It’s that time of year when hard-working students – AND those making it by the skin of their teeth – walk across platforms and get their diplomas. Anybody besides us have a graduate this year? If so, tell us about him/her! No matter what the age or kind of graduation – from kindergarten to tech schools to doctorates – if an official ceremony is involved, let’s celebrate! If you ARE the graduate, that’s even better. We love any opportunity to celebrate a Siesta. Tell us what God has enabled you to accomplish and what your plans are now. This is what community is for.
While we join you in your celebration, please join us in ours. Here’s a huge Siesta shout-out to Melissa Moore Fitzpatrick for earning her second Master’s degree, a Th.M from Columbia Theological Seminary. Child, you have worked your fingers to the bone. You’ve done what it takes and at no small cost. Your Dad, Amanda, Curtis and I are so proud of you and amazed by you. THIS from the high school athlete dash prom queen with the blue and white 69 Camaro Z28 who mostly studied for a test on the way to school that morning…while driving. You are a stud, young lady. Just like your sister. I celebrate the different directions Jesus has taken the two of you and I am so proud of the young women both of you have become. Make no mistake. You both need Jesus equally to make it through the lives He’s entrusted to you.
Colin, Melissa was so right to say that this graduation was just as much about you as it was her. Thank you for so often gazing at your new bride over a sky-high stack of books and papers and for listening to Hebrew lingo and doctrinal debates you never cared to know about. I have a feeling you didn’t see this coming when that young woman passed you in the halls of Langham Creek High School ten years ago. Keith, Amanda, and I will love you forever for how you love our girl and for how much you support her continued theological education. She’s so worth it, isn’t she? I speak this blessing as much over you as over her:
May God sanctify you, anoint you richly and shine His light brightly on your next steps. “May He remember all your sacrifices…May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. We will shout for joy…and will lift up our banners in the name of our God.” Psalm 20:3-5
OK, Siestas! Let’s hear it for your graduates!
Congratulations Melissa!
Congratulations Melissa!!
I graduated this year with my Master’s in Education and my sweet hubby is also graduating with his 2nd Bachelor’s in Religion–then on to seminary!
Congratulations to both you and your man, Lacie! Way to go!
Congratulations on all your hard work! For Melissa and all the other graduates.
My niece graduated on Saturday from NCSU – we are all so proud of her. She is now off to join my two kids in the Air Force. We couldn’t be a happier family!
Congratulations, Melissa!!!
Our graduate is our oldest son, Michael. He graduates May 28 from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (Wake Forest) with a Master of Arts in Christian Education!!! This is 10 years in the works, so we will all be in North Carolina for THE WALK!!!
He started his seminary work on campus at SEBTS and was called to serve a church in south Alabama intending to finish at a satellite campus and through correspondence. His work demanded more of his time and he was not able to continue.
He was called to another church a few years ago as Minister to Students and they have encouraged him and supported the time required to finish. My husband and I are so very proud of him and are so thankful for the support of our daughter-in-law, Mary and our grandchildren. We know of their sacrifice of time required for him to study and complete this degree and Mary has been an excellent cheerleader for him. We are also very thankful for the encouragement and support of their church family.
Whoo hoo, Michael!!!! Way to go!!! We celebrate this accomplishment in your life and we love you very much!
My first of three kiddos is graduating from KINDERGARTEN…a home school co-op here in Woodstock, GA.
I love you, Ruby Elizabeth. My sweet little graduate.
We are so proud of you, Ruby Elizabeth! I am smiling so big my cheeks hurt.
Big stuff! Way to go Ruby Elizabeth!
I am SO proud of my sister-in-law, Tish Hedger, as she finishes up her college degree this coming weekend. The journey God has taken her down has been extremely intense at times and I know there were many times she wanted to just give up on school. But through God’s grace she has been able to finish her degree while her and my brother, Joshua, planted a church…which 7 months after their launch is running 570! The stress has been hard, but she has pushed on to the finish line. I’m SO proud of you, Tish, and love you intensely! Thank you for serving the Father and being such a great example to all you come in contact with. I’m so glad God made us sisters 5 years ago! Congrats!
Our 13 year old son will be confirmed on Saturday. A graduation of sorts-anyone who has ever gone through confirmation classses in the LCMS would know it feels like one. Most importantly it is a declaration of faith. Praise God for his heart.
Yes, Nancy! That’s exactly the kind of thing I’m talking about. So happy for you and your son!
