Nostalgia Time

Nostalgia Time:

I wrote this a year ago and never posted it. So now twenty-one years have passed since I graduated high school. How is that possible when I'm only twenty-eight?

Ha. Ha.

Okay, add tens year plus one. Time has flown by. And as I look back at this post I wanted to share it with you even if it's a year late.

Enjoy! 

My twenty year high school reunion is coming up this weekend so I've been busy looking at photos  and reflecting.

Junior Year Track Picture

Senior Picture

My life was so different twenty plus years ago, but much the same too.

I didn't know my husband (officially) back then, but I can't imagine a time without him in my life now. God blessed me so much by putting us together. We've traveled the U.S. through his Navy Career, had four incredible children, and served in several ministries together. He works his tail-end off at the Post Office now to provide for us (update: he now works for the Army Corp of Engineers), and he loves the Lord like the kind of man I always knew I wanted. I seriously dated three other guys before Jason. All great guys in their own rights, but not who God had planned for me.

Friendships twenty years ago came easy. I had my own little crew. We did everything together. Told each other everything. And I couldn't imagine a time those girls wouldn't be in my life. But fast forward twenty years later and life has filled our days with marriages, children, jobs, and business. Even though I talked to several of them only in passing these days, those ladies hold a special place in my heart for all eternity. They helped make me the lady I am today. I love you all and miss those days with you more than I can bear at times.

So twenty years ago, I was a Christian. I stood up for my beliefs and stood my ground. I still hold strong to my convictions today, all because I was a part of a wonderful youth group and had a youth leader who changed my whole life by being the man he was and teaching me about Jesus. And several years later, when Logan moved to Jacksonville, FL my husband was stationed there too and we were able to be a part of Logan's church there.

My family. I've been blessed with an amazing one. Parents who have been there for me through all of life's up an downs, who showed me how to be the lady I am, who love me unconditionally, and who have become my best friends. A little brother who I now look up to. Literally. :) No seriously, he's become such a great man. Twenty years ago and today too I was ready to go to battle if anyone messed with my little brother. And then, I have aunts and uncles, cousins, and grandparents who I'm blessed to have in my life.

Twenty years ago, I knew I wanted kids. Lots of kids. I dreamed of what they'd be like and what their names might be. Since I was a teenager I loved to babysit and teach the kids at church and then as time went by I became a preschool teacher and children's ministry leader. God blessed me with four children who each have a unique personality that make me smile everyday. And sometimes we act so silly no one would believe I'm really this old. ;)

Since I was in second grade and probably longer, I've written stories. Many that I never finished. Not until recently (last five years) did I think of even sharing my work with anyone except my brother. But today I'm happy to say I've written two complete books (update: three books ... well, the third is almost done) that I hope to soon have published. Fingers crossed you will get to read them someday.

So much life has happened in the last twenty years. I've grown and matured. But overall I'm the same person I was twenty years ago. I'm so incredibly blessed by this journey that God has put me on.
As my twenty year reunion is upon me and I'm deciding whether to attend, I look back on those years of high school. They were so short yet so meaningful in many ways. But who I was back then was only a small piece of me. There has been so much more life I've enjoyed. :).

Update: Well, I did attend my high school class reunion. I talked to people I hadn't seen for years and missed some friends who couldn't make it.

Enjoy everyday. It passes by in the blink of an eye. In no time at all another twenty years plus one will be here.

How have you changed or remained the same since your high school days? I'd love to hear all about it.