I'm going try and get back into blogging! It has been way too long, and I'm not sure how long it will last, but I did enjoy it before. So tomorrow I will be 28. It's crazy to think about that. 30 is right around the corner. Every year at my birthday a friend mine likes do this thing where we mention three great things that have happened this year and three things we are looking forward to in the next year. I'm not going to bore you all with the things that am looking forward to/hoping will happen in the next year, they are always the same for the most part. This year has brought about a lot of transitions and changes, so I am going to share three great things that happened to me this year. Let's go in order...
1) New Job- In April I started a new job at First Baptist Children's Ministry. I could not be happier! It's funny because when I first got my degree in Child Development, I remember telling my Mom if I could choose where I wanted to work it would be First Baptist. I knew a lot of kids that went there, and I heard nothing but great things about the center. Plus it's a church, so I wouldn't have to hide my love for Jesus, instead that would be something I could share with my kids. In April my dream came true. I am so thankful to have a job that I love. My co-workers are amazing, and I have made friendships with a lot of them very quickly. I teach 3-4 year olds, which is where my heart is. It has been a great experience and I am looking forward to many more years at FBCM!
2) New House- In June, I made the decision to move out on my own! It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I love my parents, but there is nothing like being on my own, and doing what I want do when I want to do it. I also love that I can have people over at my house. During this process I have learned to cook, which has been fun! I am looking forward to cooking some more with new things that I got for Christmas. I am so close to everything, and it is perfect! I am also learning to budget-when you live on your own, you have a lot of bills to pay. I could not have made it without my parents help, but I am so thankful that I was able to do this! I have learned a lot about myself which has been good! In just a few weeks, I am going to have a new neighbor which I am also very excited about!!
3) New Church-which also brings new community! The month of November brought a change in church membership. Since I moved to Lincolnton I started going to Freedom. Most of my friends go there, and since Pastor Clint came he brought a lot of people around my age that I have built relationships with. I loved Mount Anderson, but it's about a 20-25 minute drive my house. Freedom is about 2. I prayed a lot about this decision, for months and months because I wanted to make sure this is where God is calling me. I felt the Lord speak clearer than ever during this time. So Freedom is now home, and I am growing, learning more about Christ. This also brings a new community. I have made some great new friends during this time that I will forever be grateful for. I'm also thankful for old friendships that have grown because we are seeing each other more often. I am thankful to have a great group of people to do life with!
So 27 brought about a lot of changes, which were all good! So bring it on 28 let's see what you got!!!
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
The Republic of Georgia
I'm back!!! Sorry it has been SO long!! 6 months...goodness!! I have a confession, now that I have a Iphone I hardly every use my computer. I know how awful that is, and I am trying to do better. So my life has changed a lot over the past 6 months. I finished my first year of teaching...praise Jesus! There were days were I wasn't sure that I would make it through the year, but I did! And let me just say I was one sad woman when I had to tell my sweet babies goodbye.
Most importantly I want to share with you what God has been doing in my life. A couple months ago we were doing a ladies bible study at my church on the book of Nehemiah. I will be honest I have not really studied the bible like I should until this study. It really made me dig deeper and I gained a yearning for the Word like never before. During this study we talked a lot about having a heart that can break. I was trying to think when is the last time that my heart has really been broken before the Lord? Kelly Minter was the writer of this study, and her and her family traveled to the Amazon many times. So as I was digging into the book of Nehemiah I really felt the Lord tell me that I need to go. Go where? Somewhere where I could share the news of Jesus and eventually have my heart broken for the Lord. Don't you just love the way the Lord works things out? Listen to this...
