Overhead Projectors and Answered Prayers

Most people who know my family know that education is in our blood. With both of my parents in the education field, some would have guessed years ago that I, too, would travel the road to teaching. As a young child, one could often find me in my bedroom/“classroom” teaching my students of dolls, using an “overhead projector” made from a window, a flashlight, a piece of wax paper, and dry erase markers.

However, it wasn’t until a few years ago that I decided to make teaching my own path, my career choice. Growing up, I witnessed Mom grading papers all night, staying late in her classroom, and often traveling all over to see her students participate in extracurricular activities. I saw my Dad teach, coach, and ultimately earn his spot as an administrator—but it wasn’t easy. My family lived in schools. So, when it came time to decide my future, teaching didn’t seem all that appealing anymore. I wanted to do something different, to travel down a different road—one that my parents did not.  After almost four years serving in a residential treatment home for struggling teenagers, my childhood dream of teaching more than dolls suddenly seemed to have more meaning. During this rewarding season of my life, I experienced teenagers struggle through some of the most difficult times in their lives while trying to hold their heads above water in school. Perhaps this was the beginning of my path taking a new direction. Many people had given up on those students, while a select few of us began to actually invest in and care about their lives. Eventually they began passing classes, while others accomplished a goal they never thought they would—they graduated from high school.  In fact a few weeks ago, Jeff and I received a high school graduation invitation from one of our former students - we couldn't be prouder!  Working with Jeff these last few years in youth ministry has only amplified this desire to serve students again...

After years of praying and seeking the Lord's timing - starting in August 2013, I will finally have my own classroom, with real students (not dolls) and hopefully get that overhead projector I always wanted.  I'll be starting this new career at Brownsboro ISD as their new high school speech and debate teacher.  What a journey I have ahead of me?!

I am a product today of answered prayers, God's faithfulness AND His perfect timing.  Not to mention, an even better product of two educators that have gone before me and have paved the way.  I am so thankful and blessed to now follow in their footsteps into the world of teaching!  So, please, please read this with encouragement knowing that God is always faithful, always on time and hears our prayers.  The plan you think is great - God has a way of turning it around and making it even greater - way past anything you could ever imagine or hope for.  Be patient for that.  It's well worth the wait!

Ephesians 3:20 NIV "Now to HIM who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us."

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Keep Plowing

I remember a time in my life when my Mother gave me some very short, but awfully powerful words of encouragement.  "Keep your hands to the plow..."  It was a time when a few relationships were breaking and I was somewhere between fighting to keep them or moving on without them.  This is not exactly a place anyone ever wants to be, especially someone that is so relationship-oriented as myself.  You can imagine how this decision was more than my fragile heart could take.  My emotional, physical and spiritual health began to decline and my range of focus was gone.

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Mom and Dad have always been fighters for me - fighters for our family and without question have always supported us.  They also have zero problems challenging us when we're in the wrong.  They have taught us to take responsibility when needed.  And, in cases like this, taught us to move forward, with my hands to the plow and keep doing God's work - even if that meant going without some relationships.  It's a really hard lesson, but one that has stuck with me. 

In keeping with this analogy - I can't help but think, what happens when a farmer doesn't keep his hands to the plow?  His rows are uneven, his horse (the one he's leading, ironically) gets off track and the harvest suffers.  But, what happens when you DO stay the course?  Callused hands.  My husband likes to brag from time to time about his callused feet and hands because they are markings of work - tattoos of labor.  (Also another reason why he says he'll never get a pedicure - he's proud of those calluses).  Ha!

So, from one set of callused hands to another - let me share a little from this Southern girl's heart:

• Keep your hands to the plow, especially on days that you are tired, weary and heavy-laden.  Sometimes (maybe all the time?) God does His best work when we stop depending on ourselves. 
• Don't look behind you.  It's a dangerous journey when you start to look behind and not at what's ahead.  You could even miss out on some really great stuff. 
• Invest in tools that help CULTIVATE your harvest. I'm not a farmer, but I would guess that they invest in the best tools to help produce the best crop.  In the same way, invest in people that help cultivate the "fruit" in your life.  Are they watering and giving you sun to your soul?
• Callused hands can lead to a bountiful harvest.  I doubt any farmer would look at a row of trees or fruit and say - "WOW, that was so easy!  It took absolutely no labor of love."
• Your obedience and faithfulness in doing Kingdom Work, will always pay off.  The God I serve honors those that love Him and follow Him.  Hang in there. 

