The Holidays

Christmas is one of my favorite holidays because I get to spend time with family and friends. It is a nice break from the day to day routine and gives me an uninterrupted time to reflect on the riches of the Christmas season. This Christmas was a little different than most. My sister (only sibling) and her husband did some of Christmas with his family. Selfishly, I didn't like the idea of change in the tradition of the holiday, but I accepted it and focused on what I did have - two loving parents who gave me more attention than I deserved. Claire and Charles did get to spend more time with us than I expected and I savored every moment of it. There is a possibility one day in the near future they will not live as close as they are now. We continued some of our Smith traditions without Claire while she made new ones and we adjusted ours. The 3 of us went to the Christmas Eve service at church. I always feel such joy as we sing "Silent Night" by candlelight. Christmas morning my mom made a breakfast casserole and a baked french toast treat. Claire and Charles came over in their pjs to open gifts. Then, my mom, dad, and I headed to Greenwood. We conveniently plan to make it to Greenwood just in time for a late lunch! :) Mom prepared an amazing feast, as usual! We ate with Mom, the Tylers, and my aunt's dad and brother. Cole had such a big morning waking up at 3:30 a.m. to see what Santa brought that he slept right through lunch! That afternoon we visited with Grandmama and Granddaddy. I've been spoiled because my grandparents not only live in the same town, but they live 3 houses down from each other. God has blessed me with a healthy, loving, wonderful earthly family.

teachable moments

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

It is easy to become consumed in the Christmas season and lose focus of the meaning of why the holiday even exists. Holiday shopping begins earlier and earlier each year. The day after Thanksgiving sales that used to begin at 6am, now begin at midnight. I can't help, but to look around and see what a selfish holiday Christmas has become. I see it more from the eyes of a 3rd grader as they tell me what they are getting. I remember the days of wanting, wishing, and hoping for that special gift. The children now phrase their wants into, "I am getting..." My immediate thought is, "Oh really." There is always a teachable moment behind the doors of my classroom and this turned into the perfect opportunity to have one of those moments. So, in the midst of teaching how to write a friendly letter, I decided to share the meaning of the Christmas season. I told my students that when we celebrate Christmas we are celebrating the birth of Jesus. It sparked great discussion and hopefully will be a thought in their minds as they are celebrating this season.

? of the day

"Does Santa Claus come to the hood?"

CHICAGO

I made my first trip to the Windy CIty this past weekend. I say first because there will be others. It was an amazing trip with great friends. We celebrated Missy's 25th Birthday! We went all out and did it up right in Chicago! Missy and I left before the sun came up Friday morning and made it to Midway before 830am, which gave us a full day in the city. The flight was the smoothest and easiest flight I have ever experienced. When we arrived at Midway we grabbed some breakfast and made our way to pick up our luggage. There weren't many people around and our luggage was already circling the carousel. Which was surprising! Then, Missy and I looked at each and said, "Now what do we do?" It had been such an easy trip so far that we hadn't thought through what to do once we picked up our luggage. So we decided to brave the city and head for the orange line subway. It took awhile to navigate through the airport to the actual subway station, but finally we made it. We bought our tickets and were on our way.


Emily and Ruth finally made it to Chicago after electrical problems with the plane, a nice stay in the Birmingham Holiday Inn Airport (before they even left) with room service and a shuttle to the airport, being rerouted to a bus from the subway because of construction, and a lengthy walk down Michigan Avenue (with luggage).


I felt I was living someone else's life for a few days! Our time in Chicago was centered around meals (of course)! We induldged ourselves in fine cuisines around the city. My favorites were lunch at the Ralph Lauren Restaurant, Missy's birthday party at Bistro 110 (the best Wild Line salmon!), breakfast at Corner Bakery, and Sunday lunch at Gino's. We also shopped, saw Wicked, did lots of walking, and people watched.



Favorites in Chicago:
1. WICKED

2. the silver bean in millenium park

3. 96th floor of john hancock building

4. carriage ride with dave

5. bistro 110 - happy birthday, missy!

