Sunday, March 27, 2011

Who I Am...

Like most people I know, the most important parts of my life consist of:

1. My Faith
2. My Family
3. My Friends

I am blessed beyond my wildest dreams.  But my life is nothing like I thought it would be.. I had big huge dreams and big huge plans and I've watched my life (honestly it almost feels like I'm sitting and watching it sometimes as odd as that sounds..) over the past 3 years unfold into a story totally different than the one I dreamed up.  I am SO thankful though.. It's a sweet and simple life, one I'm sure I'm much more suited for than the big and important one I had planned. 

My faith is truly the core of who I am.  I don't always follow it exactly, I mess up a lot.. I believe the term, "prone to wander" fits me well.  I am independent by nature and I tend to head out full speed ahead in my own direction before even realize what I'm doing.  God is gracious and He always gently (and sometimes not so gently) pulls me back where I belong, its not to say I haven't gained my share of bruises though from my wayward travels.  I was saved at a very young age and though I may not be the loudest to shout it, I believe to the very depths of who I am.

My family is fantastic (and quite large)!  I'm #3 of 6 in a crazy 'Yours, Mine and Ours' situation.  I have a dad that challenges me constantly (sometimes I appreciate it and sometimes I don't).  A sweet step- mom who has helped raise my sister and I as her own for the best 25 years, a mom who I love and cherish more ever day, and a step-dad who takes good care of my mom (and that means a lot to me).  I have 4 sisters and 1 spoiled brother.  Never a dull moment.  In January of 2009 my life flipped upside down when I gave birth to the sweetest little man, with a head full of black hair, he is the greatest part of my world.  Sometimes I feel like if I loved him anymore my heart would burst.  I don't know what I did to ever find such favor with God that He found it right to bless me with Ike.  He pushes me and encourages me and makes me laugh, cry and scream (sometimes all in the same 5 mins)!  He is the greatest joy in my life.  Two has already proved to be an intense year.  I love watching him as he grows and learns.  It fascinates me how he soaks up knowledge like a sponge.  I know God has great things planned for him.  I honored to be his mommy.  Let me tell you, with Ike as well as my 4 nieces, life is never boring for our family.

I've been thinking a lot lately about friends, I wouldn't say I have just a HUGE number of people I'm closed to, there isn't time with that huge family, but I'm so thankful for the ones I do have.  I love how God brings people into your life to challenge and encourage you in the different seasons of life.  I have older friends who I can run to for wisdom, other mommy friends who encourage me and advise me and help me remember that crazy is normal sometimes.  I have friends who are in different seasons of their lives and they allow me to relax and just enjoy life with them, kind of take a break from my nutty reality, and I have young friends, the sweet little ones who bless my heart and who I can encourage from time to time.  I'm certain that all those different relationships are vital to making us whole people in our communities.  I so cherish all of mine.

I have goals and dreams, places I want to go and see.  I think way too much and rarely finish projects I start.  I'm confident that 24 hours is not enough for one day and I never seem to get enough sleep.  I want to love freely and completely.  I want to walk with God so close that when He moves, I move, like a little girl dancing on her daddy's feet.  I want to raise a Godly son, one who changes his world.  I want to love a man and serve him as the best wife I can be.  I want to speak only kind words about people and I want to keep a clean house.  I'm so flawed but so ready to become the woman I was made to be.