Selfless

For 5 years, I worked as a Speech Pathologist in an elementary school. I KNOW and have seen firsthand how kids bicker, fuss and fight over place in line, who will carry the teacher's lunchbox, who gets to the class first...the list goes on and on. Nowadays, I have found myself teaching first grade choir at my church on Wednesday nights. I love staying at home, but I enjoy teaching it because it places me back with that sweet age that I love so much. After choir, I always line up the girls and take them to their GA (Girls in Action-for those who aren't Baptist) class where they learn about missions and evangelism. I have one little girl in my class who is very needy and was just adopted a few months ago, yes at age SIX. Let's call her Lucy. I have found myself drawn to her. To help her, comfort her.

As we lined up tonight to depart to GA's, Lucy kept saying "Can I please be line leader?, Can I please be line leader?" By this time there was already a line of at least 5 girls and I didn't think it was fair to allow her first place after all the others had been waiting patiently to leave. So I said, frustrated with the situation, "just stand here, we're all going to the same place. It doesn't matter where you are in line." Of course, Lucy's tears break loose. Halfway there, I gathered myself and explained to her that we really were all going to the same place and that we'd all get there at the same time, and that if she reminded me, she could be line leader next week. Still tears.

And right then, out of the mouth of the sweet girl in front of her "you can get in front of me". SELFLESSNESS. Even a six year old child comprehends this. I struggle with it. I bet most of us do. We are born loving ourselves. Its innate in us from the beginning of our existence. Its NOT about us people. Our soul existence is to glorify our Lord Jesus. That's why we're here, and I am so comforted by that. This whole experience tonight reminded me of a song we used to sing a lot at our old church in TX..

Its all about you, Jesus
And all this is for You,
For your glory and your fame,
Its not about me,
As if you should do things my way,
You alone are God and I surrender to your way.

Suze Orman (financial guru) always says.."People first, then money, then things".
I like to think of it as "Jesus first, then people, then things..."

Reason for my absence...

Sorry for the lack of activity on this thing. I want to post all about our trip to the SC State Fair, Abigail's singing debut, Rachel walking, and our trip to Charleston this weekend, but this blasted computer won't let me post any pictures or video and well, blogging is pretty boring with out them! So for now...thanks for your patience...until I talk Jonathan into reformatting the whole thing!

Update on Baby Gracie

The Lord called Baby Gracie home this morning...please pray for her family as they face these coming days without her. Below is an update I pulled directly from their blogsite.

THE LORD JESUS CALLED OUR AMAZING GRACIE HOMETHIS MORNING AT 8:08 Am. After a 7 month fight to remain with mom and dad, brother and family, Our Lord said,"Gracie you come home to me now"

Gracie battled mightly througout the night. At 3:30 A.M the family gathered and began a wonderful time of each one holding Gracie ad sharing her sweet kisses and loving her with all that we have.

Grandpa Brown decided to go last as he got to spend three precious hours holding Gracie on Monday before the surgery. Everyone had a glorious time. GrandPa Bill Lockyer had her snuggled sweetly in his arms shortly after 8:00.

Gracie had been unresponsive for the two hours previous and the Doctors and nurses had told us that she may have already passed and was being kept alive by the medicines and machines.

However the wonderful Savior knew different and Gracie opened her eyes wide, turned her head, gave two deep breaths and left with the Lord to heaven. Heaven was in the room.

Thank you all so much! We love you. Arrangements will be posted soon.

Grandpa Brown for Todd and Amanda

From Todd and Amanda:

The last few hours have been a whirlwind!! But, please do not be shocked and saddened--we are rejoicing. Gracie has been given the victory! We were fighting to keep her here and she fought with us each minute of each day without looking back....back when the Lord Jesus called her name, she obeyed and everlasting peace and comfort began for her--to never end!!