Life is good

It's been a while....a long while.

A lot has happened in the past year and a half.

Another nephew was born, I ran three half marathons, my husband and I have both received promotions in our jobs, new friends have been made, new habits made, old habits changed. We've said goodbye to some old dreams and found new ones. We've watched our family members deal with health issues we couldn't imagine.

And in the midst of all of this, I continue to see that God is good. Simple as that. My life is rich and filled with blessings so much greater than I could ever imagine.

I think I will start writing again. It has been a while, but I think it is time again.

Lesson: Even when life gets busy and changes, God is still good.

World View

A lesson that I have learned this year is just how important it is to know and be able to defend your world view. I've always loved discussing apologetics and world view, and I have always known that this was a pretty important thing, but this year, as I taught my freshmen world view class, I learned and realized how empowered and equipped I feel with this confidence in my world view.

Here's the simple question that we ask all year long:

Does that idea fit reality?

For example, does the idea that all of what we see and know today came out of chaos fit reality? In other words, look around you (or at yourself). Does it make sense to claim that the design we see in the world came out of chaos? That's what evolution claims. That order came out of chaos. Here's a simple illustration: take a bunch of legos and throw them on the ground. No matter how many times you do this (chaos), they are not going to form a perfectly scaled model of any sort of building, vehicle, or landscape. We don't see order coming out of chaos in this world. So, I ask my students after discussing this idea of design before a designer "does this fit reality?" No! So, evolution must not work as a world view.

Anyways, my prayer for my students is that they would feel as equipped as I do. That they would continue to look at the world and ask "does that idea fit reality?" That they have learned the same lesson that I have, that it is crucial to know and be able to defend your world view.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5

"The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up agains the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."

Sweetness

This past weekend my sister married her best friend. It was such a sweet weekend for all of us. For the bridal party, we were all closely knit. In fact, with the exception of two best friends, one from the groom's side and one from the bride's side, all of us were related to each other. We had such a fun time together and it was just one huge celebration.

But the sweetest moment of all was when the wedding ceremony actually started and you looked down the row of the bridal party and you saw that Hilary and I, Stephanye's sisters, Emily, Bennett's sister and one of my friends from growing up (in fact, I was in her wedding), Jeff Rogers, Bennett's dad, Eric, Emily's husband, and Jeff, my husband, were all crying!

I think what struck me was the fact that both of these wonderful people were later in life than when most Christian couples marry, had not caved to the world's definition of worth is only found in a significant other, but had held out for each other. That and the fact that they had grown up with each other, but didn't have their eyes opened until after college. Overall, it made for a very sweet and worshipful ceremony. And I realized that I had just gained another family!

Afterwards I had the opportunity to sing the "Father/Daughter" dance song, and the words were really appropriate for me, Stephanye, and Hilary and our step-dad.

"They say miracles don't happen everyday,

but in my heart, I know this isn't true.

There are blessings in this life that are more than merely miracles.

And everyday, in every way, that blessing is you.

You stepped into my life

when I needed you most.

Growing so close,

you shared my tears and my laughter.

You opened my eyes

to the kind of love you give.

And your love will live

in my heart forever after.

There are heroes in this world who go unsung.

Yet they touch so many lives along the way.

With no spotlight, no applause, they're like shining stars.

And every day, in every way, you're my hero.

You stepped into my life

when I needed you most.

Growing so close,

you shared my tears and my laughter.

You opened my eyes

to the kind of love you give.

And your love will live

in my heart forever after.

Life isn't always easy

but you never turned away.

And deep inside I know,

I'll always bless the day

 You stepped into my life

when I needed you most.

Growing so close,

you shared my tears and my laughter.

You opened my eyes

to the kind of love you give.

And your love will live

in my heart forever after."

Lesson: Family comes in all forms and continues to grow as long as your heart is open to it.

Expectations

This year, to kick off our school year, we had an in-service all day one day and one of the statements has really stuck with me. The speaker talked about the expectations you have for the students and how if you have low expectations for the students, they will have low expectations for themselves, and how if you have high expectations for the students, they will have high expectations for themselves.

