God is Able

As you get older, you learn more and more about the seasons of life.  Some seasons are bitter and brutal, others are slow and steady, some are peaceful and still, and others are enjoyable and full of bliss.  As Ryan and I have been experiencing different seasons lately, we're learning to take them for what they are and ride them out with a content heart and a teachable spirit.

These past four months we've been in the season of waiting.  It's been a season of stillness and waiting on the Lord's timing and His leading for our life.  And looking back over these past few months, I am able to see what God has done in our lives during the "waiting".  During this season we've been blessed with incredible community around us, the opportunity for Ryan to dive head first into seminary, a chance to rest and rejuvenate, a healthy church to attend, quality time to grow our marriage even stronger, and bible studies that have strengthened our trust in Jesus.

One of the greatest things I've learned and grown to trust during these months is that God is able.  He's able to do way beyond what we can even imagine.  His kingdom purposes are way beyond what we can see or begin to hope for.  Although God's character is predictable, his activity is unpredictable. And with that understanding, I've grown to be able to say that now is the time to have abundant life.  I don't have to wait for this "waiting season" to be over- for the next season of life to arrive before I experience and claim abundant life over myself and my marriage.  There's no reason to wait for a better time to start considering the ability of God.   Priscilla Shirer said it beautifully when she said, " Whether God moves is a question of His sovereignty not His ability.  What He does is His business.  Believing that He can is our business."  I don't want to be a woman who can attend church, learn about God, talk to Him, and serve Him, but not trust Him with my life.  I want to be a woman that believes that God can do way beyond what I can even begin to ask for and desire!  It's my prayer that God would continue to light a fire in my heart that grows stronger for Him through every season he walks me through. 

This song has been the cry of my heart during theses past four months of stillness and waiting:

(Verse)
Promise maker, promise keeper
You finish what You begin
Our provision through the desert 
You see it through ‘til the end 
You see it through ‘til the end

(Chorus)
The Lord our God is ever faithful
Never changing through the ages
From this darkness
You will lead us 
And forever we will say 
You're the Lord our God 

(Verse)
In the silence, in the waiting
Still we can know You are good
All Your plans are for Your glory
Yes, we can know You are good
Yes, we can know You are good 

(Chorus)
The Lord our God is ever faithful
Never changing through the ages
From this darkness
You will lead us 
And forever we will say 
You're the Lord our God 

We trust You, we trust You

So we won’t move without You
We won’t move without You
You’re the light of all and all that we need, Lord to everything
We won’t move without You
We won’t move without You
You’re the light of all and all that we need,
We trust You, God

We won’t move without You
We won’t move without You
You’re the light of all and all that we need, You will in Your hands 
We won’t move without You
We won’t move without You
You’re the light of all and all that we need, yea

(Chorus)
The Lord our God is ever faithful
Never changing through the ages
From this darkness
You will lead us 
And forever we will say 
You're the Lord our God 

And forever we will say 
You're the Lord our God 
And forever we will say 
You're the Lord our God 

You're the Lord our God 
The one we love, the one we trust
We live for You, the Lord our God

What's Your Story?

A few weekends ago, Ryan and I went with a few friends of ours to downtown Atlanta and filmed Ryan sharing his testimony.  Ryan has always loved writing- especially spoken words. God has blessed him with this talent!
Ryan decided to write a spoken word about his testimony about 8 years ago.  He found himself relating to students best by sharing the work that God has done in his life. He sat down one night and wrote out his story in spoken word form. At this time, he was working for Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA in Cobb County.  He would travel from school to school and read his story as part of his messages when he was preaching to the students. He realized that reading the spoken word from a sheet of paper would have less of an impact on the students than memorizing it and sharing it from his heart.  So, he memorized it and saw the fruit soon after.  Since that time, Ryan has written many of other spoken words (which I'm sure I'll share on this blog eventually).  His testimony spoken word is by far the most powerful. I believe it's the most powerful because it's truly inspired and authored by Jesus.  It's a story of the grace and power of Jesus in Ryan's life.

What's your story?  When we share our story with others we proclaim that God is in the business of changing lives.  Our story can provide hope to those who need it desperately. Your story matters.  It's a story of God at work in your life. Jesus is beautiful! Let us share our story often.

