God is good, all the time!

Yesterday was a rough day of school. Everything went well in the morning until I reached the high school. I knew that the "drama" that happened at the dance on Saturday night would certainly carry over into Monday and it did indeed. I spent a good hour talking to and comforting students that were upset by the events. Due to this, I went home drained of energy and feeling as though I had been run over by a truck. I wasn't sure how I was going to be a good "mom" and wife and actually prepare supper when I arrived home. So, I took a few ibuprofen for my throbbing head, drank a glass of juice, took a deep breath, and started making supper and cleaning the kitchen (which was quite the disaster). (Amy helped by emptying the dishwasher. These girls are amazing in so many ways, one of which is their willingness to help out.) As I worked, I found new energy and love for life and by the time dinner was on the table I felt like a new woman--I love cooking! God is good--He gives us ways to relax and enjoy our lives.

Today was better. MUCH better. At lunch time a fellow co-worker was telling me that my brother Jon was an awesome young man (or something to that affect!) because he helped her daughter (who is at UNL for her first year away from home) out of a bit of a jam and went the "extra mile" to make sure everything was taken care and she would be okay. I enjoyed talking with her about this because I love that man SO much. He is one of the finest young men I know. The day only got better because today this man I have loved since the beginning of his life, my dear brother Jon, found out he had been excepted into Veterinarian school. What a celebration I had when I heard the news. The tears of sadness from yesterday have turned into tears of joy. God is good--He gives us moments of joy when we most need them.

God is also good in sending just who He knows we need. As we were looking at profiles for students, we originally chose Amy and a girl from New Zealand (we had not yet seen Dani's profile). I was crushed when we found out Miss New Zealand was going to be going to Texas instead. Really though, this was a huge blessing in disguise. I believe God knew we needed Dani and so He arranged it. One of our fears when we decided to host foreign exchange students was that they wouldn't feel "at home" and comfortable enough to help themselves to things in the fridge, cupboard, etc. Well, those fears were wiped away when Dani reached into the fridge, pulled out the bag of chocolate chips and started eating a handful. I laughed because I was so happy that she felt comfortable enough to do that. Tonight, she helped herself to salad (that I had not put on the table) during dinner (she LOVES salad). God knew I would need her to make me feel like things are as they should be and our girls are settled in. (Amy has also shown signs of feeling at home: she took over the remote this afternoon!) God is good, all the time, in every circumstance!

Dani enjoying her salad while the dogs wish
they could help themselves to food as well.