week. This is kind of my first maternity outfit as well. I've been wearing the pants for a while, but I got some new tops online and was excited to wear this one out to dinner on Friday night. Which brings me to my next picture...

I was craving seafood so bad! In Tuscaloosa, I shopped at Publix which is like my all time favorite grocery store, which had fresh shrimp and marinated salmon that I would pick up every week. I haven't had that in so long that it became a hankering (which I would define as a craving x10). Boy did this 20 shrimp feast satisfy that craving!

The time frame on my mind at the moment is 2 weeks. I have 2 weeks of school until Spring Break and I am wondering if I'm gonna make it. Aaron is excited for his Haiti trip that he's been praying about and raising money for. I am excited for a week of rest with my parents and family in NC.

We also go back to the Dr. this Wednesday, the 2nd. It's not supposed to be a "big" appointment, I think she's just going to check the heart rate and make sure everything is ok. Our big day to find out gender is March 25th. Less than 4 weeks now, and we are very excited. We actually have NO names picked out yet; we have both kind of come to the conclusion that we can't decide until we know for sure boy or girl.

I can't wait until summer time when I get to stay at home and rest! In the spirit of that, I am still trying to find a way to stay at home and work next year. Let me know if you have any ideas about that!

Cravings and first baby purchase...

2011-02-13T14:11:00.000-08:00

It's official...we are now in the 2nd trimester! I feel slightly relieved that most of the huge risks are over and I can breathe a little bit! I am still having a hard time really believing that in about 6 months there will be a little one in our house. When does it become real? When you feel him/her kick? When they finally arrive?

I have been watching a lot of Food Network lately for some reason...I mean, I like to cook so it's no surprise. Cupcake wars was a bad idea. I went to the grocery store today and HAD to have funfetti cake mix and icing. Also on the craving list was more fresh pineapple for Aaron to cut up for me. And pina colada and strawberry daiquiri mix! Shew...not a whole lot of healthy cravings coming my way.

We got some advice to go ahead and start buying baby stuff each time we are at the store so that we spend a little bit at the time. So here is a picture of our very first baby purchase (and the cravings):

Just a couple of things I've noticed...

2011-02-06T16:48:00.000-08:00

Pregnancy is a totally new experience. Things happen all the time that completely catch me off guard. I often say to myself or Aaron, "What's wrong with me?" And...he always politely reminds me...."You're pregnant!" Duh. A couple of examples:

1. At week 13 and 4 days :) , the nausea/aversion to foods is still not gone. Thursday night, we cooked a wonderful (looking) dinner of cheeseburgers, baked potatoes, and steamed broccoli. It all smelled marvelous, but when it was time to sit down and bite, I couldn't do it. The banana milkshake i was thinking of from Sonic, however, sounded (and tasted) good. I figured some calories were better than no calories.

2. I am starting to have trouble sleeping. My sides cramp up when I lay on them for a substantial amount of time. My back and neck cramp up when I lay on my back for a while. Stomach is off limits. How to be comfortable?

3. It is INCREDIBLY hard to find cute maternity clothes. The pants I have bought should last me awhile. I am not so concerned about those being "cute." However, tops? Ridiculous. I am going to wear my regular clothes as long as I can and then pray that the designers of maternity tops and dresses come to their senses. Meanwhile should anyone have clothing they would like to donate, I would greatly appreciate it. (That was the other huge issue: the cute stuff was outrageously priced!)

4. Without being completely inappropriate and providing TMI, there are "other things" that we are finding difficult as well. I mean, when this belly gets much bigger, as it will, I don't see how we are going to do "certain things." Ok...I'm stopping right there.

5. I forgot the 5th thing I was going to rant about. Maybe I should mention pregnancy brain and forgetfulness.

And I know I've mentioned a lot of negative things here. One great thing is that I have started having a bit more energy and have gotten out and walked a few days. Another thing is that I have started telling myself everyday that at the end of all this, I am going to have a little, precious mixture of Aaron and me to hold and raise and teach about Jesus. I say everyday "I'm going to have a baby" and I've started to believe and understand it. It's pretty cool and definitely trumps 1-5 :)

I'll try to post a pic later.

First baby bump picture...

2011-01-30T12:39:00.000-08:00

Well here it is! The very first Smith baby bump photo...I was waiting until there was actually something to show but I can feel and see a bump now, so I figured it was that time. Don't you like my elastic waste band skirt? It's about the only thing that fits me now. Jeans are out. I'll be purchasing some kind of stretchy band to help me wear my dress pants to work, and lots of flowy dressed!

Everyone of course asks how i'm feeling and I'm glad to say that I have mostly felt good since the beginning. I pass out every night between 8:30 and 9 and wake up at 5:30 about to starve! I eat when I'm hungry and try to make good, healthy decisions. I even let myself have those "cravings" every once in a while because let's face it: I'm not going to turn down ice cream, ever.

We go back to the Dr. this Wednesday, the 2nd. I am excited to see how much has changed. I know we probably won't get an ultrasound this time just because it's not a critical week to have one. However, we will be 13 weeks this time and I plan to ask if we can come back around 18 weeks next time and pray to find out boy or girl :) That would be around March 9th or 10th...right before Spring Break. I would be a happy girl :)

Well, until next time!

What's in a name?

2011-01-19T08:36:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I know we have a lottt of time to think about things, but as far as I'm concerned, I have found a baby name that I love! It popped up out of nowhere one day while I was searching and I kind of fell in love with it. I don't want to post about it yet, because there is still a major dilemma: I CAN'T GET AARON ON BOARD!

This has been the most frustrating part so far. We can't agree. The bad thing is: I've already imagined my child being named this name, it's sort of set in stone...in my heart anyway. So, pray that he sees the light!

I am 11 weeks tomorrow. AAAAAAAAHHHHH! It's starting to get so exciting and real. I go back to the Dr. on Feb. 2nd and can't wait to see what we find out then. Right now, the baby is about the size of a fig, I think. Bones are starting to harden and teeth buds are forming below the gums. He or she is already moving around, kicking arms and legs, but of course I can't feel it yet! I look forward to that day.

Survey!