Congrats Melissa! What an accomplishment! Also…congrats Mom and Dad. I know you did a lot of sighing on that day. “That’s our baby girl. Look at what she has done.” it is the same pride we all felt when our kiddos took their first step. We stood back in awe that they were accomplishing a tremendous task…without us.
I sat, sighed, and watched my son graduated from Belmont University this past August. Fear of the unknown for him (Music Business/Commercial Performance Degree) has slowly changed over the past eight months. He not only found a way to use his degree…he became a man. And without having his father in his life anymore.
I watched the Lord God provide atleast five godly men to help my son through this transition. Oh… and he also got married in April of this year.
I honestly stand back amazed!
How exciting, Gina! I’m so glad those men have followed God’s leadership in helping your son become the man he is, along with all your nurturing and encouragement, I’m sure 🙂
Congratulations Mellissa!
Our son Joe is graduating from Home School High School this year.
It has been challenging but wonderful to see what a fine young man he has turned into.
We will have a party at the end of June for him, just family and friends.
This is my third son that I have graduated from Home school.
I graduate from the University of South Africa with an Honours Degree in Psychology on May 31st!
Way to go, Justine! One of our own! What’s next on your life radar?
Hi, hopefully a Masters degree. In the mean time community service. 😀
UNISA has some really interesting stuff going on lately. Congratulations!
What an amazing accomplishment, Melissa!!!! So proud of you!!! 🙂
Congratulations Melissa!!!
May God richly bless you as you go forth – pointing others to Jesus!!!
This seems so silly compared to an accomplishment like Melissa’s, but my sweet first born is graduating from preschool on Friday. It’s so sweet, they are having a little ceremony and she even has a hat! The Lord has used this first year of “school” in a huge way in my daugher’s life. I never thought she would ever let go of my leg in her whole life. Talk about a child filled with fear. God has been so sweet and gracious with her, and with my husband and I, this year in teaching her how to trust Him and take her fears to Him. It’s been beautiful. We still have along way to go, but God is working in my little girl’s heart and I just love Him so. This has been her verse: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.” Hebrews 13:6a I love God’s Word. It is life! It is bringing life to my sweet girl!
Not silly at all! If you knew Melissa, you’d know she’d be tickled to share this Siesta spotlight with your preschooler! I can WELL remember thinking Melissa’s preschool teachers would never be able to even get her to sit down at a table. Let alone listen to a lesson!
So profound, the Word of GOD. A verse that leads a preschooler (er, graduate, sorry) leads a grown woman as well. How I love the LORD.
this made my eyes fill up with tears. i have one of those little ones “filled with fear.” i haven’t really known what to do about it, because she is so opposite of me. i am going to memorize this verse with her. thank you so much for sharing this… and congrats to your sweetie <3
How I relate to the leg clinging…my sweet Erika would climb my body every time I was to leave her anywhere. Today she is a confident young High School Junior who makes me want to hold on tight to her. Don’t waste a minute with your darling 🙂
Our oldest child will receive her high school diploma on Sunday, May 23. Krista is an amazing young woman. In a small town where teenage pregnancy is the norm, she has stood out among her peers for what is right. She has chosen not to be a part of the party scene, and it has cost her a few friendships. I will never forget the night she was late getting home. I met her at the door, demanding to know why she hadn’t answered my calls, etc. She burst into tears, and explained that she had been trying to talk two friends out of having sex that night. Needless to say, she was excused!
Last fall, Krista became the leader of our children’s church. God has used her to transform a lagging ministry. After starting out with about 4 kids, we have about 30 every Sunday. Most of them ride the van to church, and their parents do not attend. Krista has truly developed relationships with these kids and their parents. She organized a block party last fall, and got to boss adults around! The thing is, they listened to her!!
Krista will graduate with honors on Sunday. She plans to attend Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, Texas, in the fall. Her daddy and I, along with her two younger brothers, are so very proud of her. She plans to pursue a degree in Christian counseling. She will be amazing because she can do all things through Christ Who strengthens her! I love her and am blessed to be her mom.
What a great story. We’re proud of her, too.
That is AWESOME! What courage it takes to stand out in a crowd, and not to succumb to peer pressure! Congratulations!!
Can I pat myself on the back for surviving 6th and 7th grade as a momma?! And, 3rd grade wasn’t real easy either.
