Boxes, Tape and Bubble Wrap...Oh my!

Our bathroom and bedroom...

Today is Friday. January....well....to tell you the truth, I don't know what todays date is. We arrived here on the 18th. That was Sunday. It has been a whirlwind ever since. I have not put on make-up or a decent outfit since Saturday. Ha! But, let me tell you...there are no more boxes in this chateau of ours and everything is FINALLY in it's place ;)...for now at least. I don't think it has quite hit either of us that we are 600 miles from our families and friends. If it has, then we didn't feel it because the bubble wrap found all over our apartment softened the blow. We do miss our Mommas and Papas and all of our precious friends that we are truly blessed to have. Just because we are in NC doesn't mean friendships end...I never thought I would thank God so much for the internet and text messaging ;) THANK YOU LORD! We plan to stay well connected! Our little home is absolutely everything I could have ever asked for. I think it is so precious. Its been a lot of fun...we opened some of our wedding gifts for the first time! And we got to use them...doesn't sound too exciting but for us it was ;) I like having a place for everything...I can thank Lynne Willis and David Lang for that ;) Me, OCD?? No! Never! We have explored Wake Forest little by little everyday. We are, no joke, 3 minutes from EVERYTHING you could ever want; movie theater, Kroger, Super Wal-Mart, Super Target, tons of restaurants, a mall, a massive Lowe's and Home Depot all at our finger tips...its pretty cool! I've never lived this close to anything. At home in Plant City, I grew up in the country. We were always going "up-town" (thats what my Mom always says)...not a huge drive but certainly not 3 minutes away! Its pretty cool! Daniel is super excited about school. Orientation starts on Monday and classes start on Thursday. I leave for Miss America on Tuesday. I feel bummed that I won't be there for his first day...but as a friend reminded me; Daniel is 23...he can walk himself to class! I just don't want to miss anything. We are headed to downtown Raleigh to grab a bite to eat at the Busy Bee. It is cold and ugly today...we just had a rain storm come through last night...you would've thought is was a blizzard by the way Daniel and I were acting! Daniel looks like he came from Florida. He is still tan and has color. I blend in quite well here... pasty white! Looks like this skin hasn't seen the sun for a decade!

Ok...for real this time. We are headed out. Much to love to each of you. We miss you and can't wait to see everyone in March.

WOW!

So.......to say I'm slacking at writing you is quite the understatement.......talk about a crazy couple of weeks!!!??!! Where has the time gone? I feel like we were just enjoying summer and before we know it, its going to be Halloween! The older I get the quicker time flies. Anyways, thank you for your sweet words of encouragement the past few weeks. I love the fact that you don't tell me what I want to hear and you won't let me settle for something just because it is comfortable. You are always ever so gently nudging me towards being a better person each and every day. And, you know me all too well! I believe your words to me the other day were, "The only reason you aren't doing "this" (this=new changes and challenges in the upcoming weeks that I am procrastinating on) is because you are scared. It has nothing to do with capability, or not wanting to, its just that you are letting fear overtake you and drive your decisions." HA! Talk about calling it like you see it! I needed that, I needed to hear it and not just think it, I needed it to be confronted and not just floating in my heart and mind. Thank you my darling, that is one of the many reasons why I am so madly in love with you.

On a lighter note....I found this website where you make all kinds of lists. It is like your life in lists. Oh how it is so straight up my alley....I LOVELOVELOVE it!!!! They make journals that prompt you to make certain lists about yourself; life, career, friends, and a bunch of other things. I take the ones that I like and leave the ones that don't really apply to me. I thought it would be fun to do a few on here....it really makes you think and its super fun (atleast I think so ;)

Listography.com

I figured we could start out simple and then move into the more complex subjects....if a list could ever be complex?

Here it goes...

About me:

Favorite Smells...

fresh cut grass, the beach, strawberry fields (only PC ones), cookies baking in the oven, my Mom's old perfume she used to wear "Lefleur", My Dad's old t-shirts from his armoire that I slept in as a kid, Katherine Clark's (former s.queen, I think she is 90yo and still active...love her) perfume "Rose Water" from CrabTree and Evelyn, The cologne you wore when we first met....it takes me back every time, Cupcake candle from Yankee Candles

Favorite Sights....

Your eyes and your smile (ok....a little cheesy maybe...but oh so true), morning sunlight, everything about NYC, people laughing, sunflower fields, fall leaves, the donut case at Hole In 1 (oh yeah!), a body of believers worshiping together, shelves of books, over-stuffed couches, make-up pallettes, Deb's photos, Carry and David's gowns, racks of vintage clothes, family being together, young people who rock their own style, Molly's sweet little face, your excitement when the Noles win (I know...its going to be a long season), the way your face lights up when you talk about your students and all they are achieving, Strawbery Festival ;), Ms. Ruth Harsham's blog (lovelovelove it), T-Bone's "I'm mad at you" walk, our wedding photos

Favorite Sounds....

