Sunshine and...

It's the last week of school!!! Happy. Dance.

The end of the school-year brings much...

sunshine

summer

vacation

sleeping in

grilling out

beach and pool

shorts

flip-flops

... and wondering if you made your mark...

Don't worry friends, I'm probably more excited for school to be out than most parents, considering all of the things listed above.  On the flip side, I've found myself wondering if I have "made my mark" on these students' lives.  All luxury aside, it's what counts the most.  We have had some super busy last weeks of school and I've strived to enjoy being with my students as much as possible.  They are why I am alive.  They are my calling.  And, I don't want to be a hinderance to any thing that God has for them.  I pray that I have made an impact on these students in more ways than one, and that most of all, they have seen the love of Jesus.  He is what counts.  Love is what counts.  

The more I am around middle school students, the more I realize how the world is giving itself over to the enemy.  Not something a teacher wants to see.  Especially since the teaching profession focuses on the future and how to train students for the future.  The great opportunity that I have as a Christian education teacher is that I am able to, not only try to be a positive role model for children, but also talk about Jesus and encourage them to live a life that is pleasing to Jesus.  I love to talk to my students about Jesus and hear their experiences and knowledge about a holy God.  It's powerful folks.  Please don't be fooled.. students in private, Christian schools don't have it all together, living a "perfect" life.  More than less of my students this year come from broken homes, abusive homes, adoption and abandonment.  My hope is that I have completed the task that God gave me for every single one of them as I took the responsibility to be their leader this year.

One of the many fun things we have been doing recently was a dinner theatre! I was also a part of the play and played the role of "Mom".  It was set in the 50s with a diner theme.  The name of the play was called "Uncle Phil's Diner".  Super cute.  Super fun.  Some if the action was caught below:

A nerd and a class president nominee!

Two cheerleaders and the mom ;)

Her prom date stood her up!

My kitchen staff, dancing husband :)

Priceless!! Beauty school drop-out!

Whole cast! So cute!

She's been waiting for her prom date for 7 years!

"Hostess with the mostest" :)

Uncle Phil and Tony

Cute nerds!

And that's a wrap folks.  Here's to sweet students, middle school madness, and one tolerant teacher!

Happy summer!

xoxo.

It's OK Thursday.

I saw this on a blog and thought it was too funny. Especially because girls are always trying to find justification for our little issues that no one else seems to understand. Can I get a witness?! Ha! Maybe it's just me.. Who knows?

So, here goes:

It's ok that I stayed up until 12:30am last night because I HAD to paint my nails and allow sufficient dry time. Not to mention, I had been at the church from 7:45am to 9:00pm. Tired is an understatement.

It's ok that I had to tell the dance team to rearrange themselves in our circle yesterday because it looked more like an oval and my OCD was kicking in.

It's ok that I can't leave my house for the weekend without it being spotless. My brain literally cannot handle it!

It's ok that my dog IS my child.

It's ok that my husband cannot help clean the house because I will still feel like its dirty if I don't clean it. Anyone else have this issue? :/

It's ok that I eat rainbow sherbet in bed almost every night. Don't judge.

It's ok that every time I look at my wedding pictures I wish we could re-live that day all over again. It was perfect in every way.

It's ok that I create a complete disaster in our extra bedroom when I start any type of craft. It's inevitable. And usually it stays like that for a few days before I'm done with the activity and ready to move to the next.

It's ok that I'd rather read a book than watch TV. Current read: Kisses from Katie. Almost done, it wish I wasn't because its so incredible. Buy it. Read it.

It's ok that multiple people have told me they have never seen a girl eat as much as I do. If I ever become 200 pounds, it will not be ok. But for now, I will accept. :)

It's ok that I look to Jesus for peace, patience, and wisdom on a daily basis. He's such a good provider!

Alright lovies, I guess that's it for now. I'm thankful today that Jesus is holy and worthy of praise. Give Him your ALL today. He's worth it. I'm also thankful for my new blogger app, on which I am writing this post. :)

xoxo.

Confessions.