Ha! I celebrate all of us momma’s who have survived another school year! I feel like we have graduated….but not really.
WAY TO GO MELISSA!!!!
Amen! Third grade has just about done me in! All you Siesta’s PLEASE pray for EOGs (End of Grade Testing) they start tomorrow in my county and our teachers have put the Fear of Failure in the children…I’ve heard several stories of kids that can’t sleep or eat because they are so worried…I think I will tatoo the entire Matthew 6:25-34 to my child’s forehead and tell her to make sure her teacher reads it…twice! And to then to tell her she does not Fear Failure…she Fears God! =) Happy Monday!
Praying for all our kiddos to finish STRONG!!!
Absolutely – surviving middle school is quite a feat for any mama!! I have 6th and 8th graders, so we are about to tackle high school next. Woo hoo.
no graduates in our house, but cheering all the siestas who did ~ job well done Girls!
yeah Melissa!! So happy for you and excited to hear all about this year’s journey after you get some good rest and maybe a great vacation with your man. =) Looking forward to your Israel blogging too!
blessings,
rachel
2nd Master’s degree!!! Wow! Way to go, Melissa!
My daughter, Sally, graduated from O’More School of Design with a degree in Fashion Design and Merchandising. So proud of her and I’ve posted pictures on my website of her.
I am – M.A. in Music Education! Sadly, the diploma will be coming in the mail, not handed to me in a ceremony. I am missing that (it is TONIGHT!) in NYC because I already moved home and took a job in Chicago. Couldn’t take the time off – I have elementary school children who need me here to teach them tunes on the recorder! I miss school already!
I pray that God gives you a sense of His favor upon you, Child. You have “walked” faithfully before Him.
Way to go, Lorna Beth!
Hey Lorna Beth!!!!! Dailey Rae and I think of you often and she will be so excited to hear that I found your entry on the blog today.
Congrats on your Masters and for making a difference in children’s lives every day!
Hugs from North Carolina!
Tracy L and Dailey Rae
Richlands, NC
Congratulations, Melissa!! I’m going back to school this summer. I’m a little nervous, haven’t done school work in 14 years. Yikes!
We have 3 teenage boys in our church graduating from high school this month. They are amazing young men. One recently was saved (family has a Buddhist background). One has an athiest step-father and the other has some family in our church, but they are not as active as he is. I know God has amazing things in store for these young men.
Congratulations Melissa, and you too Mama Beth. I know you are so proud of your girls.
Speaking of doctrinal debates….. I’ve been going along in my Christian walk just fine, always believing that yes God predestined me, and he knew I would come to Him because He is God, when He called upon me. I guess you can say that I believed it was kind of a mutual thing??? But, a few months ago a friend gave me a book to read and it’s take on predestination is that God predestined us to be saved, we had no choice in the matter. He just randomly(?)chose us, because man in and of himself would never come to God. I’m not kidding, within the same week, a neighbor of mine started talking to me about predestination also, but his take is right the opposite of my friend’s.
I’m so prayerfully confused. I can’t take my mind off of this. So please, does anyone have some scriptures or peace with God on your specific beliefs about predestination? Mama Beth? Melissa? Anyone?
My son, Spencer, will be graduating from Kindergarten and moving to “big school” in the fall. He’s gone to a private preschool and kindergarten since he was a baby, but now its time for him to transition into the big public school. My prayer is that he will make good Christian friends that will lift him up and not lead him astray, and that his teachers will be able to foster a love of learning.
Those are all awesome things to pray over him. Blessedly our Big God is already waiting for him at “big school!”
My kindergartener graduate is my second daughter Layla. Who is the most compassionate, loves Jesus, hard-core joker, will only wear a “spinny” dress, singing through life, lovely little girl. And Mommy is oh so proud of what a fantastic little sister she is and big sister.
Spinny dresses are the best. Congratulations!
Congrats Melisssa !
Congrats, Melissa!
How wonderful! Siestaville is so proud of you!
Our family has two graduates this year. My one and only little one graduates from Kindergarten in June. ((SOB!)) Can I tell you how the tears rolled when I took the picture of him in his cap and gown out of it’s folder? I long to keep him little, but I also can’t wait to see how God is going to work in his precious life.
My youngest brother is also graduating with his Master’s of Divinity. This is his second Master’s Degree. It has been awesome seeing God’s hand on him and how He has worked in my brother’s life.
Congrats to all of the graduates and the families of graduates!
