Episode 13

Today I added the December 20th angel to the nativity mural. It has so many memories connected to it. My sister always wanted to put this angel on because it was her birthday...so naturally she wanted to put it on the mural (naturally, she also wanted to put on the baby Jesus...but you cannot have your cake and eat it too). Then, one year the angel had an unfortunate moment and her head fell off. So, that poor angel was marked for life and mom had to reattach her head many times. In fact, today when I put up this angel I was extra careful with her head...even though I knew I didn't need to be.

But, that is not my reason to rejoice today. Today it is my sister. 22 years ago today my little sister was born. She is my only sister...my only sibling and I am happy to say, my oldest friend. Now, from about ages 8-15 my mom probably would have said differently about us being friends. We had many a fight...usually about nothing. Once we had a fight over who would clean the toilet (least favorite bathroom chore) and I may have "accidentally" sprayed Ray in the eye (Ray can now finally be avenged for that one because I am pretty sure my mom never knew about that one because I think I bribed Ray not to tell...probably by giving her gel pens or stickers which were my currency in that day and age). Another time we were fighting over who would vacuum (second least favorite chore) and I pushed her over to get my point across and she hit her tailbone on the vacuum (this one mom knew because I vaguely remember my tailbone hurting later over that one). One time Ray flicked a penny directly in my eye...cannot remember what that fight was over, but I am still amazed by her aim. However, over time, I can say that I have never had more happy memories, more belly laughs or more inside jokes than with her.

I do not remember much about her birth. I remember most of the things from home movies and pictures and cute anecdotes from my family members. Before Ray was born, I wanted her to be twins (doubtless my mom and dad was happy that Ray was NOT a twin...that's a lot of babies at one time). Anyways, I wanted twins so mom could name them Isaac and Rebekah. The day Ray was born, all I remember is mom and dad bought me the game "Shoots and Ladders" and I stayed at someone's house till they came home. I was pretty stoked because I really liked that game.

Time went on. Ray grew up...she peed on my lap (she was an infant!!!)...she crawled after my toys...there was no place to escape. She got bigger and wanted to be just like me. She stole my clothes, played with the same toy I always wanted to play with. She copied what I said, she followed me everywhere I went and did all the things I did. She became a teen and suddenly my clothes were not as cool as hers, so I never had to worry about her stealing my stuff. Then the day came where I moved away and we saw each other less and less. Then came the day where I watched my baby sister walk down a grassy path on a spring day and get married. I think I cried more that day than I did at my own wedding. The pictures of that day show me walking down to the front of the ceremony with a grimace on my face because I was doing all I could not to ruin my make-up. Suddenly miles and miles separated us. I miss her so much and am so thankful for the built-in friend that God gave me so many years ago. I would give anything to have her be close enough to steal my sweaters or borrow my stuff (although heaven knows my style is probably still too old lady for my trendy little sis). I am rejoicing tonight for this reason...my baby sister. Thanks God for that extra special gift in our family's life.

Episode 12

A little update on the advent calendar. We are into the wisemen at this point. Getting closer all the time. I cannot believe how quickly the Christmas season is whizzing past. This past week was final exams at school. It is by far my favorite part of the school year. I love the idea that we get a fresh start when January comes around. The kids are excited and happy because Christmas is coming for them too. As you grade finals you can play your quirky Christmas music as loud as you want...it is the one time of year you can get away with being quirky.

Last night Ryan had to work super late at the store so I had a marathon of Christmas movies. I watched one of my all time favorites, The Miracle on 34th Street (the old black and white one with Maureen O'Hara and Natalie Wood). It is just so cute. And even though I do not believe in Santa Claus, my parents never had him as part of the equation, and I do not plan on telling my kids that he is real either....I do love a good movie with Santa in it. This one is by far the best one about Santa. If you have never seen it...I highly recommend it. Clearly the best line in the whole thing is when the little girl tells the mom that "Sometimes faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to." I love it.

My reason to rejoice today is the fact that God is a God of miracles. I was thinking about this the other day. The God of the impossible planned to send His Son to earth...so how would it happen? Naturally it had to be through a virgin for Jesus to be perfect and sinless. But also a VIRGIN...how amazing...how miraculous. Would we really expect anything less from a God like ours? Why do we question HIS ability to provide for our needs...to fulfill the deepest desires of our hearts? We shouldn't...He is the God of the impossible.

Episode 11

Sorry I missed a few days. We had our Christmas program on Sunday so we were busy all day Sunday. SATURDAY we spent most of the day cleaning house and then shopping for a shepherds costume for Ryan. Yesterday was the last day of full day school days...then I had to mail Christmas boxes (so I stood in line for 42 hours). Today I had a half day...but felt really icky so I went home at noon.
My reason to rejoice....the lost art of the Christmas card. Each year we get less and less. My theory behind that is 1. there are busy busy people out there. 2. postage is ridiculous. But for those faithful few....thanks for sending....it brightens my day!!!

Episode 9

Just a little update on the Rejoice countdown. We are out of the "trees" which are still fun, but not as fun as the sheep, angels or people. It is a sure sign that Christmas is closer when the "trees" are on the board.

Today's post is all about conversations around the tree. My Grandpa Arnold was a notorious "filmer." He recorded everything from the kids in their Easter Sunday best to the family eating Christmas dinner to the "pile" of presents my Dad got each year (even though my dad tried to tell us for years that he was so poor growing up that Grandma would wait till he was asleep Christmas Eve so she could wrap up his hands, because in the words of my Father, those were "nature's Christmas gifts." and the only gifts they could afford) Anyhow, he must have transferred that urge to film all things. The other day I was watching some Christmas footage while I cleaned house (we no longer have cable...so sometimes finding something to watch is a stretch). Here are some of the conversations I heard around the tree, the names have been changed to protect the innocent, but I am sure most of the family will be able to figure out who is who.

Mystery Aunt: "I was so COLD in here earlier."
Uncle Spike: "You are COLD? IN this HOUSE? Geo-therm's been down here already today testing for nuclear material."

Parent of mine after getting the gift of money: "Oh look, I got paper...with green ink on it."

Sister-type: "Oh wow, just what I wanted. Thank you!" *promptly throws item over shoulder to dive into the remaining pile of gifts.

Mystery Grandparent: "Keep the box for that Barbie, Rachel, for someday when you are old and you want the box. Could be worth money."

Mystery Grandparent: "Hey, you mayn't open any presents until you pick up ALL the wrapping paper on the floor."
Aunt Starla: "Yah, and then wash and wax my car while you are at it!"

Ah, the family Christmas tree captured for all time on film. It does not get much better than this. So, today's reason to rejoice is my Grandpa and Dad taking the time to preserve those memories (the good, the bad and the ugly ones too) for future generations. Thanks!!!

Episode 8..a little late

You know each family has them. Traditions. I plan to devote a couple of posts later on to traditions that my family has had and maybe even some new ones that Ryan and I have begun. The one that always makes me smile is stockings. Every single Christmas of my life I have gotten a toothbrush as one of my gifts. Now to you it may seem odd but in fact it became one of my anticipated stocking stuffers. Funny isn't it? But I can remember our first year being married telling Ryan not to forget my toothbrush. It is possible that he thought I was crazy.
The only other predictable gift that is traditionally given is pistachios for my dad. No matter how many bags of those crazy nuts he gets, he acts suprised. My Mom gets a nativity scene each year practically. This Thanksgiving I was home to help Mom decorate. There were nativities all over. it reminded me of Christmas past and the time she got that scene . I am blessed to have such a rich heritage of traditions...even the toothbrush one.

Episode 7

I am rejoicing this late evening that i only have to make these little boogers once a year. I remember growing up, my mom would spend half the month with us kids making cookies to eat, to share and just for fun. Mom always made it seem so very effortless. My sad little mice had their heads crack open...poor little frankenstien mice!! However, the little awana girls that will be eating them tomorrow will like those yummy sad little critters and THAT is my reason to rejoice tonight.

Episode 6

Here we are...December 6th already. Episode number 5 had to be cancelled due to puppy drama. Poor Braddock is used to a slower pace and Amelia is a barrel of dynamite. She prances and romps and Braddock (who is quite the former romper himself) looks at us like "she is so immature". IT is quite comical really.
So, episode six. I was thinking today about how busy this season can get and in some ways it robs us of the real reason. I looked at my calendar and between Christmas productions, parties, shopping, work events...December is already booked solid and December just began. I love Christmas and this season...even when drowning in "events" i want to enjoy December. Thanks for allowing me to share my "events" with you. Tomorrow will be a funnier post.

