Good News!!!

I just received a call. I will be teaching 4th graders next year. I'm really excited about this opportunity. I think I will also be coaching basketball and, maybe, softball. WOO HOO!! This is something that I've had to be patient to find out, but the Lord is faithful! I go tomorrow to see my room where I'll be teaching 20+ brains what they need to know for the next year! Its kind of intimidating, though, that I will be solely responsible for the education of 20+ students for an entire year. The Lord has entrusted me with these students, and I'll do my best to make an impact on their life forever. What an amazing opportunity I've been given!

My husband is wonderful. Really, he's great. He can be such a sweetheart when he really tries. Just a simple note to tell me he loves me makes my day. He can turn the worst day into the best day by a smile or hug. When I've come home after a long day of arguing with patients, its a breath of fresh air for him to wrap his arms around me, kiss me on the forhead, and tell me his missed me. Yes, its a little gushy, so stop reading if you don't like it.
Today, for instance, he's bringing me and my co-workers lunch. Being able to see him in the middle of my day is great. It makes me anxious to see him in the morning and refreshed in the afternoon. I just want the last few hours to pass by quickly, though, so I can see him at home!
I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful husband. I know I'm not the greatest wife, but I sure strive to be. We often have discussions about how we can be a better husband/wife for each other. Instead of letting those discussions lead to arguments, we are able to be open and honest and get issues resolved. I love the fact that I know he's going to be there for me, supporting me and loving me every step of our lives. I love the fact that he is a man of God. His heart's desire is to lead us in a way that is pleasing to the Father. When problems or trials arise, the first thing he wants to do is pray with me about it. He's so great!
Also...he's really silly. When we were dating, he would do silly things just to see me smile. Often times I was laughing AT him and not WITH him and his silliness. Now, he still tries to do those things, but more often than not he's just ridiculous! But his smile is contagious. Whether he's really funny or not, I just can't help but smile at him. God knew that I needed someone to laugh with me because He knows I have lots of reasons to be laughed at!
He's a youth pastor and a good one at that. The kids love him because he's so silly and will play outside with them. Its a joy to sit back and watch how the Lord is using his silliness for His glory.
Well, I guess I just wanted to write about Aaron Pontious just because. So...there's a little information for you about him.

The Parentals

I have the most amazing parents. Period. End of story. I thought they were just "alright" when I was young, but the older I get, the more I grow to appreciate the gift I've been granted in them. Ephesians 6:1 was always in front of my brother and me . We memorized it and were reminded of it every time we would disobey or question our parents authority. It wasn't just them that had authority over us, but God's word clearly stated, "Children, OBEY your parents in the Lord for this is right." How can you argue with that? It's very obvious what the point of that passage is! Even now I think of several times that I got in trouble. I can also think of times I probably should've gotten into trouble, but for one reason or another, I didn't. I vividly remember a couple of times that mom would say the worst thing to me...EVER..."Casey, I'm disappointed in you." UGH! Just spank me a million times, ground me, cut my leg off...but DON'T tell me you're disappointed. I would cry and cry and cry at that statement. I didn't want to disappoint her...and I didn't want to disappoint my Father either. I knew that was the case. It was those hand full of times that I learned my lesson the best.
I remember as a little bity girl, bath time. Mom would leave me in the tub to play, and when my hands were pruny, dad would come in and wash me. When bath time was over, I'd hear him sing, "Stand up, stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the cross..." I ate it up! I would sing along. Even when I got older and would take a bath, I would hum the song or at least think about it.
We had scripture all over the house. We listened to Christian music in the car. We had discussions about Jesus...and the Bible...and everything else under the Son. (pun intended) Those were just the kinds of things my parents knew we should be talking about. Philipians 4:8...that was their motto in our household.
When I was in the 5th grade, our school added a 5th and 6th grade center. Dad took me to school every morning. I remember when we were on our way to school, dad would reach over, turn the radio off and ask, "is it your turn or mine?" You see, we took turns praying every morning. I mean EVERY morning! If we forgot, I'd just sit with him in the parking lot at school and pray before getting out of the car. Some mornings, my grandpa would have to take me for one reason or another. I always wanted to make sure our day was covered in prayer.
I've been thinking a lot about this lately. As I make the 30+ minute drive to work every morning, I carry on our tradition from 5th grade. Its part of my time alone...with God. He meets with me on Interstate 24 Eastbound and sits in my car with me, figuratively speaking. I cherish those moments I spent meeting with the Lord, my dad, and my grandpa. Now, those moments are few and far between with my dad, but I can still meet with my Father any time. And now, my grandpa is spending every second of eternity at the feet of Jesus. One day, I'll be there too...because of little moments like these, I know without doubt I will.
So, thanks to my parents for "bringing me up in the way [I] should go." I'm still working on it, and will continue to, but I think I'm going the right way.

Weekend in Oklahoma

I just returned from Oklahoma for Gary and Cassie's wedding. It was a good, but busy week/weekend. There were a few interesting and unforgettable moments the few days I was there. First of all, I got pulled over taking the dresses to get them steamed. Oh well...no ticket. Second, Alison and I were in a wedding for some people who had called Bro. Jeff that morning and told him they wanted to get married. He counseled with them and decided to go ahead with the ceremony. I was the best man and Alison was the maid of honor. Quite interesting! The sanctuary was already decorated and we were both in shorts, t-shirts and flip-flops! heheThird, I haven't had my ears pierced since I was 6. I was highly allergic to any and every kind I could find. These holes have been plugged up now for 16 years! Cassie had forgotten that I don't wear earrings. I couldn't be the only bridesmaid without them, though. So, I tried putting them in. The left one went in just fine...imagine that! The right, however, was a bit more difficult. I ended up having to pierce it again with the earring. OUCH! But, I did get them in and wore them in the wedding. It was such a sweet ceremony. I loved being able to watch my best friend marry the love of her life. Gary is such a wonderful man and Cassie a lovely Godly lady. Congratulations to the two of them. It truly was an honor to get to be a part of their day!