All you need is LOVE

When I walked into the classroom I barely noticed the elderly gentleman sitting at the teacher's desk, but then I heard someone whisper, "That's Mr. Love! He's our substitute today!" and I heard another student say, "AWESOME! Mr. Love is here!" I began to wonder why on earth anyone would get excited over a substitute teacher? But then, as he called roll, and cracked his jokes and wrote his name on the board "Mr. Love", (or if he was subbing in a spanish classroom that day, his name was "Senor Amor") I began to understand...He wasn't there for the money, he wasn't there to prop his feet on a desk, pop in a movie, and call it a day. He was there because he wanted to be there. He was there because he LOVED his job, and he LOVED every student. 

Mr. Love became a regular sight over the next three years of my high school career (9th grade was on a separate campus, so he was spared our freshman mentality); he would dress up for spirit days, a clown costume, a complete pj outfit for pajama day, and on Friday spirit days, he would let us paint his face or put mustang tattoos on his cheeks. He loved Kingwood High School, heck, he probably had more spirit than the majority of the school. He always smiled, and always asked you when you walked in tardy, "Do you know what I'm supposed to do with you?" if you answered "yes", he would let you go to your desk, but if your answer was "no", it was off to the office to learn what he was supposed to do. Mr. Love took the job of substitute teacher, a job that very few want, or very few take seriously, and turned it into a career. I remember that man more than I remember most teachers I had in high school. He taught us more than just the subject he was subbing for, he taught us how to LOVE what we were doing. 

Mr. Love died yesterday at 90 years old, and up until recently, he was still subbing or volunteering at Kingwood High School. He died surrounded by his family, and students, who spent the last month visiting him and doing his yard work. 

Patrick and I have seen a lot of death these past few months, between the two of us we have lost two grandparents, an aunt, a dog, a best friend, and now, a man who probably didn't know my name, but had a tremendous influence on my future career. 

Never doubt the influence you can have in this world, never think you aren't doing enough, or you aren't important enough. This man took a job that not many people want, being a substitute teacher, and he didn't waste it. He used that job to change lives and to show people that someone cared for them. Mr. Love left such an impression on Kingwood High School that there is now a scholarship in his name, which is given to the senior who performed the most community service. I often wonder if any of these people know how much of an impact they had on this world. I don't have all of the answers, but I do believe that more than anything I have learned this past year that, "all you need is LOVE". 

So, Mr. Love, thank you for the love you provided to so many students at Kingwood High School. 

Be Jesus.

Tragedy happens. Bad things happen. Life happens. It always amazes me that when tragedy strikes, or bad things happen, Christians (myself included) are so quick to say “oh this world is not my home.” Or “our days are numbered, we aren’t meant for this world”. Yes, we are. This world IS our home. It’s time that Christians stop saying that, and start taking responsibility for this world. We are called to be set apart, not above; we are called to make believers out of non-believers, we are called to serve this world. No, this is not our long term home, my place is in heaven, but at the present time, this IS my home and it is up to ME to make it a better place for my children.
​By declaring “this isn’t my home”, it gives the impression that Christians are throwing their hands up and saying “I don’t care! Not my problem! I’m better than this world.” And we aren’t. We are just as fallen and sinful as this world and all its problems and we need to start taking responsibility for it. We need to do a lot less reading and talking about Jesus and start BEING like Jesus.
​That brings me to my next point; which is that I feel like people think that if they aren’t out doing something BIG in the name of Jesus (overseas mission, adopting an orphan, etc) then it doesn’t count as mission work. Your mission, your ministry, doesn’t have to be on a big scale, your ministry could be something as simple as uttering a prayer for someone, offering a smile, just being kind. This is something that I’ve struggled with in my life; finding my ministry, finding meaning in the mundane, finding ways to serve in my daily life. Serving doesn’t have to be just for a week in the summer, serving Jesus and being the hands and feet of Christ is something we need to strive for every.single.day. Be the change you wish to see in this world. If you want to see more Jesus in this world and in this country, then start BEING MORE JESUS. Stop talking and start doing. Show love, show kindness, show compassion. BE THE CHANGE. BE JESUS. It’s ridiculous for us to think that politicians, or leaders are going to “fix” this country and bring God back (not that God ever left. This is another thing that I don't understand. Why in the world people claim that God isn't here is beyond me? He's God, He can't be kept out. But anyways.) You want God back in this country? Then put God back in your home, your children, your life.

