The African Violet

This is the African violet I gave my grandmother on Mother's Day in 2001.

On January 2nd, 2009, exactly six years to the day after the passing of Craig's grandfather, Grandma Kling entered into eternal life, too.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:15-17

To me, this violet is a reminder of the true meaning of life. When I gave this plant to my grandmother nearly eight years ago, it was a small, young plant needing nurturing and care for growth. Through the years, with the love and attention from my grandmother, it has grown and flourished and bloomed regularly, much like what parents provide for their young children.

Though recently, the plant has been through a period of pruning and sparse growing. I'm sure, that's primarily because I've taken over the care of this fragile plant. I was saddened by the idea that I may not be able to keep this plant alive as my grandmother had for years.

Don't we all go through some period in our life that felt as if we're unproductive and trying to find our way? Some of us stay in that time longer than others. Though once we've experienced the pruning in our life and have found our way, new life begins and we can once again flourish.

I went to water the plant today and noticed these beautiful blooms! I was filled with hope that this plant will once again return to its healthy state of life.

Although Grandma Kling has left this earthly life, I know she lives. She is living a glorious, eternal life with our Savior! With the forgiveness and grace of our Father, we too will live an eternal life, not because we deserve it, but because we believe in Him and that He died for our sins, and therefore, we will not perish.

I feel this post is scattered. I've been rolling around ideas through my head all day and finally decided to publish what I've come up with. Although it may not be the most eloquent, fluent post I've ever written, I pray the message I'm seeking to convey is clear.

Happy Birthday, Nolan - part 1

Noble; the meaning of your name, which you are
Outstanding son and brother
Loving
Awesome baseball player
Never-ending energy

Happy 3rd Birthday to our doodle bug. We love you so much!

Teacher

Can it be true? Nolan is turning T-H-R-E-E tomorrow! My, how time flies.

Three years ago March 31st, 2006, was a Friday. I left my Fort Worth classroom in tears after dismissal that afternoon. That was my last day of teaching in a classroom. On my way to the hospital for pre-registration for my upcoming planned C-section on that Monday, April 3rd, I realized that my role as teacher was really just beginning.

You see, a part of my heart still remains in that classroom and for the very special students that I taught.

But I knew God had big plans for me.

My new student-to-teacher ratio was soon going to be 1:1. I was nervous. I was anxious. I was excited!

Since Monday, April 3rd, 2006, the day our son, Nolan, was born, I have tried to teach him all that I can. But more importantly, I have learned more than I ever dreamed!

I believe that you can learn anything from anyone as long as you listen. The mark of a good teacher is knowing that we never know it all, and we can always learn something new every day!

On the eve of the third anniversary of my first day as Mommy, I'm filled with many prayers.

I pray that our children learn to live Christ-centered lives and learn how to have a personal relationship with their Savior.

I pray that our children learn from our example how to love people and to be the living Christ in their relationships with others.

I pray that as parents, we listen for what God is trying to teach us.

Although I may re-enter a classroom in the future as "teacher," I know that I will always be His "student."