Well, this has really stuck with me, but for more than my students. Of course, I started off my year telling them that I have high expectations for them and think that they can do the best possible. But, I've started telling myself the same thing. I keep telling myself, "This is going to be a great year."

And, now, three weeks into the school year, I find myself much calmer and doing a better job in everything that I do. I start each day off with each task, expecting myself to do my very best in that task. And, as a result, I have found myself doing better in each task and staying calmer.

Lesson: Have high expectations for yourself and take it one day at a time. You'll find yourself (if you're like me) calmer and doing a better job.

So long summer, I shall miss you

St. Simon's Island, Georgia

Ok, so I know it's been a while. What can I say? I discovered how much I truly appreciate the benefits of being a teacher, one in particular being a nice two month break to rest and relax and spend time with family. So, here's to you, summer, I shall miss you!

Beautiful Sunsets

Evening Walks on the Beach

Hunting Island, SC

Beautiful Charleston, SC

Charleston Harbor

Lesson: Being a teacher is always worth it for the benefit of impacting students, but summer does make the deal sweeter. See you soon summer!

Gotta Love Yard Sales!

Mom and I went to several yard sales this past Saturday. We call it "yard saling" in my family! We had a blast and found some incredible deals....I defy anyone to prove to me that yard sales aren't worth the time after looking at my list.

Here's what I found (not including what my mom found):

Solid Wood Book Shelf that folds flat and has an "Arts and Crafts" feel: $18

Dooney and Bourke Purse: $2

Spode Christmas Tree Tea for One Teapot and Cup (still in box): $5

Southern Living at Home Vintage Plant Pot: $7

J. Crew Sweater: $3

Old Navy Top: $2

Gold Cuff: $1

Mary Kay Bronzer: $3

Matrix Hair Products (5 items: all brand new): $12

"Water For Elephants" (needed for my book club): $1

Christmas Berry Wreath (prettiest one I've seen): $1

Two paper back books for Jeff: $2

"Scene It" Bonus Pack: $2

"Foodies" Board Game (still wrapped in packaging): $1

KitchenAide Classic Stand Alone Mixer: $30

I think that covers everything....again, I defy anyone to prove to me that "yard saling" is not worth the time!

Lesson: Learned this as a young child, but it doesn't matter how little you pay for something if you get the same product at the same quality (Example: a $200 mixer for $30!)

My Favorite Place On Earth

A couple of blogs ago I mentioned my favorite place on earth, Charleston, SC. If I could live there, I would! Here are a few pictures from my most recent trip in the spring. Enjoy!

Lesson: It's sweet to have dream places that are reality.

Instruments Feed the Soul

My sweet mom came to visit for the past few days and it has been absolutely wonderful.

She and I were talking today about music (a common subject between us) and I realized something. I haven't been practicing the piano like I used to because I use it so much at work, so there is no pleasure in practicing it at home. I'll come back to it someday and it will be a sweet reunion.

But for now, I need an outlet, an instrument that will feed my soul like the piano did for me for the past 17 years. It's my goal to learn an instrument from each of the instrumental families. There's woodwinds, strings, brass, and percussion. Well, percussion's done (did YOU know the piano was a percussion instrument). So, I think I am going to begin looking into cello lessons and knock out the string family.

Because, after all, music, and more specifically, playing instruments feeds my soul like nothing else!

Life is Crazy

"Be STILL and KNOW that I am God"

So sorry for how long it has taken me to post again. Life has been crazier than I could believe. Here is what's been going on since the last time I posted:

1. My little sister got engaged!!!! :)

2. My other little sister graduated from high school!!!!!!!!!!! :)

3. Jeff and I went on our five year anniversary trip to Charleston, SC (my FAVORITE place in the world).

4. My little brother graduated to the next level in the navy and is now living in my FAVORITE place in the world!!!!

5. Took my middle school choir to Carowinds!

6. Cleaned up my classroom and graded like a fiend!

7. Gave exams.

8. Hosted a middle school end of year party at school!

9. Hosted a high school choir cookout at a park!

10. Graduated my six seniors, four of which have been with me for all four years....still refusing to think about it :'(

11. Started deep cleaning my house.

12. Have managed to get pulled over twice for not updating my license registration (and NOT get a ticket), which is sitting on my counter to be done TONIGHT!

