Since kindergarten we've talked about it and planned for it. Well, today is the big day. Andrew's first day of dual enrollment at Palm Beach Community College!
As parents we've all done it. Especially when they were young, we'd compare our children with our friends', trying to keep up with who's smarter, faster, cuter, more polite and most likely to succeed. I remember people asking me, "Do you have a savings plan for Andrew's college expenses?" It appeared everyone around me was "saving" for college for their preschooler. It seemed so far off at the time. But even all those years ago we hoped to take advantage of our local dual enrollment program so he would have two years, near an associate degree, under his belt before ever graduating from high school. All for only the cost of his books. That was our savings plan.
And so we begin the last of his high school years and the first of his college years, simultaneously! I can't believe we made it! Take note all you parents of young children, your time is just around the corner!
As was previously mentioned in an earlier post, I recently had my 40th birthday. Thankfully, Dave and my family honored my request to NOT give me a blowout party. They kindly arranged a wonderful birthday dinner at my parents with just the family (adopted family included!). It was perfect!
But for a few of my girlfriends, that would not do! They arranged a girls night out to Cheesecake Factory at CityPlace and I can't begin to tell you how much fun it was! We had plenty of laughs and I believe we were a terrible distraction for the other patrons who were "fortunate" enough to be out on the patio with us. Here are a couple of pictures (thank you Weezie!) of some of my favorite people in the world...
Sometimes I wonder if I'm cut out for dealing with all the heartwrenching issues that arise out of doing ministry at a large church. Not that smaller churches don't have their own share of difficulties, but just by nature of its size, a large church has more volume and often times they seem to come in rapid succession.
One of my dearest friends once told me I'm a "deep feeler". She went on to say that although I appear poker-faced most of the time, deep inside I'm processing through all the deep feelings I have about whatever circumstance I may find myself dealing with. That's the first time I think anyone has figured me out so perfectly! I'm not sure I even knew exactly what was going on in my heart until she verbalized it! So yes, I'm a very deep feeler, a processor, and with Belief #1 on my Strengthsfinder results, I very often find myself wrestling with caring so much about so many things! I never want to stop caring, but how do I find peace in the midst of so much hurt in this world?
Of course, I know the answer to that one...."Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:6-7) Easier said than done most times! If I'm going to be really honest here, most times I don't want to pray, I want to DO something! But God has been teaching me over the past couple of years to stop moving & doing so much and start praying more.
E.M. Bounds says, in his book "The Necessity of Prayer," that "it takes the whole man to pray till all the storms which agitate his soul are calmed to a great calm, till the stormy winds and waves cease as by a godlike spell. It takes the whole man to pray till cruel tyrants and unjust rulers are changed in their natures and lives, as well as in their governing qualities, or till they cease to rule. It requires the entire man in praying till high and proud and unspiritual ecclesiastics become gentle, lowly and religious, till godliness and gravity bear rule in church and in state, in home and in business, in public as well as in private life. It is man's business to pray...Prayer is far-reaching in its influence and in its gracious effects. It is intense and profound business which deals with God and his plans and purposes, and it takes whole-hearted men to do it. No half-hearted, half-brained, half-spirited effort will do for this serious, all-important, heavenly business."
I think that about says it, don't you? I'll be in my room praying...
Okay, I'm not afraid to admit it! Actually, I'm proud of it. Tomorrow is my 40th birthday! I've come a long way over the past 39 years and I ponder my transition into the 40's with great anticipation. There are so many things I've enjoyed saying good-bye to as I leave my 30's. Here are my top 10 favorites:
Good-bye to... 10.Changing diapers, potty training and all things related to being a mom of preschoolers! 9. Figuring out how to cover my gray hair...I've got it down pat by now! 8. Struggling to run a mile without passing out...I can run 3+ miles now with relative ease! 7. Wrestling with PMS....a good dose of Magnesium Malate takes care of that one! 6. Worrying about what others think about me...I really don't care anymore, and besides, they probably weren't thinking about me in the first place! 5. Inflexibility...for various reasons, teenagers being one of them! 4. Obsessing over a meticulously clean house...I've learned to be happy with a "neat" house that's mostly clean! 3. Fighting for straight hair...I've learned to embrace my curls half of the time...maybe the other half with come when I hit 50! 2. Obstetricians...need I say more? 1. Bikinis...oh the relief!
Last night we made our way over to Palm Beach for family photo time. Unfortunately we were rushed for daylight by getting down there at almost 8 o'clock. We were able to knock of a couple of decent shots, but I wasn't crazy about the quality. I had to use a high ISO and the shutter speed dropped. I'm still getting this lighting thing down. I really hate using a flash so I guess I just need more practice playing with the camera settings in low light conditions. Anyway, we decided to try again with morning light today and made for the backyard. I was happier with these after I remembered to bring the ISO back down. So here you go with a few of my favorites...
As I've mentioned, we have family in from out of town. We spent a day at Carlin Park Beach in Jupiter yesterday and I was able to snap a couple of fun candid's of my niece and nephew. Tonight we're heading over to Palm Beach for some family shots. I'll share those tomorrow.
I have three nephews and one niece. ONE! She lives in North Carolina and this is the first time I've seen her in almost two years. She's growing up so fast and at the age of 7 I can't believe how bright and creative she is. I think she'll definitely be an author some day. I say that because as I've been sitting here at the computer reading blogs she made me a little book out of a post-it note pad. It's actually very good! Here's a fun picture from photobooth of me and the little princess.
One of my very best friends in the world, Lisa, just started a blog called Life According to Weezie. She has a heart and passion for ministry with a remarkable gift of public speaking. She's funny, fashionable and full of life....check out her blog and fall in love with the Weezie that's near and dear to my heart!
We have out of town family staying with us for the next few days, so you will definitely notice a lack of effort on my part to post much. However, I have a few minutes while they are basking in the Florida sunshine to share a handful of photos from my latest adventure in photo-taking.
Last night our church held a multi-campus worship event at CityPlace in downtown West Palm. The Harriet Himmel Theater, which is the venue for weekly CF satellite services, hosted the Night of Worship with worship leaders from all three campuses leading the event. The theater is one of the few historic sites to be found around Palm Beach County and its old world charm makes for a very cool atmosphere.
The event was standing room only, the lighting a nightmare (for an amateur like myself), and the vibe electrifying. That vibe? Obviously the presence of God. The Bible says that the Lord inhabits the praises of His people....the people were definitely praising Him last night! It was pure joy to be able to participate in documenting this beautiful gathering. Here are a few of my favorite shots...
Location: Royal Palm Beach, Florida, United States
I've enjoyed documenting life stories and events through the lens of my camera for a few years now, deciding to take my hobby to the world of blogging. I'm no professional, just a mom with her own take on things who loves to share her perspective with others. I hope this photographic journal inspires you!
