Praising Him for His Goodness

- that God continues to teach me, stretch me, and mold me. He isn't finished yet. I'm thankful for people who challenge me, are patient with me as I struggle through and who encourage me.
- for all that God did this year in/through the youth group. I pray that I am simply a vessel that He uses.
- for challenge from His Word- that it is relevant now in my life, just as it was in the Corinthians lives centuries ago
- for Christian writers/musicians who are used by God to bring challenge, proclaim truth and ignite action
-for a phenomenal day of friendship, laughter and refreshment.
-for Rebecca- one of my oldest friends. Who accepts me "as is"- encourages me, helps me see reality, rescues me, celebrates with me, helps me not make a complete fool out of myself, and is always available for a late night phone call.
-for Katie- a new friend! Her sweet spirit is contagious, her boldness refreshing. She holds me accountable without even realizing it.
- for French manicures- they are so beautiful and make me feel so lovely!
- Japanese hot stone massage- so good. Need I say more.
- that it is sandal season!
- for sales at Kohls
- for baby registries so I know exactly what my friend wants for her baby even if she lives in CA - for hotel reservations that came through
- for a pastor who preaches truth from God's Word and is unashamed. A man who encourages me and offers godly counsel when I need it.
- for delicious strawberry shortcake with friends
- that Bill was able to work a few days this week
- for cell phones- so that I can keep in touch with Alicia even though she's moved farther away than I even want to think about.
- that even though she is far away- she is safe in God's capable hands.
- that I can trust God completely as He continues to reveal His plans for my life. The confidence that He always has the very best in mind for me.
- for parents who taught and modeled truth and continue to do so.
- for the gift of vacation- the adventures we will have, the refreshment, the laughter and the new memories we will make!

I'm off to California on Tuesday- returning July 4th! Pray for safety/protection/wisdom/relaxation/and FUN!

Love to you all~
Elisabeth

Relaxation is in order...

I think this is the first summer in a while that I can truly relax and do as I please. The last two summers I was working as a nanny- and the summer before that was full of trying to find a job. I have totally earned this summer! And I plan to enjoy it!

Friday night a few of us went out for dinner/ice cream and then to the movies. Always a good time for laughs. Saturday, Bek and I went shopping. I realized that I needed some new items for California and was fortunate to find a few things I liked. We went to this great Mexican Restaurant called The Cuckoo's Nest-so delicious! Sunday was another day full of church and errands. Monday, I got busy and was VERY productive! I love scratching things off the to-do list. I'm looking forward to my spa day later in the week- some more shopping and then an evening of complete indulgence!

It's hard to believe that this time next week- I'll be getting ready for CA! Yesterday, I bought our Alcatraz tour tickets and mapped out a few of our adventures. We are still working on hotels- usually I'd be biting my nails- but it will all work out.

Saw a cute movie the other night- "Scoop" with Scarlett Johansson. She isn't always one of my favorites- but she was incredible in this film. It is a witty comedy with some twists. Hugh Jackman isn't that bad either!

The list is calling my name- hope you all enjoy the warm, sunny days!
Love to you all~
Elisabeth

Summer vacation has begun!

Day two of Summer Vacation! The last week at school was crazy and I was done to the wire on Wednesday. I've had to pack up all my things at school- thirty boxes in total. Not all my stuff mind you- but mostly department items. I left all of my personal items at school- clearly labeled. I'm praying nothing get lost! There were exams to give/grade, grades to submit, principal and director's to-do lists, IEP coding, final PPTs, graduation and many goodbyes. Thankfully- it is all done (except for a small pile of paperwork I need to finish today). I have a long list of to-dos that I hope to continue working on while I'm still in school mode.

Wednesday night marked our "official" last night of youth group before the summer. I firmly believe youth group should go year round- but that is a new concept to our team. This summer, I'll be hosting 4 girl days (stamping, spa day, jewelry making etc..) as a way to bond the girls together. We will have at least 4 open club nights for the gang to come hang out. The boys regularly get together for paintball too. In August, we will have a overnight lock-in/retreat. A few kids have asked for a trip to Six Flags as well. So- it will be a busy summer!