I have had the privilege to know Tim and Katie Douglas for many years. I first met them at Boger City and they are currently serving in the Republic of Georgia. They had to come to the U.S. for a few months because Katie was pregnant and needed to have their child here. So they came and got to be a part of the Mount Anderson family for a few months and I loved every second of it. While they were there Tim took on the roll of our Associate Pastor and there were talks of a possible trip to the Republic of Georgia. I was so excited, I was like this is my opportunity. Originally the plan was to go next summer, I was like okay I can do that. That will give me some time to save some money and to make sure 100% that I want to go. Well God had another plan....We had a few people show a lot of interest and so they decided to get a trip together this summer. I will admit at first I was freaking out about the money, about should I go, should I not? But when God calls you to do something, you just do it without hesitation (or with as little as hesitation as possible).
I say all that to say this....I AM GOING TO THE REPUBLIC OF GEORGIA ON TUESDAY!!!!!! I am utterly amazed at the way the Lord has provided. In the beginning I was so worried about the money. Tim said to me many times, "Winter the money will come, don't worry." And guess what? It did. The Lord is not going to call us somewhere and not provide. I had to learn that the hard way, but I am beyond grateful. (Thank you to all of those who donated)!!! I am going with a team of six people, and I am very excited! We will be doing some VBS and sports camp with the children. We are also going to a remote area to help out some refugees and do a baptismal service.
Please please be in prayer for our team!! Pray for safe travels and for lives to be changed. I would also ask that you pray for me. Pray that the Lord will take away my anxiousness that I have about flying. I have only flown once and I was really young so I don't really remember it. But I know that the Lord has called me to go, and so I am not going to let this keep me from doing His will. Thank you in advance!!
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8
Winter
Most importantly I want to share with you what God has been doing in my life. A couple months ago we were doing a ladies bible study at my church on the book of Nehemiah. I will be honest I have not really studied the bible like I should until this study. It really made me dig deeper and I gained a yearning for the Word like never before. During this study we talked a lot about having a heart that can break. I was trying to think when is the last time that my heart has really been broken before the Lord? Kelly Minter was the writer of this study, and her and her family traveled to the Amazon many times. So as I was digging into the book of Nehemiah I really felt the Lord tell me that I need to go. Go where? Somewhere where I could share the news of Jesus and eventually have my heart broken for the Lord. Don't you just love the way the Lord works things out? Listen to this...
I have had the privilege to know Tim and Katie Douglas for many years. I first met them at Boger City and they are currently serving in the Republic of Georgia. They had to come to the U.S. for a few months because Katie was pregnant and needed to have their child here. So they came and got to be a part of the Mount Anderson family for a few months and I loved every second of it. While they were there Tim took on the roll of our Associate Pastor and there were talks of a possible trip to the Republic of Georgia. I was so excited, I was like this is my opportunity. Originally the plan was to go next summer, I was like okay I can do that. That will give me some time to save some money and to make sure 100% that I want to go. Well God had another plan....We had a few people show a lot of interest and so they decided to get a trip together this summer. I will admit at first I was freaking out about the money, about should I go, should I not? But when God calls you to do something, you just do it without hesitation (or with as little as hesitation as possible).
I say all that to say this....I AM GOING TO THE REPUBLIC OF GEORGIA ON TUESDAY!!!!!! I am utterly amazed at the way the Lord has provided. In the beginning I was so worried about the money. Tim said to me many times, "Winter the money will come, don't worry." And guess what? It did. The Lord is not going to call us somewhere and not provide. I had to learn that the hard way, but I am beyond grateful. (Thank you to all of those who donated)!!! I am going with a team of six people, and I am very excited! We will be doing some VBS and sports camp with the children. We are also going to a remote area to help out some refugees and do a baptismal service.
Please please be in prayer for our team!! Pray for safe travels and for lives to be changed. I would also ask that you pray for me. Pray that the Lord will take away my anxiousness that I have about flying. I have only flown once and I was really young so I don't really remember it. But I know that the Lord has called me to go, and so I am not going to let this keep me from doing His will. Thank you in advance!!
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8
Winter
Thursday, January 3, 2013
New Year. New Me.
This post was inspired by my best friend Anna. While attending a New Year's Eve party the other night, she came up with an idea that her family does every birthday. You say three good things about the past year and three things you are looking forward to in the coming year. I have never really been big on making new year's resolutions I really liked this idea. So here are mine...
