The Countdown Has Begun...........

As I ponder topics to "blog" about each time that I have a minute to think about blogging, I realize that at least for now I would have absolutely nothing to write about were it not for my kids.  JDeven is a bit less agreeable for me to share things about him for the most part......not that I would obtain permission or refrain from blogging as a result of his objection.....however,  the other JD has absolutely no problem with me sharing pictures or stories about her. 

So, we will focus on her.........

Her High School Graduation is just around the corner now and it is a bit surreal.  It is hard to believe that I have a child old enough to graduate from high school.  I am very excited for her to be out of high school........the drama that high school girls create is a never ending past time of many immature drama queens. 

Jealousy is the root of all evil in high school or at least the majority of it with regard to girls.  Girls are ruthless, vindictive, and you just have to hope that one day they will look back and realize that things could have been and should have been so very different.  That words do hurt and all the energy they wasted trying to cause pain and sadness was time they can never regain.  Luckily, the words and opinions of others don't define who we are.  It will be a huge relief for JD to be rid of the constant ugliness from those that have attempted to destroy her resolve and I am so thankful that she has been able to stand tall and rise above all that stuff.

 I am under no false pretenses in which I believe that my children are incapable of wrong doing or lying or of behavior that would be disappointing to me or their father.  I am realistic and although I want to believe everything I am told by my children as being the absolute truth I am not a naive parent.  That said, I choose to "PROVE" my children right by doing my job as a mother and making sure that my kids are doing what they say they are doing!!!!! 

Now, however, life is about to change dramatically.  I realize that things will never be the same here at home and with our sweet little family.  It is a sad time but also a necessary step of faith that each one of us must face as we transition from young adulthood into adulthood.  What we have experienced with JD up till now has been practice tests----all leading up to the real thing.  Now we see where rubber meets the road.  We learn if she has truly learned the lessons necessary to tackle all that life has to throw at her.  Lines become blurred when you are thrust into a world with people from all walks of life and beliefs.  She needs to remember these 3 things:

1.  Simply being a Christian isn't enough.....We need to have both a relationship and fellowship with Christ.

2.  To pray without ceasing

3.  To read her Bible daily

He never leaves us without a way out when we face difficult situations.  We have full reign in making our own choices but He assures us that if we only ask Him for help that we never have to make decisions alone.  Life is an open book test- what an Awesome God.........I mean, how often are we allowed to take OPEN BOOK tests?  Life is all about choices and we have numerous daily opportunities to make good choices.

She will always be my little girl but I know that she was His first.  She has been in training for this moment her entire life.  She has never been more ready.  She hasn't learned all the lessons that she will need........and as long as she is alive she will never stop learning I hope.  None of us will  fully "ARRIVE" while we are in this ol' world. 

As sad as it is for this chapter to close, I can simply not wait to see what God has in store for her.  I can't wait to meet the friends that He has waiting for her in this leg of her journey.  I can't wait to see her take that leap from the tallest mountain and watch as her wings begin to unfold and see the look on her face as she realizes that she didn't plummet to the ground but rather she took the leap of faith and she realizes that He is now the wind beneath her wings.  It is the way it is suppose to be..........and I want to avoid spending my time mourning for the loss of what has been and make sure that I don't miss a moment of what He has in store for now and for everyday of the rest of her life. 

How could I be more proud?  

Here is a couple pictures of her and members of our youth group at my church singing today at her Baccalaureate Service at my church.

Caught a sweet moment with JD and JD

This will be a very busy week...............next up is Senior Awards Day tomorrow.....