Summer 2012 Commences

While school has been out for the students, and I now have my first year of principalship under the belt, yesterday was the first day of summer vacation for me. I left the work alone and played, enjoying some of my favorite things. So, the BF and I had an excellent breakfast at The Gazebo, followed by shopping. We then made our way to her "home by the sea," touring Hampton University.

 The BF and I will really strive to get this eating at a new place each week covered...So far, so good. In the evening, we made our way to Surf Rider, a hidden spot that sits on the water in Hampton, VA. The eating was GREAT--and that adjective does not do it justice.

Quietly, I sit now and take in pieces of this weekend. There are a few things I find myself reminded of:

1. My love and thirst for knowledge was awakened. Truly, I am captivated by learning and value education.

2. Experiences are always waiting for us: "What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it." #MakeTodayCount

3. My faith's been restored in love...Not that it had really failed, but I watched the joy of two of my friends from church today who are newly engaged. Fresh, true love is possible. True love waits.

Here is to what is to come in the days, weeks, and months ahead. I am excited to enter a new season with greater knowledge and stronger faith. The Father is blessing, and I hungry and thirty for Him.

 

Make Believe

"So my dear brothers and sisters, stand strong. Do not let anything move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your in the Lord is never wasted." 1 Corinthians 15:58

I make believe that you are here

…to see me copping Jordans with my best friend. Yes, there is a first for everything!

I make believe that you are near

…to simply be able to share with you the daily occurrences of mi vida loca…

I make believe

…to overcome fear.

I believe…these shoes were meant for me. And, with them, I will be purposeful, because, after all, isn’t that why we exist?

Inspiration

A close friend of mine from high school has started her own photography business, and she's been quite successful. Moving into the new year, she posted a 52 Week Photo Challenge, which piqued my interest. While I am not a professional by any means, I love taking pictures. I plan to participate in order to make time for doing two things I love-writing and taking pictures.

I am behind by three weeks, but better late than never, correct?

Week 1 is Inspiration...

For Christmas, I received an awesome pink kitchen set from my BFF, VLM...Additionally, my brother got me a nice George Foreman grill. The new year has begun well, and I have truly limited my fast food intake, making memories with all of my new kitchen appliances. Yesterday, I did a roast in the slow cooker, and it was marvelously delicious!

I know it appears strange that some kitchenware would inspire me, but it gives me hope for what is to come this year. I see rent changing to mortgage. And, perhaps independence will become co-dependence? Better living and doing! Inspired much!?

Here are some of the pictures of my new fun toys...

Shop Kitchenaid's Cook for the Cure...

(In) Courage...I Choose Joy

Today marks 10 years since our nation was attacked by terrorists who killed many innocent people.  The recapped footage from that day still ignites strong emotions of anger, sadness, and shock.  Watching the Twin Towers literally crumble as the planes crashed into it...Seeing people jumping to their deaths with fear...It was chaotic.  I will not soon forget where I was, but nor will many.  And, while I did not know anyone who was directly affected by that dreadful day, it hurts.  I suppose that makes me patriotic...or just human.

I can't help but think about the irony of events that have played out this week (in my life)...But, I think that is the point I wish to highlight.  Moving into this week, I thought about how many celebrate a birthday on September 11, or an anniversary...commemorating a person's death or life who was not connected to the terrorists attack. I think about my first week in a new position of leadership.  Somehow these things become trivial when we consider the bigger picture, but really they are not...

The passing of my friend's father highlighted the beautiful strength of their family; the Payne women are resilient.  While I know they are hurting, it was without question they have all faith in God that He makes no mistakes.  They were encouraging to me, sharing how at peace they were; they are planning and expecting the service for him to be a celebration--praise service.

This week's challenges and hurts reminded me that we're to bloom in courage, but that is how God works.  He brought me back to the place I am most at peace--my hometown.  Without fail, there were no coincidences, only confirmations and frequent reminders that God is in control.  We're taken through experiences where our faith is tested, but courage prevails when there is a relationship rooted in godly wisdom (my Sunday School lesson).  And, in the special way that He knows how to do, He gave me MY "sign", as the superintendent over the church's Sunday School asked us to recite the memory verse for the quarter:

I love how God shows up and shows out...Bless His holy name!

And, the lessons I was reminded of by one of my mentors/second moms: "Karen, you pray and you rest.  Really, find time to rest."

I am going to do a better job of the latter...

Unfailing Love

Nothing can ever prepare you for the death of someone you love or care for deeply. Death is a tough thing, but I would say it is even harder when unexpected.

 Thursday morning I had just finished up with morning duty and announcements when my phone dinged with a text message alert. The message was from my childhood friend, MPB, and it read: "My dad just died. We don't know what to do. Plz pray." I ran into my office and immediately called her. Surely, I was misreading this...but I was not. We had a fast conversation through crying. I sat in my office stunned, sad, confused; it all happened so quickly.

 It's a very surreal feeling. Even in going over to their home today, it did not feel like he was gone but just not in from work or running errands. Although he was a quiet man, he loved picking and joking when I would come to visit. We'd talk about work, life, sports, family...He genuinely cared, and I would always joke, reminding anyone present: "I am the favorite child!" He'd smile; his biological children would comment.

 This evening I went to a service at the church where I spent my early years. We celebrated the life of another one of my father figures who is still living. After the service he came and gave me a big hug, and thanked my mother and me for coming. He shared how touched he was that I would come home to be there.

 These two men may never realize the positive impact they've had in my life. Growing up, they both played significant roles in my life even if I was mainly hanging with their children or naturally gravitated toward their wives, who are considered second Moms to me.

 While it hurts and hot tears stream down my face, I remember. I have peace even in the midst of the hurt, and know God will heal all wounds. I am blessed for and by the season; I am a better person.

 I meditate on these words: Lamentations 3:31-32-" For no one is abandoned by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, He also shows compassion because of the greatness of his unfailing love."