Confessions of a tired teacher:  

My favorite sound of the washer machine is currently gracing my ears after a very long day.  Lights dim.  House quiet.  Dog asleep on couch.  Candles lit.  Kitchen clean.  You get the idea...pure bliss.

Our crowd at Alligator Adventure on Friday for a field trip!

Confessions of a crafty chaos:
Its funny, I was telling Jordan tonight about how I prioritize things in my mind.  I don't make separate lists of things that I have to get accomplished and things that I want to get accomplished.  I just put them all together in one list!  And then arrives nights like tonight when they all pile up on each other and I find myself worrying about crafts and creations that haven't even been started.  Oh dear.  However, I did come to the conclusion that thinking that way allows me to make and create, even though it might not be the best timing.  But hey!  Canvases get painted, bows get made, furniture gets a makeover, and everyone is happy!!!!

Canvases I painted for my newest niece, Lillian Grace.

Confessions of a housewife:
This weekend we housed the Ladson kids while their parents went to Charleston for the weekend.  They are too sweet and too funny.  Jordan and I turned into softball coaches and Wii Super Mario experts! Something we are definitely not used to but loved every minute it.  I must admit, I don't think we're ready for a preschooler and 3rd grader.  I was thinking tonight as I was sweeping-- How do people do this on a daily, weekly, monthly basis?!  I guess our learning time will come when it's the right time, God's time.  However, I did love knowing the other side of our house was being used.  The bathroom contained used towels, the bedroom had clothes on the floor, and the bed had company at night.  It felt right.  I know our house will be full of little ones in the future.

Ladson lovies!

Confessions of a Matron of Honor:
OOOOMMMGG! SOOO excited for Julie Kellenbenz and Eli Byrd.  Their beautiful day is quickly arriving and its going to be so perfect.  See her blog here.

Here's the bride!!

More confessions later. ;)
For now, xoxo.

for the love of others.

Quiet house and coffee in hand. It's times like these that I like to think about the goodness of the Lord. He's just done so much.

It's President's Day and we are out of school (happy dance)! I was determined today to get up early, get ready, blog, do some crafts and just have a restful day. These days are the best. Jordan is at work, so the house is it quietest without ESPN on the television or iPad alerts. Although, I wouldn't trade those for anything in the world. I love me some Jordan. We are continuing to grow together in this marriage journey and loving every minute of it. It's amazing how being under this sacred covenant changes so much. It is truly a gift.

The Lord has just done so much in the past months. At the beginning of January, our church had a corporate fast for seven days and we had church everyday during that week. It was glorious. Ever since then, every person's heart has been stirring. The worldly one, the drug addict, the drinker, the complacent Christian, the leader, the follower. With that comes much responsibility. We have been very busy with the works of the Kingdom.

Personally, Jesus cleared my mind of much during the fast. Thoughts and situations that I have been burdened with for much time were lifted. I was given clarity about things that have gone on in my life, which pushes me to cleave to Him even more. I am thankful that we don't have to put all of our trust in a man, aren't you?! I am thankful that we have a choice.

One of the ministries in our church that I am in leadership over is our youth dance team, Ezekiel's Effect. I am blessed with the opportunity to help lead these teens closer to Jesus. And of course, I teach middle schoolers. Being involved with this age group is something that I have been a part of for a few years. I have seen some get closer to God, and some not so much. Some run as hard and as fast as their heart, soul, and mind can possibly go. I have seen some be leaders, and most be followers. My heart hurts for the followers and the runners. I was talking to my best friend, Jena the other day, and we were talking about some things that we were realizing about ourselves, on the subject of people. I realized that it was hard for me to love the back-sliding Christian. They know God's goodness and faithfulness. They know the Scriptures. They've seen and felt His presence. And what I don't understand, is what else would you want or need? Does alcohol taste that good? Does premarital sex make you feel that much accepted? And the same with defiant middle schoolers. Why do you feel the need to break rules to make your heart happy? Why do you wish to fit-in to the point of trouble? Why, why why?!