13. Hosted a Pampered Chef Party!

14. Painted my kitchen cabinets!

15. Been to Alabama and back to celebrate the life of a very sweet woman, Bonnell Bouldin, my dad's mom!

Needless to say, life has been busy.

I'm hoping summer will slow down, but I'm having a tough time.

In the midst of all this, I was reminded this morning to "Be still and Know that I am God."

Perfect reminder....more later!

Sunday Thoughts

Jeff and a group of people from our church did a skit to this incredible song and it's one of my favorites. Every time I hear it, it makes me feel so close to God and want to worship him non-stop.

So, here it is. Happy Palm Sunday!

"In Genesis, He's the Breath of Life,

In Exodus, He's the Passover Lamb,

In Leviticus, He's our High Priest,

Numbers, the Fire by Night,

Deuteronomy, He's Moses' voice,

In Joshua, He is Salvation's Choice,

Judges, law giver,

In Ruth, the kinsmen-redeemer,

First and Second Samuel, our trusted prophet,

In Kings and Chronicles, He's sovereign,

Ezra, true and faithful scribe,

Nehemiah, He's the rebuilder of broken walls and lives,

In Esther, he's Mordecai's courage,

In Job, the timeless redeemer,

In Psalms, He is our morning song.

In Proverbs, wisdom's cry,

Ecclesiastes, the time and season,

In the Song of Solomon, He is the lover's dream.

He is, He Is, HE IS!

In Isaiah, He's the Prince of Peace,

Jeremiah, the weeping prophet,

In Lamentations, the cry for Israel,

Ezekial, the call from sin,

In Daniel, the stranger in the fire.

In Hosea, He is forever faithful,

In Joel, He's the Spirit's power,

In Amos, the arms that carry us,

In Obadiah, He's the Lord our Savior,

In Jonah, He's the Great Missionary.

In Micah, the Promise of Peace,

In Nahum, He is our strength and our shield,

In Habakkuk and Zephaniah, He's pleading for revival,

In Haggai, He restores a lost heritage,

In Zechariah, our fountain,

In Malachi, He is the son of righteousness rising with healing in His wings.

He is, He Is, HE IS!

In Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, He is God, Man, Messiah,

In the book of Acts, He is fire from heaven,

In Romans, He is the grace of God,

In Corinthians, the power of love,

In Galatians, He is freedom from the curse of sin.

Ephesians, our glorious treasure,

Philippians, the servant's heart,

In Colossians, He's the Godhead Trinity,

Thessalonians, our coming King,

In Timothy, Titus, and Philemon, He's our mediator and our faithful Pastor.

In Hebrews, the everlasting covenant,

In James, the one who heals the sick,

In first and second Peter, he is our Shepherd,

In John and in Jude, He is the lover coming for His bride,

In Revelation, He is KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS.

He is, He Is, HE IS!

The prince of peace,

The Son of Man,

The Lamb of God,

The great I AM!

He's the Alpha and Omega,

Our God and our Savior,

He is Jesus Christ our Lord,

and when time is no more,

He is, HE IS!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttS7FH8X4n4

Easter in the South

I love this time of year!

The past few years, Easter has been very early, so Spring Break has been as well. I would much prefer Spring Break being this time of year every year. It was a long haul to get here, and both me and the students were begging for this day, but now that it's here...I plan to savor every minute.

So, here's a list of my favorite things:

Sunshine.

Walks with Lola.

Napping because I can and have time.

Reading and reading.

Travelling.

Flowers.

Sun dresses.

Family.

Good food.

Flip-flops.

Green.

Celebrating the resurrection of my Savior.

Lesson: Spring Break this late is VERY worth it.

Happy Easter y'all!

He is Risen Indeed!

Will Try (Just About) Anything!

Yes, that is me rock climbing barefoot (my TOMS weren't good for gripping)

I think I surprised some of my students on the Baltimore trip. They didn't think I would do a lot of the things at this one place....but I did. I rock climbed, I played laser tag (and led the girls against the guys), and did a ropes course.