Jennifer in VA
My oldest son, Logan, graduated Saturday from Missouri University of Science and Technology w/ honors. (Proud Mamma just had to include that) 🙂
I just “graduated” from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago with a Certificate in Religious Formation. Which means I am officially qualified and will become the novice director for the young women entering our community wanting to become nuns. I will begin my work for real on June 3rd!
Congrats to Melissa and all our other grads out there!
Hooray for you and those women! I don’t know you at all but I always look for your comments on here. I’m praying for you.
Good for you! Well done!
Congrats Sister Lynn!
Sister Lynn,
WAY TO GO GIRLFRIEND!!!
Love to you,
Yolanda
Congratulations Melissa!!!!!!! I have a little girl with a kindergarted graduation this spring, and I will be graduating from the Institute of Therapeutic Massage. What a year it has been in this house! Praise God for knowing when we have just about had enough and giving us rest in unexpected places!
Melissa!! So proud of you girl! This is awesome!
Crazy but Titus has kindergarten graduation this week!! What?! Mrs. Beth, I remember walking into sunday school class at HFBC just 3 months after we were married, sick as a dog, and telling you that,to our great surprise, i was pregnant!
Where does the time go?
SO much love to your sweet family from the Burger’s!!
Aw! Amber, I remember that day so well. Congrats to Titus on his kindergarten graduation!
I graduated from Oklahoma State U. w/ a degree in History and Religious Studies this past weekend and honestly, the reality of it all still hasn’t hit me. With a final semester interrupted by 2 deaths in the family, life changing decisions, a computer crash, and a bad case of mono, I am simply in awe of His grace that allowed me to finish on time. Thank you Lord for the privilege of soaking you up in the unique circumstances of these past couple of months!
Now that I’ve graduated I am moving to Central Asia this fall to teach English and love on some precious people who do not know Jesus. Can’t wait.
Congratulations to all the graduates, young and old alike, and congratulations Melissa on yet another advanced degree! You go girl!
Really impressed with your job choice. May God richly bless you in Asia. You go, Katie!
Why thank you Kathy! I am blessed by your encouragement!
congrats melissa!! thanks for posting beth!
whew! our oldest is graduating from high school. she bombs to school in a ’60 Studebaker Lark…studying as she runs out the door! wonder where she’ll be this time next yr? she too is a student athlete. a great kid who genuinely loves the Lord and is choosing to live for Him. it has not been easy…but teens it is possible…and to still be nominated by your peers for prom queen! HE is worth it! tho she has worked hard academically and as an athlete i am most proud of her authenticity. she’s “what you see is what you get” she no different before her peers…her parents…her God.
thank you Lord for bringing beauty from my ashes!
lovin life in Him~lisa
Our oldest daughter graduated from university on May 8th. I have written about it, ahem, often on my blog…
http://joyce-fromthissideofthepond.blogspot.com/2010/05/welcome-to-real-world.html
I love your scripture blessing and am going to pass that along to my own sweet girl as well. I have two daughters and so often your stories make me think of my own girls who are just slightly younger than yours. Congratulations to your lovely Melissa!
WOW. Congratulations, Melissa! Having worked on (but not yet attained) a seminary degree myself, I can appreciate the hard work involved. YOU GO GIRL/SIESTA!!! 🙂
Congratulations, Melissa! We are so proud of you!
My youngest walked across the stage at Mizzou (University of Missouri) receiving a degree in Photojournalism.
He leaves in 2 weeks for New York City to try and find a job. He has no prospects just guts.
I will be on my knees praying daily; hourly; every second! for his safety and for possible leads for employment.
He’s not anxious, and I’m trying not to be. Giving my worries to the Lord.
Love my fellow Siestas!
Ann in Houston
Ann, I’ll be praying along with you! This mom with a son who climbs ice knows the feeling of no control! 🙂 love you!
nancy
My precious nephew Landon and adorable niece Molly are graduating from kindergarten!
Jake, our son-in-law-to-be come this July, graduated Saturday from Pittsburg State University (KS) with his bachelor’s in business (accounting). He will be going on to law school (and taking our daughter with him!) in August. Kelli already has her degree and will be his sugar-momma while he finishes his schooling 🙂
My son, Nate, is graduating from high school this Saturday. He is my oldest, and I am already dreading the day he leaves for college, all the while full of joy in my heart for him. He is a Godly young man, and I can’t wait to see where God will take him in his life.