Episode 4

Well...recall yesterdays post? Well i just increased that reason to rejoice by one more. Only time will tell if this new little lady will give any Christmas

"memories" the way Braddy has done the past few Christmas's. So far, however, those two have romped and played and napped already tonight. Looking good so far.

Reasons to Rejoice--Episode 3

I am thankful to have a pet. Is he a ton of work? YES. Has he destroyed a small fortune in books, shoes, and even cds? Yes (he eats everything). Does he cause me to sweep up hair by the hours? Yes. However, I have a reason to rejoice because in three Christmas's, he has only done damage twice. Once was to his own present under the tree (he could smell the bones) and the other time was to my "snow" pile. Here is the video of my Christmas Bandit.


Then, only the other day, my friend and I were having a chat in the living room around the "family tree" and out of the corner of my eye I saw the smaller Christmas tree in my dining room swaying from side to side. I jumped up and walked into the dining room and there was Braddy surrounded by piles of white "snow." It was so funny we had to take a picture. I am not much of a disciplinarian.



I am thankful that he has yet to eat anyone else's gifts and he has yet to eat the Christmas tree. He brings us so much joy (along with the problems he brings). We love him and are thankful he is part of our family.

Reasons to Rejoice December 2

Oh the Christmas Play! Today I stumbled upon the dvds of my old Christmas plays, Christmas presents with family and Christmas dinner celebrations. Some of it is embarrassing, most of it is heartwarming and touching, a few of them make me cry but the Christmas plays make me laugh. Every year, our poor music teacher would start about the second week of school drumming 27 millions Christmas skits, songs, poems and passages to present in December. About November was when everyone started singing the songs even in their sleep. Parents begin to get the "Christmas Program" video tapes ready (since each program was easily 3 hours long, they needed lots of tape). At long last, the elementary students were decked out in their little halos and the boys picked up shepherd's crooks and donned their old ratty bathrobes. There was always someone who forgot their lines at the most awkward time. Someone always forgot that they were the line leader and when it was time to leave the stage, they were picking their nose or twirling their pretty Christmas dress or waving at mom. Nevertheless, every kid left the program feeling special because they had been on stage. Every parent felt their kid was the brightest and the best. Even more than that, each person left there hearing the true message of Christmas. I don't miss performing in them...but I am happy I have the DVD to remind me from time to time. It is another reason to rejoice.

Reasons to Rejoice

I am trying something new this Christmas season. I am going to "try" to post daily either something I found to rejoice about this month or a memory from Christmas past to share. I discover the longer I am alive how very blessed I am in my growing up years and my family. Some people actually dread the holidays. I know we were talking to some people who said their Thanksgiving was boring, that they could not get away from their families quick enough. I usually cry when I pull out of the driveway of my parents house because I already miss them.

Well, the picture of the day is the advent calendar that my Grandma DeVelder made for my mom and I remember it being in our house almost all of my life. When I got married and Ryan and I had our first Christmas at our own home, I remember feeling like something was missing. The next year mom and Rachel took on the task of making one for each of us to have in our own homes. Right now, since we have no kids, it is just me putting up the little felt animals, trees, shepherds, wise men and the holy family....but someday I hope to share the calendar and the greatest story ever told with my own children.

I have many memories of this calendar. I remember my sister always being so upset because the angel that you put on for the 20th of December (which is her birthday) had the head fall off. That really burned her up. I also remember, once I learned the concept of odd and even numbers, finding a way to "trick" Rachel into taking the even numbers because then that meant I got to put the baby Jesus on the calendar and that was, of course, the coveted honor of the advent calendar.

But the thing I remember most about the calendar is that even though it was just little people made of felt and Velcro, it was a family tradition that carried us through all our growing up years. More importantly, it taught us as little children that Jesus is the whole reason we even have a Christmas in the first place. As kids it was a countdown to Christmas but now as I look at it in my own "grown-up" house with my own "grown-up decorations, it is a countdown to the greatest reason we have to rejoice. God with us, Jesus, Emmanuel....this is the reason to rejoice and for today...December 1, 2011...it is my first reason to rejoice in my countdown to Christmas.

Thankful thoughts

Things I am thankful for this Thanksgiving Day. I usually take an inventory like this once a year at this time. It rebukes me ALWAYS because I should do this on a daily basis much more often than I do. However, here is my list.

1. I am so very thankful for salvation. When I look at my life and what it is, I know that I owe every blessing, every success, every bright or happy moment in my life to the Savior who now calls me His own. I will never understand why He saved me but am daily thankful for the fact that He did!

2. I am so very thankful for my husband. Ryan is the best thing that has ever happened to me (under #1 of my list of course). Every now and then I try to imagine what life would be like without him and I cannot do it. He is my very best friend. Even though we disagree, like the opposite kinds of movies and I could eat pork chops at least once a week and he could live forever without eating another one...he is my other half. The other day he took the whole day off and we did nothing but meander around Busch Gardens and the mall. I could brag forever about my blessing of a husband...but I think you all get the point. He is always full of surprises and willing to seek my comfort above his own. Cannot thank God enough for the blessing of Ryan in my life.

3. Family and laughter. Tonight after the last bite of turkey was gone, we gathered around to play some games. Nothing brings the memories like a time around the table with games to play. We played Taboo tonight (wish I had had Ryan there because he ROCKS at that game). Here are some of the funny moments we had during the game.

Rachel(trying to get Duncan to guess the word "Stupid") "Ok, I am a person who doesn't have any sense in my head."
Duncan: A Democrat?

Me: (trying to get Duncan to say the word "Date" and I could not use the word "first, go, out, kiss, or calendar). So, I said, "This is what you do when you ask another person to walk their legs around town while you walk your legs around town at the same time." Laughter

Duncan (Trying to get Rachel to say the word "nut"):"This is a small delight"

Some of the words and clues made us laugh so hard that tears were running down our cheeks. I am so thankful for happy family memories.

#4. I am thankful for tears and the ability God has to walk you through a valley. Ryan and I went through the hardest summer we have ever lived through. But, at the end of this long season of our lives, we can thank God for bringing us closer as a couple and closer to Him even though at the time, we felt like our world was crumbling. Hopefully this Thanksgiving if you have yet to taste and see how good our Lord is...may this we a season where you find out how good He is.

Since I've Been Gone

It has been a long time since I last wrote. I have been so very busy with this, that and the other thing that blogging has been pushed to the side. It is never totally out of my mind so for that reason, here are all the things I have been meaning to write about but have just never gotten to just yet.

1. How to find out who your true friends are: By a fifth grade girl
The other day in Awana club one of our girls came over to my group. When she sat down I noticed that something was wrong with her. She looked different than normal. She asked, "Do you notice something different about me?" I said, "Yes, but I cannot put my finger on what it is." She said, "Well, I was having a hard time figuring out who my true friends are" (a very troubling thing for any girl..tis true). "So," she said, "I decided I would shave off all my eyebrows and whoever made fun of me was not my true friend." My hat goes off to her. Very few of us are brave enough to take such drastic measures to discover our true friends. I asked her, "Did it work." "Pretty much" was her reply. I love fifth graders.

2. How to scare your enemy: By a 12th grade boy
On Thursday the boys football team had a big playoff game. That morning, one of the players (who is also in my homeroom class) left his backpack behind in my room. When my first period came in (crashing down the hall much like charging elephants do), one of them knocked the backpack to the floor. Suddenly, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a thick cloud of smoke rising from the backpack. My heart began to pound because my worst classroom nightmare (aside from the one where I get to school and I have no clothes) is the one where the student "accidentally" leaves there backpack in my room and then it explodes. So, here was my nightmare playing out in real life. In a desperate desire to save my students and maybe myself (if I was lucky) I ran over to the backpack and looked at it closer. In fact, it was not a bomb. It was a HUGE canister of blue Gatorade powder that had burst all over the floor, all over the students football pants, all over EVERYTHING. I tried to cheer him up by saying, "Hey, just think, when a defender on the other team smashes into you they will freak out because there will be an explosion of Gatorade." He said, "Nope, I will be distracted like crazy because I will be sweating blue Gatorade." All I could do was laugh.

3. How to make your teacher laugh: By a misbehaving 10th grader
I was in the middle of a class and one of my students just cut right into my conversation and began his own. I stopped, told him to put his name on the board, and proceeded to teach again. When he did it again, I told him that he was showing a "flagrant disregard for rules and regulations" which in hindsight probably made no sense to him but it did to me. He says, "You mean like when you do not put on deodorant?" I almost split my face trying not to laugh.

