Between Bitter and Sweet: Looking Back

Going back isn’t an option.
The past is set in stone.
Fear, at first, seems our only emotion,
As the chimes ring a new tone.

Hours that passed so slowly during their existence,
Seem like decades ago.
Moments came when I took a depression stance,
When change I would have chosen to forgo.

But I awake with renewed strength and understanding.
God was there all along.
Always comforting, always leading.
I know now where I truly belong.

The present, although shadowed at times, is beautiful.
His grace and perfect peace are daily constants.
I am satisfied and hopeful!
I leave my questions behind, trusting his guidance.

I don’t want to turn around,
I look now only to the future.
His love will abound,
And my faith will daily grow stronger.

I wrote this poem in 2009 and stumbled across it today. I started writing it after my first semester of college. The first semester of college was difficult for me. There were many nights spent crying myself to sleep and many days spent trying to figure out why in the world God would send me to a place that would make me so unhappy! The most important lesson that I learned through that time was this: Being unhappy does NOT mean that you are outside of God's will.

Those experiences grew me spiritually, emotionally, and physically. And as most of you know, I fell in love with where God had placed me. Ouachita will hold a piece of my heart forever. I cherish the memories I have and the friendships that grew there. I look back and I understand more fully God's timing and His perfect plan for my life - it's always different and always better than I could have ever imagined.

Congratulations, Husband!

I'm a little late with this post, but I am SO proud of my husband!!! On May 11 he graduated with a Bachelor's degree from Ouachita Baptist University. His majors were in Christian Studies (w/ an emphasis in Theology) and Biblical Languages. It's a mouthful, for sure, but it's official!

We are so thankful for the love and support from each of our families and we enjoyed having both sets of parents in town for this special event! Adam's grandparents and several other family members came into town as well. Our sweet friends, Trevor and Marissa, surprised us by coming all the way from Texas! We are so loved and so blessed!

Reasons I Love Arkadelphia

--Ouachita Baptist University. I love my alma mater!!! Besides my emotional ties to the school, living in a college town mean plays, concerts, lectures, etc. And it's usually free or relatively cheap!

--Safety. I try not to be naive', but we feel very safe here. I don't mind going to Walmart in the evenings by myself. I don't mind being in the apartment alone. Etc.

--Small town. Perhaps it's because I grew up in a bigger city and I enjoy the contrast, but the small town feel is homey and comforting.

--Convenience. In Arkadelphia, you can get just about anywhere in 10 minutes or less.

--Ouachita High School. I love my job!!! The small school, close knit community, wonderful co-workers, etc, etc. I wish I didn't have to leave...

--Simplicity.

Summer is for Teachers, Not Students

I have resolved that although the students benefit from Summer break, the real purpose behind it is for the TEACHERS. I don't want to see my time at Ouachita High School end, but let's face it, as far as school work goes, I'm over it. And my kids were over it a long time ago...

We're going to stay strong! I refuse to let them rule me :)

Currently

--Listening ... I found some old WOW CDs in my husband's collection, so they're in my car right now. I'm enjoying some old favorites and learning a few new songs as well!

--Loving ... Lazy Saturdays! I made breakfast this morning, did some laundry, calender-ed (yes, it's a verb now), and we've laid around. ALL day!!

--Thinking ... About our move to Gordon-Conwell. We're excited, but I can't believe it's less than two months away. It seems like so much time and yet not enough.

--Wanting ... Birthday presents 0:) I can't help it!

--Needing ... Well... I need to be grading and writing lesson plans, but I'm not. Other than that, I don't need a thing in the world! God is providing for our every need - as well as plenty that we don't need.

--Advice ... I don't have much advice to offer others, but I could use a bit of advice on surviving these last few weeks of school. My kids are going crazy and I fear that I'm right behind them!