So, friends - keep those hands to the plow and remember that you may be surprised what those callused hands will produce...

With Southern Love,
Emily

The Long Saturday

We've been studying John Ortberg's book, Who is this Man for the past several weeks at work.  Have you ever done a study with him?  He is really fantastic.  We've done a few of his video series and I have loved every single one.  Today's session, ironically the last one of the series, was a particularly inspirational message as it addressed the three days that changed the world - or as we like to call, Easter.

I look around and continue to see disappointment, tragedy and heartache among my family, my friends, acquaintances and even strangers.  Unexpected deaths, diagnoses of terminal diseases, job losses, divorce, the list goes on...  But, today I wanted to share a different perspective.

There are several examples of "three day stories" in the Bible.  You see how God brought a ram on the third day for Abraham, so he wouldn't have to sacrifice his son, Isaac.  Another example is with Jonah - rescued from the belly of the whale, on the third day.  And, the ultimate example is that of Christ's death. We all know the story.  In these three examples, we see a "trend" (although I've never seen it until today):  The first day is trouble - or death, the third day is deliverance and on the second day, there is silence. I believe most of us are in the middle of "Saturdays" - tragedy hit yesterday and today we wait.  We wait to hear from the doctors, we wait to see if a new job will roll around, we wait to finalize papers and we wait 'till we can meet our loved ones again on the other side.

We wait.

It's silent but also deafening.  It feels lonely.  It's dark.  It's emotional.  It's cold.  Most people feel forsaken on "Saturday", cause Friday was too shocking to think and Sunday feels like it'll never come.  But, I believe God is working, all the time - even on your (and mine) long Saturdays.  There is hope at the end of the week.  There is redemption for your soul, healing for your body, restoration for your relationships, there is forgiveness and grace. 

I don't know how many of you are spending your Monday - as a "Saturday" - but I hope this will offer some measure of hope for you.  GOD. IS. AT. WORK. 

Rest in the truth that, Sunday is coming....

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Bragging Rights

Bragging on family never gets old.  I'm pretty blessed - to say the least - with wonderful parents, in-laws, a great sister, beautiful niece, a new soon-to-be brother-in-law (which I'm REALLY excited about) and my HUBS!  I often wonder what I ever did to deserve such terrific people in my life.

My husband is a true treasure - one I often forget is just around the corner in the other room or laying next to me to "open" and enjoy such a gift.  I waited for Jeff, for what seemed like eternity.  Single and dateless for many years - I ever wondered if I would find "him."  Most of you know our story, but one tale I like to tell is the every day blessings Jeff manages to pull off in the midst of a crazy, hectic schedule.

Right now, he volunteers at our local fire department.  He diligently leads a very successful youth ministry in our home church - averaging 80+ kids every week.  After buying a home a little over 2 years ago that needed MAJOR work, Jeff dedicates "off time" to work on this.  He also helps lead a college ministry in Tyler, at least twice a week.  Oh, and he goes to school.  But, the most important responsibility he has is being my husband.  I can be demanding, to say the least, overbearing and impatient - all of which Jeff insists on demonstrating patience, leadership and love in the midst of it all.

Thank you, Jeff for your love for those around you - your love for me and your love for our Savior.  What a true blessing you are in every sense of the word. 

So - if you have a glass, raise it.  My husband deserves it.  If you have a fabulous person in your life - I encourage you to let the world know.  In the midst of the delivery of sad, awful news on the web, TVs, and other outlets - the world could stand to hear some GOOD things going on.  So, today - I acknowledge something good around me, someone. 