My precious daughter Lindsey is graduating high school with honors and I am so proud of how she has loved Jesus and honored him all 4 years of high school. God is good and has blessed me beyond words.
Thanks Beth for letting me share!
Lisa
My brother graduated from Washburn Law School on Saturday! He is following in my dad’s footsteps who graduated from the same law school many years ago! We are all so proud of him! Congratulations to all the graduates!
Congratulations Melissa!!
congrats Melissa!!
one of my dear friends started at CTS this year – how cool. 🙂
I’m not graduating, but I just attended my college’s graduation – a few of my dear friends are leaving me next year for bigger and better things..what a day!
In two weeks I’ll be returning to my little alma mater to watch two of my cousins and a handful of the greatest friends around walk across the stage for their high school diplomas. I’ll take a box of tissues.
It’s amazing to see how the Lord has worked in their lives and in mine. He truly has a plan when we don’t see it!
My youngest, my only son, graduated from high school yesterday! That in the midst of being forced into bankruptcy and losing our home and our van has been a very stressful time for him/us. But we will still proclaim — God is good . . . all the time!!!
Four years, three babies, two full-time jobs (at the same time) and a hurricane to boot, my wonderful husband finally graduated with his M.div from New Orleans Baptist Theological seminary!! I have never been prouder of my husband, or so thankful for the Lord’s faithfulness that saw us through many storms. Literally and figuratively 🙂
Stephanie, that is huge. Well done to you and your man! And praise the Lord!
Congrats, Melissa!
My baby girl is graduating from high school and leaving for college in a couple of months. Please pray with me that she will make wise choices when faced with all the pressures that go along with it.
I have 2 children graduating this month! My son graduated Mother’s Day weekend with a degree in Computer Engineering and will be pursuing a career in a city 19 hours away. My daughter (and baby of the family) will graduate at the end of the month (on our 30th wedding anniversary) from high school and will be participating in a mission trip this summer before attending college 9 hours away from home. My heart is full and torn–am I really ready to let them leave? Are they ready to face the challenges of life? My comfort is that God loves them and is working in their lives to shape them into being who He created them to be. He is faithful!
Congratulations, Melissa! I have a daughter who will be graduating high school in a few days. She is the last of four children and I was 41 when she was born! It has been sort of like having an only child. Anyway, the Lord has truly blessed our family and she has been such a joy. She will be continuing on to Appalachian State to get her teaching degree. She has her mind set on teaching English. She has always loved the written word and God has truly blessed her with a love of books. In fact, she says she is a true bibliophile! Congrats to all graduates!Love from a North Carolina Siesta
Congratulations to Melissa and all of the other graduates!
My son Sean Michael, who is also my first born, will graduate Sunday, June 6th from Rock Island High School. He’s in the top 10% of his class and I think will be receiving some honors too. Sean plans to go to our community college to earn his AS in Biology since he received a tuition scholarship from them. Then he plans to transfer to Western IL University to study Zoology.
The anticipation looms…everyone’s excited as he is the first grandchild (as he is the oldest) on both sides of the family to begin the graduations in this generation.
Next year, my daughter Makayla graduates from 8th grade. Oh joy! BTW…she gave her life to Christ within the last month or so. So totally awesome!
in anticipation of graduation….our not quite 17 year old son had us meet with his Naval Recruiter this past week in anticipation of his desire to be an EOD (Explosives Ordinance Disposal) or basically disengage bombs at the bottom of the ocean:) Oh I miss the little league days!! In God’s amazing grace, he will be in Germany on his 17th b’day and unable to enlist in celebration of that milestone! Two days later, we received a letter from the Dept.of Navy that our Jackson, is an official candidate for the Naval Academy in Annapolis class 2015!! How amazing is God to orchestrate that just to calm a Mother’s heart. So this time next year, I too, will be celebrating a High School graduation and praising God for the brave soldier sons He has blessed us with:) btw…his older brother graduated last year and shippped 10 days later to his Army Basic Training to be a Combat Medic! My advice…leave the military toys on the store shelves, but really most importantly, trust God’s hand on your children’s hearts!!
My 4th of 4 children will graduate kindergarten next thursday night. I was so excited to see all of my children in school and have enjoyed all the accomplishments so far. But I have to tell you, the waterworks started last week when I saw them practicing for their program. I am proud of my Ethan–he gets to hold the Bible at his graduation!!