My Ella read Pride and Prejudice, an abridged version of course. Now we are watching the movie and we are all smitten, and I think they finally understand why I wanted to name the dog Mr. Darcy. It occurred to me this morning that my Ella is very much like Ms. Elizabeth, and that made me smile. Her unapologetic wit, oh the wit. This characteristic is both an asset and a problem, depending on the circumstance. But truth be told, either way I find it admirable, considering her mother is never able to say what she wants to say when she wants to say it. Like last weekend on the soccer field when a parent from the other team yelled at me and forced me to tears. I thought of at least 20 responses after I left the field, all of which would certainly have silenced him; but in the midst of the moment all I could muster up were tears. It both affirmed my hatred of competitive sports, and then simultaneously made me proud of my daughter for working so hard to compete in something so difficult to be a part of.
In other news, this month has been one of my favorites of the year so far; full to brim, as I know it has been for you also. It’s true what they say about May, May is the new December for mothers with school age children. I traveled to New Orleans with my friend Angela. She was speaking at an event, and I went along so we could finally have a moment to catch up on life. We talked nonstop the entire flight, and then I was also allowed the privilege of running her merch table, which satisfies my childhood dream of playing store. It’s a win-win for everybody. And then there were beignets at Cafe du Monde, which I think is a fancy, New Orleans way of saying funnel cake. In the part of the world where I grew up, we call them funnel cakes, and we eat them along side of a corn dog and a stick of fried butter….not coffee. Whatever they’re called, I like them, and we ate them….
There was a hidden blessing in it though. I saw what it’s like to get off a plane and look for the person smiling and waving, and then get in their car and trust them not to murder you. I was speaking the following weekend to a mother’s group in Ohio. I didn’t know them, they just asked me to come and I said yes. I had to put aside all fear that it was an elaborate plot to kidnap me and hide me in a basement. It turns out I’m not that important, and they really did just want me to come and be real right along side of them. That weekend I taught about calling, purpose, and Moses; and how all we really need is a grain-sized amount of faith and a touch of obedience, and then God will do the rest. That was quite ironic, as I sat in my hotel room personally struggling through that very truth. It is proof that we teach best what we have lived (or are living), and that God has a sense of humor and doesn’t miss one tiny detail. 
Then we moved straight into Beautiful Life with my girl Angela, who brought a message on light that I am still in awe of. This year I wanted to represent “the bride of Christ”. I think we all need to remember that God really does see us as His bride in white. Most days I forget, but when I remember and receive it, it will stop me in my tracks. And because my church is awesome, and because my friend Jeff is a rock star, and because I have really great friends, we all made her come to life.
And that brings me to June, my month of slow, that is but a prep month for July. Oh July. In one month I will be looking at this:
One unexpected truth I have learned about going on a mission trip to Africa, is that controversary rises up when you tell people you are going on a mission trip to Africa. I have been amazed at the opinions that quickly surface, sometimes in boldness that I have no words for. Which brings me full circle to where we began. I can never find the right words to say, when I want to say them. Where is my Ella when I need her!?!?
