A Bus Full of Blessing!

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them for the kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14.

Oh, how I love my daughters. They are such a blessing, in many more ways than I could ever express. They thrill my heart like no others. When Rachel was blessed to be a part of Mission Arlington last summer, she came home with a heart for missions.

With the help of her youth minister and youth group they started an apartment ministry that is near our church. A couple of Sunday nights each month the students lead Bible studies, games, crafts, recreation, and snack time. Lately, we have been using the Elevate materials that I use in our 1st and 2nd grade children's worship time. Our theme has been superheroes and the children have loved it.

With this being Vacation Bible School week, Rachel and Hannah wanted the apartment kids to come. Two weeks ago they passed out flyers, they covered the apartments one more time last Saturday and then the church bus, driven by my dad, with my girls joyfully drove to the apartment complex where 8 happy children were waiting to hop aboard. Last night we picked up 14 and we are excited about having more come tonight.

Nothing thrills this Momma's heart more than seeing my daughters be a part of what God is doing! They love these children...and these children love my daughters. Monday night, one of the girls hugged me just because I was Rachel's mom. Isn't that sweet?

These precious children are learning Truth this week and they bring so much joy and delight.

I was tickled Monday evening when we were taking them back to the apartments. I asked the girls in the back of the bus what their favorite part of the evening was.

One of the girls sweetly replied that she really enjoyed the story of Joseph and his brothers and that even though they treated him badly, Joseph was still respectful of his brother and that we should be respectful to our mom and dad and brother and friends....and then she said loudly, "Stop it butt-head!" to one of her friends that was pestering her. Oiy!

Joyfully,

Kristi

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Great Graduation Gifts for a Bargain

It's that wonderful time of the year where graduation announcements fill my mailbox and I begin to wonder what can I possibly give this student to celebrate their accomplishments without breaking the bank.

During my conference period I headed for Michaels, because well... I love Hobby Lobby...but when I only have 10 minutes to spare, Michaels fits the bill.

I quickly found these frames for $1.00 each.

...and then I found this scrapbooking paper and small wooden circles...my mind was reeling.

OOOH and ribbon to match (I adore ribbon)


On my lunch hour I painted the edges black.


Cut the paper to fit the framed opening...


and then had fun using Modge Podge to attach the paper to the wooden frames.

I covered the wooden circles with paper too and painted their minute edges as well.

I slathered on Modge Podge to the tops 2 more times and let it dry.



By the time school was over for the day, these little frames were dry and in need of some adornment. I hot glued (I heart my hot glue gun so much-we have finished many a project together and it has always served me well) the ribbon and the wooden circles and Voila!

Here are the finished frames...which were less than $3.00 each.


The special part was having the privilege of praying for the recipients as I crafted each frame.

And speaking of graduates....here is "V" on his high school graduation with our daughter Rachel who helped tutor him in Algebra II. Thank you for praying for "V."

Joyfully,

Kristi

What projects are you tackling today?

Glorious Rain!

I absolutely loved having a graduation header in celebration of of what God and I were able to accomplish together...but orange and black is a bit depressing...so I had to give my blog an uplifting spring/summer makeover. What do you think?

What a blessed rain we had last night!

My eyes are a little bit sleepy today because I had so much

fun listening to the soft pitter pattering of the gentle rain, hearing the mighty thunder,

and watching the dazzling lighting dance across our home.

It was glorious! We don't often have this much rain. Occassionally it may rain for a few minutes and then it is gone. My soul took to the rain

much like my dry and thirsty plants; it was refreshing!

Here are a few glimpses of God's gift to us:

Look at our street!

The clouds were so heavy with bountiful rain, that I couldn't help but grab my camera.

Refreshing spring rain! The sun is out and everything looks new again. What a great start to summer vacation...'cause "Schools Out for Summer!" Woo hoo!!!!

Joyfully,

Kristi

May Craziness!

Hello month of May...what have you done to me???

Can anyone possibly relate?

The end of the school year is always crazy

(I always think of Hammie from Over the Hedge

when I type/say Crazy, "Crazy Rabid Squirrel" is what he says).

Anyway, this month has brought award ceremonies, end of the year tests, band concerts, forms to fill out for next year, semester exams, high school ring order (be still my heart), and trying to help with last minute details for graduating seniors, etc. I am finding that I have to write myself notes and leave them where I will remember to look for them. Each day has a new note (but since I am a list checker-0ffer it is fun to see all of the checked marks).

As if that wasn't enough, in my delight at having free time after teaching school (instead of going to school at night), I have a major nesting/spring cleaning issue (NOOOOO, I am not expecting!).

In the last week we have planted our vegetable garden, worked in the yard, pruned all of our trees, made graduation gifts (I'll try to post pics later), cleaned out my closet, cleaned the pantry and refrigerator, and I even got out the ol' ironing board and iron and actually ironed...and the best part is that I enjoyed it! I have to laugh because ironing is so not my thing. I love the dryer setting that says "Refresh."

My family believes that I have lost it (they are kidding, I think) but they don't realize how good it feels to have the free time to get caught up on things that I have needed to do.

