My 28 Years of Life

Well 28 years ago, yesterday, I was born to Anita and Jim in Austin, Texas. I lived in Pflugerville until I started 6th grade, and then we moved to Paige, Texas (near Giddings) to live on our 90 acre Beefmaster ranch. Looking back on all the fence building , dirt haulin', poop scoopin', and cow workin' I am thankful that my parents moved our family to the country. I use to complain to my mom that I didn't get to shop and hang out with the other girls in town...now I am thankful I grew up with my parents instead of growing up with my friends.
My dad use to tell me when we were driving in t-posts that it was building character. It made me mad then, but now I know he was right (go ahead and gloat Dad-I admit you were right a few times)!! My brother Chad and I spent our nights and weekends working our show heifers and show pigs together...we fought A LOT...but my parents use to say, "The family that fights together stays together." He He!!! After graduating from Giddings High School in 1998, I attended Texas A&M. I graduated Magna Cum Luade in 3 1/2 years on a full scholarship...but as I look back on those accomplishments they seem so inconsequential. What matters are the family values, work ethic, and priorities my Mom and Dad modeled for me. I married Ronnie in 2002 and worked in Waller, Texas, teaching first grade while Ronnie finished his Master's degree. In the Summer of 2003 we moved to Seminole. I thought Ronnie was taking me to the end of the Earth...in fact, we actually saw tarantulas crossing the road while we traveled to "check out" the town. I cried when we drove into town because it was small and there were pump jacks in the middle of town. After we remodeled our first house, made friends in our church home, and had our first son God told us, after a short 18 months, it was time to move. I cried when we left, but we've lived in Levelland for 3 years now and honestly there is no where else I'd rather be.

(below is a pic of Drew when he was one...I think he looks like his Mama!)

I had a wonderful day yesterday. Ronnie woke me up to tell me Happy Birthday which prompted Drew to sing "Happy Birthday". Drew stumped me when he asked, "Mama where did my birthday go?" 3 year-olds are such concrete thinkers. Stephanie, Holly, Niki, Brandi, Chad, Mom, Reta, and Nanny called me yesterday. Then several blogging buddies gave me a shout out: Steph, Charla, Carly, Shannon, and Trey Morgan. Charla's entry yesterday moved me to tears-I don't know if there are any people who know my heart the way she does...Thanks Lala!!!
Yesterday was an incredibly beautiful day...sunny skies and 70. I took the boys for a walk with Stephanie and her two girls. During the boys' nap time, I laid out and studied my Ephesians Bible Study. How blessed am I? I got dressed and headed out to the Children's Hope Fundraiser Haylee Potter and our Sunday School class sponsored. We raised over 2500.00 for a play ground for this foster home. All our friends were there, and they sang "Happy Birthday" to me when we cleaned up. I got awesome gifts: a candle, A&M purse, Aggie shirt, Aggie bracelet, candle, gift card for the shopping trip, money, and jewelry. Again...am I blessed or what?
As I reflected on my year...I have seen God's hand doing a mighty work in my life.
I am grateful for:
1. My faith...I have learned who my God is through His Word. My life verse is Jeremiah 15:16, "When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God of Heaven's Armies." His Word is what gives me true joy...the joy that is unconditional - whether you are having a bad day, someone you love is ill, or your heart is hurting...the joy that comes from the truth of the Word is unshakable.
2. My health - I am finally feeling like my old self. I think it takes a year after having a baby to get both feet off and running again.
3. My marriage- Ronnie and I have learned so much about each other this past year. We've had several tests...but when you grow together through the tests they become "test"imonies- Thank You Jesus!
4. My boys- My boys are healthy. I love that I get to stay home with Drew and Kade. Sometimes I feel like I need a whistle and referee shirt, but they inspire me everyday to not just talk about Jesus but act like Him too. Their smiles, giggles, and hugs are daily gifts from the Creator!
5. My friends- I have wonderful friends...not just acquaintances, but true blue friends. They love me and I love them. They are godly women who lift me up, encourage me, and hold me accountable. They are sisters-in-Christ!
6. My family's health. My mom beat breast cancer this last year!
7. My Sunday School class- our class merged last year...it was a rocky start, but now we are all on fire for the Lord. We are growing and our focus is on just loving Jesus. God is going to do big things through our class...watch out Levelland!!!
8. My Emmaus Community- I don't have words to describe this community of believers. The best adjectives I can write down are: lover's of Jesus, real, genuine, loving, giving, faithful, prayerful, and unashamed!
9. GA girls - these girl's have truly blessed me this year. I am swimming in testosterone all week at my house, and it is such a blessing just to be a girly girl with these young ladies. They worked so hard this year...not just learning how to be missionaries, but actually being missionaries. We've already had troops email us about receiving the girl's boxes!

10. My future: I know that I know God has big things planned for me and my family this next year. (Phil 1:6) I feel like He is leading me into a very big project this summer (please be in prayer...more details to come at a later date). I can see that He has perfectly orchestrated my upbringing, life events, personality, and career training to prepare me for what He wants me to do today. Kinda like King David. His thinking is so above mine...and I am "a planner" like Charla says, but I am so thankful I am not in charge of the Master's Plan! I also feel like God is going to do big things through my family this year...I can't wait to see it unfold. Thanks to my hubby, family, and friends for making this days so special...but most of all

I want to thank you Jesus for forming me perfectly in my mother's womb..."for I am God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for me to do." Ephesians 2:10...thank you Lord for taking the time to provide an inheritance for me on Earth...my eternity has already begun here. I know I will see the fullness of it in heaven, but I praise you for where I am now. Thank you for every blessing...it is all from you Lord and it is all for you Jesus. Amen!

(below pic of Kade at one year- I know he looks nothing like me, but I had to include him too!)