Joy.

Joy is turning into an amazing girl.
Tonight we got our second, I am sorry to tell you that you did not make it" note. The ache and hurt that came from her cries broke my mommy heart. She wailed. She just knew it would say "congratulations! " and it said, " I am sorry." God knew just what the letter was going to say. I had prayed He would decide for Joy to be a cheerleader or not. It doesn't matter that the judges happen to be local people who had neices and cousins trying out. God was still in control. I know this. "The plans of a man he devises in his heart, but the Lord directs His steps". ( I think that is how it goes... I need to check on that! lol) As we drove home, Joy cried harder than I think I have ever seen her cry. It was one of those angry, exhausting, cleansing cries. But, I am so proud of her. Around six o'clock she began to call her friends and tell them that she was happy for them. And she would look at me and say, " I really am." I think that she really was happy for them. She is sad for herself, but she has found a way in her sweet heart, to be happy for her friends. There are a lot of adults who cannot do this. I am thankful for my girl. I am praying for the woman God is turning her into. I think she taught me a lot of lessons today.

WoW! What a year.

Thankfullly I am almost at the end of my first year teaching. Talk about learning experiences. God has given me so many... where should I begin? My first lesson was in loving your enemies. I had a woman at my school who informed me that "she couldn't stand to look at me." I explained to her that I couldn't help how I looked. Talk about hurting my feelings. She truly just couldn't stand me. I still do not know why, but I do pray for her when God lays her on my heart. I am thankful that much of that drama is now gone from my life. I am certain that God will replace it with some other amazing learning experience. I also have had some amazingly rough kids this year. I cannot believe that I have managed to make it throughout this year without doing something completely stupid....Well, I have done and said some stupid things.. lol.. I am praying about where God wants me next year. I am praying that eventually He will allow me to go into the regular education room. I think that if I don't get something in regular ed at the middle school, I am going to pray that the Lord would open something up for me at the elementary level. I don't think I can keep up with teaching Special Education for years and years.
Joy is growing up. She is trying out for cheerleading tomorrow. I have prayed God's precious will will prevail in her life. I only want her to be in the CENTER of His will.
Noel is loving the Washboard Band! She has found her niche' and does well at it. She got some sporty new glasses and they are adorable on her!
Clayton is a major player. Man, he will wear you slap out!! SERIOUSLY!! He is going to be our sports boy. He has loved baseball this year. I think we may look into him wrestling. Steve Greer is the coach and I feel like his army background would be amazing for Clayton.
Clay is still an amazing husband. God has been so good to me. God has blessed our ministry in so many ways. I look forward to our next 60 years together! :)
God is good.
All the time.
amen!
Amy