Unbelivable 2009

As 2009 ends and a new 2010 is now here, I can't help but be in awe of the journey God has led our little family on this past year. Looking back to the beginning of last year, I knew that things were changing in my life but I had no idea what the future would hold. Last year I decided that I had to start living for God and follow the path I knew he was calling me to follow. In all honesty I was scared at the feelings I was having regarding my faith. Week after week I continually felt God speaking to me letting me know that there was something different than I had ever known waiting to welcome me with arms wide open but I had to go on His terms... in His time. Last year I learned that I must be patient. And while being patient, I must be quiet so that I may hear the whispers God sends my way. Last spring, by way of my very first small group at church, I learned that with anything new, you must start at the beginning with the simple stuff. Like a baby drinks milk before moving onto more solid food, I too had to start on milk in learning and will continue to grow in what I can digest.


In the spring, Tom and I had the pleasure of taking care of Cecilia and Grady who at the time were 2 and 4 years of age. I must admit, I was feeling the struggles of balancing being a mom and wife with being a teacher full time as well as finishing grad school in a city an hour and a half away. It's funny, those close to me know that I never was a super strong student growing up. Low and behold, I have found that the further I grow in my own education, the better I seem to be doing academically. On May 1st, I was blessed to have graduated first in my class with my Master's Degree in Education from the University of Indianapolis. I tell you this only because I now fully understand that opportunities like this are put in place not for my own benefit or vanity but that those opportunities, if used in the right way, will be for the greater good of the kingdom I so seek to serve.

The day after my graduation, Tom and I took a leap of faith. Completely out of shape, we successfully completed the the Indy Mini Marathon. I was left wanting to train to do it again. Tom on the other hand... not so much. It has been a while since we had physically felt that much pain but what a sense of accomplishment.

I've learned to be obedient. During the month of June, God weighed heavy on my heart the decision to give my life to him completely. On June 22nd, I was decisive for the first time in my life and chose to die to myself and live my life for Christ.
Something told me this would be the single most important decision of my life not only affecting my life but the lives of my husband and children as well. LOOK OUT! is all I have to say. After that day, by making myself available for Him to work through, I have been afforded more opportunities than my imagination could have ever imagined.


In late June I took the trip of a lifetime with my father and approximately 30 other individuals that are part of the IASC (Indiana Association of Student Councils) to Denver, CO to the National Student Council Convention. It was on this trip that I decided to accept a position within the IASC as the District 10 Director. The position is a two year term on the IASC state exec board.

I thought August would only bring on the start of a new school year and more challenges than I ever could have imagined. But, the day before school started, Tom unexpectedly made the decision to also give his life over to Christ. WOW... for some things in life, there just aren't words. In the course of a day, he became a new man... in Christ. Don't get me wrong, Tom has always been a great guy but now... he is the one of the greatest blessings I have ever known.

Once the school year had begun... the planning had also begun. As an East Central Student Council, we had made the decision to host the 2009 student council state convention at our school. I knew it was going to be a great undertaking but I honestly had no idea that amount of work that would go into making a great weekend for 1000 screaming teenagers and their 150 school advisers. I tell you what... it was a lot of work but every minute that went into it was worth it. No, I'm not ready to host another convention any time soon but am so thankful for the opportunity I had to positively effect the lives of children not only at my school but across the state of Indiana. I believe that those involved were forever changed and will remember that experience for the rest of their lives.

Unfortunately, my teaching had left something to be desired this fall. I'm sure my students wouldn't have noticed anything different but most of my teaching came outside of the classroom. I struggled with this a lot but have come to the peace of knowing that God had a hand in everything that I was involved in this fall. Sometimes we will have moments of weakness and that's when we most need to seek out His guidance to lead us in the right direction.

During this season in my life, Tom and I also decided to join a small group together through church. What an experience growing in faith with someone you love. It brought lots of laughter and tears and gave us a chance to take a step in the right direction together.

This fall also proved to be a time of healing for us. In mid-October, Tom had surgery on his shoulder and I decided to join a group for individuals struggling with disordered eating. Both situations have taken time and intensive care to navigate through the pain but we both can say that healing has taken place. Tom is learning to not over exert his body. I am learning to forgive.

As I type this I am in tears. Looking back on this past year, I think of how amazing it was. I also think though... of how exhausting it was. I, for the past 365 days, have gone... non-stop. I'm saddend by the fact that I have very little to say about my children. That is because, while I tried to make the most of the time we had together, there was very little time together. I must admit, I was tired most of the time. My mother... she's a saint. She is the lone sole that keeps my family together. She is the one person that steps up to the plate when I start dreaming big and she's the person that allows it all to happend. She so unselfishly does the job that I should be home doing while she lets me soar. I have no idea how to thank her other than with words.

Now for 2010... I have no idea what you may bring. I do know that what ever you do bring, I want to slow down and enjoy every second of it. This year, I want more quiet time. I want to spend time every day reading my bible. It's kinda like exercise... I avoid it for some odd reason but when I'm done, I feel great. I want time alone with my kids where there is no sound other than the sound of laughter. I want to make their moments that they think are moments of greatness, great for them by being present. Yes, there are some commitments that I have already made for which I cannot get out of but for those moments yet to be planned, I am going to chose to slow down.

In a nutshell... this year I will chose to simplify. I want to be 100% content with those things that I have been blessed with. Many times I am overwhelmed by what life may throw my way. I want to now lean on this...

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1Peter 5:7

I am going to close with this... Tomorrow is Grady's 3rd birthday. I can't wait to hear his excitement and squeals that will come with the excitement that only a 3 year old can bring. He brings so much joy to my life.