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 15:4

The Babies

I frequently refer to my children as "the babies", when in reality, they aren't babies. JP is 5.5 and Addison is 2.5, so they are well out of being "babies". Although, in my mama heart, they will always be babies. I learn so much from them on a daily basis. JP has the biggest heart for the Lord! He is CONSTANTLY asking us questions about Jesus and reminding me daily that Jesus is always here. His poor little heart has seen SO much death lately (promise I will stop talking about it eventually), yet he's maintained such a refreshing approach to it. Anytime we are sad or missing someone, he is the FIRST one to tell me, "but Mama, you can't be sad, because they are in heaven. How can you be sad when they get to be with Jesus? I can't wait to be with Jesus!" Bless his heart. I learn something from that kid every day...including, how to rap "God is great, God is good.." as a prayer at the dinner table, complete with Pat and me clapping out a beat. 

This picture was at 9 pm one night...he told me he was "in training" and was doing laps around the backyard in his Batman costume. Totally normal. 

After his first t-ball tournament. 

Once again, Batman. 

"Hey Mom, take a picture of this monkey! He could be my cousin!" I'm still scratching my head over that statement, but whatever!

Addison is our little firecracker. Y'all, that girl is going places. She is so assertive and so smart. I know everyone thinks their kid is smart, but she's hyper-intelligent. She spells out words and tells us stories and knows every color and shape and number and I could just brag about her all day. While she's smart, she's also sneaky...or as I like to call it "thinking outside the box". I frequently find her hiding in the pantry with a bag of goldfish, or my favorite day was when I found her  on the couch with a box of Krispy Kreme she had stolen off the counter. She was so sweet to offer me a donut. Addison is our little blonde headed hurricane, who dances her way through life, and loves everyone. I'm constantly amazed by how God knew exactly what our family needed...we were great as a unit of three, but man, Addison completes us in ways we didn't know we needed to be completed. Such a little joy, and y'all watch out for her sweet southern accent because it gets her just about anything she wants! 

It's a shame she has no personality and is so shy.

Bless that baby in her smocked dress.

No shame in her game.

She is OBSESSED with lizards and was THRILLED when her "Dee-Dee" caught her one! 

My biggest prayer for these babies is that they will have a heart for the Lord. That they will be courageous and faithful and trust Him always. 

Year Verse...

I know lots of people have "Life verses", bible verses they claim for their life, and while I have a few that I walk around muttering like a crazy woman when I feel like I'm under spiritual warfare (which totally exists y'all. I am convinced there are forces working agains the good God wants to happen in our life), this year I claimed a "year verse". 

This verse is my goal for the year.  Over New Year's, I decided that I wanted to stop making resolutions (that I never keep, I mean, hello? I will never stop nagging my poor husband) and start making changes in the way I viewed things. I wanted to do something that was biblical based, so that I was accountable to God. So, I chose one about goodness. And looking for the goodness. And remaining confident in His goodness, no matter the circumstances. 

I prayed long and hard over finding a verse to focus on this year, and wow, did God ever answer that prayer. Despite the tragedy we have suffered this year, I have maintained an attitude of gratefulness and confidence. 

Inspired

I have been inspired by my dear friend, Taryn, to re-start my blog. Given my track record on "re-starting my blog", I give this approximately 3 weeks before I give it up again. I feel like I have so much to say, but no where to say it, so hopefully this place will help, but like I said, I'm not holding my breath.