6. gino's pizza

7. ghirardelli hot chocolate

8. greek town

pink pearls and spelling tests

"joys of teaching"

sounds of number two pencils scratching on paper
turning pages
sniffles
soft whispers

classroom noises disturbed
questions
humming
outbursts

feeling discouraged
frustrated
challenged

but interrupted with smiles
hugs
and reading
"i love ms. smef"

phrases

learning to process
formulating questions
asking
content
wondering what next
writer...me? i'm supposed to say yes!
think phrases
trying
feeling silly
thankful
blessed
adventure

em, feedback?

blessed.

The past month has been full of change. Summer is now officially over, despite the over 100 degree heat. It's back to work, routine, and lack of sleep. My students are precious, sweet, and for the most part calm (extremely calm compared to the kids I had the past two years). I've enjoyed them so much already and am looking forward to getting to know them better. Of course there are still stories and I catch myself laughing throughout the day. So much for "not smiling until Christmas." That's what we're told to do to keep the students from "running over" us.

My parents came through Birmingham and spent the night in town on their way to North Carolina for vacation. They traveled up to our favorite vacation spot, Black Mountain, and stayed at the Red Rocker Inn. They hiked some of my top picks of places to hike, Grandfather Mountain and Max Patch Bald. They're so cute!

Also, in August on the two hottest Saturdays, I learned how to roof. The GAP community group partnered with Mission Birmingham to work on a house in West End. We went thinking we would paint or clean, but the only thing to do was roof. We had the choice to lay tiles or remove old ones. The first Saturday I removed 4 layers of roofing and the next Saturday I layed roofing tiles and got to use a nailgun!

Shireen and Russell got hitched at Mountain Brook Community Church. Their wedding was perfect. Congratulations Russell and Shireen Wright!

Labor Day gives me a long 3-day weekend, so I made the trip to Jackson. This was the first trip to Jackson in a long time that I didn't have some sort of wedding or shower to attend. It is nice to come "home" to relax, catch up on sleep, and spend time with family. Claire and Charles invited us to dinner tonight. They served steak, potatoes, creamed spinach, and rolls. For dessert, we had brownies and homemade ice cream with fresh gound Costa Rican coffee. They pulled out the fine China and crystal for our dinner party. They are precious!

The Lord has blessed me with a wonderful family and great friends!

When is your birthday?

Conversation I had today with a new student in my 3rd grade class.

His name is Jon'ta. It is pronounced Jon-tay.

Miss Smith: "Jon'ta, when is your birthday?"
Jon'ta looks at me with a blank stare.
Miss Smith: "Jon'ta, when is your birthday?"
Jon'ta: "Uhh, 20th Thursday."
Miss Smith: "Jon'ta, come here." When Jon'ta gets to my desk I asked. "When were you born?"
Jon'ta: "I was born September 3rd. My birthday is July 20th."

It's going to be an exciting year! There is much to teach. I think I'll start with birthdays.

One Voice to the Glory of Jesus

Hungary is on my mind daily and I want to share as much of the mission with you as I can. So, instead of writing or posting pictures, this post is to urge you to listen.

I thought I would share two sermons Tim has preached the past two Sundays at MBCC. At the beginning of "Vision for Marriage, Tim shares a couple of stories from the Hungary Mission and then preaches on the biblical perspective of marriage from 1 Peter 3:1-7. Tim does a great job painting the picture of what God intends for marriage and what I should be preparing for in a marriage.

I was not at church this past Sunday because I was in Jackson. Missy called after the service to tell me she felt famous. I was confused, but she went on to say that Tim told stories from Hungary (which included my name) throughout the sermon "Living Proof" from 1 Peter 3:8-17. Silly, Missy! He shared the medical emergency we experienced on the trip overseas which included our team assisting with the emergency and Tim having the opportunity to share his faith with a lady who is still seeking and searching for peace. At the end of the sermon, Karen Cunningham, who was part of our team, shares her testimony. It's an amazing testimony of hope while facing trials and suffering.

We never know where we may be or what we may be doing when other people are watching us. Our hope in Jesus Christ could be questioned at any time and any place.

Lord, may I be one voice to the glory of Jesus and live out a hope in Jesus that the world may see.