I enjoyed the day and felt like a kid again and it reminded me that I enjoy trying new things.

Hmmmmmm....maybe this is next! After all, I do love free falling!

Lesson: Stick with the kids...they keep you young and ready to try new stuff!

Seniors

(2011 Seniors on the Baltimore Choir Trip)

Meet a very special group of students.

My senior choir members.

This group holds a very special and unique place in my heart. They are the first group of students that I have taught from their freshmen year to senior year. They are my very first students that I ever taught. The two girls on the left and the two next to me have been members of my choir for all four years as well. I try my best not to play favorites. But, I just can't help it with this group. They have each played a significant role in my development as a teacher and as a musician. They are each very special to me and I will miss them terribly next year. In fact, I have joked with them that I am going to fail them in choir so they can't graduate and have to come back next year!

When I started teaching, I wasn't much older than them. I was 23, they were 14 and 15. Only 8 or 9 years difference. That's not a big age difference when you think about it. And I still had so much maturing to do. I think about that first year and I am so thankful for the patience that they had with me and for the relationships that have come from that first year.

This year's Baltimore trip was so much fun with them. It's my tradition that I take the seniors in my "chaperone" group and we get to spend time together. It's always so much fun and so relaxed when we have those moments. Every time I yelled for the kids to find their chaperone they'd come up to Jeff and me and say "found you mom/dad!"

So, you can see why they hold a special place in my heart. They are each precious to me and I will miss them very much, but I know that God has special plans for each of them and I can't wait to see where he will lead them.

Top Five Musical Experiences.

We just returned from Baltimore Sunday night.

This was my choir's annual Spring Trip. It was quite an experience.

My favorite part was on Friday night when we went to the Naval Academy's Men's Glee Club performance. Talk about hearing incredible music!!!!

I had goosebumps....I cried.....I sighed.....I laughed......I went through a gamut of emotions.

Two of my guys got to join them for a song that I had taught them ahead of time. This is one of them (the other one's picture didn't turn out very well) in the white shirt in the middle of the other guys.

My next few blogs will probably be about different aspects of the trip. But for now, here are my top five musical experiences (not in any particular order).

1. Singing with the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra Brahm's Requiem and the Polovetsian Dances.

2. Performing my senior recital (Bach's Italian Concerto, a Mozart Sonata, Gottschalk's Souvenir de Puerto Rico, a Brahm's piece)

3. Seeing Les Miserables performed my sophomore year of high school

4. Seeing Harry Connick Jr. live for my 26th birthday

5. The USNA Men's Glee Club Performance

The one moment that still gives me chills was when they performed Biebl's "Ave Maria," (originally performed by Chanticleer; check it out on youtube athttp://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IJSFKidqmk, it's an incredible piece). They had about 8 of their guys who would be graduating this spring and going directly into the service stand in a balcony opposite the rest of the choir and sing the second choir part back. It was a call and answer that was hauntingly beautiful and made you feel the weight of the fact that these men would soon be placing their lives on the line for their country, for us. It was a heavy moment filled with incredible beauty.

Lesson: Music will never stop changing and affecting you.

Count Down Begins

In a few days I will be here with 43 high schoolers.

You know you are jealous!

I was in choir growing up, but it wasn't until my senior year of college that I had even an idea that choral directors planned trips for their choirs.

Little did I know.

I think you could add "travel planner" to my job description and I really don't mind. I get to travel to these great places and share incredible memories with my students.

My first year was pretty simple....just a trip down to Charlotte for the day for a Carowinds Festival.

My second year got more complicated, but thank goodness I only had 16 students to plan for. We headed down the road to Atlanta, GA for a fast paced three day weekend.

And my third year, I pulled out all the stops and took 36 high schoolers to Walt Disney World Florida for four days (plus one night travelling on the bus).

So this year? We're headed to Baltimore, MD for three days, with 43 high schoolers. It should be pretty awesome. I will keep you posted!

My Life Saver

Now, Jesus is my Savior.

But there is one woman who has been a life saver for me for the past two years and has revolutionized the way I teach choir.