Your "Do you love me" voice, my Dad's singing, laughter of all kind, hearing people speak in different languages, country music, the steel guitar, Bob Anderson's sermons, ocean waves, Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, Molly's jibberjabber, T-Bone's talking bark, hair dryer, Kenny G, the wind, Your British accent, the buzz of New York City, the crack of a baseball bat, and every once in a while the sound of silence

Your turn buns.....

KB

Open Doors

Hey hunny buns,

Man, I am spent- and its only the second day of school. I have a completely new view of teachers in k thru 12. I love this job teaching high schoolers though. Every day brings a new challenge! I know for a fact that God has me teaching there for a reason. I truly think that God is going to work thru me to lead lost souls to His Kingdom or to minister to souls that are filled with grief and pain. I am just praying throughout each day that a door will just swing open and present an opportunity to share Christ.

Today our Bellwork (I call them New Editions: Let me explain real quick. Every day students are required to do bellwork, let's be honest no one likes that. So, I wrap the first couple of lines of ICE ICE BABY "Stop Collaborate and Listen, Mr. B. is back with a brand NEW EDITION- then I rip a poster board off the wall and reveal the assignment) was to prepare questions for me as I enter the hot seat. Ask anything, and I would try to answer it the best I knew how. The funniest thing I noticed was that everything led back to God and to you- my wife! Some kid asked, "where is your happy place?" LOL. I said- to know that my wife is pumped about me and knowing that I love her as much as she loves me- and to be in the presence of my King! There is just No better state than that. How much better can life get as I just focus on those two realities?

I had probably 100 questions thrown on me today and finally I was able to reverse the assignment and I began asking them about Life, Hurts, Worries, God, Heaven, Dreams, Goals, etc. I realized, man, teenagers are smart. They are like big sponges and they soak up all of this knowledge. Kids tried to define the afterlife, tried to reason hell, they aspire towards plans more than just a friday night. It was unreal. I am pumped to be teaching such an incredible group of students.

There are so many students who are searching, or who have searched and have been burned, or who haven't searched and have seen nothing but ugliness and pain their entire lives. I am just praying for openness- A divine transparency in the hearts of these students that will allow God to use me simply as a vessel to tell them about God's love and promises.

Hun, I am so thankful to have a wife that knows to pray for me without me even having to ask. You are my treasure B. I love that you know me so well. Oh yeah, and the students are raving about your Strawberry Pizza and everyone has already put in a formal request for a "Strawberry Pizza" Day. Ha.

Time to eat- Love ya darling.

DB

First Day of School

Hey B!

Tomorrow is a big day for you and I know you have so many emotions and thoughts swirling in that brilliant heart and mind of yours. I just want you to know that each student you come in contact with today is in your class for a reason. Its not by chance, nor is it a coincidence. I know that every hand you shake this morning will look back at your sweet face and see God's love and light. Remember, you are here and you are called for such a time as this. I can't wait to see all that God is going to do through you. He is awesome and mighty, and worthy of all the praise.

I feel like its the first day for me too....can't wait to hear all about it!

Love you and praying for you.

KB

"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not loose heart. " Galatians 6:9

P.S.

Don't forget to Lysol your kids down before they come in your room ;) Just Kidding...but no seriously, I bought you that gallon jug of hand sanitizer for a reason :) Denise won't let us near her and those sweet growing little peanut twins ;) if we even show the slightest sign of a sniffle!

I haven't posted in quite a few days hun. It's been a crazy week.

New year started at my job. I am full time at a charter high school teaching social sciences, right up my alley, especially the debate class and the leadership class. I am so pumped about what God is going to do and to see the many doors that will open to the students I will come in contact with. On top of that, I am just waiting on my boss to announce his candidacy for the 2010 election, where I will run my first campaign...I am stoked!

My birthday just passed and whenever birthdays pass, for me atleast, I like to examine my life (you know the drill- see how your accomplishment timeline looks, yadayada). I can't say that I've done much. Yeah, I have been in leadership positions numerous times, I earned a degree, and I can make up a few other things that I have "Done". It's been incredible being in the Word each day, learning and relearning Psalm 119. It has reinforced that this life is not about me! Not by any means. Each step I take, every breath, is a gift from above. My accomplishments pale in comparison to His Statutes. My dreams don't hold water when it comes to His majestic plans. My hurts, hangups, worries and fears don't stand a chance to His Resurrection. Man, how good is God.

As I was in my quiet time in Nan Psalm 119 I read: I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws.

You know something straight up crazy. Some people are just absolutely terrible at keeping secrets. It doesn't matter how much emphasis you put on the sentence "Don't tell anyone this" sooner or later what you told in confidence gets out. I've known quite a few people like that- not cool. But I'm not focused on those people. What's crazy are those people who hear a really juicy secret and can hold it in til their last day on earth. Wild. Yet, those same people continually break their commitments with God- a commitment it says in Ecclesiastes that you shouldn't just make to make. That's considered folly. A commitment to God, saying Yes to God is the biggest decision anyone can make, it's a matter of life and death, and ought not be taken lightly- yet how many times do I break His Commands and spit on the cross that I 'have committed' myself to serving. It's so much bigger than just keeping a secret! Its an oath with an Almighty God. The God! The Alpha and the Omega! Just typing those words pump me up!