VALEM VAN AZ UR

GOD IS WITH US!

1 Thesselonians 2:7-9
"As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us."

My time in Hungary has come to an end for now. But, the mission continues. Since I have returned to the states I have had the question asked "If you could say a few words about the mission, what would it be?" There are not enough words to answer that question and literally I would keep you for hours sharing what I experienced while in Hungary. I saw first-hand the love of God for "all nations." The mission was to serve alongside the missionaries and staff members of the Paulus Movement. It was accomplished and then some. I went to serve, but I was served.

Our Partnership: Paulus Movement and MBCC

I went on this mission to serve by accomplishing these tasks - to help at the church retreat and teach conversational English classes. I had no idea that I would form relationships that will last eternally. Daily we spent our time with Janos and Ildiko Kiss and their children Benedek and Lilla, Chris and Debbie Johnson and their daughter Brianna, and the Kazars, Andras, Sara, Christine, Esther, and Hannah. Each of these families have hearts of servants and a passion for the Lord. It was difficult saying good-bye. Lord willing, I will see them again whether it's here or there or at home in heaven.

girl scout jamboree

The W.O.A.C. took a trip this past weekend to Hot Springs, Max Patch, and Asheville, NC. We spent our time hiking, backpacking, camping, and fly fishing. It was a wonderful weekend to pause, rest, and stand in awe of God's creation and fellowship with one another. "He opens His hands and satisfies us with good things." Psalm 104:28 God gives us only a glimpse of what is to come when he creates a new heaven and a new earth. Praise HIM!

Increase my love, O my God, through time and eternity.

summer is here... wahoo!!!

Throughout the past few weeks I have been getting small glimpses of summer... grilling outside, late night walks at the Summit with Diane, 2 river trips in May, and a WOAC hiking trip this weekend. Despite the busy schedule in Jackson this past week, I was able to soak up one of my favorite things about summer... fresh vegetables from Daddy's garden. His garden always looks great, but this season his garden is BEAUTIFUL. I cooked this summer's first squash and zucchini tonight and it was DELICIOUS! The vegetables are plentiful and that means SUMMER is here!

I came back to Birmingham today and had a much different perspective (SUMMER) than when I left last week on the last day of school. It is great getting back and immediately seeing friends and enjoying summer activities. Missy and I went for a swim and run. This is day #1 of training for our first triathlon. Then, Emily came over and Rachel joined us grilling out on the patio. Taylor and Beau came over after dinner for us to make a scarecrow for Hale County. I am now sitting here with no feelings of stress, pressure, or "hurriedness" to get in the bed for work tomorrow. My work will begin with listening to HIM. I'm looking forward to a summer of endless time in the Word.

Sacrifice

As I was standing in the customer service line at Walmart yesterday, I had some time to look around and soak in a thing or two. Not surprising that the line was 7 people deep. My dad said under his breath, "I hope to be at home by 9." I'm not sure why he didn't have hope in the Walmart employees to speed up the service (sarcasm). I went to the restroom (in Walmart!). Gross, I know, but I knew we would be there awhile. When I came back to the line, my dad had moved up one person and the line had gained 3 more behind us. We were behind a lady who decided she wanted to return everything she had ever bought at Walmart. She had a basket full of Walmart bags and was returning it all. Hmm.... makes me wonder why she bought all of those things in the first place. The next interesting sight began as a cute sight... a little African American baby girl probably not quite a year old. She was standing with her mom who was waiting on the lady who was returning all of the merchandise. The baby spit her pacifier out on the floor. At this point I was really curious about what would happen next. I wondered: 1. Was the baby going to pick it up and put it back in her mouth after it hit the Walmart floor? 2. Was the mother going to pick it up and put it back in the baby's mouth, maybe after blowing it. or 3. Would the mother pick up the pacifier and not give it back to the baby? Well, she did none of the above. Instead, the mother bent over picked up the pacifier put it in HER mouth, sucked on it (i guess to clean it off... ugh!), and put it back in the baby's mouth. What a sacrifice!