Take a few minutes to watch Ryan's story- and let all glory and honor go to Jesus.


My Story

Keepin' It Simple

The main reason I love being a middle school teacher is the students.  They are great.  Yes, some days they can get under my skin and agitate me (which is probably on me and not on them).  But, most days they are a blast!  They keep it simple. They tell it like it is. They keep it fun.  They keep me young. And they keep me laughing!  Here's two examples:

Today, I took our Language Arts class outside to observe nature around them as they brainstormed what they wanted to write in their Haiku poems.  I introduced them to "sour grass".   I'm not sure if that's even the correct name for it.  My teacher friend calls it that- so I stole it.  So, I explain to them how they can identify it by the yellow tiny flowers and the heart shape of the small green petals (all of which I learned from that same teacher friend).  Each student got the chance to eat a piece of the sour grass greenery. They all agreed that it tasted like it sounds- like a sour apple. After we finished that up, they spread out around the area and sat and observed nature and their surroundings. Most students were closing their eyes, listening intently, and brainstorming on their papers.  However, when I looked to my left I saw one of my precious students eating handfuls of the grass (and the yellow flowers).  Slowly, the entire class noticed and we all just chuckled. There's just not many words to say when you see that and sometimes you just don't want to know.  It just makes you laugh!

Two weeks ago we were reviewing figurative language for the CRCT  reading test.  We were covering things like onomatopoeia, oxymoron, idiom, hyperbole, simile, metaphor, etc. The typical terms you can expect to see on the test. I explained to students that writers use figurative language to make their writing and language more interesting.  We spent about a week covering this material in detail.  About a week after this, one of my students walked into our 7th period class and was a good 10 minutes late.  I asked him where he had been and if he had a note excusing himself for being late.  He said he thought our whole class was in the library because he walked by it and saw everyone in our 7th period in there looking for books to read.  As he said this to me, he (and I) looked around and saw about 3/4 of our 7th period class was sitting in their desks in my classroom staring at him.  I couldn't help but respond somewhat sarcastically.  I said, "Really? You saw everyone in our 7th period class in the library? How is that possible if more than 3/4 of the class has been in here with me since 7th period started?"  He didn't even skip a beat.  He just looked at me and smiled and replied,  "Mrs. Rohan, I was practicing using hyperbole in my speech to make my everyday language more interesting."  What can you say to that?  The class and I just laughed and enjoyed the moment.

These kids really are a joy!  I'm so thankful for them.

When Life Happens

I realize that it has been well over a year since I've utilized this blog. Life happened- I guess that's my only excuse.  Life happened and I just didn't have the time to write.  Now that things have started slowing down (and that I'm done with my Ed.S degree), I will start blogging more frequently.  I started looking through my pictures on my phone and my computer. As I did so, I began re-living this past year and the journey it has taken us on. This past year had been a whirlwind of fun, laughter, hardships, tears, and growth.  To say this past year has been easy would be an outright lie.  But, the growth and maturity that has occurred in our individual lives and in our marriage together is tremendous...truly a work of God. So, although it's been very difficult, I can't help but be thankful for our life story that Jesus is writing (for HIS glory).  Jesus has proven himself trustworthy in our lives!  Here's a look at our past year (ish) in pictures.  I can't believe the memories we've made and things we've gotten to be a part of and experience.  Hopefully this will catch you up with the Rohan's :)

                   

Christmas 2011 at the parsonage in Bremen 

                                                
 1st ever D-Now at BFUMC
60 students worshiping Jesus

Ran my first half marathon in February 2011
Mercedes Benz half marathon in Birmingham, AL

Jr./Sr. Spring Break Beach Trip to St. Pete Beach, FL

     

BMS state championship track meet 2012

watched our seniors in our youth group graduate from BHS

                 

Sr. Walk for our youth at Prom                 BMS 8th grade Study Cade Trip              

Watched my sisters last ever college softball

game at Furman University

My baby sister graduated college from the 3rd most

 prestigious college in the nation - Furman University!

Took some of our youth group to Lake Wedowee for Little Wow retreat

    

Won another gold medal in volleyball for the Special Olympics

 

Ryan and I competed in our first 

Muddy Buddy Bike and Run Race- SO fun!

