Why I do What I do

Way back in June I wrote this post.

I want to share it as my slice today because it still reigns true for me.  This week, getting back in my classroom, I was again reminded of why I do what I do.  Yes, teaching can be exhausting and challenging and emotional, but it is good.

Be blessed today as you teach.  I know my corporation is headed into Spring Break after today.  If that's the case for you, let it refuel you to finish out the year.  If you are just coming off Spring Break, I pray that you are rejuvenated as you head back with your students next week.  Remind yourself why you do what you do.

A crazy change in plans

Spring Break is just 2 days away.  I was super excited because I had NO PLANS for the first time in a few years.  I was going to stay home, read, do some Spring cleaning, etc.

Now, I am leaving right after school tomorrow to head to Arkansas with my dad.  CRAZY!

We are actually taking a much needed trip to see my grandparents.  Grandpa was just in the hospital with some heart issues.  He was released yesterday, his 87th birthday, and dad really wants to go see him.  My family didn't want dad to have to go alone so I get a little trip with my dad.

I could've been upset that my plans were changed.  Actually before I started my Fight Club I would've been upset.  Now I am seeing what a blessing it is that I will get some special time with my dad and I get to see my grandparents.

God is good.

It's good be back

My student teacher finished on Friday.  It was so good to be back in the classroom, but time FLIES!  Amazing to me that in a few weeks I could totally be adjusted to a different routine.  I spent my days helping in other classrooms, pulling reading groups, eating rather than inhaling my lunch.  It was a great time.  I learned so much from my colleagues.  But, I am glad to be back in my classroom.  I'm just not glad that time seems to disappear when I am teaching.

Technology makes me want to scream

My internet was down all afternoon and evening yesterday.  It worked just fine in the morning.  I got to school (school got cancelled), did some work, then came home to do some work here at home.

And my internet was down!

I had plans, things to do, writing to post, thoughts to share.

God had other plans.

I spent the day just relaxing, not worrying about making a post or reading the news or checking in on the Fight Club page.  I just relaxed.  I even took a nap.

I am enjoying the SOL challenge, but I am also learning that it's okay to miss a day.  I needed to learn that.  I am too eager to "compete", often times getting worried or stressed.

So, while I truly did want to scream at my internet (and actually may have screamed) just a tiny bit, I am grateful for an afternoon and evening of rest.

Bus Testimonies

5 Leaders and 35 teens sharing testimonies on a bus.  Picture it!

In January I joined the youth team at my church.  I am still getting the hang of things.  I had the opportunity to go on a short missions weekend in November and was introduced to bus testimonies.

What are bus testimonies, you ask?  Well on the drive home we take time for every person on the bus to give a short testimony about the trip.  It is AWESOME!

Now, there were 40 of us limited to 30 seconds each...that takes some time.  Everyone shares.  EVERYONE!  We had to share 2 highlights of the trip.  Some testimonies were short, some quiet, some lengthy, some general, some specific.  But they all had one thing in common.  We learned that God works in each of our lives, in personal ways, and sometimes not in the actual conference that we went to.  I would say that the majority of us shared something about the impact of relationships.

I was encouraged.  Bus testimony time might have been my favorite part of the whole trip!

power of prayer

Prayer is powerful.

One of my favorite times at a youth conference is prayer time.  There is power in seeing a huddle, big or small, of teens and leaders in prayer.

God hears everyone one of them.  Spoken.  Unspoken.  He hears them.

This morning, as the girls are waking from a short night of sleep, there is joy.  Joy that prayer was answered.

Prayer for physical healing,
emotional victory,
spiritual refreshment.

Prayer is powerful!

How can I pray for you?

broken down bus

I am on my way to Oasis in Columbus, OH. The youth bus broke down.   While we  were parked on  the side of the road, a lady from a nearby church saw us and stopped by to help.  She contacted her church and got their bus.  They graciously transported 40 of us to their church and are letting us hang in the youth oom.

Its good to know that good people still do good things.

Friends and Family

Tonight was a night of family and friends.  I'm still with my friends :)

Sleep

sleep
i long for
sleep

it stays away
far away
lost in thoughts
stirring, swirling thoughts

sleep
oh, where are you

sleep

Faithfulness

What a challenge this week for my Fight Club.  There is much put right on me and I am terrified of failing.  Primarily our physical challenges.  In weeks past there has been an assignment for each day.

This week, it is all up to me.  

How hard will I push myself?
Will I do it or strike out?

Time to lay that fear down and get off my butt to do something about it.  Be faithful!

My Magic Blanket

Warm
Comfortable
Memories
Security

I received a gift from my great grandma when I was born.  It is a blanket, but not just your ordinary baby blanket.  Nope.  This blanket is big, HUGE.  And it is pink.  It has been my magic blanket for over 32 years.

My great grandma was a super special woman in my life.  She loved with a quiet love.  She served others with a heart of gold.  She baked, anything and everything!  And she made us some very memorable things.

I treasure the blanket that she made for me.  It has traveled many places, accompanied me during many naps, provided warmth, comfort, and security.

Over the years it has had some serious wear.  Parts had become super thin and holey.  My grandma (great gma's daughter) gave my blanket some love.  She put a new backing on it, over the original so that I would still have it.  She also added a silky pink edge.  Not long after that surgery, the front panels began to tear.  My dear friend, Shannon, put a new front panel on my blanket.  She also did a bit of reconstruction.  She took the entire blanket apart, realigned every piece (old and new), and machine sewed every part back together.   She added one very special touch.  She cut a corner from the original backing and sewed it on the outside.

I love it.  My blanket is super thick.  It is thick with material, memories, and love.  Here's to another 32 years!