Mrs. Claire Belknap

My sis got hitched!!! and I have a brother! The wedding weekend was fabulous with brunches, lunches, and dinners. Family and friends gathered from all over to celebrate in this joyous occasion. The ceremony was worshipful and beautiful. She and Charles are both just beaming with joy.

"be still, and know that He is God"

The following is an excerpt from Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman:

I would have despaired unless I had believed that I had seen the goodness of the Lord... Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage. Psalm 27:13-14 (NASB)

Do not despair! Oh, how great the temptation is to despair at times! Our soul becomes depressed and disheartened and our faith staggers under the severe trials and testing that come into our lives, especially during times of bereavement and suffering. We may come to the place where we say, "I cannot bear this any longer. I am close to despair under these circumstances God has allowed. He tells me not to despair, but what am I supposed to do when I am at this point?"

What have you done in the past when you felt weak physically? You could not do anything. You ceased from doing. In your weakness, you leaned on the shoulder of a strong loved one. You leaned completely on someone else and rested, becoming still, and trusting in another's strength.

It is the same when you are tempted to despair under spiritual afflictions. Once you have come close to the point of despair, God's message is not, "Be strong and courageous" (Joshus 1:6), for he knows your strength and courage have run away. Instead, He says sweetly, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).

Hudson Taylor was so weak and feeble in the last few months of his life that he told a friend, "I am so weak I cannot write. I cannot read my Bible. I cannot even pray. All I can do is lie still in the arms of God as a little child, trusting Him." This wonderful man of God, who had great spiritual power, came to the point of physical suffering and weakness where all he could do was lie still and trust.

That is all God asks of you as His dear child. When you become weak through the fierce fires of affliction, do not try to "be strong." Just "be still, and know that He is God." And know that He will sustain you through the fire.

God reserves His best medicine for our times of deepest despair.

Be strong and take heart. Psalm 27:14

Be strong, He has not failed you
In all the past,
And will He go and leave you
to sink at last?
No, He said He will hide you
Beneath His wing;
And sweetly there in safety
You then may sing.

High Fives: Running toward a heavenly reward

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified." 1 Corinthians 9:24-27



Saturday morning I ran in my first half marathon, the Country Music Marathon in Nashville. Rachel and I have been training together for several months. Missy and her mom fed us a great pre-race meal Friday night and were #1 fans! They dropped us off at the starting line and cheered for us along the way. There were over 30,000 people running and bands at every mile. Rachel and I kept each other motivated during the race by giving high fives at every mile and enjoying the fans, sights, and sounds around us. We ran about 10 minute miles and finished the 13.1 mile run in 2:08.



Running this race required discipline, hard work, and preperation. Life has disciplines, prayer, worship, and fellowship that equip us, as Christians, to run toward a heavenly reward. Train diligently!

Spring Break

I am coming off of a great week of rest and relaxation! Somehow I managed to get the recommended 8 hours of sleep and enjoyed quite a few afternoon naps. The break started off with a Jackson reunion in Birmingham. Ann, who now lives in Berkley, CA, spent her spring break in Birmingham. Now 3 of our 10 grade school friends live in Birmingham with one more on the way. For some reason tonight I decide to call them grade school friends instead of high school because most of us have known each other through most of the "grades" not just high school. Anyway... Ann, Amanda, Elizabeth, Christina (who came in from Memphis), and I ate at Cheesecake Factory. Saturday I went to Jackson to spend some time with my family. The trip to Jackson was great. My sister, Claire, is getting married June 2 and had a cocktail party. Some of the extended family was there. We dined on amazing shrimp and mint bellinis (spelling?). The rest of the trip included stuffing, stamping, and sealing wedding invitations, having my car worked on, and running (trying to stay on some kind of training schedule for the half marathon). I stayed in Jackson until Thursday and then drove to Greenwood, where I spent a couple of nights, and visited Mom, Tim, Cindy, Cole, Grandmama, and Granddaddy. Saturday I hurried back to Birmingham to get ready for the Cookout Extravaganza at our house. The cookout was quite an extravaganza... grilling, around the world ping pong, and even a dance party. Thanks to Jimmy for staying behind the grill!

thoughts on revelation...