This passage reinforces my passion and commitment to only serve God and to stay true to the oath I have made. Good stuff. God, be a lamp to our feet and guide every step we take, whether it's with our careers, our marriage, or our futures- allow us to fully trust in YOU.

Pray for me as I continue training for the upcoming school year and the nearing campaign- soon work weeks of 50 plus hours will be the norm! Yikes. And babe, you have been working so hard lately- you are Awesome. You rock my socks off. You are my B!

love you bunny!

D

Kaf......

The literal meaning of the letter Kaf is "palm." I love this....the palm is the place in the body where potential is actualized. Think of all the work you do with your hands each day. From the moment you wake up, to second you drift off to sleep, our hands are constantly in motion or they are idle. Momma always said, "Idle hands are the devil's handy work." It is so true...and FYI...that's a country song, just in case you were wondering ;). Today I started to think about all that my hands do and don't do. The work that they set out to accomplish each day, is it work to better the Kingdom or is it just busy work? Do I wake up each morning focused on today's work? Or, do I wake up and miss out on today's work because I am too busy focusing on tomorrow's? For me its the latter. I often get too concerned with what God is going to do tomorrow or the next day or next year that I miss out on what He is doing today. There is definitely a balance of living for today and preparing for where God is sending us tomorrow, however, that balance is sometimes hard to find. Each day, my prayer is that I will seek to serve the least of these, to love the unlovely, to be obedient and faithful even when I am physically exhausted, to surrender these hands that I have to the Father to use as He may choose. Regardless of how our society measures success, we must hold onto and treasure the simple truth that we are here to be His hands and feet and His eyes that is true success.

On the other "hand" of Kaf........Kaf is the also the root of the word kipah. In English kipah translates into cap. Therefore, it is said "You have placed your Palm over me," meaning God's hand is over your head. I like to view His palm as an umbrella. When you are walking in the rain with an umbrella you are protected from the effects of weather around you. Now, using an umbrella implies an action, a choice, and choosing to follow God is the same. We must actively seek Him and the more we seek Him, the more we find Him....I love that. Picture it.....the maker of the Universe, the One who created the oceans and skies, the mountains and desserts, every creature and human being...He has His palm over your life. I love to visualize that....it takes me back to Sunday School as 5 year old and singing "He's Got the Whole World In His Hands", except this time, His hand is over you, like an umbrella, shielding, guiding, and protecting. What an amazing God we serve.

I am honored and humbled to be your wife.

K

P.S.

Apologies for the "ADD" nature of this blog....its the product of on overactive mind and a long day ;) Kisses.

Wineskin in the Smoke

Back in the day, people used animal skins as containers to hold liquids like wine. Another function would be to hang the skin on their tents. When the people made fires they needed a device to act like a sponge for the smoke. The skin acted as this neutralizer. Immediately after absorbing the smoke for a long period of time the skin shriveled up and turned black. It was then considered useless.

Psalm 119 Kaph. We continue on the journey. Sorry I haven't written on the other entries. My energy has been sapped the past couple of days. Sorry hun, if I haven't been much fun...I'll make it up to ya in about 5 minutes, lol.

Back to the psalmist: "Though I am like wineskin in the smoke, I do not forget your decrees."

This entry speaks to me about a guy who is just straight up down-trodden. He is asking God: "how long must I wait", "when will you comfort me". He is being persecuted, he is suffering and he is tired and he recognizes how 'they' almost won.

What is it in life that constantly brings us down? That for days, months, or years has had this grip around our necks, not allowing us to breathe, panting for God to help. And where is God? Do you feel like that sometimes. You pray and you feel like it bounces off the wall and no one is listening. Are there people in your life that constantly bring you down, force you to be mediocre, applaud when you settle, and delight when you sin? Are you about to lose the fight and just give in? I have known people like that way too often. You know the type, the people that just love it when you are down-and-out. Misery loves company. GET OUT!

Here is a guy in this Psalm who is where many of us are today in our spiritual walks. Struggling, trying to seek God amidst a pack of wolves waiting for you to falter so that they can pounce. Is your spiritual walk like that wineskin? Shriveled up. Blackened. Hardened. Useless. But, why not just accept it. God, Im worthless, useless, no good. Be done with me. NOT SO FAST. The psalmist says, you know what, even though I am used up- I will never forget you God. I am even that much more desperate for you to guide my every step!

Know that God RESTORES. David writes in his Psalms that, "God restores my soul". Allow Him to work in your life in a very special way this week, restoring a new vigor to worship Him, a new passion to overcome whatever it is holding you back, and a forgiveness to those who have hurt you. Any hang ups, hurts, worries- God can Restore! You gotta ask.

Praying for you this week hun. Be safe driving and enjoy your time working hard. Pray for me as school starts up in full gear just that I can stay diligent and healthy!

God thank you for everyday I have with my wife. Each day is a gift from You alone.

love,
daniel