A Jolt of Reality

Hey Y'all,
I travel quite a bit for work and am reminded how much I love my husband during these trips.  I miss him very much when I am away from him.  It's only amplified when flights are delayed and trips become unexpectedly longer.  Last night, after my reunion with Jeff, I was jolted with an unbearable truth that he won't be here forever.  The times I miss him are only a small percentage compared to those that have lost loved ones and will not get the privilege to lay with their husband recanting their last several days while they were apart...

I did not know Jason Albright personally, but through other friends (and Jeff actually spent some time with him on a few occasions).  In fact, he worked at Heartlight before me.  I now feel an unusual feeling of pride that I have walked in his footsteps, after learning that his life was tragically taken this past Friday, following an automobile accident.  My heart has been heavy for his family and those dear friends he left behind.  Specifically, his wife and 6-month old baby.... His life was taken when helping someone else to safety.  He died loving and caring for those around him.  My words will never be able to adequately celebrate and honor his life, as I did not know him personally.  But, I did feel his life was more than just important and deserved to be honored in every way possible.  His lovely wife has written a small post on her Facebook page to celebrate Jason (I imagine the "shares" will only multiply over the next several days)...

"Jason's sharing service was just so wonderful. I was upheld in prayer and love in a way that felt tangible. It was so wonderful to hear everyone's stories. Jason D Albright was consistent- consistently passionate, dedicated, loyal, intelligent, loving, servant-hearted, silly, uninhibited, and so much fun. I hope he was listening. I think The Lord gave Jason his intense drive in life because his time on earth would be short, and he had a lot to do.

Amanda, the lady who Jason was trying to help move out of the road when he was hit, came to the service. We invited her and I am so glad she came. I want her to know my Jason, and the love of our Lord, and that no one blames her. She shared with me that right before the car hit, she was looking at Jason, and there was a light shining from his face that was so bright, she had to turn her head away. In the next second, the car hit Jason and the other man, and then rolled over Amanda's arm, missing her head by inches. God was in that moment.

I am wearing Jason's wedding ring on a necklace. It has deep groves etched into one side where his hand hit the pavement. When I rub those grooves, it reminds me of the kind of man he is.

Just now, as I was typing, I heard Jason's cell phone alarm go off in the kitchen. It plays Bella's Lulliby. I held his phone and listened to the music and cried. It was like he was here....We were able to find Jason's phone on the side of the road the day after the accident. The screen is shattered and the battery was dead. Someone had plugged it in last night. At 5am his alarm for work went off, just like any other Monday. It's time to wake up Honey."

Give extra hugs and "I love you's" today.  Live a life like Jason did, with no reserves.  Live your life following Christ.   The reality is that Jason is not here anymore, but I believe the better reality is that Jason is now sitting at the throne of Jesus, banqueting at the King's table and dancing with angels....

With so many others, I celebrate his life and his first face-to-face meeting with his Savior today! 

Waiting for Pearls...

Three years ago (tomorrow), I remember placing a very delicate piece of jewelry on my neck for our wedding day - my late Grandmother's pearls.  As if the day wasn't special enough, wearing Grandmother's pearls made me feel like a rare princess...and I was going to meet my prince at the end of the aisle.

All through high school and college (and even after college), I marched through the season of "singlehood" with some pride, but a lot of heartache.  I questioned a lot of who I was, what I could offer someone, and if that prince would ever find me.  I withheld one relationship my sophomore year, but it ended in tears and more questioning.  Throughout my entire 4 1/2 years at Texas A&M, I remained single (by the way, I want to give a MAJOR shout out to our football team last weekend - WHOOP!).

Anyway, back to pearls...

I remember watching friends wear engagement rings and fancy dresses on all kinds of dates with their significant others, while I stayed in pajamas and watched reruns of Dawson's Creek.  I hate to sound so dramatic, but it was true.  I wanted to become someone's wife, and for a while, I didn't know if it would happen.  But, Jesus had someone waiting in the wings...just waiting to sweep me off my feet.

In 2008, Jeff likes to say he came riding on his horse to whisk me away.  And, he did.  Although it wasn't necessarily love at first sight - it was surely a match made from Heaven, and I didn't see it until it was right in front of my face.  After our first date, I felt like I was in Heaven...in love.  Some would disagree that it could happen that fast, but it did with me, with us.  I knew after one date of playing miniature golf, dining over my favorite meal - Italian food, and spending the rest of the evening playing with our wins from golf - I knew he was "the one."  