This year I am studying Revelation with Community Bible Study. Each week as I pour into the Word, I am discovering, growing, and learning. Daily, God's sovereignty is poured out among people. Those who respond, by trusting Christ and submitting to Him as Lord of their lives, are covered with His righteousness. How amazing!

What do you think of when you think of heaven? My view of heaven has always been skewed by what the world portrays heaven to be... bright white light, floating, happy, doing whatever you enjoy for all eternity. Oh how much better it is going to be than that! God does not spirit His saints up to heaven to live forever with Him there. The old universe will be destroyed and a new creation (universe) will begin. God will create a new heaven, a new earth, and a new city. God will come down to dwell with His people forever. He will live among us! In all His glory, God, will dwell with us intimately! "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" (1 Corinthians 2:9) There will be no more pain. Think about all of the pain you have seen or experienced - physically and emotionally. It will be gone! ..."now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:3-4

We are either saved or lost, stand for Christ or bow to the beast (Satan), our eternal destination is the heavenly city or the lake of fire. Postponing a decision to follow Christ is a decision- a decision to reject Him. The gospel is so simple. Acknowledge we are sinners, that we trust Christ did all that was necessary to take the penalty for our sins by dying on the cross, and ask Him to be our Savior in a simple prayer of faith. Consider the extent of God's plan: We commit to Him now for our lifetime; He commits to us for eternity. God does not promise that our lives will be easy. Actually, He says the opposite, but He promises that He will always be with us through His Spirit. We can communicate with Him continually. In fact, He wants us to. We experience His love through a developing friendship with His Son, Jesus Christ.

"If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." Romans 10: 9-10

HE HAS RISEN INDEED!!!

What an amazing Easter Sunday! The morning began with reflection over the celebration of this day. Most Easter Sundays in the past have been just like the one the year before (in Jackson with the family). Our Easter family traditions include church, a home cooked meal, and taking pictures by the pink azeala bushes dressed in our "Sunday best." Although I did miss being with family this Easter Sunday, there was a greater message today that kept my mind off of the usual family traditions. HE HAS RISEN INDEED!!! I spent Easter in Birmingham celebrating the day Christ has risen. I worshiped at my home church Mountain Brook Community. It was a great service with time to reflect on HIS sacrifice. Tim preached a great sermon on the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

"That is you confess with your mouth "Jesus is Lord" and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9

"A saving knowledge of Christ crucified and risen is not the mere result of right reasoning about historical facts. It is the result of spiritual illumination to see those facts for what they really are: a revelation of the truth and glory of God in the face of Christ - who is the same yesterday, today, and forever." ~ John Piper

After church, Missy, Kali, and I went to the Jazz Brunch at Open Door Cafe and enjoyed the jazz band, New Orleans doughnuts (aka beignets), french toast with strawberry syrup, shrimp and grits, omelets, and mimosas. A perfect meal to celebrate our risen Savior!

Hungary for HIM

The Lord is gracious beyond measure. He is always leading, guiding, and directing. As a sinner, I am so weak and long for the day to be in heaven worshiping HIM! In the meantime, He calls us in the Great Commission to "... go and make disciples of all nations..." (Matt. 28:19) The Lord has opened a door and called me to spend some time in Hungary over the summer with a mission team from Mountain Brook Community. We will be partnering with the Paulus Movement and working with Andras and Andrea Kazar in Diosd, Hungary right outside of Budapest. I am eager to learn more of the details of the mission as well as prepare my heart for the work this summer. I urge you to pray for this mission - the planning, support, and relationships that will be established and built along the way.

what else... WHOLE FOODS

I couldn't start a blog and not bring up Whole Foods. Thanks to Missy! That topic seems to be buzzing around the magic city! I had my first trip tonight and am beyond pleased with what I experienced. Food everywhere! My favorite part is the peanut butter machine where I made my own honey roasted peanut butter from real peanuts with the flip of a switch. I got a little carried away and the lid wouldn't fit. Don't worry I didn't let that pb go to waste. Missy, I think Whole Foods will become a regular part of my life, too!