4. How to remember you love teaching: It only takes one student
Yesterday reminded me again why I love to teach. We started a mock trial in Government class (hence the reason for a lack of blog posts...I have been preparing for that in addition to keeping up with the rest of my work). Anyhow, I gave out the "roles"of the mock trial and the kids literally needed no redirection from me. They got into their huddles and the lawyers and witnesses started learning their roles. It was so inspiring to see my kids WANT to do something, not just because it was fun but because they had a genuine interest in how the process works. I just wish everyday was like this.

5. How to giggle like a school girl again: It only takes one student
Today we heard from my "witnesses" in the trial. I told the kids they had to stick to the facts of the trial but they could add their own personality to it. Long story short, the plaintiff in my case is a boy who got hit on his bicycle by a passing motorist. Anyhow, the defendant is stating that he never saw the boy on the bike and that the boy was breaking the law in that he did not have reflective clothing or a bike light on his bike. Well, we get the plaintiff on the witness stand and the prosecution asks him to state his name and all that stuff. Then the lawyer says, "Where were you going that night and why were you riding your bike so fast?" Here is what the plaintiff replied with. "Well, I was just finishing my charity work (the salvation army) and I was driving really quickly because I had to rush home to my two crippled parents so that way I could feed them because if I take too long to feed them they could slip into a coma. Also it was starting to get dark....not dark enough where I thought I needed my bike light but JUST dark enough so I worried that I might be mugged in the park." I had to pretend I was looking up a law on my computer so the entire "courtroom' did not see me laughing (since I have the role of judge). The kids are having so much fun and they are LEARNING so much. It just makes me feel like I am doing something right for once. I love when that light comes on and the kids come into school and tell me that they spent EXTRA time preparing for class and that they actually did WORK. I love it. Reminds me all over again why I originally caught the "teaching bug."

Trick or treat????

Today at my work, this was left behind for me and my coworkers. Now, I am a Yankee, so you people who are Southern to the core may have seen this item a million times, but this was a new one on me. It is called a "kitty litter cake." I opened the door to the teacher's lounge and was transfixed. I really could not believe what I was seeing. I was conflicted. Do I laugh hysterically and appreciate this great practical joke, but of course not eat any because I am kind of scared? OR do I run from the room in terror wondering what poop-related treat awaits me inside the fridge or in the coffee pot? I have recorded for you my first initial thoughts.

posted from Bloggeroid

1. NO WAY
2. Is this how the maker of the cake feels about my job performance?
3. Does this taste good and who was the person who was brave enough to try the first bite?
4. Do I use the pooper scooper to obtain my slice of cake? (which I never did bring myself to try...sorry to whoever made it).
5. What would my cat have said if he could have witnessed this?
6. I wonder if I could fool Ryan into thinking I had lost my mind later today if I took a picture of me eating out of the litter box in the right setting?
7. MUST...TAKE...PICTURE
8. NO STINKING WAY
9. *insert excessive giggling and pointing*
10. Next Halloween do we get toilet bowl ice cream surprise or sewer pipe jelly roll or plunger upside down cake?

Now, to sum up....I really do hate Halloween. Do not get me wrong...I do love dressing up and doing the whole costume thing. But the trick or treating makes me crazy. Think about it. If I was a martian and I visited earth for the first time today, I would wonder what in the world humans are thinking. First of all, we give away stuff for free (when else in the calendar year will we give away sickeningly sweet objects away for free to total strangers). Second, it takes place in the dead of night, no one can see and when you open your door there is a kid with a battle axe or a Tommy gun or a 20 foot long knife, he is covered in blood and he has his face inches from your door. CREEPY anyone? Then, if that is not enough...if you want to keep the trick or treaters away from your home, you must either find a reason to flee your home from the hours of 5 pm till about 10 pm or you must sit in your house in the pitch dark. Now, I ask you...what is safe about those solutions? NOTHING. A serial killer, an axe murder or an evil sadistic clown could appear at your door and we open it right up and throw candy in their gross nasty old pillow case that smell like old socks. AHHHHH....I will be happy to see November first dawn tomorrow morning. Besides, I love November. Thanksgiving (my second favorite holiday) and my birthday both happen this month. Welcome November...October, you will NOT be missed.

Saturday Night Randoms

I have had such a nice day. This is the first Saturday this whole month of October where I had NOTHING that I was obligated to go. I had no carwashes for school, dances to chaperone, no luncheons, no meetings...NOTHING. So, I slept in (9 am...what a luxury), cleaned at my own pace and cooked up a storm. I made time consuming dishes that I usually never make because, let's face it, I have no time.

So, today's post is not super serious...I have a serious one in the works up in the old brain...but more on that another day. Today's post is a list of random things that happened this month that I had no time to write about but wanted to.

1. I overcame my fear of eating things students offer to me. Granted, if the student just sneezed and then sniffed the contents of the sneeze back up his nasal passages, I probably still will not eat it. Since I became a teacher I had a fear of eating things prepared or handled by students. My cooperating teacher instilled that in me. She always said, "You never know what might be in those cookies." So, I just carried that peppy little anecdote with me. I always envisioned the student baking up a batch of cookies with worms in it and giggling with sinister glee. "Won't Mrs. W enjoy these...serve her right for assigning me that horrible project." *insert scary laugh here* Well, the other day one of my kids said, "Hey, please try these chips...they are made of veggies." As usual, I tried to politely decline, but she was very persistent. So, I did it. I conquered my fear of student food and ate it. For you it may seem like a small thing, but for me it was a major milestone.

2. I found a sticker (because I still like to put stickers on my kids tests when they do a great job...even though they are in high school. Hey, they notice the stickers and love them) that looked like one of my students. It was a fall sticker of a little smiling squirrel. I showed it to my kid and he agreed. It was a funny moment and we have laughed about it ever since.

3. Everyone was in class for the quiz I gave the other day. May seem like a small thing, but to not have to chase down a kid for a week to try to get them to make up a quiz is a wonderful feeling.

4. My kids no longer protest saying, "But this is history class, why do we have to memorize the Bible" when I assign a verse for a chapter quiz. Makes me smile

5. Ryan and I had a real date night. It has been such a long time since we have had one of those. It reminded me again of why we were meant to be together.

6. I hate laundry

7. Fall has arrived in Florida. The other day I got up to a brisk 60 degree morning. So, I got out a warm dress, a pair of black stockings, and a sweater. By noon I was so hot I felt like I was near the surface of the sun. Oh the joys of Florida.

8. The oranges are turning orange on the trees in the back yard. I cannot wait to get my juicer and make fresh orange juice in the mornings.

9. I have not yet purchased a single Christmas present...I am officially freaking out about that. Not only have I not gotten a single gift, I have not even gotten a single thought of "Oh, so and so would like that as a gift." I think I am in trouble...especially since every store in town has already rolled out all the Christmas stuff. AHHHH.

