"I'm So Glad!"

Has It truly been that long since I have written? Well I can believe it because I have been burnt out this fall-I went from not working to working two jobs (yes, I did get that teaching position!). In a way, I have felt that I have lost myself in the everyday routine of being back in the workforce, but do not get me wrong-it has been a blessing to be back out there again. It is all just a matter of juggling it all and keeping Him (the Almighty one upstairs) FIRST!

Speaking of which, I have to give thanks and praise to the way He makes things work. This past weekend I attended my sister's coronation at Muskegon Heights High School (also my old stomping grounds-class of 92!), which turned out beautiful-just look at the attached pictures. It is her senior year and I remember thinking as her senior year began how expensive things were going to be for my mom and the family, and this not including her being voted Homecoming Queen (which meant more expenses to go toward the Homecoming dress and then coronation dress, etc). At the beginning of the year my mom was notified that her correctional facility that she works for was going to be closing down by October. I was concerned when I heard the news, but watching her as she dealt with the news without any worries made me quit worrying as well.
Still, right before the school year began for my sister I could not help but think and ask how would my family be able to afford what was to come, not to mention the fact I have another sister in Alabama in college, trying to make it on a limited income. Even with my minor setback of not having transportation for over the past two months, I was wondering how would I adjust to not being able to jump up and go as I was used to. There were so many thoughts and questions on my mind.

Ironically, the school year began and months went by; I witnessed so many blessings and surprises throughout these past months, as doors opened up and now here we are today-approaching Christmas after having returned from a trip to Alabama for Thanksgiving to visit my sister and her new husband, my mom is still working at that same facility that was supposed to shut down by October, I have been getting around as much as I did when I did have a car, and my baby sister got everything she needed and wanted to represent her title as the Queen of Muskegon Heights High School.

As I watched her on the stage, I could not help but think of how much she has grown from that tiny, little girl who was always getting into something into this beautiful young woman looking like royalty right before my eyes (who is still always getting into something!). I am told you are not supposed to be too proud of anything, but I cannot find any other words to describe the atmosphere Saturday night as I watched her, and I was not alone. The support from family who came to witness this ceremony (cousins who came home from college for the evening to support her), and church family who were scattered throughout the auditorium-your presence was so appreciated to share in this once-in-a-lifetime experience that meant so much to her, and just think-all she was hoping for was to make it on the royal court. We're just entering winter right now-I cannot wait to see what the next few months as we go into Spring 2010 have to offer; not just for her but for all of us.
Well it is time for bed-I have been gone for a while but I will not stay gone that long ever again friends. I will be talking to you soon-stay blessed!

:)