Well, it's been a while but here I am.
It seems I'm in a new transition in life. That whole, "What am I going to be when I grow up thing.."
My whole life I had dreams of being a wife and a mom. Of course there were other dreams too like, full time worship leader, or book/song writer, but my first and foremost was to be a mom. I waited for years, shaking my fist at God wondering if He was hearing my pleas to be a mom, but then, after years of infertility...BOOM! He answered! In His time and in His way, I now have 6 beautiful kids. I have to admit that it was far better than I could have ever imagined! Over the last 16 years, I have had the privilege of raising the most wonderful, respectful, beautiful children that the Lord designed me to be their mom. Of course that journey is not over, but the stage of Independence is arriving. I have 2 with their driving permits and my youngest is in pre-school, just steps away to full-time schooling. Yes, I admit that right now I am Uber Mom...full time in my car taking kids one place to another with 4 school drop offs and 4 school pick-ups, with football, gymnastics and youth groups on 2 different nights to throw into the mix (if only I could get paid for this), but this is my life for a season! However, call it mid-life crisis, or what in the heck am I to do next, I'm in a funk!
For those who know me well, know that my music is what drove me in my early years before kids. I worked at a middle and high school, teaching theory and chorus and then at a school of music and performing arts teaching voice, piano and drama until Eli was born and I quit the day he arrived. Derrick and I chose from day one that I would always be a stay at home mom and I have fulfilled that promise since Eli, our oldest was born. Now, the kids are older, more independent and our budget is thinner than ever before and I'm trying to figure out how in the world I'm supposed to help! As I sang with Ginny Owens this weekend at church, I kept thinking to myself, "She has the life I always wanted...song writing and performing." And then I remind myself that this was my second dream....God had fulfilled my first dream! My dream to be a wife and a mom. A dream that doesn't get paid, but a dream that is one of the most fulfilling dreams you could have! I do believe it is one of the most highest callings you could ever have! Yes, I chose this. I chose to give up an income and all the fancy things that go along with this, to be able to be at home with my kids. We do without the finer things in life because of it, but I know that it will all be worth it in the long run!
But, here I am. Now with a few hours to spare between car line drop offs and pick ups. What do I do with these hours? How can I help my family financially??? If you have more than one child, you know it cost a fortune to just feed your growing child! I never question God's provision in my dream of children, and God has always provided, but geez!!! It's stressful trying to provide for 6 kiddos! And I'm not the one providing! Just nurturing! I guess where my honesty comes in is this...Since our children have been born, I have never relieved any pressure of providing for our family. I would LOVE to relieve some of this pressure. So, for now, my honesty is this...I'm going to start teaching voice and piano again. Please pray that God will provide through this and specifically, it has to be home schoolers or adults to participate because my mornings and afternoons at this point are in my car. I am posting my flyer, just in case you happen to read this and are interested.
Bottom line is this, however: God equips you to do what He calls you to do and He always provides!
Marci Shirley has a Bachelor of Science in Music Education with a Vocal Concentration from the University of Mobile. She graduated in the top of her class, was a member of Alpha Chi, National College Honor Scholarship Society, Kappa Delta Pi, won The Area Award for Music Education, was in Who’s Who Among American Universities & Colleges, served as Miss University of Mobile, and has been singing and leading worship since she was a little girl.
She was a middle and high school choral & theory instructor in the school system and has also worked at a School of Music & Performing Arts as a vocal, piano and drama instructor.
One of her passions is leading worship, which she does at Salty Church most weekends. Marci is a mom of 6 great children and several of them love to lead worship, sing and act just as she did.
She will be teaching 30 minute vocal or piano lessons from the hours of 9-2 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Please feel free to contact her with any questions and see what slots she has available!
$100/month, $25/30 minute lesson
Payment must be made on 3rd week of each month to pay for next month
If you cancel lesson, you may make up on Friday or another available slot, otherwise lose lesson.
Email: marcikshirley@yahoo.com
Phone: 321-331-3796