Who Knew?

I just finished reading my husband's blog and it made me think. (Scary, huh?) Who knew that Rusty and I would be in North Carolina right now. Who knew our marriage would be stronger than it ever was before? Who knew we would be planting a church, praying about the difference we can make in the Charlotte area? Who knew I would be back doing what I love to do (ministering to preschoolers and their families)? Who knew we would be so happy, even when everything should be so crazy?
My Lord and Savior, that's who! (I know, a little corny, but true!) I don't want to sound like a broken record, but if I've learned anything in the past three months, it is that He wll provide for us. He has provided our family with so much, and I am so very grateful. Everyday is a day we can make an impact in someones life. There are many of you who may be reading this that have greatly impacted my life. None of that was an accident or coincidental.... God knew I would need you at just that moment, and He chose to use you to make a difference. When everything seems so crazy, upside-down and out of control, take a moment and remember who knew this was going to happen, and who will be there every step of the way!

Just One of Those Days

Yesterday started out as "one of those" days. We've all had them. Those, stay under the covers, pretend I don't exist days. Rob Bell, creator of the NOOMA series, has a video titled, "Lump". The little boy under the covers - that was me. I woke feeling like there was a freight train on my shoulders and one barreling down the tracks. I guess months of "stuff" had just finally piled up. The move, leaving a job I loved and friends and family I loved even more was hard. I am still waiting for the day that everything feels normal again. For those of you who know me well - I don't think I've been "normal" since I was 10 - and I think my sister would beg to differ that I was normal even then! Even in the middle of all our junk, God is good. He continues to amaze me! He knows our every fiber and knows exactly what we need at exactly the right moment. He can put a dear friend on a street corner in a town you would never expect to see her in, He can have a friend call, who you haven't spoke to in months, and have her speak such truth into your life that it blows you away. He can put new friendships in your life and give you the most amazing family. God is good! There is an incredible person in Rusty and my life that always seems to know just the "right" thing to say. He sent us an email this week and reminded us that these are Joshua 1:9 moments. I read this email at the very end of my crappy day. Again, God knows just what we need, just when we need it. Today is a new day! Instead of staying under the covers - the bed is made (with a pile of clean clothes on it as usual) and I am headed out the door, into a new day. I'm sure this one will have it's challenges too, but God is good, and He will always be there to stop those trains, or at least slow them down a little! My prayer is that God will use me for His glory and that I will be eager to be used!

Daytona Beach Trip

The Ridge Church staff and families spent last week in Daytona Beach. Our youth group was attending "Big Stuf" camp and Chris (our lead pastor @ Ridge) decided it would be a great way for the staff to bond and spend some time getting some much needed rest and relaxation before the big launch in August. We had a ball! Abby and Rusty spend most of their time in the waves. Abby was so excited to learn how to boogie board. Ever the worrier, Carter only went into the water up to his knees. He did have a great time catching coquina shells with Anna and Ainsley (Adam and Dana two oldest) and Brayden, Josie and Maddie (Chris and Angie's three sweethearts). One of the highlights of the trip was having dinner with Andy Stanley! Rusty was beside himself. He asked several times, "What do I say to the man who jacked up my whole life?" (If you haven't already heard about the sermon that changed our lives, Give Rusty a call - he'd love to share it!) These are a few pictures from the beach. Enjoy!

Where do I start?

Well, it seems everyone, and I mean everyone, has a blog. Not one to be left behind, I decided to start one of my own! Leaving Ft. Myers was one, if not the, hardest thing I have ever done. We left behind amazing family and friends. Many of those same people have often asked how our family is doing and what we've been up to. Thinking that having tons of free time (no job!) and being a "tad" bit addicted to the internet, this would be a good mix! So here begins the "reflections of a rambling mom".