2011-01-11T10:57:00.000-08:00

My friend Cindy's blog gave me the idea to do a survey of fun questions about what's been happening so far in the world of "sitting on the nest" as my Dad would say. So here goes:

Firsts:
Is this your first pregnancy?: Yes
How did you find out you were pregnant?: I felt yucky around the time that I should've gotten my period in December so I decided to get a box of HPTs!
What kind of pregnancy test did you take?: The first 2 were HEB brand with separate indicator and control window. The lines were so faint that I decided to get another box of more expensive ones (who knows?) and do it the next morning. All 4 were positive :)
What were your first symptoms? Swollen/painful breasts, bloated, TIRED, and a bit of nausea here and there
Who did you tell first? My husband and our friends April and Jamin Carter :)
Who was with you when you found out? I took the tests alone. Aaron didn't even know I had bought them, but I went and got him and was like, "I need you to come look at something!"
Was baby planned?: Yes and no. We were not preventing, I should say.
When was baby conceived?: middle of November before Thanksgiving
How far were you when you found out?: 4.5 weeks
My baby:Due date: August 11, 2011
Do you want to know the sex?: Yes, it's too hard to plan without knowing. And, I'm a planner.
Any names?: Boy names we like: Grayson, Owen, Jaedon (Aaron's pick) Girl names we like: Olivia, Ryleigh
Any ultrasounds?: Yes at my first appt. It is amazing how you can already see arms and legs.
Have you heard the heartbeat?: No, but we saw it beating on the ultrasound.
Who do you think baby will look like? dark hair, hopefully Aaron's complexion
Will baby have any siblings?: Yes. I am waiting to see what parenthood is like before I decide how many :)
Have you and dad felt baby move? Not yet, too early!
Are you excited?: Very, not sure it's really set in yet
MISCELLANEOUS:
Did you have morning sickness?: Well, nausea at the smell of some foods. Heartburn after. No vomiting, yet!
Do you have any cravings?: bread, crackers, soda
Do you have any mood swings?: Yes. I am a very emotional person anyway, so you can imagine
Are you a high risk pregnancy?: No
Any complications?: Nope
Formula or breastfeeding? Good question. will try to breastfeed as long as I can!
Have you bought anything for baby yet?: No, but had my brother buy him/her a baby Carolina tee and rattle :)

Who will help with baby after their born? Aaron and I; MDO ladies at church
What is your favorite thing about being pregnant? the anticipation and most wonderful thing ever to look forward to!
What is the worst thing about being pregnant? So far the exhaustion and nausea feelings
What's one thing you miss doing since being pregnant? Having morning coffee
Any days you wish you weren't pregnant?: No, it's never THAT bad :)
Are you ready for baby? Not yet!
How far along are you now?: 9wks 6 days

First post from the 3 of us!

2011-01-10T14:03:00.000-08:00

The word is mostly out...but in case you haven't heard, Aaron and I are expecting our first baby. I am about 9 1/2 weeks now...which makes baby's arrival date on or around August 11, 2011. Recently, I have started to get really excited at the thought of having a child - and seeing the best parts of Aaron and the best parts of me in another human being. Wonder what he/she will look like? If we'll ever agree on a name? Ahh...I know we have time, but the planner in me can't help but want things, well, planned out already!

Maybe you didn't catch that, but it's only recently that I'm getting excited. Up to this point, I have been mostly nervous and scared, thinking, "What did we do?" It's no secret - I am a person who likes my sleep. There aren't many nights that I make it past 10:00 (Aaron would say 9:00). :) And...with our recent move to La Vernia, TX to be student pastors here, we are the farthest from our families that we've ever been. That's a scary thought! No Help! Don't get me wrong, I fully expect for our church family to step in where they can to help us and be our "family" away from family. But, you know what I mean. Sometimes, and, I suspect, in this situation, it may not seem like an equal substitution.

Normally, I would let myself become worried by all these things floating around in my head (am I eating too many crackers?, getting enough protein/calcium/vitaminC/etc.? is it ok to have a littttle bit of caffeine when my head wants to explode?, yada yada yada.) But, I really have been trying to rest back on the power of prayer. I have to make myself, I won't lie. It's easier sometimes in human weakness to spend more time thinking and less time praying. But, I want God's plan for this baby, my life after baby, etc. My biggest prayer request right now, other than a healthy baby, is for God to show us a way that I can work from home. For all of you who know: I have a Master's degree to teach which is realllly what I want to do with my life. But, I would really enjoy the time to be at home just for the first year or 2 with my baby. And then go back to work. See, it all makes perfect sense to me, but what is God's plan? You can join me in asking Him, if you'd like :)

I guess that is enough for now. My intentions are to update regularly with new pictures of the "belly" as I continue to grow. I will do my best!

Inspiration

2010-10-20T18:47:00.000-07:00

So...this past Sunday morning I was just sitting at the table having a waffle for breakfast...and some coffee. I happened to look down and saw a magazine that I thought I'd pick through while I was eating. It was from Liberty University - the college where Aaron and I have both finished Master's degrees. I was just scanning the articles, read the one about Glenn Beck speaking at Spring 2010 commencement. Then, I came across a small insert that shocked me. It was about a death in the Liberty community. As I read on, I was shocked even more to find out that, of the few professors that I actually met in person, (my coursework was mostly online) the woman who died was actually Dr. Jill Jones, one of my intensive class teachers. Intensives are 1 week long classes where you go from 8-5 Monday-Friday and receive 3 credit hours. (As a teacher candidate, you have to do this 3 times)! Man was my heart saddened. I remember the first summer I went for my first intensives, 2 back-to-back. All the people I saw in the "break room" were telling me how hard the next class I was taking was going to be - the one with Dr. Jill. I can still remember being so nervous to meet her. And then...it's like I walked into the room and met an instant friend. I loved Dr. Jill's class...challenging, definitely, but also so enlightening about my career. I didn't go back to Liberty to take my last intensive until 2 summers later, and who did I see one day in the hallway? Dr. Jill. She remembered me! How crazy is that? She remembered about a specific prayer requested I had mentioned (2 years before, mind you) and asked me how the situation had been resolved. I walked away with such a smile on my face! But not before she told me that she would be looking for me in the doctorate program. Holy cow!

That particular class that I took with Dr. Jill was called Methods of teaching Middle School. I focused on the lack of foreign language programs in MSs and why it was so crucial and necessary. I don't think it's a coincidence that I just happen to be teaching that very thing right now! It was such an inspiration to have met her, and I know, even now that she's gone, she'd want all of us, her students, to continue working hard for our students.

She played us a song one day in class, while asking if any of us had a "life song." Hers was "Legacy" by Nicole Nordeman. She just wanted to make a difference, and I know at least for me, she did. We all need a reminder by someone like her that how we treat people is the biggest key to making a difference, in any line of work.

I won't ever forget Dr. Jill. And who knows, maybe I will end up in that doctorate program, crazy as it sounds. Sheesh

Surprise

2010-10-12T18:30:00.000-07:00

I have been feeling so guilty lately for not studying my Bible like I should. Don't get me wrong...I love to study scripture. I have a great study Bible that has notes that are so interesting to me, and I'll find myself sitting for hours sometimes just checking all the cross-references! That is - when I have time! Don't judge me! I have to get up early every day for work and while those morning hours are the most quiet and practical times to do my Bible study, I just find myself wanting to snooze and get in more sleep.