Now, three years later after our wedding, my prince still manages to whisk me away.  Last night, he gave me my precious pearls.  I opened two jewlery boxes with 1 set of earrings and a beautiful necklace...and he reminded me several times, "They. are. real."

If you're a lady and feel defeated, don't forget your pearls could be waiting just around the corner.  I promise they (he) is worth all the wait.

Swinging Doors

Picture from mysafetysign.com

For years now, people have encouraged and at times, offered a challenge that has stuck with me for years.  "The Lord opens and the Lord closes doors."  A solid truth that always reminded me of God's faithfulness in the midst of difficult times, but lately has posed some questions.  For doors to close or open, they must swing, right? Lately, I have felt more like I'm in a diner with constant swinging doors than perhaps a still, closed door or a friendly "welcome, please come inside," kind-of-door.  Ever felt that way?  Just when you feel the door open, it slams shut...or when it begins to close, BAM, you're surprised at the entrance waiting.  If you've spent any time in a Christian community, or let's be honest a "Christian Bubble", you know exactly what kind of language I'm speaking...

Let me be frank for a moment.  I believe that my God truly delights in pleasing His children and seeing us thrive in our environments.  I also believe that He views our environments very differently than you and me.  I'll share a quick testimony.  I have walked on an incredible journey with the Lord for many years now.  There have been opportunities I never thought I would have.  My time with Heartlight Ministries and currently with Mercy Ships has been nothing short of a testament to God's faithfulness and love.  Meeting my incredible husband and falling in love was a fairytale I never thought I would have the chance to witness, much less live out and serving the Lord in full-time ministry at Heartlight and with Mercy Ships has been a blessing and honor.  The Lord's eyes definitely saw more than I did before I took my last steps in Aggieland as a student.  The "doors" have been narrow, and at other times, have seemed W-I-D-E and inviting.  The path wasn't always straight and smooth, but it has led to times of growth, maturity and a very real and authentic relationship with Christ - something I would never, ever trade. 

Without sharing too many personal steps in this journey, I have learned that although I believe in this traditional saying, I also wholeheartedly believe that we are all on a path with swinging doors - in transition times - times of spills, falls, and at the very least - occasional and total wipe-outs.

The highlight is:  there is always an opportunity for your door to swing open again or perhaps an opportunity for you to see something else on the other side of your doorway that you didn't see before. Be encouraged, friends.  If you're in the "swinging" part of your journey, know you are not alone.  You never know when doors will open again or which entrance will serve as a new entryway, it could very well be the same one you're trying to close... 

Dancers and Leaders

Most people that know me, unfortunately quickly learn that my biggest weakness is the need to control.  Ever since I was a little girl, I have thrived on organization, structure and at the very least, the need to have a clean room.  Anything less was always unsettling to my young mind.  At 29, not much has changed and sadly, some of those tendencies have only worsened over the years.  Last week (and since writing this, today again), I experienced one of those realizations where it was finally time to make a trade:  control for freedom.

When I married my handsome groom 2 1/2 years ago, I realized that control was not really welcomed in a marriage.  He is one of the most patient men I know and thankfully has put up with my shenanigans over the last few years, especially when I wanted things done on my time and my way.  (Yes, selfishness seems to be a weakness, too.  I think control and selfishness must go hand-in-hand.  Go figure.)  Just in case you are newly married and want to tell your husband to pick up socks again or re-clean something, it's not worth it.  In fact, it can be border-line disrespectful, in my opinion.  Control can be a messy thing - and can corrupt your life.  Don't let it creep into your marriage, your workspace, or any other area of your life.  In the end, I have learned that control seems to be one of those battles that I have struggled with for years - even before Jeff was in the picture. 

