Letting go

During our class time last night at church, Steven and I made the announcement that we would no longer be the teachers of the children's class. We shed lots of tears. Those young people are so incredibly special to us. But as much as it breaks my heart to let them go, I know they will be fine. They are all so annointed and blessed. I have tremendous hopes for each of them. I look forward to the future when I will hear great things out of each one. I know God has a plan for all of us, and I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that He will continue to pour out His blessings over this amazing class. I am so proud to have been a part of it. They taught me more than I could have ever taught them. Steven and I will teach the class until they find someone else. We do not want these kids to be left without a class or somewhere to go. Last night, we had 16 kids in attendance. I started with 4! It is awesome what God has done. He has truly blessed us.

We also explained to Pastor Skipper that we feel the call of the Lord leading us in a different direction. We are not sure what God has in mind, but He knows. It is finally time for us to trust Him. We have told Him "no" so many times before. It is time for us to "just let go and let God". We have faith that He will lead us and place us where He wants us. We place our family in His hands.

My mother's present

I was so proud of myself this past Christmas. I really out did myself with some of the gifts I gave others. I ordered this purse for my mom off the internet. I was kind of skeptical about it, but it turned out beautifully. She was so surprised. She loved it. She even cried when she opened it.

"MY" class

These are a few of "my" kids who attend Wednesday night children's class. For the last few months, we have been doing things a little differently. Instead of learning the bible stories, we have been reaching a little deeper. We have actually begun our own worship service. We have our own music, DVD's and topics that are specific to us. The simple change in direction has brought about amazing results. Where these children were ashamed to pray out loud and hold their hands up in praise, now they are active worshippers. We start out with music and drama, get into our topic, have discussion, and then move on to our prayer/worship time. They simply amaze me. I stand in awestruck wonder at them each week. All I have to say is "Its time for prayer and worship. Let's settle down and give God our attention." Some of them stand with hands uplifted, some lay with their faces buried in the carpet, some kneel at the table, some kneel in a corner. Regardless of "how" they do it, they are now communicating with God. They understand who God is, what prayer can do,and He deserves our utmost praise. I pray that these lessons follow them and they carry them in their hearts even when I am not there. Then, my purpose will be complete.

Gifted???

We received a letter in the mail requesting Kalyn be tested for a "gifted" class. Steven and I had different opinions on the subject. Steven was tickled that his daughter was smart enough to be considered. I didn't see the reasoning because personally, I know how smart she is and I don't need a piece of paper to tell me so. After much prayer and consideration, we came to the conclusion to let her decide. She cried when Steven explained it to her. She did not want any part of it. So, as it stands, we will probably never know for sure if she would have qualified as "gifted". But we do know that one single word does not sum up what she is made of.
In our eyes, she is brilliant in every way! It doesn't change a thing about how we treat her, support her, teach her and guide her. After all, she got this far on her own.

Kalyn is sick

Yesterday, around 10:30 am, the school nurse calls my cellphone while I am at work and tells me that Kalyn has thrown up and is running a low grade temp, I have to come get her. So I quickly put away everything I am doing, make sure the other co-workers are okay and dash out the door. It takes about 20 minutes to get to the school from the hospital. When I get to school to check Kalyn out, she is sitting in a chair, pale as a sheet with dark circles under her eyes, and a garbage can by her side. She has not thrown up anymore. I think it was probably sinus drainage anyway, the best she can describe it to me. But, she doesn't feel well at all. She laid around all evening, covered with a blanket. She slept ok, but despite multiple doses of Tylenol and Ibuprofen to bring her fever down , her temp this morning was 104.0. I am pushing Gatorade and Sprite. We are gonna try to make it til Monday morning and take her to the doctor. Please pray for her. She has planned a playdate with a classmate for this afternoon and will be terribly upset if I cancel it. But I really don't see a way around it. She is scheduled to perform in a drama at church Sunday morning. She loves doing drama and will be greatly disappointed if we can't go. So please pray that she feels better quickly.

HILARIOUS!!!

FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT DONT KNOW, STEVEN IS A DIE HARD ALABAMA FAN. HAS BEEN EVER SINCE I HAVE KNOWN HIM ( AND THAT IS A LONG TIME). ANYONE THAT HAS EVER BEEN AROUND STEVEN KNOWS WHERE HIS HEART LIES. HE BOASTS ABOUT THE CRIMSON TIDE, GOOD OR BAD SEASON. WELL, HAHAHAHAHA , THIS CHRISTMAS MY MOTHER BUYS STEVEN AN AUBURN PAIR OF SLEEP PANTS, THINKING IT WAS RIGHT. WHEN STEVEN OPENED THE BOX, HE THREW THEM IN THE FLOOR! AND INSTEAD OF ACTING LIKE IT WAS PLANNED, MY MOM DID NOT REALIZE WHAT SHE HAD DONE WRONG. IT WAS HILARIOUS! WE LAUGHED UNTIL WE CRIED!

Christmas at our house

These were taken on Christmas morning. Just a select few of Kalyn's presents. Kalyn was very good this year so Santa really blessed her with gifts! Christmas is my FAVORITE time of year. I love it! And unfortunately, due to that fact, sometimes I tend to let Santa go overboard. But, hey, she's only little for such a short time. I plan to enjoy these moments.