So...I mentioned to Aaron the other day the idea of maybe getting the Bible on CD so that, in my 40 minute roundtrip commute everyday, I can at least use those minutes more efficiently. Much to my surprise he had ordered me the complete New Testament on CD to keep in my car and it was waiting for me when i got home today :)

Now...I know that I don't want this to be my only Bible study that I do all week. I still want to actually "read" my Bible but I am so excited to get in some time with Jesus on my way to work and I can't wait to see how it actually affects my attitude and my day with my 8th graders...

My husband is so great. He has proven to me again how much he listens when I talk about things that concern me and bother me. He is a great spiritual leader that I look up to and he helps me to want to be a better Christ-follower. I am so proud of him!

Oh and btw, he preached last Sunday at church...a great sermon on Evangelism. You can check it out at www.grace-bible.net - media resources.

First

2010-09-07T18:24:00.000-07:00

Wow. What a day! Back to school I went...and not to learn this time, but to teach. It was a first day like I've never had before. I left and drove the 20 miles to Floresville while it was still dark outside, and while the rains were pouring down from Tropical storm Whatever-Her-Name-Is. With a mixture of nervous, scared, and excited emotions, I opened the doors to the middle school and was greeted by some of the nicest people I think I'll ever work with. I was in and out of the classroom all day, so luckily there was a sub already lined up to watch the classes after I basically introduced myself and left! I quickly became so overwhelmed with all of the things that need to be done: decorating, planning, familiarizing with new systems, etc. 4th period rolls around and we lose power for 2 hours! They brought us lunch on rolly carts because the cafeteria was too dark, as were the hallways for getting to the cafeteria. The kids were restless, it was hot, I was tired (already!) and still needing to do more "administrative" work before actually beginning with them! 2 weeks they have already been in school and I feel so behind! I met my mentor who is going to be such a big help! She is a veteran (yay!) and knows her stuff up and down. I am glad that she is there to answer my (stupid) questions. So here I sit, exhausted, ready for bed, but making myself think ahead to what I can get done now that will allow for more sleep in the morning (i.e. setting the coffee pot, laying out my clothes, deciding on lunch). And, you might think, feeling very positive that tomorrow will be a much better day. Wrong. I couldn't imagine a better day than the one I had today. Ok, so maybe without the electricity snags, blisters from my wedges, overwhelming sense of squeezing 2 weeks into 8 hours, and flat hair from humidity. I just feel so blessed. I know God's ordained my steps and has me in the exact spot where I should be so that He can use me. And the first day of that was filled with such an amazing feeling of following Him in obedience that I can't imagine anything better, but I know it will continue to get better. So for now, must sleep and spend time with husband. Can't wait to update on how God decides to move at FMS.

Sweet

2010-08-30T07:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at GRACE Bible Church I watched a few people, young and old, be baptized in a feeding trough. Funny as it sounds, and I'm not sure that everyone approves, but it is just a reminder to me to strip everything down to the foundation when it comes to my faith. There has been so much added to the rites, rituals, and traditions (like baptism) of Christianity that often people are so caught up with having something "done right" that they forget why it's being done at all. One woman admitted on her "God story" that was previously recorded and played on the big screen that she had been saved and lived a Christian life as a child, strayed away, and came back to CHRIST. Not to religion or a church or a feeling, but to a committed relationship to follow Jesus. And her baptism that day, in the feeding trough, was a public statement of that committment. Isn't that what it's about? Does it matter if her baptistry was lined in gold, brass, silver, find woods, or even in its own spot behind the pulpit? There was water, there was a proclamation of faith, and there was a dunking. I loved it.

I'm really starting to love La Vernia. Not that I didn't like it at first and now it's growing on me; but I thought at first, I will like this place, and now I LOVE it. Small town, amazing people in church and outside the church that we've met so far, close proximity to everything, and a group of students in whom I see so much potential. It is overwhelming and sweet and scary and time-consuming and frustrating and awesome and funny and I could go on. This is the life of ministry that I live with Aaron day in and day out and I wouldn't change it.

Also, There is a possibility for a couple of long term substitute jobs in 1st and 3rd grade in a dual-language school in San Antonio. I am excited for the experience, for the contacts, and for friends who are already looking out for me and thinking of me in so many ways! I am blessed!

And, finally, just to wrap all this randomness up, I found my camera yesterday. It had dead batteries for who knows how long, so putting fresh ones in, I was amazed at some of the last pictures I took before it died. Sounds silly and cliche, but it's kind of a reminiscing of our life before we moved, some great memories, and now I have a fresh start to see what memories we will make in our new home. CAN'T WAIT!

guilt trips

2010-08-25T10:17:00.000-07:00

So, we have a dog, Yoda, shih-tzu, 2.5 years old. He is like a child to me, I wouldn't give him up for anything. However, sometimes he does things that are so annoying and I never would have guessed that the reason for his paper-eating, panty-snatching, and annoying barking at the most inappropriate times was a lack of exercise?! Are you kidding me!?

We spent some time with the Barnett family last night (what a cool family, btw!) and Patti was telling me about a possible reason for the things I was describing to her. She said that dogs have this pent up energy that has to be worked off. If it's not, then they seek out these attention-seeking, nervous habits like the ones I was describing and that it could possibly be MY fault that he's doing these things. Whoa.

So, instead of being all sad and pity party-ish, I decided to give it a try. Here's to a 2 week session of run-Yoda-til-he-can't-breathe and hope that these little annoyances stop. I'll let you know how it goes.

battles

2010-08-23T07:39:00.000-07:00

I learned this past week the true meaning of Ephesians 6:12, which says: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

If you don't believe that these powers and authorities of darkness exist, trust me they do! I don't give Satan the credit, I give God the glory for bringing me through it. But, he, the devil, knows where we are weak and can twist reality into lies that are believable. It's scary! However, the two verses that precede this verse tell us to be strong in God's power and to put on the "full armor" so that we can stand against the attacks that WILL come! Trust me, when the devil knows you are up to something good, he will do whatever he can to stop it.

I am reminded of the verses that tell us that God, our father, longs to discipline the ones he loves. It makes me feel that He wants me to succeed against these attacks by trusting Him, but also by being strong, having on the armor (combating the attack with prayer, scripture, Godly counsel, etc.) I am working on that part!

¹⁰Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. ¹²For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ¹⁸And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

whew!