10. I love Saturdays...especially ones like this.

Observations from a Jury Box

This post has taken me a while to write because there have been so many things to catch up on...but the catching up has finally been completed and I am ready to write. Late in September I unsuspectingly opened my mail box and there is was...a summons. At first I thought, "Oh man...who could possibly been suing me...I am far too busy to offend anyone enough to be in a lawsuit." Upon opening the letter, however, I was stunned to realize I had been called up for jury duty. At first I was very excited. As a social studies/government teacher, I have taught the students about the justice system and about how it all works, but I lacked any personal experience to share. So, initially I was ecstatic. Then, I looked at the date of jury duty. Here is a list of things that were happening on that day.
1. Three new lessons in my classes
2. Project introduction in Government class
3. The first day of school Spirit week
4. Fundraiser that I was hosting at 5 pm
5. The last day of a fundraiser we had been running for a month
6. A volleyball game to coach.
Of course, by the time I realized this, it was too late to back out of it. (Plus, the justice system does not give you too many ways out of it. Basically I would have to be in active labor, handicapped since age 5, and over the age of 70 all at the same time). So, I knew I was stuck.
The day of my appearance dawned bright and clear, a crisp delicious fall day. I packed a bag with my Bible (just in case) my favorite novel and a light sweater. I had asked lots of people in my circle of friends and family about their experience with jury duty. They all said the same thing..."Don't worry. They never call Christians...you will be out of there in no time flat." WRONG.
After I filled out my profile (Are you a criminal? Do you know any criminals? Do you have any distinguishing moles? Have you ever been in the same room with a cop? How do you take your coffee? Do you vote? Are you claustrophobic? and so on), the bailiff rolled out a TV that was at least 15 years old ( I know this because it had so much white noise in the background you could hardly hear what the video was about). The first video was actually ok. It was all about what was about to happen and what your job was. Next, they showed us a video of a REALLY bad actor dressed up in a cop outfit with a fake New York accent...I believe he even said "Forget about it" at one time. Anyways, once all that was over they shuffled all 300 of us out into the hallway and began to select the first panel of jurors. About 24 numbers had been called and I began to breathe a sigh of relief. Then, they called my number last of all. I gathered my belongings and headed to my first stop...the courtroom Jury selection. We all got settled in and the judge began to ask us questions. His voice and mannerisms were just like the guy on that commercial for clear eyes eye drops. First he asked if any of us had a reason why we should not be here or could not handle this trial. Boy, the excuses flowed like a river. "I have to pick up my kids from school. No one else in the whole family has a car." "I have to work, my boss will throw a fit if I am gone." "See my brain, it is actually on loan to me from the research facility." "I have a test tomorrow and my teacher will not let me out of it." " I am the only person in my entire company who knows how to unlock the front door to work...so many many people will be locked out of work. Do you want that on you, Your Honor?" Then, the judge allowed us out to have some lunch and then told us who he had picked. He chose me!!!! Along with me he chose a 65 year old man from New York, a 60 year old woman who must have started smoking when she was 8 because she had "the rasp." He chose two older grandmothers, one who reminded me of a painting because her skin was like porcelain and the other reminded me of a character I once read of in a novel...she was so eccentric. He also chose a lady who had to be the leader of a biker gang (she scared me to death) and then a middle aged man, who turned out to be one of the few who actually saw the case as I did. So, there I was...easily young enough to be any one of those person's grandchild or child. It was a strange sensation. Then, the judge dropped the bomb....we would be here for three days. I almost fainted. I guess I was going to get very close to those fellow jurors.
However, I did learn some valuable insights that I want to share with you now...
1. When you lock 6 strangers in a tiny room with just water and one bathroom and tell them they cannot come out till they reach a decision...somehow, they will make that decision happen, even though they all see the same facts through six different perspectives.
2. Our justice system, while flawed, is still a great way to objectively look at evidence and solve disagreements.
3. The time that is the most inconvenient for you...that is when you WILL get chosen for duty.
4. The cafeteria coffee in a courthouse is a lot like mud...
5. Even judges fall asleep in boring trials (I know because ours did)
6. Lawyers are ridiculously long-winded and wordy
7. Lawyers are tricky and slick as snot on a doorknob when it comes to manipulating you
8. If the judge asks you if there is a reason why you cannot serve in the jury and you hesitate because you think "My reason is silly and selfish" speak up because there is no way your reasons can be as ridiculous as the ones I heard that day.
9. When the lawyers are questioning their most important witness is the time you will inhale wrong and suck your gum into your windpipe causing you to cough so loudly the bailiff will come over to you with cough drops (ahem...yes, I did that)
10. I am thankful that God is the just judge....He needs no jury to help Him uncover the truth or make a verdict...He is all-wise. Praise to HIM.
Anyways...that's what happened to me. All I can say is, I was honored for the chance for hands-on learning for the sake of my classroom...but I was never so happy to see my classroom and my students and my regular life. Those are the thoughts of this juror.

My love

Today I was enjoying my highly overpriced cup of coffee during a break I had and I noticed my cup. The picture at the beginning of the post was my cup. I loved the quote and the quote got me to thinking about me and my love. This December, Ryan and I will have been "together" in one way or another (we started dating December '05) for 7 years. That is a long time. But, ya know...it feels like only yesterday some days (I am sure he would agree that there are days where it feels so much longer). Just like coffee, love has a lot of flavors and temperatures. Just like coffee, love takes a little getting used to...but you develop a taste for it. Just like coffee, love sometimes is so hot it shocks you and sometimes it is cold and two-days old. Just like coffee, love is addictive. I am addicted to both. As I sat there and pondered love (and coffee)...it brought back some great memories of love and life and of the love of my life...Ryan. Do we have ups and downs? You betcha we do! But, we always come back to the same conclusion...we are addicted. Story #1. I remember our VERY FIRST date. We had just left the Christmas banquet at our college. In those days, at our college, you could not go off campus, one boy and one girl, you had to have a third person with you. Well, this was an impromptu date because both Ryan and I had started the evening with other dates, whom we both ended up leaving behind when we suddenly found each other more interesting. Somehow we convinced our friend Melinda to go with us to Starbucks...and thus...our first date (and part of the reason we could not have had our wedding with out Melinda in it). It was over a cup of coffee, that lasted well over an hour, that I discovered this man had passion for ministry. Did this guy have a past and a history and problems just like me?...YES. BUT, he had given those things to God and was waiting for God to move him to the next big thing... just like me. It was a match!!! Just like cream and sugar. Memory #2. We were married. It had been a very long day, numberless cups of coffee had doubtless been had by that point in the day. Ryan was heading to our room to go to sleep and I had my wax warmer burning in our room. Next thing I know...Ryan tosses the blanket on the bed but misses and hits the wax warmer. Wax all over the walls, all over the floor, all over the bed, all over Ryan. At this time, we were renting...so I panicked and started to get the RED wax off the white carpet. I still giggle as I remember Ryan's face. He was so hurt that I was more worried about the wall than his legs. "Oh sure," he cried in outrage. "Worry about the wall as your husband's legs melt off." By the time it was all over we were laughing so hard. Not sure if we laughed the next day when I had to CHIP the red wax off the carpet. (I realize that had nothing to do with coffee...but I do not care...it was funny).

I love when I have had a bad day, Ryan comes home and surprises me with a snazzy coffee drink. I love that he kisses me, coffee breath and all. I love that he notices when coffee is buy one get one free. I love how anytime he goes away for business or we go on vacation...he has his eyes peeled for interesting coffee mugs. I love that he plots our trips back home to visit my folks based on coffee breaks (and the subsequent potty breaks). I love that even though coffee is an expensive habit, he sacrifices so I can have enjoyment. I love that for our anniversary, he was ok with me getting a gift (a Keurig brewer that I have wanted for FOREVER) that he will never, ever use. I love, love, love that guy...and to think it all started over a cup of coffee.

You Might be a Teacher if...(round 2)

You might be a Teacher if...
1. You respond quicker if someone calls you "Mrs." than you do if they call you by your first name
2. You have a cute little lunch box and make sure you get a fresh one each year.
3. Your purse always has a highlighter and a red pen in it
4. You own a cardigan in every shade
5. You buy shoes based on how much you will want to cut your feet off at the end of the day if you wear them. Less pain=essential purchase
6. Carol of the Bells is not just a Christmas song for you...it is the joyous sound you hear everyday at 3:10 (or whenever the school day ends for you)
7. You have been told more than once (in check-out lines, restaurants, grocery store) that you "look like a teacher" and then walk away wondering what that means.
8. School supplies coming out in Wal-mart fill you with glee (fresh glue sticks smell like a new school year to me)
9. You have bought candles, wrapping paper, and cookie dough till you cannot take it any more because you cannot stand to tell one of your little people "No more fundraisers"
10. You would rather crawl to work dying and breathing your last breath than call a sub because "no one knows my class like I do."

Remind me why

Every so often you have a day where you just wonder..."why do I do it?" Why do I do the job I do? The other day I had had a REALLY long day. It started before the sun came up and ended late in the night. I got to work early in the morning, got so busy in the morning that I got no breakfast (because I usually grab a yogurt break right after I teach my first period class). Then, there was a meeting during my lunch break...so I did not eat any lunch. At three I had to leave my last class of the day and jump in the car and drive over to my team's volleyball game, which we lost very badly. To top it all off, we had to stop and feed the girls on the way home from the game, which would not normally be a big deal, except my athletes forget their own names if they are not wearing a name tag, so they had no money so I ended up springing for four meals instead of just mine. By the time I got home, I had pretty much decided I had had it. Then, I unrolled the poster my 8th grade volleyball girls had given me earlier that day. After I finished smiling over that, I read a note that one of my athletes put in my hands after the game. Sometimes I think we get so caught up in the "got to get everything on my checklist done" mentality that we forget we work with real people. In my case, I work with really fragile people...teens. They pretend that they are tough and have it all together, but they are really fragile. Even though I have to write that one kid's name on the top of his paper EVERY time he turns it in because he never does it himself...I am going to keep doing it. Even though I have to tell that one girl to quit swinging her arms at every single volleyball, I am going to be doing it. Even though I have to tell the same kid to turn around and stop talking to so and so every day, I am going to keep doing it. Even though every day I have to remind student "A" where the homework goes when it is completed,I am going to keep doing it. Even though I have to take away a cell phone from the same girl once a week, I am going to keep doing it. Even if I have to keep on parking on a chapter for longer than I planned because that one child still does not have it...then I am going to do it. Teachers cannot afford to forget that our "product" is a person and their learning. Lastly, God tells us that everything we do is to be for HIS honor and glory. What a reminder of why we do what we do.