It's a 7-8 mile run/bike/obstacle race you complete as a team.

  

Enjoyed another Rohan family vacation in Gatlinburg, TN

 

We were able to attend 6 weddings this summer! 

 Here's Joey and Kayla McLaughlin on their special day!

 

Lindsey and Aaron's wedding- love and miss these ladies!

Ran another Peachtree Road Race (10K) in Atlanta, GA.  Happy 4th of July! 

Ryan and I celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary

by taking a trip to Florida together. 

First deep sea fishing experience for me!

We took an awesome group of students to Big Stuf camp in Florida.

      

Last Sunday night of youth group at BFUMC for these senior girls!

 

Ryan played softball as a sponsor in the Special Olympics GA.

This was our first FCA meeting at BMS this school year-

85 students crammed in my classroom! 

    

 

Ran the Habitat for Humanity 5k with Ryan, my brother, and my sister

Our youth group held it's 2nd Annual Pumpkin Patch fundraiser for our youth at BFUMC- raised $11,000!

  

Ran the Gobble Jog 5k in Marietta, GA with my sis!

 

Celebrated another Thanksgiving with my amazing family- so thankful!

  

Ryan and I moved from Bremen to Villa Rica, GA. 

Allie Bama is posing in front of our new house!

Hanging out with this amazing group of students at our going away party

before Ryan started his new job as the middle school pastor at First Baptist Douglasville

Love us some Logo!

Decorating our house for Christmas!

  

Celebrating Christmas day with my family and the Witt's at my parents house

2012 Christmas family photo

Annual tradition for New Year's Eve- the Chickfila Bowl!

 

First ever middle school service at First Baptist Douglasville

  

Allie Bama celebrating another NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

Roll Tide!

 

Picking up our bags for our first marathon!

 

Such a sweet moment!  My brother and I ran together for our first full marathon.

Here we are crossing the finish line at 3 hours and 42 minutes! 

Charleston Marathon- 26.2 miles baby!

]

Celebrating this girl's birthday in downtown Charleston, SC. 

Happy Birthday seester!

 

boat ride view of the Charleston bridge with my family

D-Now at First Baptist Douglasville- 1,000 students here for Jesus!

enjoying my 4th year coaching track (the distance runners)

for Bremen Middle School

 

Celebrating the many medals and PR's earned at our

middle school championship track meet 2013

BMS won the state track meet!  First year ever to do so!

And this is just a fun recent one of Ryan and me- love this man!

Blinded by the Light

The other day I was going for my usual evening run after work.  I got started a bit later that day so the sun began setting about my 5th (and final) mile of my run.  I was running without Allie Bama (thankfully) and had just stepped onto the road because the sidewalk was non-existent due to construction.  I was running as close to the edge of the road as I possibly could in an effort to dodge oncoming cars.  Over the course of a few minutes, the sun had managed to set to the perfect location in the sky- a location that blinded me almost entirely to what lay ahead of me.  Dangerous?  Slightly...I mean, I'm already trying to dodge oncoming cars with clear vision let alone being blinded by light of the sun!  My first reaction/thought to this predicament was annoyance and frustration.  I mean really?!  I'm on my last mile of my run and nearing a half mile from my house.  The sun couldn't have waited 5 more minutes to position itself in that exact blinding location? Geez!  I couldn't see a thing!  I tried squinting my eyes- no luck.  I tried running hunched over (as if that would help)- no luck.  I tried running faster- no luck (in more ways than one). I was annoyed.  And, it was dangerous!  I couldn't see cars approaching me.  All I did was pray that the cars would see me and avoid me. 


But then it hit me- and I had a complete paradigm shift. 
Yes, I was blinded by the light.  But why was I so annoyed by that?  Isn't that EXACTLY how we are called to live?  Shouldn't that be my prayer every single day?  Shouldn't I be asking God to blind me with His light and His will?  When I was blinded by the sun I literally couldn't see what was in front of me- nothing.  I had to trust Him with every step I took and all that happened around me.  I didn't have control.  
Instead of being annoyed and frustrated with it- I realized that I should be striving to be "blinded by the light" every single day of my life.  Blinded of my will and the will of others- blinded by His will alone.  I'm so thankful for this reminder!
Jesus, let this become my prayer. Let me be blinded by your light and your will- forced to trust you and rely on you alone. 