2010-01-22T08:03:00.001-08:00

Wow have we been busy lately! School started back with a bang on Jan. 4th with a professional day. Unexpectedly, Aaron and I traveled to North Carolina the next day to be with my family in the loss of my stepdad (Dale)'s father, Mr. Bobby Kenneth (Deacon) Jones. It was a beautiful time for us to share love with my family and nothing in this world could make me happier than being able to do that! The ceremony in celebration of his life was beautiful! It was truly inspiring to see so many people and hear their thoughts and memories. It also reminded me of the unmatched hope that we have that "so shall we ever be with the Lord." And we should "comfort one another with these words" always! (1 thess. 4:16-18)

The tide won the national championship! #13 woo hooooooo (makes for a very happy husband!)

I have been back to "teaching" for 2 weeks now...however, do I feel like I am "back in the swing of things?" No!!!!! I started this week observing/helping/tutoring with the middle and high school Spanish classes here at my school, in addition to all my elementary classes that I already teach. This new schedule has me in a tizzy! I am not used to getting up so early, and the hardest part is switching my mind back and forth between catering to young minds and older minds. IT's hard!

This weekend is super busy...it's the biggest youth event we have all year...BREATHE weekend! And, I'm not so sure I'll be able to sit and just breathe! It is packed full of worship sessions (Hello August!), guest speaker sermons, small group time in the host homes, Saturday fun time, quiet time, and delicious meals prepared by lots of adults from the church. Did I mention I will have a house full of junior high girls? I am looking forward to it so much because I always teach Senior high girls and this will be a wonderful opportunity to get to know these young girls that are in their first year of youth!

If you read this any time during this weekend, take a sec and pray for our students. They have really made us proud this year, but we want to see them take their relationships with Christ to a new level and we are believing that this weekend will be their time to do that!

I am so tired after just writing this and thinking about how busy my life is! So thankful, however, that we have jobs, steady income, insurance, friends, loving families, and God as our rock.

family visits!

2009-10-20T09:27:00.000-07:00

I am so excited about my Dad and brother, Chris, coming to visit us this weekend and for having tickets to take them to the Alabama game vs. Tennessee! My dad's 50th birthday is this year on Halloween and this is our chance to get together and celebrate his 50 years. He is a huge football lover and, though we didn't grow up as Bama fans, he loves the tradition that the football program is known for.

I am trying to think of ideas for decorations and presents for the "over the hill" mark for this weekend. Any suggestions are welcomed!

Have a wonderful, beautiful, fall week and praise God for the awesome creation that HE surrounds us with :)

Wedding Bells and Busy weeks

2009-05-17T18:50:00.000-07:00

One of my best friends from home got married this weekend. I was lucky to have the opportunity to make the trip up to NC for the wedding. Cindy Lou, if you read this, you were a gorgeous bride. I love how weddings remind those of us who are already married about the vows we made and how we should cherish the ones we've chosen to spend our lives with :)

I drove 9 hours there on Tuesday and 9 hours back to T-Town today. I am exhausted, and already looking into buying a plane ticket for my class in VA in June. (So I don't have to drive that is!) Tomorrow we go for our final walk through on the house and close Tuesday. I can't wait for them to give us our keys so we can FINALLY get out of this apt. If the neighbors beat on their floor (our ceiling) one more time...I don't think I'll hold Aaron back this time!

I hope to post some pics of the house with OUR furniture in it very soon ;)

If you fail to plan...

2009-05-08T20:09:00.000-07:00

So...I have not updated in awhile. I am excited to say that I finally have a plan to finish my Master's degree. Whew! It has been a rough road since we moved trying to find work, but I know that it's exactly what needed to happen because God has taught me so much through this time. I decided to go to Liberty this June 8-12 to take my last on-campus class and I will start another class online on June 22nd that lasts until August 14th. Then...my only class left is student teaching and there are a few options open at this time...just have to have my paperwork in by Sept. 15th! Man it feels good to have a plan!

Also...I am planning a trip to NC next week to see my good friend, CindyLou, get married on the 16th. I also get to visit with my Mom, Stepmom, and Grandmothers for Mother's day...a tad late, but still great nonetheless.

And...we are planning to close on our house in about a week and a half (May 19th). Did I mention I am excited about this? Time has crept by but it is almost here and I could not be happier.

Passion

2009-04-09T09:44:00.000-07:00

I just finished re-watching the Passion of the Christ. I was wanting to watch it again during this week just as a reminder of what Jesus did for me. And for you. The movie contains many theatrical elements that are not necessarily Biblical, including Satan's presence at Gethsemane. In the gospel accounts, it tells of Jesus praying and finding the disciples asleep. In the movie, Satan is tempting Jesus to believe that He can't do the will of the Father, that no one man could bear the burden of all sin. While I am no Bible scholar, I believe this could have happened, though the writer may not have known. Christ himself would have been the only one to know of Satan's presence there while He was praying.

I have felt the attack of the enemy for the last couple of months. I have allowed myself to feel insignificant, worthless, and unworthy. I feel the need to go out and work to help with our financial situation and the door has not yet been opened for me to find a job in my field. So, I have blamed myself and have taken on the spirit of doubt even to the point of feeling inadequate.

Today, I am reminded that Satan is real, but that he has no power over me because I can claim the name of my Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Satan trembles when he sees even the weakest saint on her knees! Praise God! However painful it was, Jesus died on the cross for the remission of my sins so that I might live an abundant life claiming the promises that He has made me.

Jeremiah 29:11 He has a purpose and perfect will for my life through which He intends to prosper me!

John 10:10 While the enemy desires to take our lives from us, Jesus came that we might have life and have it to the full!

2 Timothy 1:7 The spirit God gives us is power, love, and self-discipline.

If anyone has ever felt or is feeling attacked by the enemy, remember: the battle has already been won. At the name of Jesus, Satan trembles because he knows he has already been defeated. Don't let him have power over you that is not his!! Jesus died so that you might have life!

Aaron's sermon - Defining Moments

2009-03-31T09:18:00.001-07:00

This past Sunday, Aaron preached his first sermon before an entire church congregation. Over the past 7 months since we've been at North River, I have watched him progress in his speaking skills. He is a very good speaker and I can see his comfort level growing as he is more at ease speaking in front of a large group of people. I just wanted to take this chance to brag on him! I am so proud of him for what he does... not just his career but his passion. He truly has a heart for young people and seeing them understand God's word in a way that compels them into action. It is also such a blessing to have a husband who gets to do what he loves for a living. A lot of people dread their work and are in it for the paycheck. Aaron gets up each morning with a smile on his face ready to spend another day preparing to teach our youth and to make a difference in our community! I could go on and on, but I just wanted to share with you all how proud I am of my husband and how blessed I feel to be married to a man of God!

If you'd like to hear Aaron's sermon, you can go to our church's website:

http://www.northriveronline.com/

Click on about us, then current teachings. His sermon is titled: Defining Moments

Home-owners!