With this, over the past few weeks, I have been focusing on loving the "unloveable". Those that society deems as acceptable, but God sees as a broken life. I know it is God's will for me to love unconditionally. But, it is just not that easy all of the time. If its not a disobedient middle schooler, its a friend who I feel distant from. But, what I have come to realize is that everyone has their own struggles and situations that they go through. It is not my responsibility to worry about why they made certain decisions and the consequences of those decisions. Truly, those that are broken are probably looking for love. What I am called to do is just love, and let Jesus take care of the rest. I don't want people to look at me as someone who had a hardened heart when they needed love the most, but instead, a person who gave love when it was most needed.

Love this quote from my desktop daily teacher calendar:

"Today, see if you can stretch your heart and expand your love so that it touches not only those whom you can give it easily, but also those who need it so much."

-Daphne Rose Kingma

Let's take some advice from the Word: love God, and love others.

"And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." Mark 12:33

here's the deal.

Ok, so here's the deal. My life has changed drastically and I haven't been blogging. At all. I am very upset about this! But, the good news is, I WILL make an effort to blog more often.

I am married. Glory!!!

I am a teacher.

I am a dance teacher.

I am ministry wife.

I am busy!!!

But I love every second of it. Sometimes is get to the point where I feel overwhelmed, but then I think, "Will I want to look back at my life and say that days went by that I wasted, or would I want to say that every day went by seized?" I choose the latter! With that, every day I have been learning new things about becoming a better lady. Less complaining, more listening. Less negative, more positive. Less laziness, more drive. Less stress, more "blessed". Less can't, more try. I love learning. I love looking for ways to better myself and my husband. I am very blessed to have women in my life to look up to and learn from. They will never know how much of an impact they have had on this girl.

About the husband, I love him so dearly. Marriage is the best thing that has ever happened to us and we seriously love EVERY MINUTE OF IT. Yah know, when couples get married, people say that "you'll be tired of her/him soon" and whatever else they can come up with? I refuse to accept those comments and for those seeking marriage, don't believe it. If Jordan and I have learned one thing, it is that marriage is what you make it. You must leave work at work. You must wake up every day thankful to have each other and be willing to serve each other in the best way possible. You must be excited about what the other is excited about. You must put forth effort. Marriage is not something that can be successful just because a ring is on your finger. It is so much deeper. I am just so thankful to have a man like Jordan.

Lots of thoughts, but not enough time to write!! I wish I could tell you all that my heart is feeling and seeing, but it'll come soon. I must finish painting. :) I hope you have a peaceful week, full of fall fun!

a little girl's dream..

Dearest readers,

I couldn't begin to express the amount of things that I have learned throughout my student teaching experience. Perhaps, I shouldn't even call it student teaching, or teaching internship, it should be something more like my heart song experience. Why heart song, because I have waited a lifetime for my heart to sing to the children of this nation. God, let it not be my voice they hear, but Yours. This opportunity, which is the start to a whole new chapter in my life, has been a dream of a little princess {my family may say otherwise ;)} since the beginning of time, as I played "teacher" with my older sister. As this student teaching frame is coming to a halt, I am beginning to realize how much God is speaking to this little girl at heart. I have many desires, many dreams, many treasures I want to make, and many lives I want to touch. Much of these aspirations can be thanked of the people and places that encouraged and pushed me along the way. One of these people (or group) that can be thanked, specifically related to teaching, is non other but my cooperating teacher and first class(es), 4A and 4B. If I could write them a letter of appreciation, it might sound something like this:

Dear 4A and 4B,

Your love an acceptance for me, Ms.B, will never be forgotten. Although you may believe that everyday I was teaching you lessons about geometry, astronomy, and government, you were also teaching me many lessons. Lessons about love, acceptance, and care. Lessons about going against the odds and shooting for your dreams. Lessons about being dependable and being a good friend. Lessons about simply being you. These lessons go without recognition on a daily basis. Now that my time with you is over, I am realizing how much of an impact each you has made on my life. Together, we have learned that it is the little things in life that really matter, such as sharing your paper with a friend, using self-control by controlling your actions and what you say, and being in alphabetical order when you line up. Boys and girls, these are lessons that most of the world still need to learn today. I'll never forget your corky stories as you walked in the door, or the stories that were breaking your heart to tell, as well as mine, as your world was crumbling around you. I'll never forget your little, precious hearts. They are hearts of gold. Please keep them that way, and don't get wrapped up into what the world says your heart should be. I'll never forget your encouraging words, gentle hugs, and sleepy "good mornings". You have already taught me so much about how to be a teacher and I am forever grateful. But, you have also taught me how to be a better role model and to appreciate each of you individually.