3 good things from 2012
1. Getting a job-although there are days where I question if this is where I am supposed to be I am thankful to have a job doing something that I love. I am thankful that I now feel financially stable and that I don't have to ask my parents for money.
2. In June 2012 my best friend came home from Argentina. This is a good thing because although we talked while she was gone, it was def not the same has having her here every day and just being able to pick up the phone to call her. I know that her time in Argentina was the biggest blessing for her, and that she has grown so much. I am glad she is home!
3. Realizing how important family is. I know how cliche this sounds, but it's the truth. When you think family is the only thing you got, you realize not to take them for granted. I am very grateful for mine especially during this past year.
3 things I am looking forward to in 2013
1. Losing weight and starting a healthier lifestyle!
2. Growing in Christ even more! I feel that 2013 is going to be a great year and that God has big things in store for me! I can't wait to see what these things are.
3. You knew it was coming-the possibility of meeting my future husband. I know that this may not be the year, but I am being hopeful in prayer that it is. But it will all depend on God's timing. Trust me I'm ready.
Happy New Year!! Looking forward to a great 2013
3 good things from 2012
1. Getting a job-although there are days where I question if this is where I am supposed to be I am thankful to have a job doing something that I love. I am thankful that I now feel financially stable and that I don't have to ask my parents for money.
2. In June 2012 my best friend came home from Argentina. This is a good thing because although we talked while she was gone, it was def not the same has having her here every day and just being able to pick up the phone to call her. I know that her time in Argentina was the biggest blessing for her, and that she has grown so much. I am glad she is home!
3. Realizing how important family is. I know how cliche this sounds, but it's the truth. When you think family is the only thing you got, you realize not to take them for granted. I am very grateful for mine especially during this past year.
3 things I am looking forward to in 2013
1. Losing weight and starting a healthier lifestyle!
2. Growing in Christ even more! I feel that 2013 is going to be a great year and that God has big things in store for me! I can't wait to see what these things are.
3. You knew it was coming-the possibility of meeting my future husband. I know that this may not be the year, but I am being hopeful in prayer that it is. But it will all depend on God's timing. Trust me I'm ready.
Happy New Year!! Looking forward to a great 2013
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Letting Go
As I mentioned in my last blog I am really struggling with this phase of life that I am currently in. I am trying to find my place in this world. I'm not sure why I act like God isn't going to give me what I need or that he isn't going to see something through, because he always does. This morning Maria gave her testimony to our Sunday School class. Something I needed to hear. She talked about how we (as women) always have a plan. We plan out our entire lives. For example. I wanted to be married by now, and at least having a child or two. But guess what I'm not. Maria had the same sort of plan as in the fact that she wanted to get married and have kids right after college. She was with this guy for 6 years and thought he was on the one. But long behold God had another plan. And it was Jason. The man of her dreams. Never in a million years would she have thought she would have waited that long to get married. Long story, short her testimony inspired me because I am all the time planning my entire life. I need to learn to LET GO. I need to trust that God has his OWN plan, that in the long run will be way better than mine. His plan will meet all of my needs in HIS TIMING which is the hardest part.
Friday, November 16, 2012
I'm Back
I'm BACK!! I know it has been awhile..months actually. Having a big girl job keeps me pretty busy and I do not have a lot of time for blogging. There are a lot of things going on here lately that I want to update you on...
First things first, please be in prayer for some very close friends of mine and their church. And also my old youth pastor Eric. His life is being dramatically changed, and I'm hoping that he will use these changes for God's glory. It's funny because I feel like sometimes we don't see the bigger picture and then something happens and it's like wow...I get it. Eric is someone who "raised" me in youth, and I'm not sure I would be where I am in my life now without him. Please be in prayer for him, and his family.
