Emotions

I have had an unusually emotional week. I can't really explain why, other than my body is completely out of whack lately. Don't worry...I'm getting it looked into:)
Anywho, I had to stay at school late today (on a FRIDAY) and I have to admit that it was kind of nice being there by myself and getting a few things done. As I was leaving Springfield, I remembered that one of my student's grandmother had passed away on Wednesday, so I pulled in to the Strickland's funeral home just to make an appearance even though I was grossly under dressed. I was so glad I stopped by. I could tell it meant a lot to my student to see someone there "for him". His mother followed me to the parking lot and we ended up talking for a minute. It brought back many memories from my daddy's death. The funeral home was one of the most difficult things for me. As a matter of fact, I didn't stay for very long. I ended up handing out candy to trick-or-treaters at a friends house.

After we ate dinner tonight, Richard and I started watching a show about these two college students that got in a terrible car accident. One of them died and one was in a coma. Their identities were mistaken. For 5 weeks one family sat in the hospital praying and the other family buried and mourned their daughter. Neither suspected anything. Finally, when the poor girl woke up she was able to tell the people her name and communicate that she was not who they thought she was. How traumatic. One family got a miracle and one family was devastated. God works in mysterious ways.

For some reason this made me flash back to the Saturday morning after daddy died. I woke up to hear the lawn mower outside my window. I thought the events of the day before were just a bad dream. In reality, some men from the church were cutting our grass like dad did every Saturday, but for a split second my heart leaped.

I hope and pray that I never take my family and friend for granted. Life is a vapor...here one second and gone the next.

Unbelievable

In a crazy turn of events, Richard and I may actually be moving to Haiti. I know this sounds crazy. But, before you flip out and the hysterical phone calls start flooding in, it would only be for one week. I guess you wouldn't call that "moving" per say..more of a mission. Our friends Amber and Bryan told us about an opportunity to serve God's children in Haiti doing some construction and outreach. The construction, of course, is Richard's forte and I might just swing a hammer myself. Although, power tools are more my thing. Be praying for us as we make these decisions.

Brin's Bloggin' Debut

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKx1KgaQuQI

This is a video of our dog!

Angels among us

There's a little old man I work with in Effingham who is a retired baptist minister. He is super cool. He's so laid back. He wears cowboy boots and a cowboy shirt some days and that just makes me smile. He is a substitute teacher and I get to talk to him every now and then. It turns out that he knows my grandparents, the Howard's.

Apparently, there is some unwritten rule that all baptist ministers must know all the other one's with in a 60 mile radius...who knew?!? Anyways, this sweet little old man asks me about my grandparents every time I talk to him. He has a real heart for fellow retirees and likes to see them taken care of. He told me the other day about this "Adopt an Annuitant" program that they could apply for and possibly get a little extra cash every month (enough to cover one of their very expensive prescriptions). I got the application online and within a month, they started receiving this money!!! Then, the other day, he comes in my class and gives me an envelope with a cashiers check for $100 to give them. He said, "Now, don't tell them who this is comin' from." Needless to say, he is one of my favorite people in the world now and I feel like giving him a huge hug every time I see him. Let's pray some blessings down on this sweet man and his wife.

Bad blogger, bad

So, after a million comments about what a bad blogger I have been for not having posted anything for a few weeks, this is my feeble attempt at redeeming myself.

Richard and I feel stretched a little thin lately. Our life has been crazy and busy. This is of course our own fault for overcommitting ourselves and letting things around the house get slightly out of hand. When the pastor mentioned in church this morning the 3 things he asks of his church members, we sort of had a sense of relief. PKJ (Pastor Keith Joseph) believes that each church member should commit to 1 hour of worship per week, 1 hour of bible study, and 1 hour of service. It got us thinking about how awesome it would be if every single member of our church did that. We would no longer be desperately searching for sunday school and awanas leaders. Every church member would at least be in a position to learn more about God's Word each week and be in a smaller group where accountability becomes a possibility.

ACCOUNTABILITY: what a scary word. Maybe scary isn't the correct way to put it, how about powerful. I love the fact that if we don't show up for Sunday School people notice. People that go to their big ole' church service and fade into the congregation are sad to me. They don't want people to know their gifts and strengths, because they might be asked to use them. I never feel more fulfilled and in the will of God than when I allow Him to use me as He has gifted me and as He sees fit.

The good news is: our house is relatively clean, we went to the K-Roger and bought groceries, our taxes are filed, my lesson plans are complete and we have clean clothes to wear tomorrow.
The better news is: our God is in control of not only the universe, but our little lives and over committed schedules. Glory to His name.

p.s. Have I mentioned how crazy I am about my husband? He rocks my world. Enough said.