Lessons from the Phantom Pineapple Plant

You know what this is? Yes, it is a pineapple! Do you know where it is growing? That is the story of this post. Some of my readers from long ago will remember that last year, about this time, we started having horrible plumbing problems. We would fix one thing, think that was the solution, and then the whole thing would start over again with another problem. Eventually, we solved the problem by remodeling the hall bathroom, replacing the pipe in that bathroom, digging up the plumbing line in the front yard and then filling in the trenches. Needless to say, it was a stressful couple of months. The other day my friend came over and as we were leaving and I locked the front door she said, "Oh my word, you have a pineapple growing in your planter box." I looked and there is was. Now, even in ordinary circumstances this would be a weird sight, since A). We never sit in the planter box eating pineapple 2). We never just throw our pineapple scraps in the planter box and 3). We have yet to have that serial pineapple planting guy visit our yard. It made me smile because last year at this time, that part of our yard was a giant, stinky rotten hole in the ground. Every time I looked at that hole I got stressed, worried, and upset because I knew my house (and it felt like my life) was falling down around me. Now, every time I see that silly pineapple growing in that "former hole" I smile and think about the greatness of our God. Sometimes our great God allows things into our life. Sometimes, humanly speaking, they seem really bad...even really stinky. We wonder "why on earth is this happening to me? What have I done to deserve this?" But that is just the thing the Enemy would have us think. God allows those trials in our life, not because He is harsh or punishing, but because he desires sweet fruit in your life. So, if you find yourself, as I have in the past few months, in a "stinky hole" and you think everything is falling down around you....just wait, eventually if you let the Lord have His way, you may find something sweet popping up in your life when you least expect it.

My Candy Corn Tissue

Sunday school for the past two years for me and Ryan has been 4 year old class. I loved them. I loved the things they said, I loved that they still could not tie their shoes. I loved that they could not color inside the lines and they always color people's faces blue or purple because they can. I loved their childlike faith regarding the things of the Word. I sometimes forget the difference between 4's and the "big ones" I teach Monday through Friday and somehow I am shocked when one of them tells me that they do not really believe that Jonah slept in the fish belly or that Moses did not get his sandals wet when he crossed the Red Sea on dry ground. But, this summer our time in four year old Sunday School came to an end. It was sad but it was also exciting for me because that meant that one day a week I would get to be with grown-ups for a whole hour at a time. So, my pastor convinced me to join the young married class. I did not want to at first because I would have to go alone (since Ryan currently teaches a 3rd-5th grade boys class). But, I decided to believe him when he said it would be good for me. He was so right. I have loved every second of it. It is so uplifting. Right now we are studying God (his moral attributes to be exact) Last week, our teacher was out of town so two of the men in the group led songs and we sang a song or two, then we would share a testimony or prayer request and then sing some more. As we began to share around the circle, it dawned on me...all of us are in the middle of some "faith" test. The things we are learning about God being holy, good, loving (not to mention his natural attributed like all-present, all knowing) are being proved out in our lives. When we get that phone call that someone is sick, do we still believe God is sovereign? When we lose that pregnancy...is God still good? For some it was at work, for some it was because of health issues, for some it was the struggle of raising a family. As each one shared, I realized how we were all in the same boat (even if the boats look a little different for each person). As the testimonies went on, so did the tears. We laughed a little because last week we all had a moment of tears as one of our members shared a painful prayer request and I made a mental note to have klenex with me. But, when the tears started this week...all I had was the pack of candy corn tissues (I referenced them in an earlier blog post). We had to make do with what we had but it sure looked funny to see people dabbing away tears with candy corn tissues.
So why am I posting this on this VERY early Wednesday morning? We are all busy, we all have weeks, days, hours--where we feel overwhelmed and alone. It is so refreshing to know that I can count on that small group that meets on Sunday mornings to hold me up in prayer. Some of those people in that group, young as we are, are some of the most committed prayer warriors in my circle of aquaintances. Dear readers (all 19 of you), if you are a believer and you do not have a church supporting you...how are you doing it? How are you surviving the battle? I am telling you, some Sundays I am coming into church hobbling on one leg from the intensity of the battle at my place of work...and I work in a "Christian" environment. I beg you...wake up...notice the spiritual warfare in which you are engaged (whether you want to be or not...we are in it). Find yourself a group of fellow soldiers who will come along side you...someone who will stand with you, share your burdens and if needed give you a candy corn tissue to cry into.

Teachers are People Too

Last night my hubby and I had to run to the grocery store. We needed to scoop up the weekly sales and get some items for this week's meals. We were shopping, laughing, commenting on the big sales of the week, complimenting ourselves for having coupons that matched up with the BOGOs of the week, and generally having a nice evening. Once in the spaghetti/pasta sauce aisle, we had the strangest experience ever in a grocery store. There in the aisle was one of my students. Now, as I have confessed before, when I am out in public, seeing my students is always a little awkward because usually we have nothing to talk about. If it is a student that I currently teach, I have been known to turn a little red, wave hello awkwardly and then try to walk away. There are some of my students that I can talk to quite easily (most of it is because they are graduates and I want to catch up with them). However, when this student saw me, they stopped in the middle of the aisle, which of course forced us to stop in the middle of the aisle. Thankfully that aisle was relatively empty. She pulls out her CAMERA and says (I AM NOT EVEN KIDDING ON THIS ONE) "Wow, I have to take a picture of this. I cannot believe you shop at Publix. Teachers really are real people....like to see you outside of school is so weird" I felt like an exhibit at the freak show. I felt like a tour guide should be saying (in a British accent), "And over here we have the rare species called 'Teacherus Historicus' thought to only have a life INSIDE of the school building but hides out in a cave during the evening hours or when not at the school." She had us POSE in the aisle for the picture and then walked away. It was by far one of the strangest experiences of my life. So, there we stood with the cart in Ryan's grip and a jar of Hunt's tomato sauce in my hands and it took all we had in us to keep from laughing. So, if you ever see a picture of me on a poster for a freak show...you will now know why.

All things pumpkin

Just further proof that during the months of September through November, if it comes in pumpkin/pumpkin spice flavor, i will buy it. I just love fall. Happy fall ya'll!!!!!

Finding the little things

Today I found myself in a sad frame of mind because I had SOOOO much to do and so little time to do it. Sometimes I get to the end of my day and I have to ask myself, "Did I get to have a bathroom break today?" You laugh...but some days it is that bad. It has been a hard month for me as well because I know that by now, I should have had a tell-tale little bump on my belly and that rosy glow on my checks. The only glow I have is from running up and down the halls at work at a break-neck pace and still finding at days end that I still have a pile of work on my desk that seems just as high as when I originally sat down. Just about the time when I sit down and wish I could just cry from sheer exhaustion, I get little reminders that there is still plenty to smile about, even if it is over something small. God is still good. He is too wise to be mistaken and He is too good to be unkind. So, I have a list of things that have made me smile this week. Some are serious and some are silly. I hope it causes you to reflect on the good things in your life this week.

My dad bought this book for me online and made a hilarious joke about it. Everytime I look at this book it makes me smile and think of that joke. This book also brings a smile to my face because it represents a new phase of my life at work. I have asked and asked to teach Psychology to our kids from a Biblical perspective (because you know if the "real world" (which is a term I HATE) they will not get any Bible...only lies). So, this year I get my chance to prove I can do it. Pray for me and with me over that, will you?



This is my new found breakfast. I love this yogurt. It has enough protein in it to keep me full, but the calories are low and the granola on top is outstanding. AND, the newspaper puts coupons out almost weekly for these. Happy lady...that is me.


I found these in the dollar bins at Target. My friends in New Jersey would call this a trinket and a very good "trinket" it is. The reason it is a trinket is because it was something that I loved at first sight and in all practicality I will only remember to use it probably once or twice in its lifespan in my purse. But hey, that is the joy of a trinket. I love candy corn and I love small little tissues in my purse. It was a win-win and a no-brainer purchase all in one.

