Higginsville

I claim a lot of places as home, you know. And Higginsville was the first town in Missouri that was home to me. Now there are so many. But that's ok. I like it that way. Lots of homes, families, happiness.

 

This town holds so many memories to me. Over the past 2 years I've walked with Stacy all around town, shopped and laughed and hung out with Abs, driven to and from Grandma and Grandpa's countless times to swim or just to hang out, gone all the way through to see the Becks, even went on a scavenger hunt with Abs, Drew, and Jon.  

There are so many cool old buildings through the main part of town. I love me some good little country town buildings! A lot of things about Missouri make me think of my Tennessee. I feel like I grew up in TN. I am more of a country girl than a city girl, though I can take on any kinda drivin', thank you very much. hee hee Even if I do drive a foreign car...

This small town is home to some of the best people in the world. And how blessed am I to know them? To call their houses home, their family members "my" family, too? 

So often we can get caught up in all the duties of daily life and forget to tell those around us that we love them. That our lives are so different, so much better, because we know them. I know that I think about the blessings in my life more now than I ever did because we have loved and lost-- though not for long, we know just where our Shauna is... we're just working every day to get there, too.

I am so thankful that God gave us friends in life. They make each day, every event, even job, sooo enjoyable. Try not to look at things like "I have to" but "I want to." You'll enjoy it more. Maybe turn up the music a little louder and spin around a few times, too. That's always fun. Especially if you have a twilly skirt on! hee hee 

 And a sweet and gorgeous friend to hang out with....

Wear boots with... enjoy the flowers and the sunshine of the day for a while!

 "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you..."

 

 When you find a true, good, kindred spirit, don't forget to make time for them in your busy life... This girl means the world to me and is the first reason I ever came to Missouri. Knowing the Leonards made for a life-changing move. No joke. And I'm not one bit sad about that.

 

Slow down enough to notice the little gorgeousnesses that God has waiting for our eyes at every turn. This was outside our adorable little church building. I love that I am able to be a member of a small congregation right now. What a chance to grow, work, and live for God and really notice everything about the congregation. Praying always for the souls we come in contact with. It has been WONDERFUL having our new sister in Christ with us. She is a joy and only wants to know more and continue growing. That's just the type Christian we should all be. Linda is an encouragement!! 

 

So many pretty skies, fields, trees, lakes... Loving the times with the kids and friends and even by myself to go out into the fresh air and explore more of what God's made. I'm walking/running as often as possible. I even like it alone, which I didn't think I would. It just feels so good! And it's such a good time to pray and notice the perfection of how our Father created it all.

Higginsville is such a special place. But every place is. Because there are people, people with souls, in every town, on every road, at every baseball game. They will spend eternity somewhere. We don't have time to not be teaching. Really, we teach in all we do... we are either a good or bad example. I am standing next to one of the best examples in my life in this picture. I love this picture of us. (She is super pretty, always is, but looks just gorgeous in green, don't you think!?)

Let's make sure we love where we live, notice the good in what's around us, thank our God for it daily, and share the Good News with everyone around us while remember to tell our "blessings" : the people in our lives, that we love them. Pray for those you love. You'll never get done. What a blessing that is, just right there. You can never really tell someone how much you love them, and you can never really pray for someone enough... God planned it that way. =)