Time flies!

I cannot even believe how fast time gets away from us! I started this blog two summers ago. I have not touched it since. That summer was alot like this summer in the fact that changes were coming to my family. That was the summer my Addi Grace was getting ready for preschool. I was a mess because my "always assumed" plan wasnt financially going to work for us at the time. Like many people across the country, the economy was taking its toll on us. Through that journey, I learned truly what it was like to fully trust God to meet all our needs. I learned what an "on-time" God he truly is. In the end, i learned how blessed I am way beyond what I deserve. I can look back on that time and say with all honesty how grateful I am for our small valley and the lessons it taught me.

That summer, failed plans (mine), and Gods plan brought me to Crossroads christian Academy for a great two year stay. Through Gods marvelous plans, I was able to provide a quality Christian education, go to work 3 days a week and take both girls with me, and watch my Addi grow for two years...as her teacher!! What a unique and awesome privilege it has been. I wont say it was always easy..it was down right hard! Then again, isnt everything worth doing?

God has brought us full circle now two years later. Addi just graduated kindergarten! Juliana, because of her late birthday is not ready for preschool for another year. Which brought us to another decision. If i stayed in my job as kindergarten teacher at CCA, there are only 2 available options for my sweet Juliana. There is nursery available for teachers, which has been a great option the last two years, however I can tell she is ready for more. Second, there is K4 which is preschool. Only at this school could she have the option of starting early bujt it would not transfer to another school in the future. Faced with another decision to make, god showed up and reminded us yet again how his plan is always perfect and on time. Addi grace will be starting Concord Christian in the fall...our first choice that didnt work out for preschool, and I will get some precious time with Juliana staying home in the fall. My heart's desire has always been to be a stay at home mom. however, I wouldnt trade the last two years with Addi for anything.

We are all ready for this new chapter in life. I feel confident sending Addi off to school five days a week now. I am ready to take control of my household again. I am excited for this time to spend one on one with Juliana. I am so thankful to be given this precious opportunity!

Dear Lord, I humbly lay all my works, efforts, and life before You today. I long to pursue You. Draw me closer to You, Lord. Teach me to live by simple, genuine faith in You alone. In Jesus' Name, Amen

I stole the above prayer from my Proverbs 31 Daily Devotional that so faithfully arrives in my inbox 5 days a week. I am so thankful that on days that I am so super busy that I can effortlessly take a moment to focus on God right here on my computer...However, that seems to be the problem that is laying so heavily on my heart right now. The fact that I get myself so busy that I don't have time to spend quality quiet time alone with my father, my Lord, my savior, and the one that I claim to be so busy working for. The result is a me who is resentful of others that seem to be less busy, a me who is critical of others working in the same business, and a me who is just not as joyful in her work as one should be when working for the Lord!

How awesome is it that Christ has promised us eternal life not because of our good deeds, but because of his grace and mercy alone. Why is it that we still seem to get caught up in the good deeds? Not that good deeds are bad, but if they are taking so much of my time that I am not able to grow my relationship with God...then how good can they be?

In an effort to protect myself and my efforts from burning out too quickly, I am going to make my priority, as it should already be, on growing my relationship with my Heavenly Father. He promises us that if we do this good deeds will naturally flow from this relationship. So, why should I try so hard to accomplish what God has promised us help with.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I am so sorry that I have allowed myself to fill up my days with good deeds that take priority over growing my relationship with you. Forgive me for losing sight of what is most important in my life. I am so blessed to know the wonderful fruits that come from a life spent seeking your face. I long to experience the peace and joy that comes from walking so closely with you. Please Lord give me the discipline to put daily quiet time with you above all the other demands in my life. Forgive me for the person I am when I drift...quick to anger, slow to forgive, and way too judgemental. Please Lord help me to turn away from these sinful behaviors and become the person you want me to be. Thank you for sending that particular message to my inbox on today of all days. I love you and am so thankful that you love me and that you have given me the awesome gift of a relationship with you. AMEN

Somecallmechristy...

One of the biggest challenges of my adult life over the past few years has been finding balance in the different roles I am blessed with in life. Some call me Christy....some call me friend....some call me daughter....some call me daughter in law...some call me teacher...some call me volunteer...some call me wife...some call me mom...and most importantly one calls me his child, a child of God. The demands of juggling these roles has been known to overwhelm me. That is until I realized that being a child of God is the most important role and the key to balance is always putting that role first and letting him help with the others. Sometimes I forget and need to be reminded, but I am never disappointed when I remember to put God first. I am keeping this blog to record the life lessons God is showing me. I like to write and I learn from writing. We can all learn from each other...I hope that others will find this a safe place to share life lessons.