2009-03-29T16:39:00.001-07:00

I have been hesitant to write this blog...but I'm just too excited :)

Aaron and I found a house that we absolutely love and it's in a great area, closer to church, good schools, etc. We made an offer on the house and it has been accepted...finally! So, as of right now we are buying this home and closing on it May 19th. I can't believe it...I don't think it has set in yet that we finally have something that is our own with all the features that we wanted. I cannot wait...but we are still in the process of working out the details so I'm praying that things will continue to go smoothly! Praise God for answering prayer!

The Rescue

2009-03-25T19:01:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, Jennifer Mitchell and I went to see a movie that I had heard people talking about, but had not seen. The prequel to this film is called Invisible Children, depicting 3 young guys who took a trip over to South Africa expecting an adventure but not knowing what they'd find. The movie we saw, The Rescue, is a continuation of what these guys found...3000 children soldiers taken captive and made to fight and kill under the name of Joseph Kony. The next film, the one we actually just viewed, is called The Rescue, which outlines a course of action for all those who are interested in seeing justice served. I could tell you about it, but I wouldn't really do it justice (it's a really bad pun, I know). It is a really cool idea and it's worth hearing. And, even if you're like me and don't think you could do what they're suggesting...there are other ways to help, and it starts with what I'm doing now...raising awareness. If you don't do anything else, just go to their website and watch the short film on The rescue plan. I promise it'll compel you to do at least what I'm doing :)

www.invisiblechildren.com
therescue.invisiblechildren.com

From their website:
Invisible Children is a social, political and global movement using the
transformative power of story to change lives. By inspiring youth culture to
value creativity, idealism and sacrifice, the movement fuels the most
effective, adaptable and innovative programs in the world.

Hebrews 11

2009-03-25T08:53:00.001-07:00

I posted previously that in our Senior High Girls study on Sun. mornings we've been studying key characters in the story of the Old Testament. This past Sunday we recapped the last 4 people we've studied (Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, and Moses) by telling stories and tying each story together with transition so that we begin to see the Old Testament and the people of the OT as members of a fluid, beautiful story. My girls, once again, shocked and amazed me with how much they have retained even from the first week. (No wonder we won the trivia game...only group to get all their questions right!!)

So, I'm studying for their study next week on Rahab - faith in action. The study leads me to Hebrews 11 where the author is telling how key characters in the Old Testament have not just verbalized their faith in God, but have actually put their faith in action because of their belief in God's promises. It even goes on to say that they didn't even receive God's promise, that this is the stark contrast between the OT and us...we have God's promises fulfilled to us in Jesus Christ!!

I am a full believer in the fact that to be saved, one must only confess with the mouth and believe with the heart. BUT! there's a but. Doesn't the love you've found in salvation compel you to DO SOMETHING?? It must, it must. I don't ever want to become so complacent in my faith that I am teaching young girls to believe in God's promises and, by faith, act them out if I am not 110% acting out my faith everyday. I believe Hebrews 11 and James 2 have a lot to say to me about this...and I'll be studying them until I feel I have a good grasp on this faith in action. I'll post later about how the study goes this Sunday :)

"All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them ffrom a distance, admitting that they were foreignersand strangers on eatrth. People who say such things show that they are lookking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country-a Heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called thehir God, for he has prepared a city for them. " Hebrews 11:13-16

Humanist movement

2009-03-24T14:12:00.000-07:00

I was reading the newspaper (shocking, yes) and came across an article about Humanism and the lack of religion that leads the people associated (aka Humanists) to do morally good things for the betterment of all. I am posting a link to the article from The Tuscaloosa News website.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20090321/NEWS/903209982

I am disturbed by this, but not shocked. They claim that there are people out there who need to unite, having in common that they are morally good, altruistic people without a religion to give credit to. They are just good people. Period.

Maybe that's true. But my argument would be that there has to be some origin of that good. Because just as many people out there are equally bad, evil, malicious...and they act on their evilness to commit murder, rape, theft, etc. Even those who are not THAT bad (i.e. don't murder, rape, or steal) are still selfish and it's a choice to do good things for others. What makes them bad is what makes us all bad...sin! (We're born sinners). But those of us who believe in God and have the love of Christ have the power to be morally good and do good for the benefit of others....but it comes from faith in God and the love we've found in Christ. My thesis statement, were this an essay, would be that goodness comes from God, and without it, mankind is destined to continue its selfish, immoral, sinful ways.

So, what do you think? Read the article and post back :)

Happy Birthday, Yoda!

2009-03-24T13:00:00.000-07:00

Today is Yoda's 1st birthday! Here are a few pics from the time we got him at 12 weeks old last June (and 3.9 lbs...adorable) to now! We are still hoping for him to mature in his behavior...he's still very annoying at times! But, we still love him, or at least I do :)

March Madness!

2009-03-18T08:21:00.000-07:00

Photo: Aaron, me, brothers Anthony and Chris at the UNC game in December when Tyler Hansbrough broke the all-time scoring record...he has also broken the record for rebounds recently, and he lacks about 5 points or so to break the all time ACC scoring record...more over J.J.!!!

Oh, the fun things that March brings. I, of course, wore my green yesterday! But what's even more exciting is the NCAA tournament and march madness for all of us basketball crazies. This picture is from 2005, the last time Carolina won the tourney. I was actually still in school at UNC when this happened...it was great! I'd love to see them win it again...and of course, I am picking them to win in all my brackets and will be cheering them on to the very end :) First game, Thursday at 2:50e vs. Radford. (Also, at some point, look for the Heels to be sporting shaved heads...I can't remember if it's the first game of the ACC tourney, the sweet 16, or the Final Four...but it is awesome to see it when they do it!)

Artsy Craftsy

2009-03-17T09:26:00.001-07:00

It is getting harder and harder to find substitute jobs...so I find myself at home a lot during the day still feeling the need to be productive. I have started a few art projects that I'd like to share. A few pictures today of the before side, and when I finish I'll make sure I put up some pictures of my masterpieces (ha!)

To continue the theme of fine arts, I am listening to some new music lately. Mostly, I go to Pandora.com, a radio station online pointed out to me by a friend I miss very much, Devon Simmons! :) The artist I am into right now is Adele (pronounced Uh-Dell, emphasis on the dell). She has a very jazzy new sound that I love...kind of the inspiration, I think, for Megan Joy Corkrey on American Idol this season. If you get time during your work day, tune into Pandora.com and check out Adele (the way pandora works is you put in an artist or song and it brings you a station that plays music that is similar in tone and style...you can then click "thumbs up or thumbs down" and it will filter the rest of the music based on your likes and dislikes). Also on the playlist for Adele that I like is Corinne Bailey Rae, India Arie, Lauryn Hill, Amy Winehouse, etc.

What do you do when you're bored?

