-I'm finally here to post about graduation-
It's so crazy to think that was a couple weeks ago. Our ceremony took place at our church, so we got to basically plan the whole thing- from music to colors...
Abbie and I specifically chose each piece of music to reflect our Creator and to bring Him glory. It was such a blessing to graduate with someone who shares the same heart beat-- and that is {glorifying God}
These two pictures above are personal favorites of mine. I didn't know at the time that they were being taken, but I am so glad this moment was captured. My grandma just arrived with my dad and I went out to the truck to meet her. I can't explain how much it meant to have my hero there on that day. To make it even better that's three generations of us pictured. My grandma, Dad, and I... who all seem to have a lot in common.
so many people helped with the day and I am so grateful for everyone's participation- instrumental special's by my siblings, singing specials by our pastor's family, help with the fellowship, taking pictures, and speaking...
I am especially grateful for our youth leader, Bryan. Bryan isn't just a teacher, leader, rule-giver, or authority- he's a friend. The fact that he spends his life investing in mine is so amazing to me! We asked him months previous if he would speak and he agreed. He spoke out of what is probably my favorite Bible story. The Story of Mary and Martha.
"As I've praying for Abbie and Erin as they graduate, I haven't been praying as as much that they serve the Lord with their lives, but I've really been praying that their personal walk, their personal fellowship with the Lord grows closer each and every day and that their fellowship is not broken. Because I understand this, if their fellowship is right, serving God is going to be a natural by-product of that. You don't have to- I don't have to worry about their serving the Lord as long as their relationship is right. So that is my prayer for Abbie and Erin. That Abbie walks with God. That Erin walks with God. If that's their testimony, I think the Lord will be pleased."
[part of Bryan's challenge]
singing "I Give It Back"
{the following words in quotation marks are part of my graduation speech}
"I can't believe this day is already here. There were times that I didn't think I would ever make it this far, and I'm sure my mom thought that plenty of times!
As I look back over the years I can't help but stop and give God the thanks, praise, and glory for all the wonderful blessings He's given me. I wasn't exactly sure what to talk about in my speech- As I was talking to my older sister, Anna she said this "just talk about how good your God is and how thankful you are to be where you are in life." that had to be the best advice anyone could give me, because really this moment in my life, and really my whole life wouldn't even be here if it hadn't been for Jesus.
I'm thankful for my church. Having a place to worship the Lord and serve Him is a big deal, and I am so thankful for a place where I can do that. I am so thankful that God allows me to serve Him, and count it a great privilege. The fact that God can use me and wants to use me is amazing. God doesn't need big,smart, mighty people, He just needs humble people who are willing to give all they have for Him. I don't have much to offer, but what I do have, I want to give Him. I'm thankful for my church family and their friendship to me. I'm thankful for Pastor and for His willingness to be a vessel through which Christ can flow. Not only am I thankful for his faithfulness in the pulpit, but I'm thankful for his friendship. I'm thankful for Pastor Terry and all he does for our church, though most things he does are unrecognized I am thankful he continues to serve. I am thankful for my pastors wives- I can't think of two more godly pastors wives. For Bryan and Lynn and all the other youth workers who put up with all of us crazy teens. That fact that you will give all your time to invest it in my life is incredible. For all of my friends, I am thankful for all the encouragement to serve the Lord that each one of you gives me. You all are the best and I couldn't ask for better friends. For the kids that I teach, I'm thankful for each one of you and the opportunity that I have to teach each one of you about Jesus...as one of your teachers, I can't tell you enough to just follow Jesus and give Him your all.
For Abbie. It is such an honor for me to graduate with you. Your friendship to me is such a blessing. It has been a blast spending time together, planning about this day. Abbie, we made it, and while life may lead us down different roads, I'll never forget celebrating this day with you, and the impact you've had on life. Thank you so much for your heart to serve God and your example to me of what a servant is.
I'm thankful for my family. I am so blessed to have the family I do, and can't imagine my life any other way.
I am thankful for my two brothers in law, Matt and Trevor. I'm so thankful for their godly influence that they have both had on my life, and believe or not, I even happen to like all the teasing.
For Josiah. My only brother. I can't imagine my life without you. As an older sister it has been my responsibility to be an example to you. While I know I have failed many times and will continue to fail, I hope that if I teach you one thing about my life it's that it's not about you- it is all about God. Get to know Him, serve Him, give Him your all, and seek His glory. I am so thankful for you and your irreplaceable friendship.
For Olivia. I was having a hard time thinking about not having you here for this day, so I have to say thank you to you and Anna for flying in and surprising me. You are the closest earthly friend I have ever had. I'm so thankful for you always putting up with your little sister...and for teaching me all through life as we grew up together. Your life is a living testimony to me of what a godly lady is like.
For Anna. You have taught me so many things in life and continue to teach me so many things. From the beginning you were there for me- from the start you were like my second mother, and now you are one of my best friends. You have been an amazing teacher and example to me of what it means to give up all and just simply do what God wants. You're always there for me and for that I can't say thank you enough...
...For Dad. I am so blessed to have a dad who decided to make our home a Christian home. If there is one thing that I will never forget, it is this- that my dad always put all his effort and poured out his life making sure that his kids knew that the only life worth living is one that is lived for Jesus. You have always made it a priority that us kids had a place to serve the Lord.
Finally for my mom. Because the best has to come last. For the past several years I have seriously wondered why you've put up with me sometimes. I'm sure there were school days that you wanted to just send me off somewhere to learn instead of having to try and teach me. Actually I know that, because you told me! I know more often than not I was pretty hard to teach. I'm so glad you never did and that you stuck with homeschooling. No matter what anyone says, you're the best school teacher in my book. Not only have you taught me all the necessary school knowledge, but you've taught me about life. About what it means to be a wife, and mom, and most importantly what the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31 is like. Thanks for being a pattern for me to follow...
...Though there are more things I could talk about, I will end with this. The most important. I am thankful for my Jesus. Because it weren't for Him, my life would be pointless. I'm thankful that almost 12 years ago, I came to recognition of my sin and of a great Saviour. I'm ever so grateful that He saved my soul. I'm thankful for every perfect way He has worked in my life so far and greatly anticipate following where He leads me for the rest of my life. It is my very deepest desire to do God's will for my life. I used to very much dislike when people asked me what I was going to do when I graduated, basically because I really didn't know. I knew I wanted to do God's will, but I was looking for a title to put with my life, I guess- like teacher, missionary, etc. but God has shown me over time and specifically these last few months that God's will for my life is to glorify Him in every situation, every moment, every day that I walk this path here on earth. So, if you want to know what I'm planning on doing, I plan on glorifying God with my being every single day of my life. My life is totally not about me and what I want to do- it is all about God and His glory. "
Erin Rae
class of 2015
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