Exerpt from a letter a Jr. High student gave me last night:

"You are my light in my darkness
My shelter in a storm
You gave me strength when I was weak
And Your love to keep me warm
When I was hurting, lost, abused
It was your faith that I had used.
When I was cold, depress, and lonely
I stayed alive by your love only.
When I felt pushed or shunned away
It was your friendship made me stay.
I knew you loved me when you cared
You did what no one else had dared
You took the time to learn
To see what I really am in me
You listened to my thoughts and fears
And helped me wipe away my tears
You helped me learn respect
And love to pray to God my Lord above
You are my light in my darkness
And I hope you see
I'll love you Angela for eternity!"

Let the tears flow! Wow I will miss these students!

Riding Aslan the Lion

My dad has always told me that following Christ is like Lucy and Susan in C.S. Lewis' Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe. There is a section in the book right after the curse of the stone table is broken, and Aslan who was once dead is now alive. The girls who had just been weeping over His death, now find themselves on Aslan's back riding through the countryside.

"That ride was perhaps the most wonderful thing that had happened to Narnia...He rushes on and on never missing his footing, never hesitating, threading his way with perfect skill between tree trunks, jumping over bush and briar and the smaller streams...and you are riding not on a road nor in a park nor even on the downs, but right across Narnia in spring, down solemn avenues of beech and through wild orchards...the two girls, breathless but unhurt, found themselves tumbling off his back..."

I think much of life is to be lived in this way. We do not know when or where God is going to take us next...but yet He is very purposeful in every step and each way He takes us on.
As Jared and I face this new phase in life as we move from Southern California to Michigan-not yet having everything worked out-I am reminded of this example-that all we need to do is hold on tight to Christ and He will make it the most exciting, terrifying, yet amazing rides of our lives!

I bought a wedding dress!

How cool is that! It was from David's Bridal-the first of 3 appointments I had that day-but I never made it to the other 2! Since the dress was on the discontinued rack, and they had a sale that day-I got over half off on the dress!

As much of a dream come true as it is to buy and wear the dress I will get married in, it reminds me (as so much in this process does) of being presented before Christ as His Bride...what a beautiful moment that will be...thinking and imagining the look on Jared's face when he sees me for the first time on our wedding day-I can only imagine what it will be like on that day I am presented before Christ...

I am so thankful for the relationship and representation of our betrothal to Christ and a marriage relationship.

What a day that will be...

Who do you want to be like?

I want to be like my dad.

You see, there are a lot of role models we can have...teachers, pastors, mentors, musical inspirations, parents...

Fortunately for me, that is all the same person.

I know my dad is not perfect, but He is my role model. I want to be like him when I grow up...

Most of all because He affects lives for eternity every day...He is a fantastic leader and loves Jesus more and more every day.

I want to be like my dad.

Happy Birthday and Happy Father's Day Dad!

October 21, 2006-Our Wedding Day and Future Anniversary...

Wedding Plans, Moving Plans, Leaving a job/church, and Finishing Classes:

Well life is crazy right now that is for sure. All of you ladies who are going through or have gone through getting married, you understand the feeling of having your wedding and marriage CONSTANTLY on your mind! It's like I go to do something...anything...and bam! There my wedding ideas and thoughts are in my mind.
Along with planning our wedding, we are planning on moving...and trying to spend as much time as I can with my Jr. High students as well as finishing up a few classes!!!!
Insane!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But it is all good-and I am marrying the most amazing man in the world:)