And to Mrs. Young, my gratefullness is exploding even more. Your guidance and direction was so gentle and kind. Your continuous encouraging words helped get me through a milestone. Your name is added to my list of most influential women throughout my life. To you, I may have been just another practicum student. To me, you are a hard-working mother, daughter, sister, friend, and teacher. I have taken count of your daily positive attitude and enthusiasm to get the job done. I have also taken count of the effort you put towards keeping your family strong, with food on the table and precious moments spent. Not enough "thank you's" could be said in appreciation of all the time spent giving me advice about teaching or discussing this journey called life. You have become more than just a cooperating teacher, but a friend. I'll keep the moments we have shared safe inside of my heart forever. Thank you for everything.

Love, Ms. B

peer into my heart.

Since I have started my blog, I have never taken the chance to really introduce who I am. Although, most everyone who reads my blog knows who I am and what I'm about. But for those who don't, here is a peer into my heart.

I want to begin explaining some of the events that have taken place that have made me who I am today. For starters, I love Jesus. I am passionate about seeing His glory throughout the earth. I love to worship God and give him a fragrant offering of praise. He is my Redeemer, Provider, and so much more. I grew up in a Christian home, I was always taken care of. I was always strong-willed and loved being outside. I believe that being raised in a household where I was accepted and loved has a lot to do with who I am today. When I was 15, my father died suddenly of a massive heart attack. Ever since then, my life has changed drastically. Throughout the next couple of years, I was given the choice to either be depressive of what I had lost within my family, or to be appreciative of the blessings that continuiously came my way, and to live the life that God has planned for me. I chose option 2. The lessons I have learned and knowledge I have gained because of that decision constantly leaves me astonished.

During this time of discovery, I discovered a boy named Jordan (or, Jordan discovered me). Jordan constantly leaves me speechless...not to sound cliche. I feel unworthy to be loved so much by one person, no matter what. He has played many roles throughout the (almost) 6 years we have been together. I just can't help but wonder what marriage and family will be like with this cute dude. Literally, it scares me to think where I would be without him.

Some other events that have molded me to what I am today include taking a leap and coming to college. College has taught me many lessons about life, friendship, responsibility, character, ministry, and tons more. Many important people have given love, time, and money to help me succeed, which has definitely molded my well-being. My gratitude and thankfulness to these individuals reaches to the sky.

So, here I am. Chelsea Bedenbaugh- engaged, soon to be college grad, daughter, little sister, big sister, aunt, friend, student teacher, and determined change-maker. I want to make a difference. I don't want a spotlight, but I want to make a difference. I want to be a wife of wisdom and encouragement. I want to be a daughter and grand-daughter to be proud of. I want to be a friend of loyalty and love. I want to be a leader without compromise. I want to be a teacher of impact, with passion. I want to love others, no matter what. I want to be a dance teacher. I want to be a creative and inspiring blogger. I want to have an eye for cosmetology. I want a huge craft room in my house to make beautiful trinkets with my hands. I want to be convicted by Jesus.

I love creativity. I love creating. I love to hear the life-story of others. I love being a little girl at heart. I love the thought of being a mother. I love the funny stories of childhood. I love not fitting in with the crowd. I love sunny, Sunday afternoons with the windows open. I love watching Jordan being successful. I love house hunting. I love the comfort of knowing that no one else can be me. I love not worrying about being skinny. I love feeling beautiful. I love reflecting back on my life and realizing what the Lord has done. I love learning.

My heart breaks for the broken. My heart breaks for the lost. My heart breaks for the fatherless. My heart breaks for the abandonded. My heart breaks for the widowed mother. It breaks for the self-concious daughter. My heart breaks for Jesus.

This is me. These are my stories. This is my blog.