Catching up.

What a whirlwind few weeks it has been! There is absolutely no way to describe the manner in which God has worked in our lives. It's absolutely astounding. I suppose I could start at the beginning. (Let me go ahead and apologize for the lack of creativity in this storytelling. I am quite hungry and not feeling very "writey") :)

A few months ago, I submitted an application to the Tipton County Board of Education for any possible openings they may have. I really hesitated to do so. I was fearful that I'd get one of those "Thanks, but no thanks" letters.

I always knew I wanted to teach. But I didn't want to go the education route in high school mainly because I (I, I, I) wanted to teach college and knew I wouldn't need the traditional education degree, just a masters in the area I wanted to teach. Very soon after Brian and I got married, I felt the Lord putting a desire on my heart for teenagers. Of course, being in youth ministry, I get the opportunity to spend time with teens often. However, I knew the Lord was trying to tell me that MY contribution in Brian's ministry would be in the very schools our youth were in. As I debated that application, I knew not having the education background could work against me. But I knew I felt the Lord calling me to follow through with it.

So, let us fast forward a bit. On Wednesday January 5, Brian and I were leaving church and headed home. We were talking about how much we loved our church, our youth, and life as a whole. We really were just counting our blessings and had such an air of gratefulness. The whole drive home, I just felt like something big was on the edge of our existence. It was as if I could anticipate the Lord was preparing us for something great.

Two days later, I was sitting in my office at work. It was a slow morning and I decided to spend some time listening to my Hillsong United station on Pandora (two thumbs up!). I was enjoying such a cool time of worship right there at work when I felt the Lord telling me "something good is going to be knocking at your door."

As always, He was right. At 2:00, I got a call from the principal at Brighton High School - in the same town as our church, and the same school that 95% of our youth attend. She informed me that there was an immediate opening for an English teacher. Funny story: my Junior year in college, my advisor called and informed me that if I didn't pick a major that day, I wouldn't graduate on time. I gave a little vocal pause and just said, "Ah, just put down English." ....God works in mysterious ways.

Long story short, I interviewed a week later and was hired on the spot. I quit my job and this past Monday morning, I was in the classroom. Today, just three days into my new job, I'm having my first snow day!

Even more good news - last Wednesday, we went to church early just to hang out. I was off that week and Brian's afternoon classes were canceled. Our pastor came over to the youth building to tell us someone had found a house for rent that we might want to look at. We hopped in the car and went to check it out. It was perfect! Just what we wanted! And the landlord was offering it to us with NO deposit and the ability to move in whenever we wished. Our pastor then informed us that our church would be paying to have all our utilities cut on, as well as cleaning the house before we got moved in. Then, we went to check out appliances for the home at a local store in town. The owner offered us a washer, a dryer, and a refrigerator -- all BRAND NEW -- for such a great price. Best of all, he is letting us pay on it month by month with no interest and at a price that WE set.

So there you go. In one week, I got the job I desired, and the Lord provided a sweet home and all the "fixings." Needless to say, we've been blown away by His goodness.

The Lord has just really shown us that if we wait on Him, He will provide in ways we never imagined possible. Of course, these are things we always knew, but He has made it SO very real for us these past few weeks. More than anything, I have most certainly learned that He deserves all the praise. Every single bit of it - in the good times AND the bad. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Prayers

Something big is happening this Thursday. I can't yet post what, but I'm asking for any eyes that are reading this to PLEASE pray for me. The Lord is opening doors and doing great things - as He always has. Just pray that I'll be ready and prepared for whatever He has for me. And pray that no matter the outcome, I'll see it as His plan for me.

aye aye aye.

I have been battling "the crud" since Sunday and I wish to goodness someone had a hammer to smash against my sinuses!

This morning was another one of those that I wished I could treat work like college and just not go because I felt sick. But, with Brian being a full time grad student, I have to work so the bills get paid. Yuck.

So this is a short post to once again say, never ever ever ever rush college. It's the only time in your life when you get 5 weeks off for holidays and what seems to be endless skips when you just don't feel like getting out of bed.

