Spring Break 2012

Being a teacher definitely has its perks and SPRING BREAK is one of them! I absolutely love a week off to rest and recuperate for the final home stretch of the school year. And, this year was no different! My week was jam packed full of fun and friends!!! Usually, I am itching to get away but this year was a little different because it meant leaving "my baby" for the very first time! Ouch! After school on Friday, my mom came to pick up the "granddog" for a weeklong stay with the grandparents! After Addie Rue was gone, I was non-stop preparing for my trips!!!
First on my agenda was heading to the "Shack Up Inn" in Clarksdale, Mississippi to celebrate Miss Virginia and her upcoming nuptials!!! It was a definite treat and something I recommend people trying if they are looking for a different kind of fun. On their website it says, "The Ritz, We Ain't" and I will completely have to agree. But, what it lacks in luxury, it makes up for in culture and charm. There were 9 of us divided into two houses and it was PLENTY of space!

We spent the weekend reminiscing about college and our many funny memories. Saturday was spent throwing a surprise lingerie shower for Virginia and getting fancied up for a night on the town! If you know anything about the delta, you know the "town" ain't much but we managed to have a pretty good time. We went to dinner at a local restaurant called "Rust" then made our way to Morgan Freeman's blues club, "Ground Zero". I had a great time and I am looking forward to the wedding in just a few short weeks! We left Clarksdale very early in the morning and headed back to Memphis.

(This is the only picture of the bride I managed to get all weekend! This was midday on Saturday as we were relaxing! Love this girl! So proud to call her friend)

We got back around 5 am and I rested for a couple of hours before preparing for my trip to the beach. We planned to leave around noon but I had a few things to accomplish before we left for the week! The most thing was squeezing in a reunion with my best! Originally, we thought Nick would be home sooner and then when the weeks overlapped, I was a nervous wreck that I would not get to see him at all before his return to Houston for the second round of IL2. While I only managed to squeeze in about an hour, oh, how that hour was good for my soul. I love that kid so much and I can't wait until we get to rejoice in God's faithfulness and we get that "NED" report!!!!

After my brief visit with Nick, I headed to Destin for the week. Originally, Nick was planning to go so that was the only thing negative about my trip!!! Otherwise, I enjoyed 5 marvelous days in the sun with great friends, relaxing, eating, reading, relaxing and eating some more!!!
It was nice to relax in the sunshine, reading a good book, and enjoying the company of friends! I did an awful job of taking pictures! But here are a few details from our trip!

We went to all my Destin faves including Dewey Destin's, Red Bar, Another Broken Egg, Donut Hole, Tommy Bahamas, and of course, Whataburger!!! One night, we picked up stuff for a boil and OH MY GOODNESS, IT WAS PERFECT! There is a new seafood market, Blaylock's, in Destin and if you visit, I HIGHLY recommend this place! They do all the work and you just pick it up!! We will be doing this every time we visit!!

We are shopping at the outlet mall!

We left to come home mid-day on Saturday and while I was sad to leave sunny Florida, I was so excited to get back to my girl! I was greeted with lots of kisses and snuggles. So, now, I am settling back into the routine and looking forward to summer vacation in about 9 weeks!!! I hope each of you had a wonderful spring and you are enjoying this beautiful weather! Happy 1st day of Spring!!!

His Promise

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:7

Last night, I went to bed with a very heavy heart. This world is a mean and ugly place. The hurt and pain that fills it is, at times, unbearable. There are many days when I just don't understand. I pray for God to give me the faith to trust Him. Wholeheartedly. Without reservation. Trust in His plan with reckless abandon.

But, some days, it hurts too much and I fail.

A precious, innocent third grader at my school has bone cancer. He is 9 and will possibly lose his leg if the chemotherapy doesn't work.

A mom of a first grader at my school was just diagnosed with cancer. Her kids are young and she had to explain that nasty word to them. I can't imagine fathoming this news from my mom at 29, much less 6 and 4.

A former GES teacher with daughters my age was just put on hospice because of cancer. Her daughters are her caregivers and they were just given the expectations of the coming days.

A 15-year boy in our community was just given 3 months to live because of cancer!!! After days of confusing reports and inaccurate diagnoses, his parents found out yesterday that there is not a cure. With treatment, he could make it 11 months.

My best friend has cancer! He has faced melanoma for the last ten years with head high and his faith strong. He has endured more than anyone should have to in his young life while going to law school, graduating with honors, and get his LLM. I wish I could be more like him. (more on that to come)

So, I closed my eyes last night, thinking of all of these people (some I know and love and others I have never met) and their circumstances weighing on my heart, and I questioned why. I know, I know, who and what was I questioning? I don't know. I was just so overwhelmed with the sadness and pain of it all. But this morning, I woke up and God, oh our precious God, He nudged my heart and He said, "Listen, daughter, I am working. My promises are TRUE. I am the ultimate healer and I am bigger than any cancer. Trust me."

And, so I am. I know that God is working. His glory to be redeemed. And while my human nature won't let me wrap my head around what could be the future for some of these people, my faith allows me to know that it will ALL be used for His glory. The power of each testimony in Christ's redeeming love is bigger than any cancer. So, with 3 months or 70 years left on this earth, my prayer is that each person facing their "Goliath" will persevere as David did. David trusted God. He listened. He fought. And, HE WON! Whether that win is earthly or heavenly, with Christ, we are ALL winners. And, that makes me smile. It excites me. It overwhelms me. And I have hope. I have hope in Jesus. In his promise. Nothing else.

Will you join me in praying for each one of these people and their families? I know that God will hear every prayer. The more the merrier...

I am clinging to this hymn today:

Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Through eternal ages let His praises ring,
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises I now can see
Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;
Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
Listening every moment to the Spirit’s call
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God.

“The Lord your God is with you,

He is mighty to save.

He will take great delight in you,

He will quiet you with his love,

He will rejoice over your with singing.”

Zephaniah 3:17

It's a .....

Last weekend, we had a small, family gender reveal party for Brooke and Ben in Atlanta! I will share all the details for that later! But, here is a short video of the family finding out!!! Please ignore my obnoxious squealing and laughing! As you might can tell, I was TOO excited!