My parents brought these back for us from Canada. I loved them. They were delicious. They are just fizzy raspberry sodas...but oh they were yummy. I am sad this is my last one, but am so thankful my parents brought me some back.

On a serious note, I recently in my devotions in the morning have been studying the life of Hannah, Samuel, and Eli the prophet. What a great study. Hannah desperately wanted a child and her "adversary" constantly mocked her and told her she was a lesser person because Hannah had given her husband no children. Hannah's adversary was a person that Hannah had to face daily. I too have an adversary, but it is not a person of flesh and blood like you and me. That Accuser of the Brethren comes to me all the time and tells me that "You are worthless because you have not made your husband a father" or "You have let everyone down." I am so happy that God included Hannah's story because when her accuser got her down, she went to God and begged for His divine help and mercy on the situation. Oh may I have a heart like Hannah! As for Eli, he had let his own sons slip into total depravity. No wonder the Bible talks in I Samuel that words from the Lord were hard to come by in those days...no one had their ears on God. Until little Samuel hears the Lord one night while he is on his little cot. Old Eli is so out of touch, it takes him a while to even get the clue that God is the one speaking to Samuel. Oh may I have Samuel's ears to listen! Praise the Lord, He has never left me in the pit of despair. Even in my darkest days...He has encouraged me beyond what I could have ever hoped for. Its those little things He sends our way...take delight in them.

If you still have not smiled yet, then you need to go and watch this video on youtube. It is random and silly, but it always makes me smile. Hope it makes you smile too! I have no idea why someone would make this video or even think of this video, but a couple of my students forced me to watch this video and suddenly I found myself laughing. My favorite line you ask? "Guess what I do for adventure? I hang glide on a Doritos." See....I have you interested, don't I? Go on...watch it...I dare ya!

"Grumbles" to "Glories"

This very afternoon I was lamenting to myself. I was thinking about all the tasks that were left un-done on my desk today. Each day, the responsibility seems to pile on deeper and deeper and my stress level goes higher and higher. Two weeks ago in Sunday School my teacher brought up a passage in Nahum. I thought to myself, "Hmmm..interesting book to draw from." I challenge you to read the first chapter. It has some amazing things to talk about when it comes to God and His Omnipotence and Omnipresence. It describes God's IMMENSE POWER in that He has his way in the whirlwind and can make the mountains shake. Yet, in the very next verses it talks about how God is slow to anger, a refuge for those who trust in Him and cares for them. What a God!!!! It got me thinking. If God can control a whirlwind (I am guessing that would be like our tornadoes and hurricanes...which humans cannot control or really avoid) then should not this same God also be able to multiply my time and help me with the day to day tasks with which I struggle to manage? He can and He will...if I but ask. I wonder how many times He stood ready to help and be my refuge in time of distress and I just did the task, worrying my way through the entire time. How many times? Oh dear reader, let Him be your refuge today as I am learning to lean on Him and make Him mine as well!!!

A Tuesday Morning

I will never forget. I will never be able to forget. I remember that Tuesday morning like it was just yesterday. The memories, the images, the thoughts, the raw emotion...it is etched in my mind forever. I woke that morning with a sense of anticipation. I loved Tuesdays. At that time, I was 15/about to turn 16 and I was painfully shy. My parents had encouraged me to join the Speechcrafters club (a speech and debate club...nerd alert...I know). So, Tuesdays were always a fun day for me. I woke early that day. My mom had already left for work so that meant I was fending for myself for breakfast, which I kind of liked because I loved to cook. So, I made my way into the kitchen. I had just put a pan of blueberry muffins in the oven when I heard my dad exclaim "Oh my!" from the basement. Now, in an ordinary setting, this is a normal, daily occurrence. My dad is a big news enthusiast and almost always he will read something or see something and he will make a comment like "I never would have believed it", "Oh Wow", or "Look at this." Then, of course, you will say "What is it dad?" to which you will get no response. In fact, normally he never answers but rather forces you to come over to him to see what he is seeing. It still makes me laugh when I think about that quirk of his. Well, this day, I called downstairs, "What it is dad?" No answer. I waited. I called him again. Nothing. Annoyed I left my post in the kitchen and tromped down the stairs. Once I reached the floor...I knew why he did not answer. The WTC was on fire. I stood there transfixed. "Dad, what happened?" "A plane hit it...the place is on fire." And then the unthinkable happened, I watched live on television as another jet smashed into the South Tower. I remember that sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. I did not understand anything about Terrorists...about people who hated America enough to purposely kill themselves and others for a cause. The rest of the day was a blur. I remember watching the television till my eyes burned. I remember seeing people, having to make a choice of burning to death or jumping to the ground, choosing the later of the two options...those images still to this day haunt my memory. I remember sobbing with friends as we considered the huge mass of humanity that went into eternity today. I remember the surge of hope and patriotism and a band of firefighters chanted USA while our President chocked back tears standing on top of a crushed fire truck. I remember his promise that "those who knocked down those two buildings would hear from all of us soon." I remember the dust-covered firefighters and first responders rushing TOWARD the WTC while others were running away in terror. I remember, for that day, being a New Yorker, even though I had NEVER been there. I remember it all.
I am a part of a unique generation, I feel like. Most of the people in my age group were young enough to be innocent of the caliber of evil we witnessed that day, but in that instant...we knew, we understood that America would never be the same. We worried if we would get to see our own wedding days, or if we would ever get to be parents. Through my 15 year old eyes, the future looked uncertain at best. I was also not yet a believer, so the terror I felt was intensified even higher. It would be another two years before I could say, "I know where my eternity lies."
So, here I am, 10 years later. The attacks of 9/11 changed my world for all time. In every generation, there are moments where you remember where you are, what you were doing, even sometimes what you were wearing when you heard "the news." I remember where I was when the radio started covering the Columbine tragedy, I even have a vague memory of the Oklahoma City Bombing. My parents remember the lunar landing (sketchy details because they were pretty young). My grandparents have even more of those moments...the Kennedy assassination, declaration of WWII, D-day, Pearl Harbor, and so much more. To my students, I told them that those moments leave an impact on you...it is part of being trapped IN history. Unfortunately, their life will have those moments too. It happens to all of us. We live those moments. We feel every agonizing emotion. I know that the events of that day may get fuzzier as the pages of my life get filled with more and more history. However, there are parts that will never grow dull. One thing I do know, I am still proud to be an American because with all our faults and problems...there is STILL no place like America.
On this, the 10th anniversary of that terrible day, I rest in the fact that I know the ONE who saw that whole tragedy and yet HE was not panicked or terrified. You cannot terrorize MY GOD. He is holy and righteous and the judge of all. HE knows the timeline of history down to the last second. Praise God I do not have to be afraid of tomorrow and the problems or even joys it may contain...I know the ONE who KNOWS the future.

Bumper stickers

Sometimes i wonder what it would be like if bumper stickers told pure truth about the driver. Like, "Hey, i text while i drive so keep clear of me." I feel like that would be a real asset to those of us who are trying to survive the daily task of getting to work and back in one piece. Then, i started to think about what my bumper stickers would say. Here are a few (side note...none of these are real...but some should be.)
1. I brake for furry critters in the road...hit a bunny once and it made me cry.
2. Driving under the influence of coffee...use caution.
3. I wait for intersections to clear...so don't honk five milliseconds after the light changes. Trust me i am not asleep or blind. I know it is green. (can u tell it bugs me).
4. Believer inside...careful, i may smile at you for no reason.
5. I sing loudly...keep windows rolled up for your own safety. God just said "joyful noise"....so i qualify.

posted from Bloggeroid

Coffee time thoughts

I got to school early today. So i actually had time to think (a rare thing these days). Yesterday while teaching world history I had the chance to teach a little old testament to my teens. It shocked me for two reasons. First, few of them even know the accounts of the Patriarchs. Second, they were riveted to the story. It should not surprise but it always does. GODS word is still powerful. Powerful enough to hold even this technology driven instant satisfaction generation captive to its message. Praise God that the Word and the Blood will never lose its power!!!

posted from Bloggeroid

Blessings on Wheels

This will not be a long post. Its main purpose is to record for myself the blessings of God so I do not forget it later. For the last month I have seen God providing in ways that only He could in ways that were so special to my circumstances that I KNEW it could only be God...and in this case...all my blessings revolved around wheels.

