My Titus 2 Sister

I am feeling a bit homesick this week. When I say that, I don't mean for a place, but rather for a person. Moving to Killeen and marrying B has been wonderful. He is an AMAZING man, and I am so thankful that God brought us together. At the same time, I find myself missing my sister Conner a great deal. I started going through photographs (online and print) to get started scrapbooking our wedding. In doing so I came across a TON of pictures of my sister. I miss her a lot, so I thought I'd write a little about her and see if that helps. 

And yes, I am going to use a ridiculous amount of pictures. 

It all started when I held her
the very first time.

I got to be a big sister August 23, 1991. Conner Jade was/is the greatest gift I have ever received. My world would have been totally different without my little shadow following me around. 

We pretty much did everything
together as children.

My sister is incredible. She was a very talented gymnast who won competitions all over the state. She went to nationals and placed well. She played in the band and she was a cheerleader. She took French and speaks it VERY well. In our young lives we survived losing homes to a tornado, a flood, and a house-fire. Non of that set her back. 

Throughout her adolescence Conner had to have several operations. These surgeries were to remove tumors that would grow in random places. These tumors restricted her airway and caused her a great deal of pain. But that didn't slow her down. 

Despite having to miss a huge amount of school because of her illnesses and surgeries, Conner graduated high school and joined me at Texas A&M in College Station. She added fun to my world, and reminded me to enjoy what I was doing. 

Always willing to go to a game with me.

She can be quite goofy.

She can even make me be goofy... not an easy thing to do!

Best Friends

We succeed and failed, always together.

My little mini-me

She adds spice to my world, even at the zoo.

At one of my many jobs during college.

Outside the building I spent most of my time at during my college days, the library.
Conner always went with me, even if she didn't need to study.

She would help me to stay focused and continue on to get my degree, pushing me to be better. When I graduated from Texas A&M University, Conner was there cheering me on in the stands.

Elephant Walk in Aggieland \
(it is a tradition, just go with it!)

The day I ordered my Aggie ring.

Conner presented me with my Aggie ring,
since she was there for every step of the journey.

The day we worked so hard for, we celebrated together.

After college, Conner supported me while I taught my first year of school and prepared for graduate school. Conner graduated from college a full semester early. She then bought a small business in our home town and is doing great!My little sister is amazing and I am so proud of the young woman that she has become. I cannot wait to see what the Lord has in store for her.

This summer I married B and moved to Killeen. My sister was there through it all. She was my maid of honor and she walked me down the aisle to give me away.  

When we were leaving for our honeymoon, I got to have just a minute to say goodbye to my sister.
The photographer caught the moment.

In conclusion, I completely recognize that this article has NOTHING to do with feminism. But, it does have something to do with biblical womanhood. Titus 2:3-5 says, "Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God." There are times where I have taught her, and there were time when she taught me. I didn't set out a time to teach my sister things, she learned them by living with me. She didn't set out to teach me strength, I learned it by watching her face each surgery with bravery. Titus 2 is not as intimidating as it seems. More often than not, these opportunities are right in front of you, and happen every day. Be on the watch for them, and be ready for the incredible journey that follows.