2009-03-16T17:03:00.000-07:00

This short and sweet time between getting married and having kids...that time where it's just the two of us...sometimes leaves us with a lot of time on our hands. Aaron often stays late at the church getting things done or helping out with other ministries...which leaves me to come up with creative ways to spend my time :) One thing I enjoy very much is cooking/baking...especially baking sweet treats for us to enjoy! Today's recipe: Cream cheese chocolate chip cookies

1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese , room temperature
16 Tbsp. (2 sticks) unsalted butter , room temperature
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
1 package (12 ounces) semisweet choc
olate chips
2 tsp. grated orange zest

Preheat oven to 350°. In the large bowl of an electric mixer, beat cream cheese, butter, and sugar on high speed until well blended. Beat in eggs and vanilla until smooth. Reduce speed to low; beat in flour and salt until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips and orange zest. Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets; space dough about 1 inch apart. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, or until cookies are lightly browned around the edges. With a spatula, transfer to racks to cool completely; store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

The Old Testament - one beautiful story

2009-03-16T07:41:00.000-07:00

I teach the Senior High girls Bible study on Sunday mornings. I'd like to say how proud I am of them for winning the 4 week challenge yesterday...the only group to get all 5 of their questions right from the last 4 weeks of study! (I actually made the questions hard too!)

I think that this study of the Old Testament we are covering is just as much for me as it is for them. It has truly opened my eyes and given me a new love and appreciation for the beautiful story of the Old Testament. One thing I've tried to get them to see is how each of the people we are studying is connected. We started with Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, and Moses. Next week's study will cover Joshua and Caleb...You see God's promise to Abraham and how He tested A's faith by waiting until he and his wife were wayyy old to give them their promised heir, Isaac. How often, though, do we think like Abraham that God needs our help in fulfilling His promise (e.g. Abraham and Sarah having a child through the maidservant, Hagar). Then, the story of Jacob and Esau (Isaac's sons) continues the story of God's covenant to make Abraham the father of many nations. Jacob's name is changed to Israel after he wrestles with God, and from him come the 12 tribes of Israel. One of those sons, Joseph, is badly mistreated by his brothers, but we see God's hand on him as he establishes good standing in Egypt, setting up the stage for the Israelites to move into Egypt. They are oppressed there for more than 400 years...and God raises up the slow-to-speak Moses to liberate them from their slavery. God calls Moses to lead the people back into the Promised Land that is "flowing with milk and honey." God wants the very best for His people, but they are filled with fear as they see the size of the inhabitants of Canaan. Next week, we are going to see how God punishes His people for doubting His power to make them more than conquerers in Canaan. Two people, Joshua and Caleb, are rewarded for their faith and their willingness to take a stand for their God.

One verse in particular stands out to me, and it is from Joseph in Genesis 45: 5 when he finally reveals to his brothers who he is. "Do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for sekling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you."

I think that's the last thing I'd want to say to my brothers who had sold me into slavery years ago. It brings up a point from the Esther study by Beth Moore in Chapter 4 verse 14 where Mordecai tells Esther that God has appointed her to her position "for such a time as this." It's important to remember that God is weaving together our story into his-story(history) just as He was doing in the lives of Joseph and Esther, as well as the rest of Israel.

Wherever you are, in whatever situation, even though you may not understand just yet, God has appointed you for such a time as this. Be faithful!

Re-commitment

2009-03-16T06:54:00.000-07:00

I have to admit -- I am a terrible blogger. It's not that I don't have anything to write about, because we sure stay busy! It's just that I rarely take the time to write about it...but that, hopefully, is going to change! I love our life, our church, our ministry, our dog (sometimes), and everything about the life that God has blessed us with...and I want to share it! So, here's me saying that I am going to try to do much better about blogging everyday (shew, that's a hard commitment to make!).

Today's topic: catch up!
Since I last blogged back in January at the end of BREATHE weekend, our students have stayed on fire and committed to growing in their walks with Christ. It has been such a blessing just to know them and be a part of their lives. They make me laugh, but also fill me with such a sense of pride to be with them on this journey of following Christ. We've been studying Colossians 3:12 in a series entitled LIVE LOVE LOUD which will culminate this Wednesday followed by a service project scheduled for March 28th. The students will be going to a local middle school to do a clean-up project for the day. It is awesome to see how excited they are to live out what they've been learning about compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience!

I am still substitute teaching as much as I can, hoping that a Spanish position will open up somewhere for next year! Subbing is a lot of fun and provides some great variety, but it's hard some days to keep doing it!

I just found out that my older brother, Chris, will be coming to visit April 22nd and I am so excited! Now, I just need ideas on fun things that we can do when he gets here!

A sweet couple from our church gave me a set of women's golf clubs that they didn't want anymore and I am so excited to learn and start playing with Aaron. We are constantly looking for things to do together other than being couch potatoes, and last Thursday we went for the first time to the driving range. I did pretty well, but I am concentrating on learning the correct form for hitting the ball...it is going to take a little longer than I thought! It is definitely something fun for both of us to enjoy together, so I am willing to push through the soreness and practice!

Finally, something that I am very interested in right now is saving money (aren't we all?). I learned that a website (www.southernsavers.com) provides you with the specials at most local grocery stores as well as their specific policies on stacking coupons, etc. I am going to try this out, but if any of you have other ways that you save on groceries and other necessities, let me know!

BREATHE weekend

2009-02-06T05:43:00.000-08:00

Breathe weekend turned out much better than any of us could have imagined...then again, God's thoughts are so much higher than ours. He truly had His hand upon us and His Spirit was with us, anointing the band as they led us in worship and Aaron as he spoke. The messages were entitled "Is anyone thirsty," "Hungry? Why wait?" and "Will you accept?" The last message included personalized letters made out to each student with a card inside that asked them whether or not they would accept Christ's invitation to join Him at the wedding feast. Meaghan Barkley accepted Christ - and we praise God for her and for her new-found love of Christ and eternity! Many other students decided to recommit their lives to Christ. And in our time of sharing Sunday morning, many of them confessed their sins of being complacent in their faith and not standing up for Christ or committing enough time to studying His word and praying. It has truly been an amazing week to watch them as they don't just let their fire die out. They have committed to text each other daily as accountability for quiet time. We have all committed to breakfast before school once a week...which started today at the Waffle House :) But most importantly, I believe that they have all seen the stakes of the commitment they are making when they give their lives to Christ. "Don't be Orpah" is a phrase that I now love...referring to the sister of Ruth who, at the moment she realized the going was getting tough, decided to leave her mother-in-law in an escape from harsh reality. When we say "don't be Orpah" to our students, they know we mean that being a Christian is never easy, but we have hope that Christ will never leave us or forsake us, rather He will strengthen us to do what He has called us to do. So many things that I am still trying to grasp these students are learning at a much younger age, and that brings me so much joy!