My expectations were set above any bar and in order to reach them, it was as if I had to climb 1,000 staircases to even touch the first floor.  This led to sleepless nights, headaches, unhappy moments, and many tearful conversations.  It was not only wearing to my mind, it was damaging my heart.  It shouldn't surprise you that I realized last last week that I have lived many (unprofitable) years mentally exhausted, trying to control things that are out of total reach and simply just out of my control.  A hard lesson for such a stubborn soul to see.  Never was anything "in my control" to begin with anyway, except maybe the occasional disciplines like brushing your teeth or perhaps learning to study for a test weeks in advance rather than the night before?  Nonetheless, I look back at my life and review the blessings, the very unfortunate heartaches and believe this:  It is always the best policy to trust Jesus. He will consistently take better care of our hearts and plans better than we ever could or ever will. Sounds so cliche, right?  But, so full of truth, friends!  The best part?  When He takes the lead, you will find yourself in a place of true freedom, and I believe there is no better place to live.  How many years have I been living in mental bondage, when all I needed was a time of surrender to my Savior?  I hate to even start calculating the math.  

Last Thursday, as I was cleaning, I landed on one of our music channels and found this catchy tune.  When I paused to listen to the lyrics, I couldn't help but giggle at the thought of the Lord saying, "This is for you."  I took a moment from cleaning and re-played it a few times - and found myself dancing with zero inhibitions.  Talk about a whole other kind of freedom! 

My favorite part of this song is not only the title, "You Lead," but the end of the chorus:  "I know what you've got for me, is more than I can see."  I kept thinking that as I moved around my living room.  How much greater are His plans than ours and what He has for us is more than we can see?  It reminds me of childhood, when all you wanted was to climb over the fence just to see the animals at the zoo, but Mom or Dad stopped you because what they saw on the other side, was far more dangerous than what you could see on your side.  Or what about the time as a young adult when you wanted so badly to date "Joe" or "Sue", but "someone" else saw him for what he/she was and chose to protect your heart instead or perhaps just had someone better for you around the corner?  As a Christian, I believe my path is directed by someone greater and His eyes see more than me.  I realize there will be bumps, STOP signs, and many "uneven" roads along the way, but I trust Him.  I give Him the control. 

I don't know where you are in your walk with Christ, or maybe you haven't yet given your life to Him or entrusted your path to His leadership.  But, let me tell you, there is some serious freedom when you give that up.  So much is completely out of our control.  I encourage you to live in freedom and allow Him to take the lead, I promise you - you won't regret it. 

 

When the New Carpet Smell Fades...

For several months now, the hubs and I have worked diligently on bringing serious love to our home that desperately needed it when she called our names in October of 2010.  Between ripping out walls, sanding cabinets, tiling, scraping ceilings, and one of my favorite stages - enjoying the smell of new carpet - one thing I have so humbly learned is this:  Your house will never truly be your home, until you see the importance of those you're sharing it with. 

Jeff and I have only been married a little over two years now - some may say we're still very much in the "honeymoon stage".  We started our first year of marriage with moving cities (or from one city to a very small town), changing jobs, moving homes, and now living in a house that continuously asks for our attention daily, whether we answer her calls or not.  We quickly learned that change was everywhere: in our home, in our jobs and in our lives.  We embraced it and forged ahead...of course, I didn't quite know what I was getting into when we started the trek into the Renovation Stages...

• There are times you flip a switch and nothing happens.
• Water may not always be hot when you want it be.
• Shower knobs aren't a guarantee.
• Covering outlets is the last priority.  So are baseboards.
• Parts of your home may be ready for stage 2, but stay in stage 1 for many months.
• One of your rooms may quickly morph into a "tool shed" to keep track of all the crazy amounts of hammers, nails, saws, machines, carpet pieces, paint, baseboards, etc...
• People will ask about progress and you often give the same report from the previous months, "No change."
• And, the new carpet smell eventually fades...
  