First of all, about three months ago, we got an estimate done on my husband's 2001 Ford Explorer ("Exploder") as we called it. It was going to cost close to $2,000 to fix it and the car already had over 150,000 miles on it. So, we tried to go the whole summer with just my car. That was hard. Then we tried to go just one week in the school year sharing a car and that proved impossible. But, buying a car, also seemed impossible. Then Ryan calls me at work and said that my insurance company randomly deposited $1,000 dollars into our checking, which happened to be exactly what we needed as a down payment on a new car for Ryan. Praise the Lord. He provided just in time, with just what we needed.

Next, since the beginning of the sport season this summer and into this school year, my principal has been hounding me to get my commercial drivers license so I can drive my volleyball team to our games on the school bus. I am TERRIFIED to take this test. Not because I am afraid to drive this bus...but because one of the schools we play is in Sarasota which means I have to drive a big, scary bus over a RIDICULOUSLY high bridge filled with loud 6th-8th graders and try not to drive over the edge. It sent me into a panic and I began to just secretly wish that I would not have to do it. God is so good to me. Today in my e-mails my athletic director told me that the games in Sarasota got canceled. So, I may still have to get my license, (which is the least of my fears) but the big, scary bridge is OUT of the picture. It is the little things in which I can see the intimate, compassionate heart of my Heavenly Father. Oh how He loves us!!!

Then today, I had a flat tire. Ordinarily this would wig me out. But, today, I took it all in stride and blessed the Lord that it flattened in the school parking lot and not in the middle of a busy intersection.

Finally, I know God is working in my life. This summer has been the most painful, joyful, growing experience of my Christian life. So many questions left unanswered. Yet, God continues to show me every day that He is not done with me yet. Just the other day at school I was having a conversation with one of my kids and they remarked that his parents did not love him and he knew that and it was almost as though he has accepted that as a fact that would never change. It broke my heart into little pieces. Maybe, just maybe, God took my baby to Heaven so I could spend all my energy on the "babies" He has already given me that I get to minister to each and every day. They need someone to care about them, listen to them, and love them like Jesus would. Oh that I would see those needs in the classroom around me and be a blessing to them.

So, dear reader...maybe you are in a low point in your life. Just keep "rolling" along with Jesus. He NEVER lets you down!!!!

First Day of School

Today was the first day of school. This year it felt...different. I felt like a first year teacher all over again. I cannot tell you why I felt this way. I have no logical reason for my feelings on this. But, whatever the reason, I felt like I was sweating bullets all day, my stomach was in knots, and I stuttered and stammered my way through my entire day.

I opened my Bible at my desk this morning to grab a quick dose of inspiration and I found myself in a familiar passage this time. I found myself in Corinthians and Paul was explaining how we believers are in a race and a good runner does not focus on who is behind him, who is before him, what kind of power bar he has in his pocket for later or what flavor the Gatorade is at the finish line. The only thing that runner is thinking about is the prize...winning this race...finishing the course. That was (of course) just what i needed. I have a lot asked of me this year...probably more responsibility than any other year I have taught. I can already feel the pressure squeezing me like a chicken in a pressure cooker. I feel pulled in a million directions and weary. BUT, I know that my Savior is the one who put me on this course. He called me to this race. All I have to do is run with endurance that comes from God. He will help me finish this course no matter how hard the race may be. I need not focus on what others are doing...I need to do my job and be the light and salt I am supposed to be.

So, while this evening I have a bad case of the "first day" blues....I know God has a reason for the challenges of this school year and I know they are for my good.

My viewpoint

posted from Bloggeroid

A new school year has dawned. As of tomorrow (August 10th) I am back to work every day and come Monday, I am back to work full time with student in the room. For some reason this petrifies me. I feel like a first year teacher all over again with bats in my tummy and "tremblies" all over me. This starts year number four for me as a teacher and I cannot for the life of me understand why I feel this way. I do know that I have a brand new class to teach, one that I have wanted to teach for a long time but the schedule did not permit it to come aboard here. Now, I have it and I am so excited/nervous about it...I cannot even decide how to begin preparing for the class.

From where I sit, the room is quiet (too quiet if you ask me). Across the hall I can hear the sounds of teachers shifting their desks around and old posters getting removed and new ones going up. I hear the copier working overtime down the hall getting everyone's "first day of school" materials printed up. The clean, fresh smell of new paint is heavy in the hallways. I LOVE sitting here and thinking about what is ahead. What will my new students be like? What will I be able to do this year to help the "boring, dry world" of history come alive? How can God take me, a broken vessel, and use ME to impact lives for eternity? It is staggering when you think about it. So, basically I go from smiling with glee to trembling with awe. Thankfully I am all alone in this room so no one else but me knows how nutty I am. I love what I do, but sometimes the "bigness" (not a word...I know, I know...I never said I taught English now did I?) of my responsibility washes over me like a tsunami wave and I wonder why in the world God pointed me to THIS profession. Yet, I know His promises are true and that if God calls you, He equipts you to do whatever task He lays before you. So, fresh new year...get ready because here I COME!!!

Excuses

I Know this is no excuse for a lack of posts...but as you can see, i have had my hands full with tasks. A real post is probably coming this weekend.

posted from Bloggeroid

Friendship

Thankful for friends...new and old.

posted from Bloggeroid

From puzzle pieces to mosaic musings

I remember when I got saved. In fact, it happened eight years ago yesterday. I had already been told I would be moving to Florida for my Junior and senior year of high school. I remember that my parents let me go for one final time to summer camp. It was at this camp, at age 17, that God gripped ahold of my heart and I realized I was lost and without a Savior. The dear girl that led me to the Lord was kind enough to help me, after I accepted Christ, by telling me that the struggles I was having about moving away were totally normal. "Amy," she said, "Our lives are a big puzzle. We THINK we know what the picture will turn out like in the end if WE have our way. But, we forget that God is in control and sometimes He hands us a puzzle piece and we may struggle for years trying to figure out where that piece goes." At that time, God had given me a Florida shaped puzzle piece and I was baffled as to how this was going to be good for me or help me in life. After all, all my friends were in Wyoming, my sports teams, my debate club (yes, I am a nerd and that is ok)...everything I knew was there. But, God handed me the Florida shaped piece and I begrudgingly took it in my life.

Here I am, 8 years from that moment and I BLESS the Lord for that piece. Without the Florida shaped piece I never would have gone to the college I went to. I would have missed out on some amazing friendships. I would have missed out on meeting my husband who I cannot imagine my life without. I would never have known the two amazing church families I have been a part of. Thank you Lord for that Florida shaped puzzle piece.

But now, God is doing something new. Instead of a puzzle, I feel like the new project in my life is a mosaic. If you know anything about those, they are made up of hundreds of different shards of glass. In order to make that beautiful picture, the artist must first shatter the plate, the bowl, the cup, the whatever it was to make the little pieces that will EVENTUALLY be art. Right now, the beautiful plate I had been clutching in my hands is shattered at my feet in a million pieces. Finally, I was going to be a mom, just like all my friends. It was going to complete our family...BUT GOD, in His infinite wisdom said "not right now." When it happened, I did not get it. I still struggle with it. But, even now, I can see God picking up those little glass shards and HE IS MAKING SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL. "Don't you worry Amy", He comforts with His sweet words. "You may not know what this picture will turn out to be...but I love you and I am making a masterpiece in your life...won't you please trust me?" It may take me another 8 years to see the picture He is making out of it...but I know my God and this mosaic will have His name and His glory written all over it.

Joy comes in the morning

There was a song a long time ago that my mom used to listen to when I was a little girl. I have no idea who wrote it, who sings it, or who to credit it to, but it is a summary of where I am right now. It goes something like this.

If you've knelt beside the rubble of an aching broken heart,
And the things you gave you life for fell apart.
You're not the first to be acquainted with sorrow, grief, or pain;
But the Master promised sunshine after rain.
Hold on my child, Joy comes in the morning,
Weeping only lasts for the night.
Hold on my child, joy comes in the morning,
The darkest hour means dawn is just in sight.

The last 4 weeks have been a wild, crazy ride. On June 22nd I got the surprise of my life. I was sitting at home just watching television (Jon and Kate plus 8, if you can believe it) and Kate was talking about the difficultly she had having a baby. She had the same diagnosis that I have gotten from the doctor. It made me mad, and so I decided to show the doctors anything was possible and I got up and took a pregnancy test. It was positive. Now, for most people, oh well, that is no big deal...but for Ryan and I, who have been BEGGING God to have a baby....we were ecstatic. I was so excited, I could not wait for Ryan to get home. I called him at work in the middle of a work meeting. He cried with joy which made me cry even more. That night we rushed out and got a supply of vitamins and orange juice and I said goodbye to my beloved coffee. I do not think we have ever been so happy.