My neck is cooperating these days, most of the time, so I can finally work on my to-do list.

Tomorrow is our last day of school and then "School's out for Summer!" Woo-hoo!

I am looking forward to spending time with my family and taking time to rest and refresh my soul. It has been quite a semester. Tears flood my eyes as I reflect on all that has happened since January. I am so thankful for the all sufficiency of God! He is amazing.

Rachel is doing very well. Bless her heart, she still has daily headaches but she is doing really well. Due to her numerous absences this semester, she had to take all of her semester exams and she has done very well. She only has one to go in the morning.

Hannah had to take semester exams this year too. Wow! She is growing up. Both of the girls received their TAKS scores last week. Rachel was commended in History and Hannah was commended in English and Math. Thank You, Father!

Okay, okay, this has been a rather lengthy post.

I better get back to my "To-Do" List.

Ya'll have a great evening!

Joyfully,

Kristi

I Know You by Name!

The sunrise this morning was absolutely glorious! I just had to snap a picture.

The clouds are so heavy with blessed rain and yet the sun is peeking through the clouds.

I love that and I love the scripture the Lord showed me this morning.

Exodus 33:17 says, "You have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name."

That takes my breath away. In His great mercy, we have found grace in His sight and He knows us by name. What a blessed thought! Glory!

I have a student named "V" who is hoping to graduate from high school this Friday night. He has taken distance learning classes at the local college this spring and failed. The professor offered a little grace and had "V" sign up to take his Maymester in hopes that "V" would pass and be able to graduate with his friends.

"V" is very special to me. His mother kicked him out of the house early this spring and he was homeless for a few weeks until a wonderful christian family took him in (I didn't even know at the time, I just knew he was acting differently in class).

He shared his story and I bawled. He cried too. (I could cry again just thinking about our conversation). He was devastated when he didn't pass the DL class.

The Lord began to move in my heart that I have some study skills that "V" might be able to use so I eagerly shared them with him. He called me at home a few days later to tell me that he had passed his first exam with a score of 85. We rejoiced together! It was one of those amazing moments where God lets you be a part of what He is doing. I was filled with delight!

"V" did pretty well on the next test but not so well on the 3rd test. I prayed for him over the weekend as he studies for the semester exam. He called me last night to tell me that he passed the test, but according to his aunt he would not pass the class. He sobbed on the phone.

I encouraged him that by my calculations, he should pass the course, and placed a call to a mentor of mine that just might be able to do something about the situation.

Today, we play the waiting game. Please, join me in praying that the professor extends grace to "V." He should pass the course and be allowed to graduate. I encouraged my student to hang on to the Lord because nothing is impossible for Him. I have seen God do the impossible in my life over and over again.

I am praying that this young man sees God work in a mighty way and that this would be his opportunity to see God reveal Himself in a way that "V" has never seen before. Will you please join me in this prayer?

*****UPDATE: THE PROFESSOR DID HAVE MERCY AND "V" WILL GRADUATE FRIDAY ("v" Just doesn't know it yet. I can't wait to see the look on his face)! PRAISE THE LORD!!!!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS!

Remember, God knows you by name too and His grace is sufficient!

Joyfully,

Kristi

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Happy Memorial Day!

On this day...we remember!

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

With Gratitude,
Kristi

Praising the Most High

"I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High." Psalm 9:1-2

His praises are continually on my lips and my mind is constantly reflecting on His provision and sufficiency in this journey of faith.

I have had the words "Courage and Boldness" posted by my computer for the last 3 years as I stepped out into faith and went back to school. Here is part of my story:

Three years ago, He called me to have courage to be what He called me to be. He told me that His call on my life was on the other side of my river of fear. He said, "Kristi, you have to wade right into the water before the water will part. Press through your fear!"

Over and over, I asked Him for boldness to carry through with what He was calling me to do. My prayer was not simply for myself but for the ones that we are called to affect and impact.

The Lord constantly reminded me that we are "More than conquerors" and "All things work together for the good for those that are called according to His purpose," and that the legacy of faith and faithfulness "continues to the 1,000th generation."

I've looked at these typed words next to my computer often in the last 36 months. What a journey this has been with the Lord. I simply can't do justice to this journey with my words. It's just incredible what He has done!

I could cry some more as I type this. Last night, I received a call from the Superintendent. The School Board voted to hire me at their meeting last night. This afternoon I will have the blessing of signing my first official contract as a fully certified teacher (and the tears flow once again). Glory! Praise, You Father! You have done great and marvelous things! Thank you for this privilege. May You receive all the praise and all the glory! Thank you for this call on my life and thank you for the perseverance to press through my river of fear. I am now on the other side...I have reached my calling....and I wouldn't trade this amazing journey with You for the world!

What is God calling you to do for Him? Is there a river of fear standing in your way? Sweet friend, dive in and find Him all sufficient! Don't miss your journey of faith because of fear. Listen to His voice and He will guide you every step of the way. Your blessing may just depend on your willingness to step out in faith. I'm living proof!

Joyfully,

Kristi

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