In one of my classes, a student was talking about how since she read all the Harry Potter Books, her mother let her go to a midnight showing of the movie. Having been to one myself, I was curious how she thought it was. It didn't matter which movie, nor did it matter if she enjoyed it. I didn't like any of them, and I didn't even bother reading the books. I was more interested in the people she saw there. She said, "um. That is the last midnight showing I'll ever go to. Those people are weirdos." I smiled and replied (which I will probably never have the ability to say ever again) "I agree. I'm too normal for that." My students looked at me in disbelief as they couldn't believe I would ever say such a bold faced lie to their faces. But man, it felt good to say.

Updates, Updates

Brian and I got married on June 20, 2009. It was the best day of my life. So far, being married has been such a blessing. I have to admit, for the most part, very little has changed. Even on our wedding day, it just felt like I had the opportunity to spend time with Brian. I love that he doesn't have to leave at the end of the night, and I love that I wake up next to him. The first few moments of my day are complete and utter gratitude and joy...when I roll over and see him sleeping there. I love being his wife. Although, I am trying to learn how to do it well. I will attempt to update my blog as often as I can, with what I'm learning...but sometimes time flies too quickly and I can hardly keep up. But, I will try. For right now, I can tell you that I learned today, that being a stay at home wife, is not my calling. Thank God He wanted me to be a teacher...because today, I was making popcorn on the stove, and I caught the stove on fire. I'm learning lessons, all around :)

Blind Faith

The other day, I was in the grocery store and I saw a little girl holding her daddy's hand. I smiled at them, because I always think it's cute when I see daddys being good daddys. Then, I noticed that the little girl was walking with her eyes closed, with absolutley no hesitation. She just trusted that her daddy would lead her in the right direction.

In that moment, I prayed that I would trust my Father that much.

I was reminded recently of a story that I've been thinking about constantly.

The Israelites out-fought the Amalekites as long as Moses held up his arms, but they started losing whenever he had to lower them. Finally, Moses was so tired that Aaron and Hur got a rock for him to sit on. Then they stood beside him and supported his arms in the same position until sunset. That's how Joshua defeated the Amalekites. (Exodus 17:8-16)

I have so many people in my life who hold up my arms for me when I can't hold them up myself. Thank you...some of you are my strongest supports.

Last week I moved out of Greenfield. I moved in with a family who has loved me unconditionally from the moment I met them. They are cousins of Brians...and they are the most phenomenal people I've ever met. The day after I moved in, Pam, the mom of the family, found out she was diagnosed with breast cancer. It's been painful, but this family takes every setback in stride. As Pam walked in the door that day, I went right up to her and gave her a hug. The first thing she said was, "God must be ready to use this to witness to others."

Have you ever heard words from the mouth of a newly-diagnosed cancer patient? Humbling.

We are learning a lot in this house. God surely is moving. He's teaching us that he is the owner of our bodies, that trusting in God's timing is key, that even servants need to be served.

What a Life!

I have this bedside table that I love. It's so old. The paint is chipping off, and when you pull out the drawers, the entire front panel falls off. As I was packing up my apartment, Brian said I should throw it out because it really is old and a piece of junk. He said he'd buy me a new one...but I just love the one I have. So, I moved it to Shelbyville, and Brian begrudgingly put it in his room.

Last night when I got there I noticed a few things: Brian had already cooked dinner (so I didn't have to--YAY!!), he cooked dessert, and the bedside table was gone.

My first thought was, "He would not even throw that out without talking to me about it, would he? Oh gosh. He did, that's why he's cooking me dinner so he can tell me that he threw it out. He thinks dinner would make that all right?" I immediately jumped to conclusions, and I really had no reason to. Brian has never done anything like that before. So finally, he said, "well, I wanted it to be a surprise..."

And he pulled out the night stand from the closet...sanded and glued and fixed and everything. He was refinishing it for me. What a wonderful, servant-hearted man. I share stories like that with my juvi girls...and it brings them such hope...and raises their expectations for what they truly deserve. I love that I get to brag about him...and share what an example he is of being a Godly, genuinely good man.

What a life!

Wait for the good one

One of the continual and biggest blessings in my life is volunteering at Juvi. I go up there every Thursday night for about two hours and spend time with all the girls in the facility. Usually we have about 15...sometimes way more, sometimes less. Either way, I walk out of that building with such a peace in my heart because I'm doing what I'm called to do: love the kids that others find unlovable.

Occasionally, girls group will take a turn when I don't expect it. Most of the time it's good. Tonight was one of those nights.

We were going to make baby blankets for police officers to give to children who need the comfort at the scene of an incident. But all the girls could even begin to focus on was boys. Always boys. I have a staff member that is with me every week...and we team up. She'll say something like, "I want you girls to listen to Heather tell you about the guy in her life." And all the girls listen. She'll ask questions she already knows the answers to--just to hear me share my story--or share my faith.

Tonight she said, "since you won't stop talking about boys, I want to hear about Heather's guy. Heather, what makes your relationship different with Brian?"

And I shared it all. I told them that I used to think I was one of those girls who would never deserve that guy that treats her like a princess. Then, I met Brian. From the beginning, we set boundaries that we would both stick to until our wedding day--no matter who either of us married. I shared how amazing it is to be able to hold on to my purity, so I will be able to give that to my husband. I told them how it is so amazing to finally meet someone who deserves my whole heart...and how amazing it is to be able to give that to him...not just the pieces left over. They said, "yeah, but I don't think that there are any more good guys left. Even if they are, they are not always good..."

I told them to wait. Wait for the good ones. The bad ones are everywhere you turn. There are good guys...you just have to be patient. Then one girl started crying. She said she doesn't deserve a guy that would treat her well. We talked about forgiveness. Before she left, I asked if she needed a hug. She said she doesn't do hugs. This beautiful girl has these walls built up around her heart. I will wait patiently as they come down, because I believe in a God who tore down mine.