We've had so much happen to us these past few months; combined- Patrick and I have lost 2 grandparents, an aunt, a family dog, and just yesterday, we buried a best friend. It's been rough. But it's been good. Death is sad, that's a given, but the lessons learned are priceless. I have never felt the presence of God so strongly as I have through all this heart ache. The deaths of my loved ones have my heart absolutely on fire for The Lord, and I am so thankful for that. I've been praying for my loved ones, and specifically my friends so hard lately. I want them to know the Lord the way that I do, to be chasing His heart, instead of chasing the next party. I want to be assured that my loved ones will be in Heaven with me; and sadly, I'm not sure about that for a lot of people I know.

 My prayer lately has been to have the courage to share my faith and my love for God with everyone I come in contact with, because you just don't know if they will be here tomorrow to hear it. Now that I have depressed everyone with sad tales of death, we do have lots of good news in our world!

First, our dearest friends, Taryn and Justin, just welcomed their first baby! Little Jamison has been the biggest blessing to all of us, and he doesn't even know it yet! I am thrilled for them and have been earnestly praying that Jamison will be a strong man of God. 

Secondly, we move in 10 days. We bought my grandparents house when we moved to Louisiana, and while it has served us, and my family, well, there's a lot of emotional baggage with this house. Once my aunt died in February, we felt like it was time to let this house go. By the grace of God, it was only on the market for less than 60 days, when we had a buyer! The hand of God has guided this entire process, from selling this house, to keeping the one we wanted to buy on the market for us to purchase it, and now- in 10 short days, we move. I am overwhelmed and so unbelievably grateful for all that God has provided us with. 

I can't wait to show pictures of our new house (minus the front, don't need no stalkers), but until then, I will leave you with our precious children...who are growing up so fast (which they need to stop immediately because my Momma heart can't handle the fact that JP can tie his shoes. I cried. Also, I'm aware that I probably need to be medicated, but wine works nicely for me). 

Happy Birthday to You!

Today is JP's 5th birthday party; although, he is quick to point out that it's not his "real" birthday. His "real" birthday is in three sleeps, yes, we count everything down in "sleeps" in this house. 

Normally I host his parties at our house and they involve water slides or bounce houses- but dang y'all- it's hot in July and if there's water involved, the parents have to be outside to supervise, and well, I don't like to sweat. So this year we are having it at a gymnastic's place in town. Twenty kids, pizza, Icee's and an entire gym to themselves. Sounds like my cup of tea. I don't have any pictures from the party yet- but here's a quick walk down memory lane! 

First Birthday: Pirate party

JP and his name sakes- John and Patrick 

Third Birthday- Spiderman Party!

I was 6 months pregnant with Addison

We had a water slide party- but we quickly realized how much parental supervision is required for parties that involve water. No more. 

Fourth Party: Batman (are you noticing a trend?)

Bounce house- it was ridiculously hot

JP's future wife- Marlee

As much as I love to throw parties, it's so much work! I'm grateful we kept it simple and fun this year! 

**totally realize I have NO Pictures of JP's second birthday on my computer. Mom fail. 

29

Today I turn 29. And I'm ok with it. 

If you'd ask me at 17 if I imagined my life like this at 29, I would have laughed at you. At 17 I had it all figured out; college, law school, big city life! 

But I'm reminded every single day that my plans are not the same as God's plans for me. I end up shaking my head on a daily basis and laughing because I've come full circle in life. I mean, I'm living in the same house my parents purchased when I was 2.5 and sold to grandparents when we moved at age 4. I spent every single summer and most holidays in this house, and now I get to sit on the back porch and watch my children run around the same backyard I ran around in and while I sit on that back porch, I am reminded that despite my life not being the way I imagined- it is the way it is supposed to be. I am blessed beyond measure and I intend to document these blessings during my last year of my 20's.

So, I'm raising my wine glass in a toast to my unexpected life and to 29 more years of it.