Well, on the 4th of July, everything changed. I started bleeding a little bit that night. I called the doctor and they said not to be concerned unless it was a major amount. Well, to make a long, painful story short, I went to the emergency room on July 8th and we lost the baby. I do not know a time in my life when I have been as sad. I cannot say I am quite to the point that Job was..."The Lord giveth and taketh away...blessed be the name of the Lord." But, by the grace and power of God I know I can get there. I do not know why God chose to give us a baby for about six weeks. I do not know why I made big plans and dreams for him/her when I saw that tiny little heart beating on the ultrasound screen only to have them crushed in an emergency room bed in the middle of the night. I do not know why any of it happened. BUT...this one thing I do know...God is good and his mercy endureth to all generations. Since the miscarriage, Ryan and I have adopted a new verse for our household. We adopted it because we can try to make our lives what we think it should be...but in the long run, it is God who writes the book of our life together. He brought us together and allowed us to be married. He sustains our relationship through the hard times and the joyful times. He is the one who does it all...who are we to question His reasons for taking our little baby to heaven? I can rest in the comfort of knowing that even if I never get to hold a precious little life of my own on this side of heaven, there is a little tiny Withee baby on heaven's shore that I will see one day in eternity and THEN I will understand why. Our new family verse is Jeremiah 29:11..."For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." I do not know if God will bless us with a baby to have and to hold, but I do know HE has plans for our family because we are HIS children and HIS plans for HIS children are not evil but good...always good.

I do have a request of you dear blog followers...do not give up on me or quit reading. I just needed to get this post out there. I know someday I will want to remember this wilderness that God took me through. The other thing I need from you is prayer as now I begin to pick up the pieces, pay the massive hospital bills, testing bills, and so on. Pray for me that God would help me to learn a valuable truth from this and that HIS love and power will comfort me through this. Keep praying for me...because joy comes in the morning.

Wow....very overdue

Summer is usually my busiest blogging time. I have no work, I have my days all alone (although I wish Ryan had the whole summer off too), and things to be blogged always seem to pop up. July, however, has already shaped up to be a busy month and we are only 4 days into it. July is company month (which I am totally excited for). This weekend we had my sister and brother-in-law for the fourth of July. We love having them. They brought greetings from my family in Tallahassee (as well as dinner out treat money). We have had a great time with them and it will be sad to see them go today. Then, next weekend, one of my best friends will be coming to visit with her husband and little daughter. We are having them for a whole week and we are really excited because it has been three years since we last spent any time together and we have lots of catching up to do. Then, hopefully, at the very end of July we may get to host my friends from college whom I also have not seen since my wedding three years ago. In college we went everywhere together and made lots of memories, so it should be a great time together.

We have also not posted because we have been so busy with home improvement. We are going to probably be finishing some touch ups on the master bathroom and also putting in a few new sets of blinds. Our evil dog ate some of the blinds and I think all this company would probably like their windows covered when they stay with us.

Lastly, I have not made as much time to post because I have been really learning some lessons from the Lord this past month or two. Lessons on faith, lessons on trust. God is stretching me. Am I going to trust in Him, His infinite wisdom, His unfathomable love, His unending mercy...or am I going to rely on myself and my human abilities to "fix things", "manage things" or comprehend what is past my abilities? Needless to say...not much blogging has gone on. But, for now, it looks like I may be back. More to come later.

The God Who Sees me...

I have been doing a study with my friend here in town for the summer. We are working our way through Beth Moore's study on the Patriarchs. This past week was about how Sarah rushed to do God's work her way. God had promised Sarah and Abraham a child but Sarah had doubts and pushed Abraham to have a baby with poor Hagar. What struck me for the first time is that I had always given Hagar a bad rap. I had always blamed her as though it was all her fault. From what I see, she had the very least to say about the whole arrangement. What I loved most about this whole account is that Hagar ends up meeting God through the whole mess. She runs away when she is basically cast out of Abraham's home. She ends up in the middle of nowhere and there the Angel of the LORD (some debate whether she met an angel of it was God)...but when I see that capitalized LORD there, I know who it is. Anyway, she is the only Old Testament character who actually gives God a name. She basically calls God "The One who sees me." I love that. I love that no matter what the situation or circumstance, we can count on the fact that God sees me. He sees the pain, he sees the joy, he sees the problems. I love that about my God. I am so thankful for a God that sees ME.

Happy Parents Day

This post is long overdue...but while I was in church on Sunday during the Father's Day tribute video, I was thinking about how incredibly blessed I have been by God. I have a great family that lives not too far away. I have a great church family back home and a thriving fellowship of believers here where I live that are such a blessing. I have a wonderful husband who is always so giving and kind. I have a small handful of friends that I know I can turn to in time of need.

However, as I sat there and listened to the video about Fathers, I realized I owe my own parents a debt of gratitude. I am thankful for my father. He taught me how to ride my bike without the training wheels. He came to my sporting events, even if it meant he only saw me play for about two minutes. He went shopping with all of us "girls" and even pretended to be interested in the latest fashions. When it was time to learn to drive...Dad was there to teach me (even though I drove through one open field and stopped for bicycle stop signs). When the time came for wedding shopping, my dad was there to help me hunt (for several months I might add) for the perfect green tie for the groomsmen. Most of all, I saw in my Dad a love of the Savior and an iron-clan commitment to God and to serving in church. My Dad showed me what a real man should be like, how a real man should treat his wife and kids, and his fellow man. He is my dad...but he is my friend and I cannot imagine doing this life without him.

I am thankful for my mom. She taught me to love music and singing. I remember watching her in church play the piano and wishing I could be like her. She taught me to cook and I will always be thankful for her instilling in me the joy of cooking for my family. She tried to teach me to sew (but I was far too stubborn and impatient to stick with that). My mom brought me into the world of books. She used to read to us every day. With my mom I rode in the back of the covered wagon with Laura Ingalls and her family. With my mom I danced through England with the Bennett sisters in Pride and Prejudice. With my mom I learned the tricks of being a good wife and loving partner to my husband. I learned to care for a home and be a gracious hostess. From my mom I learned determination and trust. I learned about devotion to the Lord and trust in His promises from her. She is my Mom...but she is my friend and I cannot imagine doing this life without her.

Thank you PARENTS...You are a blessing to me.

The Worry Birds

We had our yard freshly mowed the other day. Because of that...the local "white worm eating birds" (Called this because I have no idea what their real name is) came in a huge flock to eat of the bounty in our backyard. I did not mind one bit, I thought they were really cute and kind of fun to watch. BUT, there was a member of our household who was NOT a fan of the birds being there. Every ten minutes or so Braddy (our dog) would go to the door and watch and watch and watch. When he could take it any longer he would hit the "whistle" on the back door (his signal that he wants out) and whine like crazy. So, every ten minutes he would dutifully chase those villainous birds out of the yard.

It made me think about worry. I am a worry wart as most of my close friends and family members can attest to. It is my greatest battle. I worry that I will oversleep for work, so I set three alarms. I worry sometimes that I forgot to turn off the coffee maker. I worry that guests will arrive and the food will taste terrible. I am sure there are some out there who can relate to me. I work hard to "chase those worry birds away" but they always come home to roost. I need to work on being more vigilant on not letting those birds land. I need to be a little more "dogged" in my determination to keep the birds of worry from stopping to roost.

The Bible Shuffle...

There is a trend going right now that is making me crazy. It happens in all churches across America. In fact, it probably happens at your church too and you may have the control to ignore it, but I have reached a point where I can no longer ignore it.

Yesterday, our pastor delivered a dynamic message. People were moved, the Holy Spirit was working in lives. Then, pastor closed his Bible. That set off a domino effect across the auditorium. It was like people doing the wave at a sporting event. You could see Bibles slamming shut, Bible covers zipping and car keys jangling. It makes me crazy. Just because Pastor is giving an invitation does not mean everyone else can shut down their minds and hearts. You never know when God is going to move in your heart and mind. Next time the invitation starts...be still and listen. God even tells us to be still and know that He is God...how can we if we are always in a rush to zip the Bible cover and get the keys out of the purse. So what if Mr. and Mrs. Whosits beat you to the IHOP for lunch...I bet there is plenty of food to go around. So, slow down...let the man finish his invitation and then pack up your stuff. Consider the OCD people around you like me who cannot concentrate with all that noise. Silence the Bible shuffle!!!!