Today marks the second year in a row where I will be saying good-bye to new friends. It’s been a year since we moved our family from Mansfield to Boerne and what a full year of adventures it has been. After Ryan and I left the Home Health business of seven years I decided I wanted to work in the schools so I could spend the most time with my children. The Lord blessed me and honored me with my desire as He opened the door for me to work at Wood Elementary with the best staff in Arlington ISD.

When I left Wood, I never thought I would be able to have the intimate relationships at my next school. I thought it was a rare treat to build those kind of bonds in such a short amount of time. Summer passed by quickly and my heart was growing anxious to meet the new team that I would work with. Before I knew it my first day of work had arrived and I was off to meet new friends.

Building relationships takes time. It doesn’t happen overnight. You have to be patient and willing to put yourself out there just as you are. I have learned that there will always be people that don’t like you, and that’s okay, but not to let those thoughts of what others think change you. God made you for a specific and divine purpose and if we are too afraid to show who we are, then they will miss out on seeing a beautiful YOU! I love David’s words in Psalm 139:14:

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

What if we all got up each morning and meditated these words to our Father! His works are wonderful! We are fearfully and wonderfully made! We have nothing to be afraid of! I just wonder if this world would be a little brighter when we recognize and show gratitude to the HOLY one that created us. I challenge you for the rest of this week to try it. See if it changes your perspective on who He created you to be. I’d love to hear how this exercise might have changed your outlook on your world and better yet, a better outlook of WHO YOU ARE!

I could NOT have done this year without Him. Everywhere I went there was a new face and a new person to meet. It was refreshing to be me and not afraid to show my faith to my new friends. I enjoyed telling many about my love for Him. In my sharing with them, it invited them to open up and share with me. Relationships began to blossom! Bonds were made and intimacy was experienced. I shared life with my “Lunch Bunch Girls.” Everyday we would share lunch together. We were soon praying for each other’s family’s. We even went to one of their mom’s funeral. We supported each other and celebrated too! Our birthday’s were marked with desserts and birthday cards!

The Kendall Office Team blew me away too. My favorite time was bowling together! It’s amazing what can happen when you cut lose and play games together. We were “The King Pin’s” and we were the team to beat as they were undefeated from the previous year. I don’t know if I was the one to bring them the bad luck but we did come in 2nd place this year. Bowling is not one of my gifts that He gave me but we sure had some fun!

My favorite part of the year had to be sharing it with my Ashley! Everyday we would drive in to school together and read the Jesus Calling devotion. We would digest what it meant and what we thought He was trying to speak to us in it. We grew so much closer and I enjoyed being able to hug her sweet neck everyday at lunch. God definitely knew what He was doing when He opened this door for our family.

Well, another door opened about a month ago for me. The Registrar position at Boerne High School opened up and I knew I had to interview. Our oldest will be a Freshman next year and for the next 8 years our babies will grace its hallways. I applied and interviewed and starting in the fall when Catherine heads off to High School I will be right there with her. I will meet new faces and friends again and for that I am very grateful. Kendall’s theme for the year was “Oh The Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss. One of my favorite quotes in the book says,

“You’re off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting, 
So…get on your way!”

So away I go to continue on the path He planned for me. I love that where He leads and open doors I will follow. Doors that are opened by Him are ALWAYS worth venturing! What doors has He opened for you? Are you willing to abandon the comfortable and venture into the unknown. Do you see yourself fearfully and wonderfully made? Are you fully aware that His works are wonderful? Our God doesn’t make mistakes when He creates. You are unique and beautiful just the way you are. So get out there and SHINE bright! Others will see Him and He will be glorified!

In closing, I wanted to share this poem that I received from Kendall’s Librarian. She is a very gifted writer. She would make me smile many times throughout the year with her witty rhymes and sense of humor. She left me with the biggest smile of the year when she shared this one with me. I LOVE it and I LOVE that she could see Him through me without me even saying a word!  Now that’s His glory!  Enjoy!!!  #gloryup

So long ~
Farewell ~
It’s time for you to go-oh
Before  ~
You do ~
There’s something you should know-oh……..

Though you never ever told me
Your actions, they did, always show me
Your graceful ways and smiling face
Brightened up our Kendall space!
Thanks for always being true
Thanks for always being YOU!