Wedding season is in full swing again. The next few months are going to be filled with showers, bachelorette parties, and weddings. My friend Jessie (who I mentioned in the last blog) is getting married on December 15th. I was asked to be one of her honorary bridesmaids and I was delighted. Jessie is a great friend and I cannot wait to share this special day with her and Hayden. My friend Donia FINALLY got engaged to her boyfriend Robert. Let me tell you this is one engagement I (and Donia) have been waiting on for a super long time. Robert originally told me he was going to do it last December, and yet here we are in November and it just happened. It was well worth the wait, and I am thrilled for them!!
I am still struggling a little bit with this phase of life I am in. 25 is such a hard age! Let's not talk about the fact that I am going to be 26 next month...blah! It's so weird because most of my friends that are my age are either engaged, married, or having babies. I am not doing any of those things. Yes-I have a good job that I love, but I am single and starting to feel like I don't really fit in anywhere. You always hear people say that when you go to college it's the biggest change of your life. I beg to differ, I think when you graduate from college and get a real job is the biggest change of your life. The real world is tough and I am leaning that the hard way.
Life is hard, Life is all about change, Things happen when you least expect them. I am praying and believing God for bigger and better things!
Happy Friday
First things first, please be in prayer for some very close friends of mine and their church. And also my old youth pastor Eric. His life is being dramatically changed, and I'm hoping that he will use these changes for God's glory. It's funny because I feel like sometimes we don't see the bigger picture and then something happens and it's like wow...I get it. Eric is someone who "raised" me in youth, and I'm not sure I would be where I am in my life now without him. Please be in prayer for him, and his family.
Wedding season is in full swing again. The next few months are going to be filled with showers, bachelorette parties, and weddings. My friend Jessie (who I mentioned in the last blog) is getting married on December 15th. I was asked to be one of her honorary bridesmaids and I was delighted. Jessie is a great friend and I cannot wait to share this special day with her and Hayden. My friend Donia FINALLY got engaged to her boyfriend Robert. Let me tell you this is one engagement I (and Donia) have been waiting on for a super long time. Robert originally told me he was going to do it last December, and yet here we are in November and it just happened. It was well worth the wait, and I am thrilled for them!!
I am still struggling a little bit with this phase of life I am in. 25 is such a hard age! Let's not talk about the fact that I am going to be 26 next month...blah! It's so weird because most of my friends that are my age are either engaged, married, or having babies. I am not doing any of those things. Yes-I have a good job that I love, but I am single and starting to feel like I don't really fit in anywhere. You always hear people say that when you go to college it's the biggest change of your life. I beg to differ, I think when you graduate from college and get a real job is the biggest change of your life. The real world is tough and I am leaning that the hard way.
Life is hard, Life is all about change, Things happen when you least expect them. I am praying and believing God for bigger and better things!
Happy Friday
Friday, August 17, 2012
Growing Up
I am now entering this phase of my life that some would call ADULTHOOD. Although technically by law you are an adult when you turn 18, I don't think you have really achieved adulthood until you have graduated college, started a big girl job, got married, have kids, etc. I believe that all of the things contribute to adulthood...Why you ask? Because all of these things consist of doing at least some part of these things on your own. Let me be the first to tell you that growing up is hard to do.
It's weird because this weekend is when the majority of college students go back to school. This is the first time in 2 years that I am not moving back to Boone. There are some days where I wish I could move back to Boone, but then there are other days where I am so thankful that I don't have to deal with the stress of registering for classes, or moving into a new place. Now I am having to deal with the stress of making sure my classroom is ready for 18 preschoolers. Which is also a lot of stress, but I am also very excited about beginning my big girl job. It's hard to believe that I am the LEAD TEACHER. I am in complete control of 18 children, and their lives are in my hands for most of the day. I am trying to prepare my heart and my head for this. I am a lucky girl because my internship was better than I could have ever imagined, and I learned from one of the best teachers around, I am still a little nervous about having my own classroom and my own set of children. Please pray for me in the coming weeks that God will give me a peace about getting everything done, and a heart that is so ready to love on these children as they enter my classroom.