Meet Lynn

(she's on the far left on the piano...wish I had a better picture of her!)

My first year of teaching, I didn't have anyone coming in and playing for me during rehearsals. It was a lot of up and down, but mainly me behind the piano, which eliminated a lot of good teaching.

My second year, I had someone who was also wonderful, but she couldn't travel with us and didn't perform with us.

Last year, I approached Lynn and asked her and she said that she would give it a try. Well, this is the second year and she is FABULOUS!!!!! And the kids love her.

And it has helped me become a better teacher and work harder with my choir.

Lesson? Never underestimate the blessings someone can be to you and be sure to say thank you!

Thanks Lynn! You're awesome!!!!!!

Blessings

This weekend was pretty hectic.

It started off with me headed to Asheville...which wasn't so bad. And Saturday was great, filled with meetings for a future business venture with great friends and then down time with family. We even managed a walk in the moonlight, which was lots of fun.

But then, at 1:45 Sunday morning, only a few hours before I was going to drive home, I woke up nauseated and miserable. I'll spare you the gory details. Long story short, I ended up sick and in bed with a fever (even on extra strength Tylenol) and wishing I could just curl up and die. It was food poisoning.

Soooooo miserable.

My sweet husband was stuck at home and could only call or text to check on me. He was very worried and wished he could be with me. I didn't! I didn't want him to see me like that!

And throughout the whole thing, my sweet mother took care of me and got me anything I needed and sat with me the whole time. I think the last time I was this sick was five years ago with strep. I'm pretty sure my mom never planned on nursing a 26 year old back to health, but she certainly hasn't lost her touch!

Well, I'm home now and being taken care of by my husband, but the lesson learned this weekend.....don't ever think you're too old to be nursed by your mom.....she still loves you and wants to take care of you!!!!!

Missions/Life Action Week

It's Missions Emphasis Week at HPCA and the church connected with the school has chosen to coincide it with a revival week with Life Action Ministries.

And I'm praying for a revival for my kids. I'm praying that they will be willing to stand up for Christ and will be overflowing with a passion for Christ!

Just last week, Jeff was sharing with me about his Christian students at his public school and their willingness to stand for Christ publicly. I know that not all of the students at my school would be willing to do the same thing. So, it is my prayer that my Christian school students will be revived and encouraged to stand up for the faith that they have claimed as their own just as these public school students have been challenged to do.

I haven't gone to any of the meetings at the church yet, but I am curious to see this group in action. One reason is that one of the leaders, a guy named Zach, came and shared with my fourth period Bible class today.

Zach is an interesting guy....I would definitely identify as a little ADD.....so, he came in and shared with the students his story and his passion for Christ. He is currently a Senior Liberty student (Wahoo!) and I was touched by his love for sharing Christ with these students.

I remember when I was a senior at Liberty (only four years ago....but it's starting to feel like ages) and was student teaching. I was so intimidated by standing up in front of high schoolers and it was what I was trained to do!

So, kudos to Zach and his willingness to stand up and tell the kids all about his love for them and for Christ. And stepping into my classroom and putting my kids at ease and letting them know that he cared about them and who they are and what they loved.

Lesson? We have to lead by example and be willing to stand up for Christ if we expect our students to stand up as well.

Sunday Thoughts

It's another beautiful Sunday.

I can hear the birds singing and the sun is shining. We slept in later today than normal and it was wonderful. Had a great worship service. And we had lunch with good friends and I got to enjoy a good book. The only downside was our Heels lost today.

Maybe I view Sunday through "rose colored" glasses, but it's been a while since I've had a "bad" Sunday and I think it's because we have learned to slow down and just enjoy our day of rest.

So, I hope you take the time to stop and enjoy your Sunday and worship the Lord for a while.

Dreaming

About this time of year, every year, especially at the end of a long week, I start dreaming of this place:

It's taking everything in me not to pack up and head out right now....in fact, at the beginning of this week, I was already planning a weekend trip. But, we can't travel this weekend. Jeff has to work on his national boards. So, I will have to settle with dreaming. But, I do love those spontaneous trips!

Lesson: Be content with where I am and look forward to the trips to come.