Saturday...

It's been a good day and I thank God because I needed one. Of course, it didn't start out that way. It started at 2 a.m. with my husband and I having a disagreement or rather, a misunderstanding. But we worked it out for now I think...

We woke up this morning and he wanted to go out for breakfast just the two of us. I had planned on working out at the Y but I gave in, it is Cracker Barrel after all! Then we went to get groceries and back home for a little R & R.

We took the kids to see Toy Story 3 finally and it was awesome!!! But it also broke my heart.

I remember taking Dylan to see the first one when he was a little boy--just the two of us and we both fell in love with it! He was completely obsessed with Toy Story for a long time. He had all the toys and was even Buzz Lightyear the following Halloween (his cousin Zac was Woody and they were so precious together!)

Now, my little Buzz is all grown up (almost) and leaving for college in less than a year. Well, so was Andy! So it really hit home. I am SO NOT PREPARED for this phase of my life and I don't know how to handle it. I know I still have two daughters left at home that desperately need me and I know I'm only 40, in good health and good shape and I have a lot to look forward to. I know all that in my head. Telling it to my heart is a whole 'nother thing! I am not ready for my children to be grown up. I LOVE LOVE LOVE being their mom (and yes, I know I will ALWAYS be their mom) and I MISS MISS MISS them being little.

If I could impart ONE THING on all the parents out there who still have little ones--enjoy it while it lasts! Time is a thief and while it's exciting seeing them get to the next phase in their lives, it's stressful when you have so much to do and they can be so demanding, please please please understand--you NEVER GET THIS TIME BACK! And you can't "make up for it later"--just ask my own biological father. It simply doesn't work that way.

I don't mean to make anyone feel guilty for anything. I'm just saying--don't take it for granted. It is so precious.

So yes, the movie was HILLARIOUS and also very SAD at the end. I BAWLED LIKE A BIG OL' BABY and of course, the girls made fun of me (I tend to cry a lot at movies, heck, I cry at stop signs sometimes! lol) but I don't care.

It also reconfirmed what I knew to be true about myself already--I am CALLED to work with children. Childhood is SO IMPORTANT. As I continue to study and analyze my own childhood, the more I realize this to be true and the more I understand that not all adults/parents grasp that concept. So I for sure feel like this is exactly where God wants me to be right now. Making money is important, especially given the financial obligations STILL LOOMING (please pray hard) on the horizon for us. But I just have to trust that God will provide for our needs as long as I am obedient to His calling on my life. So I've narrowed down the job choices, at least. Now if I could only be clear on other things...but they are far more complicated.

I can't wait for tomorrow morning. I SO need me some church. I absolutely LOVE my church. If you ever get the opportunity to visit Church of the Highlands, you will not be disappointed. (and if you happen to go to the 9:30 Sunday morning service, let me know and I'll save you a seat).

When I am there, I truly feel in the presence of a loving God. I am surrounded by brothers and sistes of all colors, backgrounds, shapes, sizes--all walks of life. I have worshiped, hugged and prayed with hispanics, african americans, asians, people in torn jeans, tattoos, people of all ages...it really and truly feels like I imagine it will be in Heaven or when Jesus comes back. Not to mention the music is the best I've ever heard--completely awesome. Love love love our praise team, especially CJ Blount! We are so blessed that such an awesome young man uses that amazing talent to glorify the Lord.

I really hope Pastor Chris is back tomorrow. I have really missed him. He is so down to earth and so full of the spirit. He is truly annointed. But I admire and respect that he is where he needs to be (with his ailing father) and all of the pastoral staff is great.

The past three Wednesdays I have really been blessed to get to hear Pastor Joe McGee. He has been the guest pastor on Wednesdays and is truly hillarious! It's impossible to take notes from him though because he moves so quickly through everything but it's also impossible to NOT pay attention. If you ever get the opportunity to witness his amazing ministry, please don't pass it up.

I am also thankful to be getting back to a somewhat normal schedule next week--no more 11-6!!! Thank you, Jesus!!! I'm off Monday and Tuesday and so far, no real plans except to work out and lay by the pool! I just hope the weather cooperates!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!