Back to the growing up thing. As most of you know I have attendeda few a ton of weddings in my day. Just recently two of my very close friends got engaged. My friend Nicole to her lifetime boyfriend Alex. My lifelong friend and old roommate Jessie to her boyfriend Hayden. I could not be more excited for these two couples!! Another part of growing up is getting married, but I am patiently waiting on God's time for that. On another note, my friend Emaly (who is the same age of me) just had her first child on August 7th. This is another event that blows my mind. She has a baby, she is my age, and one of "us." But let me tell you how much I love that little baby already. His name his Micah Parker Williams and he is absolutely adorable!
So between big girl jobs, engagements, and having kids I would say that most of my friends and I are now in the full stages of adulthood. Stay tuned it should be a good ride...
XOXO
It's weird because this weekend is when the majority of college students go back to school. This is the first time in 2 years that I am not moving back to Boone. There are some days where I wish I could move back to Boone, but then there are other days where I am so thankful that I don't have to deal with the stress of registering for classes, or moving into a new place. Now I am having to deal with the stress of making sure my classroom is ready for 18 preschoolers. Which is also a lot of stress, but I am also very excited about beginning my big girl job. It's hard to believe that I am the LEAD TEACHER. I am in complete control of 18 children, and their lives are in my hands for most of the day. I am trying to prepare my heart and my head for this. I am a lucky girl because my internship was better than I could have ever imagined, and I learned from one of the best teachers around, I am still a little nervous about having my own classroom and my own set of children. Please pray for me in the coming weeks that God will give me a peace about getting everything done, and a heart that is so ready to love on these children as they enter my classroom.
Back to the growing up thing. As most of you know I have attended
So between big girl jobs, engagements, and having kids I would say that most of my friends and I are now in the full stages of adulthood. Stay tuned it should be a good ride...
XOXO
Monday, June 18, 2012
Changes
I know that I have been MIA lately. I have sat down a dozen times to write this blog, but then realized that I didn't have enough time or something else came up. Here it goes...to say life has been busy is an understatement. I have gone through a lot of changes in the past few weeks and I am excited and sad about some of them.
I spent the last day of school with my kids at my internship. We had a little graduation thing for them and it was precious. I was so sad! I can't believe the school year was over and that I finally had to say goodbye to these kids for the last time. One of my sweet little girls in my class made me this teacher bag with her hand prints on it that stood as the flowers. She wrote my name on it and her name, and the year. It was the cutest thing and I cannot wait to use it. Saying goodbye to my kids was hard, but I know they are going to go on to be the best kids they can be. I am thankful that I got to be a part of that.
In other news, my plans for the summer I have changed. I thought that I was going to be keeping the Carpenter girls all summer, but I am not. They had some family members step up and volunteer to keep them for the summer for free. Completely understandable, but I was very sad. I spent two days with them last week and those were my last two days with them. One day Caroline cried and on the last day Julia would not let me go. I was so heartbroken for them. I know that they were looking forward to spending the summer with me, and now that as all changed. I will miss them dearly. So what am I doing this summer? Working at BBQ King of course. I am so thankful for that job, and thankful that Keith is going to let me work this summer. I also plan to go to the Outer Banks with my WHOLE family, and hopefully make a visit to Boone very soon. I miss that place like crazy. Also, a HUGE event that is happening tomorrow is that my best friend ANNA SIPE is coming home from Argentina for good. It has been two years, which some days is hard to believe, but I am so excited to have her back in my life on a day-to-day basis. Although I will say since she has been gone I feel that our friendship has only strengthened but because we have managed to stay in contact and put forth the effort to remain close. I can't imagine what my reaction is going to be tomorrow when I see her, and know that she is home for good. I AM SO EXCITED just thinking about it!
More exciting news....
