1. First big news from the past month: THE NURSE GOT MARRIED! It was an amazing day! All the planning and stressing came together and a beautiful, God-filled day happened. You see, as much as they wanted a smooth wedding day, things kept coming up to derail their joy. First the church had to be changed because of some flooding. Then the organist got pneumonia. It seemed like it was one thing after another. However, on the actual day, God was there, piecing it all together. I couldn't get the Nurse's sash tied, and was to the point of watching a YouTube video on it, when the flower girl's mom came in and saved the day. Then we were trying to call in a delivery lunch, which said we were out of delivery radius, when the flower girl's grandpa offered to pick it up. Over and over God whispered and showed up. And over and over I was reminded of Psalm 45:11. It was a great day! Here's the link to the pictures: http://amandagracephotography.zenfolio.com/p687638377 .
2. I've been busy tutoring all summer. It has been fun at times, while other times the fun level dips to a negative level. It's the first time I've encounter some kids that I really have to ask God to give me the eyes to see them the way He sees them. I've really had to learn to rely on Him to be patient and kind when I see those kids walk through the door and have a seat.
3. I've been quite the local theatre supporter, going to see 9to5, and Hairspray this month. Both are really fun shows and I may or may not have quietly sung along to both. :-)
4. Last weekend, I went to visit Miss A and her family. They were very gracious to host me despite Miss A being pregnant with Little PBJ, getting ready to move, and "Mulan"'s six birthday. I played Barbies, helped pack (which Miss A informed I've done before), and watched some good 90s Nickelodeon shows. I'm so blessed by their friendship!
5. God and I are having an in-the-desert wrestling match over who is in control. I'll be honest, I have a lot of anxiety over school starting in two weeks. I grew to love my class in a deep way last year, and I know it won't be the same. I'm afraid of the unknown with the new class. Not to mention there has been some moving around with different staff positions, so I feel like everything is all different. Miss T, one of my team members sent me this guest post from Ann Voskamp's blog: http://www.aholyexperience.com/2013/07/when-your-spirit-hungers-how-to-be-done-with-worry/. I read it and realized that most of my prayers lately were worry and fear messages to God. If I believe He is who He says He is, then why am I worried? God goes before me, beside me, and after me. He doesn't leave or fore sake me. I need to look to Him and TRUST.
6. The last thing I've been wrestling with God is what I like to call Digging Ditches. You see, the past seven months, God has done and will continue to do a work to change my heart. He has removed trash, helped me conquer fears, and restored hope. I know that I am a completely different person and that has bled over into all my outlooks on life, ideas about parenting, finances, and even marriage. As I've finished my very personal journey with Jesus, He placed a phrase "digging ditches," on my heart. I didn't understand until I prayed more, and now I'm currently reading Wild at Heart and For Women Only. Both are excellent about how to view men from a Godly, Christ-like perspective. It truly is helping to break down stereotypes and affirm truthful things I've encountered about men. I went back and listened to a 2011 Steven Furtick message called "Digging Ditches" because I've been very intrigued by this phrase God gave me. I thought I hadn't heard it, but as I listened, it was a good reminder that in order to receive God's blessings we have to follow the Holy Spirit and do prep work sometimes. Initially when I thought about all this ditch digging, I thought, well that means God is finally bringing my two into my life. I mean if I was in control of my life, that's what I'd say is happening. After praying and being still, and surrendering control back over to God, I'm just resting in the mystery of the ditch digging. I've learned that sometimes God asks us to do something or shows us something and because His ways are higher, we misinterpret them with our feeble minds. Yes, I feel like I'm "ditch digging". Yes, it has to do with changing my perspective on men. Do I know what the outcome is? Nope. But I can trust that God will fill that ditch with what He choses. Maybe it will be a spouse. Maybe I'm going to have a rugged boy-filled classroom this year. Whatever way the ditch is filled, I need to stop trying to grasp control from God and surrender to the mystery.
7. Finally, I've unleashed my inner decorator and redid my bedroom! Pictures below:
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