. . . if you stop long enough to really think about your past. In our Life Group, I was asked to share a brief account of my life that included accomplishments, people who have greatly affected (or is is effected, don’t know) my life, dissappointments, and things that have made me who I am. One of the times of my life that so greatly stands out is the summer and fall after graduating in 2005.

I wanted so desperately to become a teacher, and by the end of the summer it did not look like that was in the cards for me. This is the only time so far in my life that I have truly butted heads with and doubted God. I would think over and over, “Lord, you said that if I trust in you that you would give me the desires of my heart. Well, I want to teach, and you are keeping it from me.” I spent many hours crying, praying, and just being miserable. The perfect ending to that story would be that the day before school started a principal called and offered me a kindergarten position immediately after meeting me and seeing how awesome I am. Instead, I found myself working at my church in the children’s ministry.

It wasn’t until I started to reflect on my life for my group that I realized how differently my life would have been had I gotten a teaching position that year. The two major blessings that came out of working for the church was building the relationships with Monte, Jonathan, and Jennifer that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Monte is truly my spiritual father. He inspired and supported me in ways that no one else had. I learned so much from him, and he always makes me feel safe and reassured. Jonathan and Jennifer have been more than I ever could have expected from friends. Our relationship is so easy, yet so profoundly deep. Our souls speak the same language, and they lift me up greatly. If I could change the past, I wouldn’t. I wouldn’t want to miss out on the blessings these people are in my life.

So, God did give me the desires of my heart. I just didn’t know how deeply my heart wanted and needed a father to lead me spiritually and true friends that I could be completely transparent with (and love me anyways).  As I sit here getting ready for my interview tomorrow, I have great peace within my soul. I would love to teach kindergarten with my best friend Jennifer. I know that God has gifted me to teach children, but I am at peace with whatever the outcome may be. I have experienced the abundant blessings that God has planned for our lives within His will.  You just have to look beyond the initial disappointment to see them.  If teaching is not in the plan for me right now, then I can’t wait to see what is!

The other day I was at work reviewing a document while Bossman was on the phone. I kept hearing him asking how to spell the person’s last name.

Bossman: (hanging up the phone, laughing) “You are never going to believe this woman’s last name.”

Me: “Really, what is it?”

Bossman: “I’m going to spell it and you tell me how you think you would pronounce it. B-I-C-H”

Me: “umm, beech”

Bossman: “Nope. It’s bitch.”

(laughing)

Me: “Man I would hate to be her secretary. Mrs. Bitch’s office. How may I help you”

Bossman: “You would think she would change her last name or pronounce it differently.”

Me: “Maybe she’s proud to be a bitch Bich.”

Bossman: (laughing) “You’re bad.”

A few days later Bossman sent Mrs. Bich an email, and it bounced back.

Bossman: (frustrated) “God bless it.”

Me: “What’s wrong.”

Bossman: “This email bounced back.”

Bossman calls Mrs. Bich’s secretary and asks her to spell her email address out.

Bossman: “Guess what. Her name is Vich, and she pronounces it “vic”. I don’t know what I was thinking.”

I have never really been one to keep track of what’s going on in my life by the means of a journal or diary, so the idea of a blog really never interested me (other than the journaling that I add to some scrapbook pages). Ryan had one years ago. I enjoyed reading it, but I never considered one of my own.

However, over the past month there have been several occasions that made me reconsider. First, I started writing emails where I would discuss the complete nonsense caused by the drama queen in my life. I would send the emails to a list of people close to me. I got several comments that I should start a blog. Maybe some day I’ll share the content of those emails on this site. Second, a certain pastor I know started up his own blog. Normally this wouldn’t even phase me, but this pastor is so nontechnical that he doesn’t even read his email. He has his secretary print them out and he hand writes his responses on the print out. If he can write a blog, then the internets are ready for me!

I still didn’t immediately make a decision. The point when I finally told Ryan, “I’m doing it” was after I saw a site where this women was talking about this garland she had made and sold out of on her etsy site. Honestly, I looked at the garland and thought “that’s the dumbest thing I have ever seen, and people are buying it.” Now I love making all kinds of crafty things, and I thought that selling some of my crafts would be a good way to make some extra money.

Now all I needed was a shop name. I had a stamp made a few months ago that reads ”Created by Brooke with Love.” I had Ryan check domain names because I wanted to start a blog as well. I have started reading blogs over the past year, and I am amazed at the great sense of community. Through blogs, you can feel less alone in the world. I have felt close to moms struggling with parenting, women who lost their children, crafters who can’t stop buying scrapbook supplies, and several people who are just getting by day by day. I wanted to be a part of that too.

“by Brooke with Love” was born. I hope you enjoy this site whether you are family or friends stopping by to see what’s new in our lives or someone we have yet to meet that is interested in the items I have made or what I have to say about things. Thanks for going on this journey with me.

Jordan Floyd was born on July 9th at 3:37pm. I feel so blessed to be able to be a part of his life from the very first breath he took. It was really amazing to see my little sister become a mom. I know that she is going be a great mommy, and I can’t wait until Ryan and I have kiddos so we can let the cousins have play dates together. Jordan is just completely perfect.

Congratulations Jon and Jaque. I will always be there for you and Jordan.

Aunt Brooke

It’s so hard to believe that Ryan and I started dating a little less than 7 years ago. I would have never imagined my life to be has wonderful as it is. Sure there have been difficulties and set backs, but I feel so blessed that I get to live my life with such a wonderful person.

This was taken the first time we celebrated his birthday together.

I want to spend the next 70 years with you! You complete me. You’re my lobster! Happy 26th!

Here’s a song for you!

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