Red and Khaki...God uses it all!

Lifeguard   *   Swim Instructor   *   Babysitter  *   Personal Trainer   *   House cleaner   *             Dental Assistant   *   Nanny   *   Personal Assistant   *   NannyPoppinz in Miami – headhunter   *    Hurricane Recovery DayCare for Gulf Power employees   *   Nashville sports council intern    *             Baptist Hospital orthopedic floor- Nurse assistant   * Vanderbilt Trauma Center care partner               *   Vanderbilt Sports Marketing Intern   *Houston Astros Spring Training Media relations intern   *     Florida Marlins Media Relations   *   Hutchison Tree Service- TN and FL   *   Franklin American Mortgage- loan officer   *   Target Night Shift stocker   *   Track and Field Coach     *   Girls Basketball coach   *   Football Coach   *   Strength coach   *   Health and PE teacher   *   PA announcer for football games   *   Teachers at Ezell Harding and Friendship Christian Schools   *   Science teacher   *   Girls weightlifting   *   Painted pallet art   *   Non-profit business and ministry   *   Director of Church connections

A random list like this begs the question: What is this!? You are looking at our jobs over the last 13 years of marriage. Yep. This is true. Maybe you are laughing or perhaps you are in shock. Perhaps you can relate or you may even be impressed! We are hoping it’s one of those latter reactions but chances are it’s one of the first two.

Well, here we go…how can we tie these things in with the amazing Lord and all He has for us? We feel called today to invite you in to a little more of our TEAM D story -- One of frustrating days… Great days... Days of insecurities... Days of ADVENTURE.

“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you are working for the Lord

rather than for people.” Colossians 3:23

 This verse is challenging, isn’t it? If we are honest with ourselves, it is hard to always work your hardest and do your best but God calls us to do this. A famous runner once said: “To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.” The above list of random and maybe-not-so random jobs make for some easy days to keep this mindset….but some (ok, most) days were tough! Our attitudes were not always great. We had low points – Cleaning other people’s toilets, trapped in a bunker with screaming kids and no windows during a hurricane, scary nights stocking shelves at target (Baby Alive dolls seem to come alive at night & red and khaki outfits to this day are tough to wear), etc. Although we’ve had many weak moments and weak days we wouldn’t trade these times for anything.

 

“The only source of knowledge is experience” was a common quote by Albert Einstein. Well Albert…it seems we should have quite the knowledge then. J The truth is we all come from a variety of backgrounds including education and experience. One of us has quite a few certificates and degrees and the other one of us does not. But no matter which of us has what…the same feeling remains. A feeling of insecurity in the path we have taken. As we look back upon the last 13 years, the past WONDERFUL 13 years, we sometimes see a crazy messed up path. But that is it! It is a path. A path is something you walk down to get to something else. And that is what our jobs have done. One job led to another and then to another and so on. Each position fulfilled just what it was meant to accomplish for that time. Learning and trying new things, making connections, and taking risks TOGETHER all these years have played a critical role in developing us into who we are today as individuals, as a couple and as Team Daniel. Not one thing can you remove and our puzzle still look the same. We need it all in there. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Take it from us… no matter your level of experience or education, God can use it all! Remember, He doesn’t call those that are qualified, he qualifies the called. And if you were wondering, we are ALL called!

The enemy wants to create doubt and insecurity. "Why can't you just focus? Why can't you be sure of what you want to do in life?" The world makes you think step by step, school after school, job, married, promotion, and so on. You better follow it like a recipe or it won't end up tasting very good. So for many years we've battled being embarrassed because we've lived in many places and done many things that haven’t seemed quite normal! But as years pass and the Lord speaks, we are now able to embrace this life! Our life and recipe might look different but that's okay! He created us all different. The differences are what make us beautiful. Just a few days ago, even, we were laughing, reminiscing, and cherishing many of these memorable experiences.

What have far outweighed the bad days are the countless blessings that have come from these experiences. We have met so many amazing people, enjoyed sweet relationships with families, and have been blessed to be able to see life through so many lenses. These relationships, in many cases, have led to many memorable times. Among these times include fun trips to Hawaii, Disneyworld, Fenway Park and more! What rich gifts all of these various ventures have brought us. We have experienced things we never thought possible. One of the blessings we cherish most about all of these times are the mentoring relationships we’ve formed. Team Daniel has learned life, family, marriage, and parenting from some incredible men and women of God. Thank you to all those we’ve served and worked with… you know who you are! Your wisdom, support, love, encouragement and example have meant the world and have been a HUGE part of our story. 
 
Today we want to ban the enemy away. He will not speak lies of insecurities any more. We will walk in the freedom and gifts the creator has given us. For it is by this amazing list you just read that we have experienced moments of joy like no other! Seeing a kid swim across the pool that was screaming and gripping your neck just days before. Watching a teenager gain confidence as they cross the finish line at their first track meet. Hearing words of wisdom from a mom who trusted us to keep their children for days. Embracing true work ethic as you work alongside people with very different backgrounds/ethnicities and realizing gratefulness at a new level. Holding the hand of a patient who is horrified to go to the dentist and comforting them. Seeing a childhood friend fly in on trauma helicopter after being shot and being a comfort to the family. Laughing with students about silly things as they eat lunch in your classroom and not caring that they took away your class prep time. Those are moments of JOY that will forever be in our hearts.

God gives you talents and gifts for the kingdom. He is also full of adventure and wants to make fun things work alongside your gifts! And in those moments where you don’t feel like you are in a season where your true gifts and passions are being utilized, you still are supposed to work hard! When we are doing something in our element, it is easy to enjoy what you love! But sometimes life isn’t all about the slogan on Life Is Good tees….”Do what you love, love what you do.” Sometimes we are required to just smile and work hard. This quote from Circle Maker really resonates on those days: “Work like it depends on us, PRAY like it depends on God.“

We are still young. We aren't done learning. Many more jobs to have.

 Many more people to love.