and then grace happened..

We're 4 weeks into school already in these parts. Hard to believe, as usual, life is whizzing by. I count my blessings daily, but voice my prayers probably a lot more.

It was a rough start to the year. I had a new part-time job, a new business and old and new kids at powerhouse who I love more than i want to somtimes. I was dealing with police officers, parents, strep throat and little sleep. A whole lot of not good combination. It was a new ballgame to me- a new reality of what I'm dealing with and a whole big realm of the unknown. I felt a bit scared, I wondered if I could really do this - in fact I knew I couldn't and fell flat on my face (or in my bed) in the arms and grace of our Jesus.

Then, a Friday came around. I usually take my kids on field trips on Fridays. They don't get a lot of opportunities. It's crazy to me how their stories can be so similar to the stories of my kids from Detroit- right here in little Sioux Falls where I was born and raised in the shelter of my perfect little neighborhood. But, it's the truth so onward we go. It was cold outside of course but we had planned to go 'orienteering' at the Outdoor Campus in Sioux Falls. I was already preparing myself for the negative attitudes, the complaints, the stubborness that so many of them cling to. We had to walk through the trails, find 4 points and race back to the bus all in hopes of a pizza party. I had my doubts.

But, then I got a glimpse of grace...right before my very eyes....

(some of the excited orineteers)

They were excited, they were kind, they were ready and they LOVED it. We got lost, we walked way further than we had to and in circles over and over again, and then we found the 4 points and had a footrace with another team to the bus. The whole time I got to hear the hearts of four beautiful kids on my team as we wandered through the trees (blessing in disguise, that lost part i guess). I got to hear them dream and laugh and work with each other to achieve. Best of all, I got to see them be positive, embrace the weather and encourage one another.

Incredible how Christ shows up in my moments of little faith. The moments where I question and wonder if this is what I'm supposed to be doing each day, if it even matters. Then He shows up and works through these precious children to teach me and grow me. It's my prayer they experience Him, too, through the few hours we spend together each day.

and my top ten reasons I haven't been blogging,,,

...in pictures of course, because it's much more interesting that way!

Soaking up every last second with this girl before we become phone besties again. Luckily we're really good at it, but, boy was it a treat to have her here the last six months.

Starting a cupcake business and seriously living a dream. I still wonder sometimes if it's for real. check out www.jcakesbakery.com. Huge shout out to my forever friend and her hubs the Norris'

Hanging with these guys again. School started out of nowhere and I have 17 lovlies joining me at the house everyday. I would do just about anything for these kids and am excited for round 2 with them and some new ones!

Fall flavors :). Check out the website- but with a new season brings new flavors. Currently taking suggestions! This is caramel apple, and is to die for (but, i maybe say that about them all- just ask my hips :)

Back to school picnic at the park- one of many summer events. This is a little piece of my Heaven right here. Love these kids and this park and the relationships I've been able to build in the neighborhood over the summer. I'm seriously again living a dream- and the faithfulness of Christ literally in my backyard.

Two of my bests, married. Best day of the summer- seriously fun party and happy as can be for these two who mean the world to me.

Living it up at the 'sand at the lake' as Joy calls it in the last few weeks of summer with my BFF, forever friend, and her babe. We took full advantage of summer days and became tight with coffee shop owners, thrift stories and the mad streets of downtown Sioux Falls. F-U-N

Add in a new part-time teaching gig with ELL kiddos, a gaggle of new piano students, my dear family and friends...life is good. I hit the brick wall of 'need to sleep more' yesterday and happily collapsed into my bed thinking of how incredibly blessed I am. I am doing a lot of everything I love and though somedays I wonder if I am going to make it- I wake up everyday knowing I am exactly where I am supposed to be. I live the grace and mercy and faithfulness of a Jesus who loves me more than I can comprehend. Can it get much better than that?

xoxo, jess

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