I am posting a few pictures from the weekend. Enjoy!

Happiness is a choice

2009-01-01T13:28:00.001-08:00

Someone said something to me the other day...my memory fails me and I can't remember who it was or in what context. The line was "happiness is a choice." How true! We are all dealt circumstances in our lives that can put a negative spin on our optimism. It's so easy to consider these circumstances misfortune. The old cliche does ring true, though, that everything happens for a reason. My question to myself (and to you, should this apply) is always "what are you going to do about it?"

A good friend of mine, former housemate, and someone very much more wise than me, was listening to me complain once about how much I hated divorce and its effect on my life. I practically told her how I believed that my parents' divorce was responsible for all the negative circumstances I had been dealt and that I didn't think I'd ever be over it. I carried around a lot of pain and baggage for a long time regarding this issue and every chance I got, I let myself wallow in self-pity and feeling sorry for myself. I would cry about it, a lot. I gave it to God over and over again, but not really, if that makes sense.

As we sat and talked, my friend finally interrupted me in the middle of my tears and mid-sentence of a story I had told many times, and she said, "what are you going to do about it?" Immediately I was hurt and mad that she would stop me and not want to hear the rest of what I had to say. But once I got over the initial frustration, I realized she was right. How long would I keep telling the same sad story to anyone who would listen, only to make myself feel more justified in my long-lasting grief? How long would I feel like my situation was the worst and that nothing could comfort me in my pain?

It didn't happen that day or even that year, but recently, some things have happened that caused the emotions associated with the divorce to resurface. I don't live at home, and I haven't for over 3 years now, so it's so easy to stick to the "out of sight, out of mind" routine. However, these recent happenings proved something to me that I wouldn't have thought was true. God has healed me of so much of my pain that I was able to stare the situation in the face and handle it with prayer and confidence. I am not saying that new pain was not caused, but only that I, for the first time in my life, truly came to believe that God can heal my pain. I have never experienced that for myself, though I've heard about it from people over the years. It's kind of like God's grace; it is such an overwhelming concept, but you don't truly understand it until it is made perfect in your own weaknesses.

You might be thinking that I didn't really do anything about my feelings except run and hide from them. And that I haven't answered the "what are you going to do about it" question for myself. After all, I did move 600 miles away from my problems. However, I know that I have faced them because I know that God has taken so much pain from me. There is new pain, but I am more strong and confident that I can handle it with my God's peace and comfort that I know it won't keep as much of a hold on me as my former pain. Equally important is my choice to be happy...and I even like the word joy better than happiness. Joy doesn't mean that life is a bed of roses, but that you find strength and comfort in Jesus and that brings you an overwhelming sense of completeness.

My New Year's Resolution is to strive even more this year to choose happiness and joy. Aaron and I don't even have the word divorce in our vocabulary, it's not an option! December 21st of this past year was my Grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary, and my grandmother said that marriage is not ever easy, but there is a desire there to fulfill a commitment and to be happy in it. Choose to be happy.

If you're thinking that your circumstances are worse than anyone else, remember that your cross is never harder than you can bare. My question to you is "what are you going to do about it?" Will you let it become who you are, or will you choose joy and happiness knowing that God can and will heal your wounds and your pain?

1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your care upon Him because He cares for you.

2 Corinthians 12:8-10 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 1That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Election Day - Thank God it is almost over...

2008-11-04T13:04:00.001-08:00

I have never felt a more overwhelming sense of responsibility. Yet, this is not my first time to vote. People say that this is the most important election we've ever had - and I ask why? Is it because either party winning will be an historical event (a black man as President or a woman as Vice President)? Is it because of the financial and economic crisis that the United States is in? I can imagine that people in Africa and other third world countries are asking themselves, "Financial crisis? What do they know about being poor? We can't even tap into clean, running water!" And, I'd have to agree with them. We live in such a blessed nation that people get angry at the thought of giving a percentage of their surplus of money to someone less fortunate than them.

I find myself more than ever before begging for someone to tell me the TRUTH! I hear what each candidate is saying about themselves and about each other, and somewhere along the way everything does not match up. More importantly to me, what they are saying does not match up with my Christian views.

Sure, "redistribution of wealth" sounds like the socialist idea of giving to everyone equally. However, doesn't it say in Acts Chapter 4: 32-35

"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need."

I understand this to mean that people sold their houses, land, and everything they owned so that no one would be suffering or in need of food, shelter, etc. I understand that the major argument about this principle today is that it takes from the hard-working middle and upper classes and gives their money to the people who won't (or can't) work and earn for themselves. Isn't it our job, however, to be obedient and let God take care of the rest? He has commanded us that whatever we do for those who are ignored and rejected, we do also to Him. I also know that Christ has told us we can't serve two masters. In Matthew 6:24, he says

"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."

I challenge you while you're holding on tightly to every cent, which I know is crucial as prices continue to increase, ask yourself how willing you are to obey God's command to us that we clothe, feed, and shelter the poor, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT THEY ARE TOO LAZY TO DO IT FOR THEMSELVES. Maybe, just maybe, this is God's way of shining His light through us that they might come to know the power of His salvation.

2 John 1:6 "And this is LOVE. That we walk in obedience to His commands. As you have heard in the beginning, His command is that you walk in LOVE.

I would like to say that I definitely support the pro-life stance. Abortions should not be legal or provided for any woman or girl, without parental consent. It is the killing of innocent life, life that doesn't have a choice or voice and needs us to be its voice. BUT, to say that the killing of innocent life is immoral, shouldn't that also include war? There are tales of women and children who get caught in the line of fire in Iraq...they are innocent and they are killed, all in the name of democracy. Is this any different? Shouldn't we put a stop to that kind of murder, too? I will go as far as saying that all killing is wrong (Thou shall not murder). So, doesn't that include capital punishment, or is it okay to contradict ourselves and say that we should kill someone as punishment for killing someone? Life is life - some innocent, some more guilty of sin than others. Right? Or have we all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God? (Rom. 6:23)

I voted today, but I don't feel good about it. I don't have a peace because these earthly "kings and kingdoms" will inevitably pass away; my God reigns forever and He alone is sovereign. I have found the source of my truth in His word. Therefore, I do not agree with either candidate whole heartedly. Unfortunately, I can't take what we like in each one and roll it into one perfect President - that, I'm afraid, doesn't exist. I know that the day is coming when every knee will bow to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; some will bow willingly now, and others will be forced later. I am convinced that my job, duty, responsibility, call, whatever you want to call it, is this: To "tell" everyone I know that Christ died for them. I will do that with my words, but most importantly with my actions. St. Francis of Assisi said, "Preach the gospel at all times. And when necessary, use words." Superman tells Lois Lane in the most recent Superman movie, "You say the world doesn't need a Savior, but everyday I hear them crying out for one." CHRISTIANS: LISTEN TO THE CRIES OF OUR NEIGHBORS AND LOVE THEM IN EVERY WAY THEY NEED TO BE LOVED. Again, I'll quote 2 John 1:6 - And this is LOVE. That we walk in obedience to His commands. As you have heard in the beginning, his command is that you walk in LOVE."

