Bloom Where You're Planted

It seems like everywhere I turn, I see flowers blooming. Wal-Mart, Lowe’s and local nurseries seem to be selling flowers and potting soil and having sales to promote them. It’s spring and along with the season comes new growth. The first time I heard the phrase, “Bloom where you’re planted” was from my stepmother, Susan. This was the theme for her Ladies Brunch on Mother’s Day. Since then, I’ve heard it again – at our regional women’s conference and retreat, which was a couple weekends ago. It stirred me the first time I heard it, but it’s been on my mind again since hearing it again.

More than ever, I want to bloom where I’m planted. I want to thrive and grow because I know there is a place for each of us to do what The Lord has called us to do. Are you blooming where He’s planted you?

Hats off to MOM

Growing up, my mom was "Mrs. Church Event Organizer Extraordinaire" and I recall one mother/daughter banquet in particular where everyone wore hats and the theme was "Hats Off To Mom". She was always thinking up catchy themes with exciting decorations. Everyone in attendance was to sport a hat. She always told me, "You can decorate any room (cheap) with balloons." I used that tidbit in some of my shower decorating and they do brighten a room.

I guess I'm posting this to honor all the women in my life who have impacted me; whether they realized it or not. I have so many incredible women in my life who continue to teach me about life, marriage, love and happiness. I am thankful for a wonderful mother who left a wonderful legacy for me. She also loved me even when I was being a brat and taught me how to be a lady and preacher's wife without even knowing that I was learning those things. Susan, my stepmother, has become such a wonderful confidant in my life and someone I love dearly. The Lord brought an incredible Mother-in-law (love) into my life and she has treated me as one of her own. My aunts, cousins, grandmothers, and my sister-in-law also set the right example for me, while loving and supporting me. I can't even begin to name the additional women (one by one) who have impacted me, but I strive to never let an opportunity to thank them and tell them what they mean to me pass by.

Happy Mother's Day!

The past few months.....

So, I’ve been asked to update my blog because it’s been a while since I’ve written anything. This is for you, Em!

I think (fingers crossed) that Spring has sprung in Omaha! We’ve waited for it to arrive and are so glad it’s finally here. It’s exciting to experience seasons for the first time in a new place. I’m even thinking of planting some flowers this weekend. I’ve already asked my dad which plants would be considered low-maintenance and easy to grow in pots or hanging plants (I didn’t inherit his green thumb).

Matthew and I have been doing more of the same since my last post. He’s been preaching and we’ve been traveling. He had been studying for his Ordained Bishop’s test and I can proudly report that he PASSED!

Here’s a brief summary of the past few months:

Winterfest in Knoxville, TN

This was our third Winterfest event of the season. We stayed with my aunt and uncle and see several family members (including dad, Susan, Josh and Shannon, aunts, uncles and grandparents). Autumn and JR were even able to come to Knoxville for a short visit.


Staying with Friends along the way (to TN and home)

We have wonderful friends who let us crash at their house when we're driving through! We stayed in IL with Jenn and Chad on the way to TN. On the way back to NE, we got to be the first houseguests of Brittany and Jeff!

Easter in Nebraska

We had a wonderful day with great friends!

Several Trips with our Student Leadership Group, Driven

Driven is a great group of teens/young adults that we are honored to ministered with at churches in our region.

75th Anniversary of Celebration COG (my Dad’s church)

We were so happy to be able to celebrate with the church family. The church started in a borrowed cabin and is still thriving today. Matthew and I were able to spend a few extra days with Dad and Susan. We had a blast eating Homestead Creamery, going to the lake, grilling out and eating on the porch for all of our meals (thank you, 90 degree weather in APRIL!). Matthew was even put to work – he and Dad helped a family move!



There were probably more events that I'm forgetting!

Currently, we’re gearing up for a number of state/regional events. It’s going to be a busy summer! We are looking forward to our first youth camp in the Midlands Region.