Started from the Bottom... You got this!

"You placed the stars in the sky, and you know them by name. You are amazing God! You've seen the depths of my heart, and you love me the same. You are amazing God!" -Kierra Sheard

Wow! God is too good, and so AMAZING!! Tomorrow will mark the first day of the 8th year in my teaching career... Ha! Couldn't have paid me to say after those first trying-slapping-kicking-rolling three or four years I'd still be "Making a Difference". I remember thinking/saying/crying this isn't 'school', this can't be what You [God] called me to do, these people [adults] are crazy... HELP!! Because today I know the meaning of patience, the growth of my mind, and the strength & compassion of my heart, it was ALL NECESSARY for my tomorrow. I know it's were I have to be, for now, because there are people that need to know me, lives that I have been called to impact & change, individuals that will help me grow, and students that will change somethings, and be great all because of  'little ole me'. I'm enjoying where I teach and coach now, even with the challenges that have and will come at the CCHS too, it's been a pleasant journey thus far.

But guess what? Tomorrow is not only the first day of my eighth teaching year, it's the first day of the school year that I will become a mother to an amazing little boy, Pierre D. Brown III, my Love Bug. Yeap, I will be a mommie! Yeap, those prayers are welcomed! Yeap, it's almost time! Yeap, ish just got real! I know I've been prepared for this... Not just motherhood, but my life as a woman of her 30s. Those 20s were literally "Off The Chain"! In the last year, better late than never, I've learned to let go of small stuff, and as big as your situation may seem today, it's small. I've learned to accept people for who they are, how they are, where they are, because someone decided to accept me... Perfectly imperfect! Be you, work toward being the best you, but nonetheless, be YOU! I've learned that my tone does matter, my words should be limited, and there isn't anything wrong with the truth, tactfully. Oh, yea, everyone doesn't need or want my opinion.

My marriage has benefited from my growth as well. [P, you can chime in if you need to...?] Throughout our 2 plus years I am intentionally learning to serve, and minimize self. Grown people understand what I'm saying! It's a daily process, but one I'm embracing. If I'm serving him and he his serving me, nobody is lacking. He has been an amazing support system throughout my pregnancy, and I can't think of another man I'd rather be sharing this experience with. We laugh often, have random heart-to-hearts, and maintain our friendship, which keeps our marriage fresh. I am crazy... He knows this, he makes the adjustment, checks me when necessary, and we keep it together! God is smiling on our lives... I'm grateful.

Note from Cren to wife & mother Mrs. Brown:
Your life will never be the same once our baby boy gets here. Whew! Expose him to the world beyond what the world attempts to offer. Be a consistent example of God's love, allow him to ask questions, feed his imagination, embrace his mistakes, and remember you will make some too. Don't be too hard on yourself! Keep the core of you solid, baby will make you change those super tough parts without you even noticing. Keep your husband first, yes, even before baby... That's God's design! Don't neglect yourself while serving Pierre 2 and 3, that may lead to regret later, so remember to make time for yourself. Don't take yourself too serious, and pray before, through, and after those tough moments. You got this... You've been prepared for this... You were made for this! It's your time, welcome your new season with a smile. :-) When you feel like losing control, just 'pop-lock-n-drop it' on your knees in prayer... And keep on pushing!

Thank you Lord for your plan. I haven't always followed your lead, done the unselfish thing, or listened to your quiet voice in my head, but you STILL... and for that I am so very thankful and grateful. You are amazing God! I am what I am, I have what I have, and my life is what it is ALL because of you God... not a grain because of me. I started from the bottom, and I am on my way to the top... where ever that is! I'm certain it will blow my mind... Join me there! Amen.