Memorial Day in Rockford

Graduation 2008...

My second class of sixth graders graduated from high school on Sunday. I loved every minute of graduation. I am so proud to be a part of these kids lives. I love all of them. My Elizabeth was valedictorian. What a wonderful young lady she has become! She has an amazing heart for the Lord and is continually proving that she will succeed through His grace! I love you, Biz!
I was able to joke around again with "the boys." They have always made me laugh all the way from my toes, as the picture attests. Each of them has shown such amazing growth in their spiritual lives. I am excited to see where these "kids" will be in a few years. And I will be honored to be at some of those events as well.
It has been quoted, "To teach is to touch a life forever." I believe that my life is the one touched through these wonderful people. I am thankful for the time I was able to have them in my classroom, but I am more thankful for the friendships I have been able to sustain with each of them.

Grace that is greater than all our sin...

"That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height: And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." Ephesians 3:17-21

Why are we surprised when God keeps his promises? God tells us that when one lost sheep strays from the fold, the shepherd will leave in search of that sheep and bring it back to fold, restored to its safe place. He tells us, if we confess our sins, he will forgive us. He tells us his love never ends. Why then was I surprised to hear of the amazing transformation taking place in my sister's life? As a believer, she was always capable of returning to that joyful, safe place in her relationship with the Lord. And praise be to God, that is what has been happening the last month. Dana has completely surrendered to the Lord's leading in her life. She has restored her relationship with her husband and has gloriously been remarried this last weekend. I have shed many tears of joy in the last few weeks. To be able to hear contentment and peace talking with her. To hear her smiling. I love my sister, but the Lord loves her more. He has gone to search for his "lost sheep" and has brought her back to himself.

Silly girls...

Cory watched the girls for a few hours so Kari and I could shop. He took several great pictures. This one stands out as a favorite.

The cow in the background is the infamous "Antoinette."
She's a must-have picture opportunity when visiting our little town.

Bless this "Thyme"...

That was the theme of our Mother/Daughter Brunch today.
I was in full swing this week preparing for the decorating of the banquet, as well as housing our "guest speaker" for the weekend. I have come to realize this week that I am not good at being busy. Even a little busy in comparison to most people. I get nervous. I get flustered. I'll leave busyness with those who can multi-task.
I was asked to substitute on Friday. Ok. Be flexible. I was able to set all of the tables during last hour. The auditorium set-up went super smooth on Thursday evening. I came home from school and realized there was no chicken cooked for my chicken pot pie I was making for our company. The company that was due to arrive within the next two hours. Again. Relax. Be flexible. Luckily frozen chicken boils well...
Once my friend arrived for the weekend, I felt myself relaxing. I think the preparation of a hectic weekend is more nerve-racking than the actual event. Kari and I had a great time of fellowship. Friends are like that. You pick up where you left off. We laughed. We shared heartbreaks and burdens. We told, "You wouldn't believe it if I told you..." stories. Our children played wonderfully together all weekend. We stayed up well past our bedtime.
The brunch went wonderfully. The decorations were beautiful. We have very talented ladies in our church. Everyone came together to really pull off a stunning display in both the auditorium and the table area. The food was delish! The devotional was very encouraging.
Bless this time...
- My home is my greatest ministry at this moment. Do I treat it as such?
- Weeds grow quickly and can destroy plants. Do I tend to the "weeds" in my home daily?
- God has designed our lives to have a "bouquet" of support. Parents. Friends. Relatives. Church family. Children. I am thankful for those in my life that add to the beauty of living. I would not be where I am today if not for the wonderful people God has used throughout my life to help me grow.
Thank you to Kari for your time of preparation for this weekend. You were a blessing to me in countless ways. I truly treasure your friendship.