Rebecca's Joy

May is a weather gamble in Colorado. I always hope to be able to wear a nice maxi dress to school, but I often wear layers and watch glorious thunderstorms (with the occasional bout of hail).

Life yields many opportunities for growth, reflection, and change. From the beginning of 2025, Frank and I have been funneling our thoughts and actions through two words: purpose and intention.

The business of life continues to compete with my energy, space, and priorities, so I fight the urge to “zone out” on my phone or in front of my tv. May also is the end of many things: school, graduations, programs, and end-of-year wrap ups. To say it’s crazy, can easily be backed up with the reality of schedules being packed with naturally occurring “ends.”

Regarding hospitality, we enjoyed a celebration lunch for Jon, a man Frank led to Christ last year. We also hosted a 20-person BBQ at our home after church one Sunday. One evening, we enjoyed a bbq at a church family’s house. We also had to cancel two different hospitality events, because of life this month. I am choosing grace and rescheduling over being hard on myself. Do you ever get that way too?

Frank and I also decided it was time for him to start nurse practitioner school, so with the end of the year, we had a new beginning. It has been a time of reorientation for us.

I am teaching kindergarten at The Classical Academy in the fall. With this change, I have been slowly preparing my mind and heart to be engaged for the fall. I observed a teacher, was a classroom tutor (aid) one morning, and toured my new classroom with the outgoing teachers.

Near the beginning of May, I traveled to South Carolina, to help my sister’s family with their own family graduation, as well as to spend time with my niece and nephews. There is something so special about reading books, pushing swings, playing outside, and hearing children’s laughter. Whether I listened to a practice for a piano recital, picked out a donut with my niece, held an almost one year old, or celebrated my nephews end of school awards, there is nothing quite as beautiful and wonderful as spending time with people you love most.

I finished out my school year with a few subbing jobs, and a whole lot of amazing memories. Subbing has taught me much about appreciating what my fellow educators do for students every day. Education is in crisis, and much needs to be addressed, yet I am reminded that there is a calling to love and serve with the gifts and abilities God has graciously given many teachers. Please pray for and encourage your teachers. It’s not about the salary or the summer vacation (because we all know summer vacation is filled with planning, and much needed respite). It’s truly about the kids.

Finally, this last week of May, I have been home, doing little things to stay busy. My plants should arrive tomorrow, and I will start with one row of lavender and silky thread grass will arrive. Hopefully, I’ll plant it when it doesn’t get bogged down by hail or crazy weather here.

We still do not have any adoption news, but rest confidently in the sovereignty of God. What joy!

Concerning recipes this month, we enjoyed a few recipes:

Grilled Chicken Marinade Our friends made this when we came over, and we made it the next week!

Another friend made this smashing dip : 3 Ingredient Trader Joe’s Salad Its as easy as buy the three items and dump it. The lentils are in the produce section, and the bruschetta and feta are in the prepared foods frigerated section and cheese section, respectively. Trust me, you’re going to buy this (alongside the $1 cards, and the face sunscreen -easily my top favorite Trader Joe’s finds).

Books Read:

Ha! I have not been reading much this month, but I am planning on signing up for my local libraries summer reading program that starts Monday, so keep an eye out for that.

Frank and I have been consistently reading the M’Cheyne Bible Reading Plan. I highly recommend keeping the schedule here and just picking up if you miss a day or time frame.

Thank you for sticking with us through this month.

With love,

Rebecca and Frank