No Regrets

You know, there's PLENTY of things I could say about my past that I regret. Things both said and done. Things NOT said and done. So, back in June as school was nearing an end, I couldn't help but think about how fast the time was passing with my children and the many regrets I probably could list as a parent. I used to laugh and often ignore the comments I'd hear my parents, grandparents, or others say about kids growing up. "Oh, they grow so fast. Before you know it, they're grown and gone. " Or "Enjoy them now while you can. They leave home too soon." All of the sudden, these people were right! My kids grew up! What in the world?! The Lord began to impress on me just how precious my time with them was, and that I did not have to have regrets. He wanted me to be intentional about our time together as a family this summer and my time pouring into others in general. It's so easy to hide behind computers and doors instead of put ourselves out there for real relationships. So, I did. And boy did I learn a lot! I am SO grateful that as summer ends, I can say I have NO regrets. It's been a wonderful summer in every way! Just a recap of all we've done, seen, and experienced.....

June began with Beach Days. Several moms from church and their kids go out to some of the local beaches once a week. Two groups went this summer due to the various schedules of families. Our day was Monday. What a blast! A summer full of memories right there! While I love hanging on the shore with the moms, I could also be found out riding some waves with the kids. It was so much fun! Ashtyn got to go to CreationFest with some of the youth in Pa. and came back renewed and strengthened. I could really see some changes in her, and it warmed this mama's heart. I realized we didn't have to be together for us to experience some awesome times. Letting her go was a hard job for me, but just a glimpse of a couple of years ahead. So, it helped me to trust God and to cherish our time together even more through the summer. I do love my girl! Also, beach days not only allowed the opportunity for me and the kids to be together, but also strengthened friendships around me. I really grew close to some other families through that time. Fun stuff!

July was here before we knew it, and that meant our annual July 4 Block Party. This is the 3rd year we've held this, and there were no disappointments this year! So much fun! We have a moon bounce, water games, He-Man Horseshoe tournament, face painting, and a Blue Ribbon Dessert contest. Just good old-fashioned fun with our church family and neighbors. Oh, and it's not summer on the shore until you go to the Wachapreague carnival!

Our church held a Movie Night downtown at the Gazebo area later in July. We showed a family friendly movie and served popcorn. It was a lot of fun getting to meet more people out in our community and offering this to them. We also rented out the bowling alley and had a blast as a church family. Andrew has been playing guitar and singing, so several of his friends were found here at our home this summer banging their guitars together. Yes, the walls were shaking, the earth was quaking, and my mind was aching,.....but I kept thinking of the fact that I would miss this one day. It changed my perspective and I got to the point that I LOVED hearing it...most days. :) They still tend to congregate here, and that's just fine with me. Some girlfriends from church and I did a Bible study starting in July that truly changed my life. You can read more about it here on my blog, but I cannot say enough of how powerful this was in my life. In addition, through those 6 weeks, I formed new friendships and deepened old ones. I've never experienced such authentic friends in such a short time. It was a GOD thing for sure! We continue to stay close despite the fact our study is over. We are committed friends! True sisters! My Bible Fellowship class has grown as well. Many of these gals were in both groups actually. Like Ally, the little sister I never had. She's in the pic above, but you can't see her there in the back, so I had to put her on here. God's taught me so much through this little gal. I can say "little gal" cause she's almost young enough to be mine. She has such a fresh perspective of faith and encourages me so much. We have shared a lot this summer , and I am thankful for her faithful friendship. Sean performed the marriage ceremony for her and her hubby almost a year ago now, and they just found out they are expecting a new baby in late April/early May!

The ladies from class have such a great time studying together and hanging out. Between these two groups, this summer has been a great time of growth and fellowship! I've found prayer warriors and accountability in new friends and grown in older ones. It's hard for Minister's Wives to find this, so I count it a real blessing that I have. If you are in ministry and struggle with intimate friendships, I encourage you to take the initiative. Put yourself out there. Invest the time. Gather some friends for a small Bible study and see what God will do with a heart that is honest and open. Go ahead...I dare ya! :) Towards the end of the month, one of my lifelong forever friends, Mori and her family got to come spend some time with us here on the shore. We call ourselves "Thelma and Louise." It's a long story... Regardless of the distance in miles or time apart, we can always pick up as if no time has passed.

