10 Years

As my classmates enjoy our 10 year reunion, I am compelled to reminisce about the time gone by...I wonder what me 10 years ago would think of me now?
I'm sure she would first notice a me who could stand to lose some pounds, but I don't think that would be her focus. I believe she would see a woman who is so content with God's design for her life, so full of life and hungry for all that it can be.
I believe she would be surprised at how special my marriage is...how much fun we still have after so many years, so many hurts, so many changes. I think she would love what Matt and I have become.
I feel sure she would be surprised that being a mom brings a depth to life that you can't imagine without a child. I have more joy in seeing Eli enjoy life than anything ever!!
I would imagine she would see this 28 year old as someone who has not accomplished much, but she would be wrong!! I have accomplished everything that matters in finding the truth, the narrow road and am fighting with all my might to stay on that path to the gate! And the great part is that my best years are ahead of me! With every passing day I am better and I look forward to whatever will be. I have no need to look back at who I was! She was great, but not even close to what she is now!! Living for God brings joy unspeakable. He points us to life abundant, not a life of rules, but a life of purpose. It reminds me of a song I LOVE -

Men Who Dream
It shall be said among the nations, there's a God who shares our dream.

To share God's dream is more fulfilling than anything I could have ever imagined!! It is a life of joy, peace and contentment. I want this life for everyone I love.
It's been 10 years since I spent my days in CHS. It is a distant memory...The things I held dear then have become less than important to my life now. I am a new me and I love who I have become!

Eli's 16 Months Old

It has been so long since I blogged I don't even know what to say. Eli is growing so fast! I am blown away by all of the "big boy" things he is doing these days. He always wants his shoes on and will go get them when he discovers he is not wearing them. He will go get his toothbrush when prompted and doesn't much like letting you brush his teeth...he thinks he does a fine job of it. He climbs in the chair at home and up the stairs at church onto the stage. He LOVES Veggie Tales. Any time the tv comes on he starts making these crazy funny noises and claps his hands and points. I try not to let him watch it too often, but it seems to be on more frequently now that he can ask for it with his actions!! He is refusing baby food and some vegetables. He is walking everywhere and rarely falls...not quite to running yet, but I'm sure that's not a long way off!! Overall, he is just a funny little guy! He entertains me all day long! He can say only a few words...daddy, mama, apple, hi (has that one down PAT!), cracker (well enough that I know what he's trying to say), nana (with some practice) and I think that's it.
Not much more to report. Matt will soon be out of the Navy...only 50 something days left or so. We are looking forward to being home for Halloween...I've got to start working on Eli's scarecrow costume!! We are still working on a couple of projects on the house, but for the most part have been having a break from that. We are still SUPER busy with leading the worship ministry at church and possibly taking on the campus ministry soon, but that is still something we are praying about! Lots of great things going on here!! I'll try to keep blogging our progress!!