After my internship I was in full-job hunt mode. I was freaking out thinking that I wasn't going to find anything, and I knew that my parents would not be happy. Being in a school setting for my internship I decided that I was ready to try something else and that I really wanted to be in a center if possible. Well as luck would have it I called this place in Denver (that I had heard really good things about) called Ms. Em's Child Development Center. The Director told me that they had a lead teacher position open for NC Pre-K starting in August. I thought...how perfect! Because my internship was with NC Pre-K so I already knew the curriculum and was comfortable in that setting. I filled out the application, went an for an interview, and GOT THE JOB!!! Ahhhh...I am so excited. God is so good!! Not only do I get to work in a center, but I am getting paid through the state and benefits through the state.They also operate on the public school calender. So it's almost like I am working in the public school but I am not. The best of both worlds? Possibly. It is hard for me to fathom the fact that I am going to be in charge of my own kids come August. I have an assistant-that's crazy to me. Do I feel prepared? Well yes-mainly because I had the best cooperating Pre-K teacher in the world. Thank you Rosemary! So I will start in August, but this summer will also consist of a lot of planning. I am going to have my own classroom! Hello BIG GIRL STATUS! I can't wait to start this journey of being in the real world! Life after college isn't that bad!
That's all for now!
I spent the last day of school with my kids at my internship. We had a little graduation thing for them and it was precious. I was so sad! I can't believe the school year was over and that I finally had to say goodbye to these kids for the last time. One of my sweet little girls in my class made me this teacher bag with her hand prints on it that stood as the flowers. She wrote my name on it and her name, and the year. It was the cutest thing and I cannot wait to use it. Saying goodbye to my kids was hard, but I know they are going to go on to be the best kids they can be. I am thankful that I got to be a part of that.
In other news, my plans for the summer I have changed. I thought that I was going to be keeping the Carpenter girls all summer, but I am not. They had some family members step up and volunteer to keep them for the summer for free. Completely understandable, but I was very sad. I spent two days with them last week and those were my last two days with them. One day Caroline cried and on the last day Julia would not let me go. I was so heartbroken for them. I know that they were looking forward to spending the summer with me, and now that as all changed. I will miss them dearly. So what am I doing this summer? Working at BBQ King of course. I am so thankful for that job, and thankful that Keith is going to let me work this summer. I also plan to go to the Outer Banks with my WHOLE family, and hopefully make a visit to Boone very soon. I miss that place like crazy. Also, a HUGE event that is happening tomorrow is that my best friend ANNA SIPE is coming home from Argentina for good. It has been two years, which some days is hard to believe, but I am so excited to have her back in my life on a day-to-day basis. Although I will say since she has been gone I feel that our friendship has only strengthened but because we have managed to stay in contact and put forth the effort to remain close. I can't imagine what my reaction is going to be tomorrow when I see her, and know that she is home for good. I AM SO EXCITED just thinking about it!
More exciting news....
After my internship I was in full-job hunt mode. I was freaking out thinking that I wasn't going to find anything, and I knew that my parents would not be happy. Being in a school setting for my internship I decided that I was ready to try something else and that I really wanted to be in a center if possible. Well as luck would have it I called this place in Denver (that I had heard really good things about) called Ms. Em's Child Development Center. The Director told me that they had a lead teacher position open for NC Pre-K starting in August. I thought...how perfect! Because my internship was with NC Pre-K so I already knew the curriculum and was comfortable in that setting. I filled out the application, went an for an interview, and GOT THE JOB!!! Ahhhh...I am so excited. God is so good!! Not only do I get to work in a center, but I am getting paid through the state and benefits through the state.They also operate on the public school calender. So it's almost like I am working in the public school but I am not. The best of both worlds? Possibly. It is hard for me to fathom the fact that I am going to be in charge of my own kids come August. I have an assistant-that's crazy to me. Do I feel prepared? Well yes-mainly because I had the best cooperating Pre-K teacher in the world. Thank you Rosemary! So I will start in August, but this summer will also consist of a lot of planning. I am going to have my own classroom! Hello BIG GIRL STATUS! I can't wait to start this journey of being in the real world! Life after college isn't that bad!
That's all for now!
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