An Amazing Day

This past Sunday- August 11th, 2008- was an amazing day. I got to see my dear friend, Shaya Kahali, get baptized. It was a bit surreal. I have been praying that Shaya would come to have a personal relationship with God since we were in high school. Shaya shared with the entire Crossroads service that she knows God has been pursuing her for all of these years, she believes that Jesus Christ died for her sins, and that she wants to have a relationship with God from now through eternity. While Shaya was sharing, I had one of those smiles that made my mouth feel like it was going to rip. Simultaneously, I had tears welling in my eyes and thought I was going to start bawling hysterically with overwhelming joy a few times.

When I got home after the baptisms on Sunday, I resurrected some of my old journals and found prayers for Shaya's life dating back to my early college days. God is truly incredible. He answers prayer. He uses the most unlikely situations and times to remind us of His faithfulness. After more than 10 years for praying for Shaya, I have seen God do awesome things in her life. Sunday was an amazing day-- one of the best days of my life.

Meet Mrs. Perdue

The time has come...I am going to be a teacher. I will really be Mrs. Perdue. I am still semi-crossing my fingers that I will get an internship (a.k.a. a paid job versus being some other teacher's indentured servant), although I am simply excited to get into the classroom. Right now, I'm slated to student teach 3rd grade at an elementary school in northern Fremont and then either Kindergarten or 1st grade at an elementary school in the Mission district of Fremont. After that, I'll have my credential and will be an official teacher in the beautiful State of California.

When I went to get my undergrad at UCSB, I had no idea what I wanted to do job-wise. For awhile, I thought I wanted to be an accountant and so I majored in Business Economics and Communication. I loved my time in college. I met amazing friends, and fell more in love with Jesus. I did not, however, figure out what job would suit me best. Jackson and I met right after college, and I knew immediately that my priorities were (1) God, (2) Jackson, and then (3) Job. I quit my crazy commute/work overtime-all-the-time job with the promise of high pay to keep those priorities true to real life. I have officially been working at The Shed Shop (5 minute commute, 8:30-5 not-so-much-overtime) for four years. I've learned a lot in the past four years. I will save my pearls of wisdom for a future post, but I will say now that I am so happy that I am able to enter the teaching world this fall. I love teaching. I have yet to be a classroom for a full semester (well, more than one day a week), but I know it's what I am supposed to do. Next to God and my wonderful family, I truly believe that I am meant to be a teacher. I love working with kids, I'm super organized, and love learning. I am even more ecstatic that Jackson is going to be a teacher, too. This year will be rough. One of us or both of us may not have a full time position (paid job). We'll both be finishing class work and jumping through the hoops of being the 'newbie' teacher. Regardless of how tough it will be, we both can now see light at the end of the tunnel. Summers together as a family... Janelle not working every Saturday... Doing something that we're passionate about and love... Being home earlier in the evening...Having a pretty good salary and retirement situation... On July 10, 2004 I became Mrs. Perdue. Now, I'll be hearing that title more often!

I get 16 more years!

I can't believe that Belle is going to be 2 years old this October (actually in exactly 2 months today). I can't. In the same breath, I can't remember not having Belle in my life. She is a treasure. She has brought more joy to Jackson's and my life than we can begin to convey. Today, Jackson emailed me an article with a simple warning stating, "Read this and you will cry". He was right. I did cry.

The article is written by a mother whose daughter has just gone to college. She talks about how she misses her daughter, things will never be the same, and that she has had the privilege to pray for, live with, and enjoy her daughter for the time that God granted (18 years in her case). After I shed my tears, I felt happy because I still have 16 years of wonderful experiences with my sweet baby girl. Also, I have 2 whole months until she's a 2 years old! Here's the article:
https://internetmonk.com/archive/58612

Revolutionary Parenting

We just ordered a new book that I just can't wait to read... "Revolutionary Parenting". I heard the author of this book, George Barna, on the radio yesterday and believe that this book will be a great help and encouragement to me as a parent. Jackson, too. When Belle (and any other little Perdues that become a part of our family) grows up, I want her to be a spiritual champion. I long for her to love Christ and give her entire life to him. George said something profound that will stick with me. He said, "Before anything, we as parents need to love our kids into the presence of God". As it should be, I am reminded that it doesn't matter how much academic content Belle knows (let me tell you, it's already a lot at a mere 22 months- she knows concepts such as 'almost', 'backwards', and 'careful'!), how talented she is (the girl has rhythm and athleticism already), or what she does (I've already envisioned Belle being a leader among leaders)... She needs Christ.

Happy New Year!

So, I haven't really blogged more (as mentioned as a goal in a previous post), but I'll try update more often this year. I can't believe it's a new year... 2008. Jackson's 10 year high school reunion is this summer (or spring- TBD), Belle will be 2 years old in fall, and we are planning to get pregnant towards the end of this year. My sister, Shannon, got engaged over Christmas and has a wedding date set for the end of February '09. I haven't really made any 'new year resolutions', but I do plan on shedding some pounds (I don't think I can attribute my weight to post partum with a 15 month old at this point... :-) ), getting away with Jackson more, saving more money, and most important- working with Jackson to build a Christ-centered family where we have time to both serve and relax together. Happy New Year! I'll blog soon...

It's the most wonderful time of the year....

I LOVE Fall... Autumn... what have you. I have seasonal decor for every season and I love to decorate. However, putting out the fall decorations just makes me happy. Cute scarecrows, pumpkins, leaves, and sweet, rich candles make me giddy. This year Belle and I are making a trip out to visit my best friend, Lindsey, in West Virginia. Lindsey informed me that locals have told her that the second week in October (conveniently the time I'm coming) is one of the most beautiful weeks during fall. I will have pics.

In other news, Jackson's birthday is tomorrow. He is going to be 27. I am so glad that he was born and that he's in my life.

Belle's almost one!

My baby girl is turning one in a couple of months. It's surreal. Jackson and I have been thinking about how to celebrate this wonderful occassion that she won't even remember. :-) I've been thinking of a low key event at my parents' place...

P.S. I'm going to try to blog more.