Blessings and More Blessings

Happy anniversary to us! Wow how two years fly. We've really grown a lot this year personally through trials and more disciplined daily devotions, and that had a HUGE impact on our marriage this year. We celebrated last week by going to paint pottery at a local place and out to eat to Applebee's with a gift card...yay for giving relatives. =)

Lot's of people have asked lately about my surgery recovery and how I'm feeling, so I guess I'll share a bit. =) Things are going well. The scar is definitely apparent and the fact that they took out some tissue along with the lump has changed some things, but I consider myself blessed that I still have "everything." I mean who am I to feel self-conscious about some changes when other ladies have cancer and lose everything. Still, I go through times where I look at pictures and realize things have changed. It's a day to day thing. =) On an AWESOME note...we got a bill for $5800 dollars from the hospital....our part we have to pay=ZERO! Marc said, "Maybe that's why God wanted me to work at UPS." For sure! It's been really hard for him lately there. He's exhausted. He'll be quitting as soon as he gets reimbursed for school, so this was the encouragement he needed to get through the next month or two.

We're loving starting to work at the church plant our church is sponsoring called Grace Community Baptist Church. We'll be in charge of youth, and we're excited. The three we have seem to be pumped about building from scratch. It will be a test of patience and reliance on God, but more than anything else it will be awesome! The church is very family-oriented, which we love! There are several young couples without kids, so we hope to make friends also! It has been overwelming to think of all we'll be in charge of, especially since I work full time also, but what better time to start than this summer when I have some time!

Speaking of summer...I'm busy! I had a week off then Wednesday I start my first two week grad school class...then a week or two break....then another two week class....then a week or two break...then back to school August 8th! During those "breaks" I'll be doing lots of professional development and school related meetings. So, I certainly can't complain about the nature of my job, namely have summer "off", but most don't realize how busy we still are. =) I met with my 4th grade team today for 6 hours and planned reading for next year, and it seems like it'll be awesome! I've had to let go of some of my control considering I've been by myself for two years, but it's so refreshing to see a team of teachers work together!! =)

Have I said God rocks? Well, he does! Marc and I have both been able to share with friends and family members lately and have seen some fruit from it. As I write this I am in awe of how He orchestrates our lives in such and intentional way...not always the way we want it (i.e. my surgery)...but then we always see His plan later on. Marc and I are working on memorizing this verse:

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

16Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Here are some photos from Aubrei and Dan's Wedding....it was so nice, and I enjoyed strutting my stuff in my new dress. =) Nothing like finding an outfit that makes you feel good! Take care everyone!