For months, my O.C.D. would strike and my attitude wasn't the best, I'll admit.  I thought, "We are in way over our heads.  There is no way we'll ever finish this and will live in an unfinished house for years, and never be able to sell it."  Most of this was "internal" thinking and often shared "externally" in increments when I would see a loose plug or when all I wanted was a bath and the knob would conveniently break off.  Over time, I've realized that all of these things are just that: things.  This house has not only saved us money, it has allowed for many teenaged boys to play video games until late, hosted Bible Studies, created a safe place for youth to come over when they needed a place to vent, gathered family together, enjoyed late night rituals of Law & Order with my man, eaten meals with our church families, and taught us the blessing to receive from so many wonderful, dedicated, loving volunteers who have helped along the way to transform this place!  Who really cares if my backsplash isn't up just yet?  I still have a place to cook meals for anyone who walks in my front door.  I may not have sheet rock up in my hallway bathroom, but I DO have a new shower/bath and my heart delights when I see my nice, white, clean shower walls each day.  

And, there are some rooms that eventually receive the attention they deserve.  That fresh, new carpet smell may have faded - but it's only because we've had shoes, feet, traffic, people between the walls of our home over the last year and a half...and that I wouldn't trade for the world. 

Besides, that's what vacuums and professional carpet cleaners are for, anyway?  Right?  Nobody knows clean and organization like this gal, but don't miss out on people and relationships, because your focus becomes so involved on things.  So, whether we sell this house with every inch completed or not, I pray the next homeowners feel the love, the blessings and that they experience the kind of relationships we have built in this home, because that is what has made this house a home. 

Joshua 24:15 (NIV) "...as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Table for Two

*I promise to get back to sewing posts - but I had to share a little piece of my heart with you after my Easter weekend*

All of my growing up years, I cherished holidays with my family.  In fact, I still love them.  But, I will say they've changed quite a bit over the last several years since losing all four blood-related grandparents.  Both sets were the "hub" of all things holiday.  It was always one place for Christmas, another for Thanksgiving and so on... They were generally loud (in a good way) and bellies were always full (not always so good).  It was about family, food, and fellowship.  But, like I said these have changed over the years due to deaths and my new marriage. 

As you know, my husband is a Director of Youth Ministries at our church.  You learn quickly that most major holidays are also some of the busiest times for the church.  We've missed spending holidays with family as our commitments are with our church family during these times.  At the beginning, I struggled with missing home, missing my parents, missing his parents, siblings, in-laws, all of it.  I missed Christmas Day with family.  But, to be frank, I was really missing the whole meaning of these days anyway.  Let me explain...

What's important about holidays is not whether you're at home or not.  It's not important that you have 10 people at your table or two or about the biggest, greatest meal you can prepare - although I love every bit of these traditional holiday celebrations!  What I can tell you, for me, it's not so much about "the day" or the preparations for it. It's about the person you're celebrating.  Ever think about that when it's someone's birthday?  Just a thought...

My Easter this year was quiet.  Jeff and I ate a wonderful meal after a long, fruitful, blessed day of worship with our church.  As I sat across the table from Jeff, I realized my table of two is enough - it always has been.  Our two dogs sat close by and we ate and reflected on the morning.  We didn't have 10 at the table, we didn't have kids running around nor did we have an extravagant meal, neither sets of our parents were able to join us.  What we DID have was time to reflect, be thankful, and enjoy celebrating the reason we have Easter - the reason we can celebrate everyday - not just on Easter, or Christmas, or Thanksgiving, or any other holiday.  He is enough.  I miss my family and wish all the time they could be here for holidays, but when we can't spend Christmas or Easter Day together, that's okay, because I can still look across the table at my family of two and celebrate what Christ as done for us.  (And, in case I'm missing the noise - you better believe I can celebrate with any of our 100ish-member congregation on any given day of the week!  In fact, we have invites every holiday to share with families in our church - what a blessing!)

Reflecting this Easter, I've learned this: holidays are not about how many people are at your table, what meal you prepare, or even if you're able to be with all your family.  All these things are great and such blessings, but it's not completely the reason we celebrate.  We celebrate because of what HE has done.  So, next time you order for 10 or two, there's a reason to celebrate, because...
He. Is. Enough.


Next holiday, I hope to remind myself that my table is never empty and my heart is always full when I walk with Him, right?  Hebrews 13:5 "...Never will I leave you, Never will I forsake you."  What a promise!  Friends - pass on the green bean casserole next year and feast on the Bread of Life - I promise it'll fill you up way more than any casserole dish or apple pie!