O death....O grave

Saturday morning I woke up earlier than my husband, as always. I moseyed on to the living room and sat down with my coffee cup - full of peanut butter Cap'n Crunch like any mature young woman would so desire on her weekend morning. I began channel surfing, trying to find something to watch to pass the time.

My phone rang. It was Steve, our good friend from "back home" in Jackson.

Steve never calls me. The thought frightened me. It was only 9 am.

I answered.

"Laura Leigh. It's Steve. First of all, I miss you guys. But...you know there's a reason I'm calling."

I braced myself.

"Shanta died."

My heart sank. I felt like I had swallowed a lump of lead.

I listened to him recount the story: Shanta, sick with the flu, visited her doctor on Friday. He told her she had developed pneumonia and wanted to put her in the hospital to be safe. She entered, doing well (considering her sickness). She died the following morning around 3.

Shanta --- wow. Shanta was a beautiful person. She was the sheer essence of humility. She loved with a heart so large that sometimes you would almost expect it to burst from out of her. She was more of a mother to her two younger sisters who happen to be some of the dearest friends I've ever had the opportunity to make. She was a servant. She longed to glorify Christ with each step she made. She was young.

I had only gotten to know her within this past year through a production company/ministry we both were volunteering our time to. It felt like I had known her for years. She gave the best hugs. She always asked about my life. I never once heard her complain about a thing.

I sat motionless for a while. All I could think of were Christian and Charise, her two sisters - my friends - who must have been heartbroken. Shortly, the tears fell. But they didn't remain long.

As I sat and thought on it longer, my eyes began to be opened to something new. For the first time in my life, I began to understand what the Bible means when it says "O death, where is thy sting?" Sure, I was sad for the loss of a friend. I knew her family was hurting beyond comprehension. But I began to think about Shanta. Wow. She had to have been completely ecstatic to make it to the gates. She was finally at the feet of the One she spent her life serving! It was an unexpected trip -- the best kind! Even now, she still hasn't even had time to fathom the goodness of the God she is now spending an eternity with.

Death, as tragic as it may be, is not the end for those who believe. I understand that now. Shanta is still teaching me even though she is no longer physically present. Rather, God is teaching me.

Thank God that we have a hope. We have a future.

And in the words of one of the greatest women I've ever known - even if only for a short time - it certainly is a "Beautiful day!!"

...doubt...

You know, just a few minutes ago I was looking at the facebook profile of Elizabeth Edwards - the wife of John Edwards who sadly passed away yesterday after a six year battle with breast cancer.

I wondered why so many people were writing on her wall - some even addressing her as if she would be reading their words soon. It seemed ridiculous. I know that sounds harsh, but just follow me. All of a sudden, it hit me: "it's a coping mechanism."

No sooner did I process that thought than I found myself asking the following question:

Isn't that what Christianity is? A coping mechanism to attempt to wade through life?

I was utterly shocked. I didn't ever think something like that would come from me.

But doubt crept in regardless. I sat motionless for a moment. I was wondering what this thought would bring. Was there a revelation to come? Would I suddenly believe that everything I've ever thought to be living and true was simply a device I used to numb painful situations?

Then suddenly, a thought: People have given their lives for Christ. People have trusted him for thousands of years. That seems to be more than coping.

Then after that, momentary visions of moments in my life that have been the most trying. I saw hurt and pain and stress and despair -- followed by comfort and peace and provision and hope.

I may not be able to physically prove the existence of God. But I can look back on my life to this very day and see the intangible evidences of His presence. That's not a coping mechanism. That's a Savior who lives and loves me.

Doubts creep in. Christ reminds me of...well, Himself.

It's not a crutch. He's not a character.

He is alive. And He lives in me.

holy granola.

Today is already just inching by. I'm so ready to get home to see my family and most importantly:

Delta! I love this little creature as if she were my very own child. I pretty much love any animal that way. Except cows. I don't like cows.

If anyone has any power to speed the clock up to 4:15 Central time, I'd appreciate you doing so. I can't wait to be home for this holiday!

just a quick post to say...

....how hilarious it is that today i am the total opposite of my last post.

One day i do, the next day i don't.

Yep. I'm definitely a woman. :p