Pain is relative

Life doesn't always turn out like you thought it would, does it. We all face struggles and pain a lot. We seem to keep hearing of so much that is happening in the lives of our friends. And for one friend in particular, it would seem that 19 years of life is the season that God appointed for him. Our friend and former student at Christ Covenant in Raleigh dove into Falls lake Saturday and hit (they think) a submerged rock. He was floating in the water for at least a minute face down, without oxygen. Without replaying all of this story, I am reminded again that death puts life into perspective. I have seen and believe I will continue to see God work in the midst of all this pain and suffering. He has definitely used it in my life. He has used this in so many others for His glory and to secure our joy in Him more deeply. We have friends that are struggling with kids, relatives that struggle with sexual sin, family members who have chronic pain and suffering. I bet most of you do too. This has been probably the most painful 2 months of my life and yet I am begging God for mercy each and every day. I am studying the Scriptures not for facts but for God Himself. I have seen my life is a vapor and I have been to led to a quiet place of dependence on my Father. This is not our home and I will not love this world more than the true one that God will bring about. May I suffer well for the glory of my King.

ONE WEEK DOWN!!

Thanks for all your prayers!! I survived my first week of full time preschooling!! Noah survived his first two days!! He struggled a little on the first day b/c he was so overwelmed. That was very hard for me to see the small fear in his eyes, but he adjusted and he actually cried on Friday afternoon b/c we had to leave school!!! Good grief....I can't win!!! :)
So after getting to spend two days at the most between meeting and such getting my room together I felt somewhat prepared when Thursday came. The first day with my precious class of 12 4 year olds was challenging and choatic, but all went well!! I would say dismissal was the most hectic part and then they were gone!!! Friday felt much better to me. I've got my daily schedule worked out and let me tell you, when you fit in two snacks, lunch, and a hour and a half naptime everyday, there's really not that much time to instruct them. And lesson plans for 4 year olds is much easier than 3rd graders!!! My kids are cute - 6 boys and 6 girls. Definitely lots of energy in the room that I will spend a lot of time focusing, but I think once we get in a routine I'm going to love it.
Tucker's care is still being worked out, but we have a couple of options. Pray that those details will fall into place and I would trust the Lord with them.
We do feel a little crazy taking all this on, but we think that things will settle and we'll get into a routine. Between Matt being in MS, 3 teacher workdays, 5 piano lessons, meet the teacher night, 3 different baby sitters, and matt preaching 3 times, this week has had a little going on. Not every week will be like that (right?), so while we adjusting keep lifting us up!! Love you guys!!

Tomorrow!!!

So school starts tomorrow for Noah and I. He will be in a 3 year old room. Ms. Wendy is his teacher and he's very excited. Going 5 days a week will be hard I'm sure, but I know he'll adjust!!! I have 12 4 year olds so far (can have up to 14). We had a "Meet the Teacher" night last night. It went well and my kiddies are adorable!! I can't wait to get to know them! I, also, can't wait for my routine with this job to really get going. It still feels alittle crazy, but God is most glorified in our weakness!!!!

Keep Praying!!

So as of this morning I have a full-time job!!! I am excited, but definitely don't know what everything's going to look like. I guess that's faith, right?? So I'll be teaching 4 year old preschool. The room I have is gigantic and almost brand new!! I'm really going to try to not let all the details overwhelm me. I just want to enjoy things and not get frazzled so easily!! This is what you can keep praying for me about. Matt and I have a peace about this season of sacrifice and are excited about how the Lord will bless and use this time. We still need some specifics for Tucker's care and schedule to be worked out, but we know that God will work it out.
Matt is on his way right now down to MS until Sunday. He's helping his mom move into assisted living in Tupelo. Please pray for his safety and just all the details and challenges of moving. He needs God's peace and rest very specifically during this weekend.
Thanks for lifting us up sweet friends. God really uses you guys to encourage us and spur us on on a daily basis!!! Praising Him for you!!!!!

You've Got to Pray Just to Make it Today!!!

We would appreciate all of our close buddies/family to be praying for us on a couple of things going on these days. Most of you know about Matt's mom and her health struggles lately. She's getting out of the hospital today and this is beginning a series of challenges and changes for her. Matt is definitely taking on a more active role of making decisions and managing things for her. He's very glad and willing to do this, but obviously it is a sacrifice for him in a number of ways. Just pray that his strength will come from the Only One with strength when having to communicate difficult things, etc. Matt needs our Father's energy and clear thoughts when making multiple trips to MS and coming back to everything waiting on him here in KY!! What a task!!! Thanks for lifting him up!!
Matt and I are in the process of praying through the possibility of me getting a full time job for this year at a Christian school or daycare. We are so sick of the "seminary hole" in our finances and we wonder if this would be a great way to fill it up!!! It would be such a sacrifice on all of us and I just want to make the right decision. It would also take great discipline to use the $ for what we know God wants us to. We need His direction and peace to know that this is His plan and not ours!!
Thank you, sweet friends, for your prayers and support/advice!!! We love you guys so much!!!!!!!