2011

I learned a lot in 2011.  Writing all these things makes me realize how much God has done in my life in just one year.  To be completely honest things didn't happen as I had planned or thought.  But my perspective is limited, God's is not.  I am learning to see the beauty in every moment.


So here are 11 things that I learned/realized/happened upon in 2011 (in no particular order):

1.  Change: change is the only constant.
2.  Trust: trust in the Lord with all your heart.
3.  Faithfulness: He is always faithful and asks us if we will be too.
4.  Letting go: there are some relationships that will fade.
5.  Embracing the moment: live in today, not worrying about tomorrow.
6.  Taking the step: even if others don't understand, take the step He is asking you to take.
7.  Contentedness: godliness with contentment is great gain.
8.  Memories Made: with friends and family.
9.  Transition: not as easy as I thought it would be.
10.  Confidence: knowing that I am His, nothing can change that, and I can't do anything to earn that.
11.  Growing: let your roots grow down into Him.

I am excited for 2012 and the journey that it will be.  I've been thinking and praying about what God has for this new year.

Some words that stand out are: 

Expectancy, 

Walking Alongside, 

and Journeying.

As 2012 nears I ready myself to live each day to the full, to find beauty in the unexpected places of life, to be grateful for the good and the bad, to worship Him with my whole self, and to be a beacon of His hope and light to the lost and hurting.

I hope that this new year for each of you will be met with hopeful expectation.

Christmas Eve

He has been and always will be.  

He wants to be YOUR 

Wonderful Counselor, 

Mighty God, 

Everlasting Father, and 

Prince of Peace.  

Won't you welcome Him in?

A wedding weekend

This past weekend one of my dearest friends got married!

After spending a couple of days with my cousins in Kansas City I headed to Springfield.  

  

It was a wonderful weekend full of wedding festivities:

 Going to Kai for sushi was a MUST.

 Bridal shower time.

 Those cupcakes were delicious.  

 Amy & Dan, the perfect blend.

 Bff Ashley at the rehearsal dinner.

 Day of the wedding!  First stop: Hebrews (favorite coffee shop ever) for some coffee and breakfast!

 At the church, the "getting ready" rooms were great!  

 Hair and makeup

 Haha not sure why they put this in the bridal room.

 bff

 Gorgeous bride!

 Waiting for the bride!

 Here she comes, isn't she beautiful?!?!

 Prayers

 First kiss

 The happy couple!

 Reception time

She caught the bouquet! 

 Saw Miss Amelia at the wedding!

I then spent the next couple of days with Ashley in Branson.

On my way home.  Don't worry, I was stopped in traffic when I took the picture.

A little last minute Christmas shopping with the little brother.  

Isn't this the best!?!?

Family Christmas party.

 It was cozy and wonderful.

My trip was wonderful and I loved seeing friends.  They are my kindred friends and even though I may not see them that often, I treasure the time we have together.  I'm so happy for Amy and Dan, I know that they will have a beautiful journey together.  

I'm looking forward to this Christmas weekend to celebrate and reflect on Christ our Savior.  

One Year

A year ago today I stood in the corner of an airport dreading the moment that was coming when I would have to say goodbye to the kids and chaperones.  After getting a few last hugs the kids headed towards their gate.  Then the kids stepped onto the escalator and my heart sunk.  All I could think was, "now what?"  As I stood there with a few of the other aunties none of us knew what to do.  So we cried.  Then we headed to the empty and quiet bus, grabbed our suitcases, stepped off, and watched as our home drove away.

I often think back to tour.  How could I not?  Every day I think of my kids, my fellow chaperones, or the life I had for 15 months.

Things I miss:

the children, living life with them, watching them grow

the chaperones, the community and family that we became

tour life, the adventure of trusting for your daily needs and being grateful for everything whether you sleep on the floor or in a bed

starbucks, not being able to get to it makes it so much more rewarding when you do

the children

exploring this beautiful continent

the children

being forced to grow, you have no choice.

concerts

purpose

There are some days that I can hardly take it.  I miss them.  My heart aches for them.  Part of me hopes they don't forget, that they don't forget the lessons and experiences from tour, and that they don't forget me.

I will always think back to this day.  It is a day that is cemented in my heart.  Not just this day though, the 15 months leading up to it.  So forgive me if I talk about my kids or about my experiences on tour too much.  But I want to share what I experienced, I want to tell you about 23 beautiful children who love the Lord and are doing great things, I want to tell you about the chaperones that became my family, I want to tell you about the host families I had and the places I saw.

I look forward to the day when I can see them again, but this time in Africa!!!