Long Time, No Blog

It's been forever and a day since I updated this thing, and I see more and more people beginning to blog. So, I will try my best to catch you up on life.

Since August, I have started and completed my student teaching experience with 22 of the best 3rd graders and one amazing mentor teacher. I did my student teaching in Lewisville ISD, at Donald Elementary, in Flower Mound. Though, I wasn't thrilled about the 50 minute, one way commute five days a week - it was so worth it. I learned more than I thought I would. I became very attached to my class and miss them so much. I would definitely accept and offered position at that school.

About two weeks ago, I GRADUATED from Texas A&M! It was hard to believe that 3 1/2 years could go by so quickly, but they sure did! It was a great weekend, full of family, friends, and great memories from my time in College Station. President George W. Bush gave our commencement speech on Friday morning. George H.W. Bush (fondly known as Grandpa George to Ryann and me) and Barbara were also there. It was GREAT! He did a fantastic job speaking, and it was hard to believe I was listening to the real president of the United States talk! It was very surreal to walk across that stage in my cap and gown, knowing how hard I had worked to achieve that accomplishment.

We quickly turned from graduation excitement into full time, last minute Christmas mode! Christmas time is one of my most favorite times of the year. The songs, the Christmas tree and lights, picking the right presents for people, the food, the cold air, and an extra special reminder of Christ's love for me all make this, truly, the most wonderful time of the year. With Thanksgiving falling late this year, it seemed like Christmas absolutely flew by. It was enjoyable, as always. Seeing friends and family, exchanging gifts, and reading the Bible about the ultimate gift God has given us. It was a great Christmas, in so many ways.

Now, there is one week left until public school starts again. (So long, my month long winter break.) Wedding planning HAS to pick up! My dress should be in any day. Steve and I have a mile long list of things to start looking at and finalize. We are 29 weeks away from the big day, and with student teaching, Steve never being home, graduation, and Christmas...the wedding has taken a back seat lately. But, we are on the ball again! Check out: www.mywedding.com/steveandheather09 for the wedding updates!

That's all for now...a very brief run down of my last few months. I am going to try and stay on top of this blog in the new year, as even more exciting things continue to happen! :)

God of Wonders, Beyond Our Galaxy...

So, today was a very interesting sermon in church. He preached on Psalm 104, all about nature and the things God has created. I had never heard a sermon like that before, as the pastor said - he'd never preached a sermon on nature before. He said he was tired of knowing that the Lord created all of the things outside that we see on a daily basis and not getting the credit He deserved. It made a lot of sense to me. I had never really thought about it like that before. God created water, the sky, mountains, grass, bugs, trees, birds, the sun, moon, stars, the food we eat (which so much of it comes from nature), and so much more. All of these things, I just stare at every single day of my life, and I never stop to even realize that the same God who sent is son to cover my sins carefully crafted every aspect of this world and its nature. That sunset didn't just appear...the Lord put those colors in the sky together, in that specific array because He can and wanted to give me that gift. I should truly give God the credit for everything I see in nature, every day. It is a gift from Him. Every bug, bird, star, sunset, rain drop, mountain top...everything. It was such an interesting perspective that I received this morning. In the craziness of this world and my life, it's nice to be reminded that the small things in life can be so rewarding and important. God did not only give me the most wonderful man to marry or an amazing family...He also gave me sunshine in the morning and a cool breeze at night. The earth is God's baby...he cares for it deeply.
Everytime I think about nature and how God's hand is in it, this song comes to mind:
"Lord of all creation,
Of water, earth, and sky.
The heavens are Your tabernacle.
Glory to the Lord on High.
God of wonders, beyond our galaxy,
You are holy, holy.
The universe declares Your majesty,
You are holy, holy."

My goal is to, every morning, on my way to school, thank the Lord for the sun, rain, or whatever in nature I see that is from Him.

Just Starting Out

I've noticed that blogging has become popular among many of my friends. I enjoy reading about their lives so much, I decided it might be a good thing to let my own feelings out and share a little piece of me with the rest of the world.

My life has been so overwhelming lately. Within the past nearly 3 weeks, I have gotten engaged to the most wonderful man alive! I have also completed my last teacher certification exam, am gearing up to start student teaching, and have started to plan my wedding!

Being engaged has been a whirlwind. After just one week of being engaged, I felt like it had been a month. After being with Steve since I was about 13 years old, I had been longing for a proposal for what seemed like forever. When he did ask (on July 18th), it was perfect. It was a proposal that really incorporated our loves and so many aspects of our lives. It was a night I will remember forever, a night I relive in my mind so often. And, now...I am counting down until July 18, 2009 like crazy!

I really am in a good spot in my life right now. I'm trying so hard to just enjoy the ride...