"I know, O Lord, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps." 
-Jeremiah 10:23


Verses About 'Light':
"He has redeemed my soul from going down into the pit, and my life shall look upon the light."  - Job 33:28


"For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light."  -Psalm 36:9


"Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling." 
- Psalm 43:3


"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."  - Psalm 119:105

Butterfinger Cake

Every Thursday night we have our high school bible study/small group meet at our house for a few hours.  We love this time of the week!  Unfortunately, this semester I've had online class meetings during this time so I haven't been able to participate much in our Disciple bible study.  I hate that I'm having to miss it!  But, I try to always have some good treats prepared for the high school students to enjoy and snack on during our time together.  I love to cook/bake, so I use this time to try out different recipes.  I tell them that they are my "guinea pigs"!  This past week, I found a recipe that was a success (and super easy).  Thought I would share it.... it's an easy one to make for the holiday season parties coming up!

Butterfinger Cake


1 box yellow cake mix, including ingredients to make the cake
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 (8oz) tub light cool-whip (thawed)
1 jar Smucker's caramel ice cream topping
4 regular sized Butterfinger candy bars

1.  Bake cake according to the directions on the back of the box.
2.  While the cake is baking, mix the milk and caramel topping until very well blended.
3.  When the cake is done and still warm, poke holes in the cake with a straw.
4.  Pour the milk/caramel mixture over the cake and allow it to cool.
5.  Sprinkle two candy bars over the cake.  (I froze the Butterfingers and then crushed them up while they were still in their package.)
6.  Spread Cool Whip over the top and then sprinkle the other two crushed up Butterfingers on top.
7.  Enjoy!

Tip:  I didn't have time to allow the cake to cool completely so I served this warm, but then chilled the remains.

It's Been A While....

Wow, it's been a while since my last post. Six months to be exact- that's half a year! Gosh!  Just wanted to post an update about what's been going on with the Rohans in hopes that I'll start blogging more.

Time has just flown by and life has been turning each and every direction for Ryan and myself.  Trying to stay connected to friends across the miles has simply taken the back burner (I know- I'm ashamed!).  It's not that we have forgotten about anyone- we still think of our friends and family daily and wish miles didn't separate us all.

God has been doing some big things lately (not that I'm surprised- I mean, that's what He does!).   Ryan is on staff at a church here in Bremen, GA as the full-time student pastor and we love it!  We love the congregation and we love our students in our youth ministry. We have seen such growth in so many of our students over the past few months- their hearts are truly on fire for Him, and it's beautiful.  I've started my educational specialist degree (and it's kicking my butt).  I'm taking two classes a semester, teaching full time, coaching, and helping out with our youth ministry.  I'm certainly learning a lot about time management! Preparation for the future? I think so!  Softball season just finished up for me so I have a break in coaching until February when track season picks up.  Basketball season has begun and Ryan is the assistant coach for our middle school boys basketball team and he's loving it.  He sure loves being out on the hardwood and he sure loves the students!  

I've included a few photos of what we've been up to.  I hope this will fill a bit of the gap since our last post 6 months ago!

On our one year anniversary cruise to the Bahamas

Cruisin'

Some of our middle school students we took to Big Stuf Camps

 in Panama City, Fl  this past summer

Opening night of our newly renovated youth room- students rockin' the new 6one3 shades

At a dear friends wedding in Birmingham, AL

 

Rohan's family vacation to Pigeon Forge, TN with Ryan's side of the family this past summer

BMS fastpitch softball team 

Worshiping at 6one3 on a Sunday night

BMS fastpitch softball team "pink out" game

Friday Night Lights!

Ryan was one of the BHS football team chaplins this football season

Ryan, his sister, and his niece at a BHS football game

Running the Atlanta Relay Marathon in October

Hanging out in Dahlonega, Ga a few weekends ago- we took a weekend mountain trip

Allie Bama came with us to the mountains for the weekend!

We hope each of you are doing well!  Stop in and say hello if you are ever in the West GA area!  Blessings to you!