Micah 6:8 "He has told you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

Life has changed...

2008-09-24T07:19:00.000-07:00

Some of you may know that Aaron accepted a Youth Pastor position in Tuscaloosa, AL. So, as of Aug 29, we moved here and have started a new life. It is actually quite awesome and tiring and fun. I say tiring, when I'm the one who stays at home all day and Aaron goes to work. But...we are both still pursuing our Master's degrees online, plus trying to get to know an entire church full of people, plus taking care of the baby, I mean dog, you get the idea!

The most important thing I can say about these changes in our life is that I am happy! Aaron is finally doing what he loves, and he amazes me everyday. My faith and spiritual walk with Christ is truly being tested...it's true that you HAVE to stay constant in your prayer and Bible study when you are in the ministry. I know we've only been doing this for about a month now, but the people here have just made things so easy. Everyone is genuinely nice. It stems from a true desire to serve Christ and to live out His call on our lives to love each other.

Every now and then I get a strange homesick feeling...but homesick to where? I have lived in Cleveland, TN for the past 3 years and I miss my Epsilon sisters and our church family from GracePoint. I miss my real family in North Carolina. I guess I feel like I am finally growing into an adult and starting my life as a married woman...even though I've been married for over a year now. This was the point where we finally stepped out of our comfort zones and began a new life where people only know us as Aaron and Elisabeth Smith - rather than Aaron Smith and Elisabeth Barnes. All I can say is so far it is awesome.

John 14:13-14 "And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."

Sometimes I feel like my prayers should only be for other people, that I should be interceding on behalf of our students, church family, the ministry, etc. However, this verse is so refreshing as Christ says He will do whatever we ask in His name, to bring glory to the Father. Remember that the next time you decide not to ask for something (reasonable) that you want!

2008-07-10T14:27:00.000-07:00

I am writing today from our hotel room in Lynchburg, VA. Tomorrow is the last day of my first intensive course at Liberty (I've been 4 days 8-4:30 and I'll do it again tomorrow, and M-F next week). Surprisingly, I do not feel entirely exhausted, neither mentally nor physically. I have learned a lot from my class, but even more from the "tangents" of my professor who claims to be ADD...

I want to write this while it's on my mind fresh from today's lecture. We were discussing how people sometime respond to the saving power of the cross by thinking that, since Christ paid the price, we can act any way we want and still be "under grace." However, my Professor, Dr. Todd Campo, put things in a new perspective for me. He said, "Imagine that you, a Christian believer, are walking down whatever main interstate you are familiar with. Now imagine that a mack truck 18 wheeler is coming at you at full speed. You stand there unable to move, sure that you are going to die, and then Jesus comes and pushes you out of the way, being Himself smacked by the full speed truck to take the brunt for you. And, how should you then respond, by turning around and saying, "Oh, thanks, now I can go out and live however I want bc I am forgiven?" Surely not! You respond by saying, "How can I serve You? How can I ever begin to repay the sacrifice that You made so that I can live?"

I don't know about you, but this imagery really touched my heart. Sometimes, actually the majority of my life I live as a selfish, wretched sinner only looking out for myself. But, I find myself longing to see that image of Christ on the cross (or being hit by a mack truck, whichever most speaks to you) so that I will not for a single second forget that sacrifice He paid. That is what's in my heart: to see that image and live it out in a way that ALWAYS shows love toward Christ and toward His people. It doesn't always come out that way, but we won't ever be perfect here on Earth. It's the journey and the try and the spirit of what's in your heart that Christ desires. So, what's your image of Christ? What is it that helps you to hold that memory in your mind every second of every day to show Him that you will live out what He has called us to do?

We also went further to discuss the text from Hebrews 6, where it says

"It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace."

Is it okay to fall into sin? Is it possible to lose salvation? Do we do things that are sinful, knowing that coming back and "repenting" is all we have to do to be forgiven, since Christ's grace covers all sin? Are we not just nailing Him to the cross (running Him over) over and over again? Can you bear that load, to say that you don't mind killing your Savior repeatedly and shaming Him publicly?

Whew...I guess I am no theologian. Just a lost soul in desperate need of a Savior. But, while I feel at times like these that I don't know much, I do know that I don't want to bear the burden of telling my Savior that what He did was not the Ultimate Sacrifice. His grace is sufficient for me and I am humbled to claim that grace.

Just some neat photos....

2008-07-03T19:42:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to post some random pics that I have taken this summer. It just amazes me how cool cameras are and better yet how amazing God is!

Aaron

Leave some feedback!

Welcome to the world of blog.

2008-07-03T15:07:00.000-07:00

Well, this is my first blog attempt, so bear with me! I got the bright idea to start this blog so that those of you who want to can keep up with our lives. It's also kind of like a journal that we can look back on in the future to remember our early years together. (wah, wah, wah....)

So...I guess it's important to know that we both graduated from Lee in Dec. '07 and are now studying online through Liberty University. I (Elisabeth) am getting my Master of Arts in Teaching, specializing in Secondary Education so that I can teach Spanish (my undergrad degree). Aaron is getting his Master of Religion in Church Ministries. We love to work with youth and that is our goal for the future. Grad school is hard...sometimes I wonder why I let Aaron talk me into it ;) But, I know that it will pay off soon; we should both be finished by next May. So, until then, we are broke...but happy! We still live in Cleveland and attend the Church at Grace Point, spending most of our time there with the awesome students :)

Sometimes we wonder when the next chapter of our lives will start. It's hard to be patient and wait on the Lord, but He promises that He has a plan for us that will prosper and not harm us. I am so blessed to be married to a man who is definitely my spiritual leader. Aaron is such a strong man of God that it humbles me at times. He is going to do great things, and he will give God all the glory for it....which is rare among men in ministry these days. I could go on and on...but I don't want him to blush when he reads this, so I'll stop ;)

Another important thing in our life is that we bought a Shih Tzu puppy and named him Yoda. (Master Yoda, he is a Jedi warrior.) He brings us lots of joy, giving us breaks from the monotony of online graduate education. We've had him for about 1 month now, and he's already grown so much! We feel like such proud parents!!! I'll post some of his new haircut pics if I can figure out how.

Well...I guess that wraps up the foundational blog. I will try to be consistent in updating when things happen that are of entertainment value. Until next time, have a great 4th of July weekend and comment to us if you get a chance!

"Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ" ROM 1:7