Last night the family went out to dinner at this great Ribs place in Rhode Island. Bill and I are awful children and have not recognized my dad birthday (we did do a cake), mother's day, father's day and their 49th anniversary! So- dinner out was in order. We had a nice time- we don't get to do that as often as we should.

My schedule is so clear between now and the 26th. I have a couple graduation parties, a vet appointment, possibly a dentist appointment, 1 gals activity and then Heidi and I fly to meet Erica and head to California. I'm so excited! We are still working on hotels- pray that all works out! It will be a lot of fun! We'll be in San Francisco, San Jose, Bakersfield and San Diego- I'm hoping to head to Mexico for a day too! There are so many details....

Things are coming together for our Haiti trip- now there are five of us. Chelsea and I are putting together an art project to bring down. That will be fun.

It has been a really great school year- incredibly challenging and at times stressful. But so rewarding. I truly enjoyed going to and being at work everyday. I'm excited for the fall!

Love to you all
Elisabeth

The Beauty of Obedience

I hadn't heard from my WOLBI roommate in awhile. Carrie has never been good with keeping in touch- but it had been an unusually long time. I thought to myself- "She must have a boyfriend!". Just a few weeks after that comment, I received her wedding invitation. When I read it, I had mixed feelings. Part of me was so excited for Carrie. We had spent countless HOURS at WOLBI talking about marriage, finding "the one" and what our dream weddings would look like. The other part of me was downright scared. The last time Carrie and I had talked, she confessed that she was dating a non-believer. She knew it was wrong and didn't seek to justify, but felt like she had no other options. In my heart, I hoped this was a different man, but couldn't hold my hopes to high.

Carrie believed God wanted her to stay in her small Maine town, close to family. While this is all well and good, her pickin's for a godly spouse seemed to be slim to none. During our last phone call, I had encouraged her to "get out of Wilton"! At least for a time- or, to give eharmony a try. The "winners" she was encountering were not winners at all.

There was no doubt in my mind that I would attend her wedding. Through a torrential downpour, my mom and I made our way 5 hours north to Wilton. We arrived literally with just a moment to spare. The church was quaint and beautiful. Delicate white flowers sparkled by candlelight. The wedding began- her groom Steve entered dressed in an all white tux. (He could so make a career as an Elvis impersonator if landscaping doesn't work out). Carrie entered- stunning in her pure white dress. From the stage, she saw me and excitedly mouthed hello! The service continued, with glory given to God for drawing these two individuals together. Vows of faithfulness and love were made and rings exchanged. She looked so calm, so happy, so beautiful.

Carrie recognized that she should not settle for second best. She ended her relationship with the non-believer, realizing that there was "no one waiting in the wings". Last November, she met Steve- or I should say, re-met Steve. They had gone to high school together. Through a course of events, Steve came to know the Lord 9 years ago. In November, he was hired to work for her brother's landscaping company, and a friendship began with Carrie. What a picture of obedience on Carrie's part. She maintained her standards, waited for the Lord's perfect timing- and He brought her the godly Christian man she had longed for.

My heart is so full of praise today. Praise for Carrie and Steve's faithfulness- the beauty of their obedience- the sweetness of their love and the promise of an amazing future serving the Lord together. May this be an encouragement to us who are "still waiting"....

Eight days...

Just eight days and the school year will be over. Slowly, I am getting my to-do's accomplished. I felt really good about everything until I found out on Wednesday that I have to move my classroom. Which means I have to pack everything up before the 12th. It wouldn't be so bad if I hadn't just finished organizing and unpacking everything AND if I didn't have a zillion other things that also have to be done. Oh well....that's what we have slaves- oh I mean, students for.

I think I'm actually going to miss school over the summer- I enjoy my kiddos so much, and I know that for some, school is the only exciting, secure thing going on for them. We are a very weird, dysfunctional family!

Hmm, in other news. We took a few teens to a youth concert thingy- not really sure what it was- but it was interesting. Today was the Olympian closing program- they put on an adorable talent show and then had a matchbox car race. They are so precious. Bek, Heidi and Rob and I went to Hanks for ice cream- which is always a treat. We enjoy every chance we get to pick on Rob- poor guy. Now, I must sit and get moving on my final exams. I have a few that MUST be done for tomorrow.

Love to you all
Elisabeth