Friday, January 11, 2013

Dreams do come true

I was reading my old blog yesterday and I found this old post.


One of my favorite verses that I've stood on for many years is Jeremiah 29:11. In fact I wrote a whole post on it a year or so ago about it. 

Jeremiah 29:11

New Living Translation (NLT)
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 
In March of 2010 I made a choice to end my marriage. Without getting into the crazy details, it was best for my children and I to leave and move in with my parents. I really can't describe the emotions I felt then, relief, sadness, questioning if I had made the right choice.  I was raised in a Christian home where divorce was certainly not an option. I think that addiction, that never seems to end changed my mind. I was a good wife, I prayed, I loved and I picked up the pieces. Sadly I began to live for my children and convinced myself that that's what marriage was about. I came to realize that to live for my children meant stepping away. 
I spent quite a bit of time in bed after I came to live with my parents. They were so good in helping me enroll the kids in new schools and acclimate them to life in Oklahoma. They made room in their home, in their lives and in their hearts for our daily life with them. My eyes tear up at what all they have done for me. 

Ever so slowly I started picking up my feet to take steps toward my future. Before the girls were born I had been a teacher. I reevaluated my life to see if that's where I wanted to be. I started subbing and remembered that I did in fact love to teach! I pursued several other job possibilities and more than anything waited on God. 

The school year started in August and about 2 weeks before that I decided that I should have been applying for jobs. Oops! I started subbing and then got called to be a full time substitute. I worked there for about 2 weeks planning on being there for a while. Then I got a call to take over and be a full time teacher! God is so good!

Alright I see how you have a plan for me God! What's next?

Through some different events and friends I met a really great friend named Allen. I certainly was not looking to marry right away but having a really great friend was awesome! Allen and I hit off right away. I look back amazed at how we spent so much time on the phone and continued holding regular jobs. 

Describing how our friendship grew, well words escape me. Some key points about Allen: Allen is deeply in love with Jesus. The compassion that he has for others is amazing. Time and time again I've seen him put others before himself. I've certainly learned so much from him! He has a now 20 year old daughter who he loves with all his heart! He is a hard worker and a true friend!  I would definitely say that Allen has brought out the best in me and made me a better person! He also has a really neat relationship with my daughters. I am truly blessed by that!

Allen and I got married this last August! So many wonderful details I've left out but the most important thing is that God is the center of our marriage!

What has brought me to this day of introspection was a book I am reading. I've always read Karen Kingsbury. She is definitely one of my favorite authors. She has written many books about the Baxter family. A family that loves each other, goes to church together and truly puts others before themselves. There were every day details in the book that my life was missing before. IT's been a while since I've picked up the series. Today I read the book through tears, as I now have that life! 


God is so good! During the really hard and trying times it is so hard to trust in Jesus and yet so incredibly necessary! Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." If only we could read the book and find out how it finishes up. 
Now I wait on God to see what other plans you have for me! I will always enjoy the journey!



Monday, November 19, 2012

This is the day!

Today I am thankful for another day to be alive. A day to love my husband and my daughters. A day to shine the light of Jesus with everyone I meet!




God is so good!

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

A great work environment

Today I'm thankful for a really great job, great work environment and an awesome co-teacher. When I started teaching again after having the girls I knew I could do it but it had been awhile. I tight one year in Muskogee and then moved to Broken Arrow.

I was hired as a co–teacher. I had never heard of that but it's wherea special Ed teacher is in the same class and teaches along side with you. I was used to being the only one in the class so sharing would be difficult.

I am so fortunate for my co-teacher to be Alisia. We have the same sense of humor and really have so much fun every single day. I am so blessed!


Saturday, November 10, 2012

This guy


Today, I'm thankful for this amazing man!



There are not enough words to describe him. He is loving, kind, compassionate, funny, caring, etc. He has made me a better person and I love him so much!

Monday, November 5, 2012

My girls

Today I am thankful for my daughters, Olivia and Ava.





They are kind, sweet, loving, funny. They bring joy to my life everyday. I am very blessed!

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Thankful...

I love November because everyone pauses from their busy lives to be thankful. I try to be thankful everyday!

Today I am thankful for my parents.



You will never meet a more friendly or serving couple. Try made growing up fun. But more than that they taught me how to love and trust God every single day. They have been so supportive and have always been my soft place to land.

I love you mom and dad!

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Goodbye my 30's or Life Begins at 40




On Monday I reached a milestone.  I turned 40.  I suddenly believe that life begins at 40! While reaching this momentus year it causes me to reflect on the last decade of my life.
In My 30's I moved 7 times and to 4 states.
I taught school for 5 years.
I was blessed with 3 beautiful children. 
I buried a child.
I met some amazing friends!
I dealt with someone else's battle of acoholism.
I learned way more than I ever wanted to know about prematurity.
I was a spokeswoman for the March of Dimes.
I got divorced.
I cried alot!
I met Allen!
I married Allen!
Now I laugh alot!
One thing remains through every year of my life... God is good!  He's never let me down. 
So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.
Deuteronomy  31:6
Bring on the 40's!