Graduation!!!

Hard Few Weeks.....

Chris and I have both a rough couple of weeks. It just seems that every time we turn around, something hard is happening in our lives. I sat here last weekend and watched it rain, and rain, and rain, and rain. It was disheartening to watch this city get swallowed by all of the rain water. I can honestly say, the only feeling I had was sheer helplessness! No, Chris and I were not personally affected, but when you watch something as tragic as this happen to a place where you call home, it really hits home. I can remember sitting in closets and such for tornadoes growing up, but usually those are quick to pass. This event was just slow and steady and it just wouldn't go away. I have posted a picture of our church, St. George's Episcopal Church, sanctuary. The whole church and Kindergarten flooded with about 2 feet of water on the first floor. It breaks my heart to see all of the damage, but I know that with God's help it will come back better and stronger. As most of you probably saw, Chris missed the cut this week and the last. I, on the other hand, can not find teaching job opportunities that are available right now for the fall. I can honestly tell you that we have both been stressed the past few months and really just out of any sort of routine. Chris has been bouncing back between 2 tours and I have been student teaching, which has brought in no income. As hard as it is, God is working in our midst. As hard as it can be to see, we know that His plans for our lives are in full swing. Even though we have all of these hardships in our lives, we do know that God is good and that He is working right now in our lives. Since I can be a worrier sometimes, I have been challenged in a big way to just "Let go and Let God." God is in control, and He has our best interest at heart. Thanks to our friends and family who have just supported us over the past few months. We have much to celebrate this weekend as I will be graduating with my Masters in the Art of Teaching, and Chris will now be here to celebrate this milestone with me! Thanks be to God for all of the blessings we have been given and continue to receive each day, as each day is a blessing from God! May we all continue to honor God in all that we say, think, and do. I would like to share a prayer from one of the priests who married us, The Rev. David Elliott. He says this prayer at the end of the church service every Sunday, and closed at our wedding with this prayer. It is absolutely one of my favorites!

"As you leave this place, go forth in peace. Be assured that the past is forgiven, know that the future is in God's hands. Return to no person evil for evil. Remember the poor, pray for the sick, and make no peace with injustice in this world, and the blessing of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be upon you and remain with you always!" - The Rev. David Elliott

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!!

I can't believe I forgot to post my sweet Momma's birthday!!! I have been so wrapped up in this massive flood and Bailey's surgery, that I forgot to post her birthday yesterday! She got to go to dinner with my dad and friends last night, so I know they had a great time!!! We love you very much and wish you many, many more!!!

Sweet Bailey!!!

Sweet Bailey!

Bailey is home resting comfortably!!

Bailey had surgery..... She was spayed today! Sweet Bailey is at home
resting on her favorite pillow under her favorite blankey!! We are
blessed that her surgery went well!! I have been a nervous Nellie all
day!! I almost cried when I left her this morning. I will be by her
side for the next few days!! :) Thanks for all of the prayers! Bailey
sends her love!!!

Tracy Rogers

Nashville is FLOODED!!!

Hello all!! Chris and I are blessed by God that we have not been affected as far as our home getting damaged from all of the rain, however, our church is under water. The first floor of our church is flooded and the Kindergarten where I have worked the past 2 years is attached to the church has tremendous amounts of damage. We are asking for your prayers for all of the people in Nashville and the surrounding areas affected by this flood. Studio 19, Chris' dad's studio which is on Music Row, could possibly have damage and we will find out tomorrow. What a crazy weekend. We lift up all those who have lost homes in this storm, that God will put His loving arms around them and protect them as they figure out what to do. This proves to be such a great reminder that no matter how hard life can be sometimes, that our "small problems" are just what they are. SMALL! Thanks be to God for those lives who have been spared....and for those lost....may God be with their families and friends in the days to come. We are thankful for all we have been given, and all the blessings in our lives. Each day is a gift and we are grateful for every day that God gives us. Much love from Nashville.....