August brought some exciting news. God brought us a new student pastor, Shane Becton. He doesn't actually start until Sept. 13, but I served on the search committee, so I had the privilege of getting to know Shane and his wife Holly earlier than most. Holly and I have so much in common, it's almost scary! We instantly clicked,...much like our worship pastor's wife, Anne and I. We view ministry very much the same, and have already shared so many ministry stories. We've prayed together, laughed together, and already become great friends. I cannot WAIT to have them here to do life together. It's so cool to see how God has brought this staff together. Here's a picture of me, Jodie, our Admin. Assistant, and Anne. We can't wait for Holly to join us. We share a VERY special bond of friendship and I am grateful for these gals! It's very exciting to see the great fit of Shane in our staff. My kids are the most excited I have seen them in a long time, too. Such a blessing to see them pray for this and see God move. Beach days wound down after the first part of August, and then we went on vacation to Gatlinburg. We are so thankful to not only serve in ministry with a wonderful staff, but to also be best of friends with them, too. Many churches cannot say the same about their staff. We went away to Gatlinburg with the Griefs for 4 nights in August. It was a total blast. Now, I know why many churches send their staff away together on a "staff retreat. " It only strengthens the relationship, which strengthens the church. It's just a privilege to call them "friends". After 4 days, we each went our separate ways for the rest of our vacation, and the five of us visited with family in Kentucky. It was a whirlwind few days, but we were very grateful for the chance to see our parents, grandparents, and siblings, since we probably won't see them the rest of the year. We sure do miss them. Andrew turned 17 on August 20th. I couldn't help but think of this being his last birthday as a minor. Sniff, sniff. What happened to my baby boy? We equipped him well with more U.K. stuff while we were in Ky.! :) The last week of August, Sean, Baylee, and I got to serve here on the shore in one of the migrant camps. (I wrote about this below.) It was a local mission project here in our community...at least we thought. God's been showing us that it isn't just a project, but something we must pour our lives into. So, we are anxious, yet expectant at all He might do in our midst there. My heartstrings have been pulled tightly towards them, and I know where God calls, He provides. Please pray we will continue to be obedient and faithful in this.

So, here we are in September. Our baby just turned 12. One more year and we've got 3 teens in the household. Yikes! The local schools start tomorrow, Sept. 8th. Andrew will be a junior. Both our girls who are homeschooled will start Sept. 15th. Ashtyn a sophomore, and Baylee a 6th grader. We've been busy getting all our curriculum ordered and setting up our school room. We're especially excited to have friends from church homeschooling at this time, too. We are anticipating a GREAT year!

In conclusion, it's been a wonderful summer. I'm thankful for the ability to hear God's voice and the strength and ability to obey. There are so many things that distract us or vie for our time these days. Before you think that our life is just a bed of roses, I do want to say that this summer has certainly also had its challenges. Things have happened that have brought frustrations, fears, sadness, tears, hurt, and anger. Our lives are NOwhere near perfect. Nobody's is. We do have a perfect God though, and I've just chosen to be intentional about looking at things through the eyes of His blessing. It's amazing what you will find when you do that. Even in the difficulties, God is faithful and there is good to be found!

So, if I had to write a paper, "What I Learned Over the Summer" as many kids do on their first day back to school, it would be summed up by this simple statement: Relationships matter. My relationship with Christ being of utmost importance. Then, my husband, my children, my family/ my church family, neighbors, friends, etc... Difficult as some may be, they are always worth the investment because people matter to God. I am to be the "aroma" of Christ in all of them, and you can't be the aroma of Christ if you don't get out there face to face with people. I want to leave others always with the fragrance of Christ. I've sure got a long way to go to get THERE, but I've also learned a lot this summer by seeing things through fresh eyes and feel like I've been changed and it's a start. Yes, the time is flying by, but I am relishing every single minute....every single day....and grateful for it all!

"Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.” Psalm 39:4-5