Lead&Ink

Nothing like spending birthdays with your bulldog friends! Happy birthday Indrea Craig and James! The simple things in life make the best of times! Bulldog Love!
Supporting our Bulldog friend Qui Oselen at The Cigar Village

One year ago, we began planning to celebrate the life of a beautiful soul # ChaseNeverForgotten 🙏🏾💙 Your Impact Lives on Chase 💙

TRANSPARENCY MOMENT‼️First thing I saw when I opened my Bible when I woke up this morning is this! In all transparency, yesterday I wanted to go into my classroom to clear out the last of my belongings after years of being there, but for each piece of clothing that I put on tears start streaming so I decided I would wait another day. By nightfall, I began thinking of all the things that I have been stripped of this year, which led me to a full on meltdown. It was the kind of meltdown that I couldn’t stop myself from crying even when I would get up to wash my face and think the tears will go away. I kept asking God what did I do that would have him to take all of these things away in this season. (IYKYK) Then I began to blame myself and think of all my flaws that may have caused what I knew as stability to now shift into uncertainty. This morning when I woke up, my eyes were so swollen, That I can barely lift them open. I didn’t realize that I am grieving all that I’ve known for more than 2 decades of my life- All off this had to be shifted before I walk into what God already KNOWS is for me in the future. This morning as I open my Bible, I saw these words and decided to put them onto an image because they were so powerful to me today.
Remember: Walking into your next, that God has for you may not feel comfortable, but no that what feels uncomfortable now will be your most enjoyable, comfortable, and peaceful season. In this season, I’m betting on myself and not waiting for anyone else to bet on me!

On 5/25/05, I became a Mom (BKA) Mommy! To have a Son as God fearing, respectful, never misses a moment to show gratitude while remaining and morally sound, I count it all joy! Lord continue to walk with him! Nothing has been sweeter than having him as an adult voice of reasoning the past few years! Happy 21st birthday, Nicho!

Life is truly about perspective! Some things seem like an end, however, I choose call this my new beginning. In fact, I’ve chosen to call this Phase 2! 🎉 without experiencing almost 2 decades in this community, I wouldn’t be ready for Phase 2! As I read cards and open gifts last night, I was reminded that nothing happens by coincidence, God has a purpose for every single person you made along your life’s journey. It is up to us to recognize the purpose and the plan for meeting those people. As I opened and Read, the words on each of my cards and the words that were etched on my gifts- I was reminded that these people were set aside to be part of my village and I am so thankful for each one of them! Mostly, I’m thankful that I carried out my purpose in being impactful in a lasting way! It showed as I opened each gift. What I did not realize is how impactful my daily smile, my positive spirit, am I encouraging words were also to the adults around me and not just the children who I were intently trying to make a difference in their lives. My tears seem to stream way longer than I anticipate as I read the words of some of my coworkers as I read their cards and notes. As I continue doing my work, whatever that may be made my greatest gifts shine upon those I walk alongside daily!
As today closes one book, may my next book be pour in OVERFLOW while it stands as the best seller of them all!
Cheers to Phase 2!

Walking and faith and trusting him is the best thing I’ve ever done! I’ve been so blessed to be able to do this with the people in this community.

About Yesterday! When you know God’s Timing was the magic … you just KNOW! Nothing happens by Coincidence
Where one door closes…an overflow of windows and doors open
BELIEVE Him, TRUST Him, Have FAITH in Him, WALK with Him and see what happens.. HE is the Magic! GOD DON’T MISS!

This is literally one of the heaviest weeks of my life as it relates to matters of the heart. ♥️ dear little brother I wish you were here to see your niece graduate, but I know you watch from on high. I literally can hear you say “What does my niece want, Sissy! You know I’ll be there!” I miss you right now for so many reasons. I wish I had you here to feel the protection you always made me feel, for the pranks and laugh you always provided and simply to be able to sit beside you and grab your ears to annoy you. The blessing is I still feel you near but I much rather have you here happy Heavenly birthday little big brother. Love you always

4
DAYS LEFT
DOG LOVER · KID LOVER

Dear Daughter, I want you to know…
The most honest thing a mother can tell you is this — God knew exactly who you were going to be long before you arrived in my arms. God promised He would keep you safe and sound then and I know He will as you journey to college. I saw the discernment in you from the way you would look at people when they reached for you and how you would respond. You could always choose and know which people and path you needed to take. I also noticed how others would be mesmerized by your personality from kids to adults! Even now, your teachers say “I love Madi’s personality- it’s infectious!”
You are also known as the kid whisper and the dog whisperer!

I saw it in the way you couldn’t walk past a dog without stopping, without kneeling all the way down, without making sure that animal knew it was seen and loved.

I saw it in the way little ones would find their way to you in a room full of people — like they could feel that you were a safe place. That you would get on their level. That you would look them in the eyes and make them feel like the most important person in the world. And you did, Madi. Every time.

That tenderness you carry — that is not weakness. That is one of the rarest and most powerful gifts a soul can hold. In a world that moves too fast and loves too casually, you slow all the way down for the ones who need it most.

Children trust you. Animals feel you. And as your mother, I want you to know — I have witnessed this gift in you from the very beginning, and it has filled my heart in ways I will spend the rest of my life trying to describe.

Four days, my tender-hearted girl. Four days.

Love you,
Mommy

I love how she loves the kids! Her love and care for people amazes me💜 This Senior has loved on her Kindergarten buddies all year! The littles have a special place in Madi’s heart!

Last Baby- Last Day of High School!