The Halfway Mark

This morning as my family woke, I heard Matthew race into Macy's room.  I heard him gently say, almost whispering, "Macy, Happy Birthday to us!  We are NINE years old!"  The bond that my twins share is something I don't think I will ever truly understand.

And as they stood in her pink room, littered with baby dolls, Barbie, and play makeup, hugging with excitement, I was stunned by the realization that Matthew and Macy have reached the halfway mark.  As they turn nine years old today, I suddenly realize we only have nine more years with them in our home.  I find myself overwhelmed...certainly nine years will never be enough time to teach them all they need to know before leaving to discover what God has planned for them.

But as I stop and think about the past nine years and all that they have accomplished, my fears subside just a bit.  At birth they weighed less than a bag of sugar and now they are thriving, healthy almost preteens.  In the NICU, they couldn't suck from a bottle without growing very tired and now they outrun, out-bike, out-talk, out-sing, and out-laugh me on a daily basis.  At 13 months, I wondered if Macy would ever walk and now she is a favorite on her school's soccer team.  At 4 years old, I wondered if Matt would ever be able to pronounce his th's and r's correctly.  And just last year, he stood with ease before a gymnasium full of students, adults, and veterans and gave a speech that took my breath away. 

And so, as I brace for the next nine years, I look ahead with excitement and anticipation of what these two will accomplish.  If I'm honest, I worry a little too.  The next years are sure to be the hardest to parent.  There are many new discoveries in the preteen and teenage years that are sure to throw some twists and turns on this road we are traveling.  But as we go, these are the very things that I can't wait to share with my twins.  And as they grow, I pray that they...


make themselves available to Christ and realize that He can use them for His glory.

love others at school even when they are hard to love.

be bold in telling others about Jesus and His love for them.

learn that forgiveness is more about them than the person they are forgiving.

achieve continued academic success but choose to learn out of a desire for knowledge.

strive for honesty  and integrity in all situations.

find friends who love them for who they are on the inside.

BE a friend who loves for what's on the inside.

show grace to those that hurt them.

play sports because they love the game more than the score on the scoreboard.

enjoy every first dance, first date, first kiss, and first break-up.

choose a college wisely and with concern for more than football and friends.

remain healthy and free from cancer, broken bones, and concussions.

love their little brother and keep a genuine desire to be friends with him.

keep the unspoken connection they share as they grow older.

More than all of these, I pray that they love Jesus recklessly.  I pray that Matt and Macy come to understand just how much He loves them.  I want them to experience the same joy in Him that I did when God gave them to me.  Because only then will they understand how they carry my heart with them each and every day. 

Happy Birthday Matthew and Macy.  I have loved every minute of the first nine years and I am so thankful God made you mine.

I thank my God every time I remember you.  Philippians 1:3

 

 

 

 

 

The Joy in Cancer

Throughout my life, I have battled cancer.  Not in the way that others who are diagnosed with the physical disease, but I have battled it emotionally for most of my life.  Just hearing the word CANCER is enough to turn my stomach into knots.  Once you have experienced a loved one with cancer, or worse, lost a loved one to cancer, it is difficult to explain the magnitude of the word to others. 

During the summer between 7th and 8th grade, my sister was diagnosed with cancer.  She had been complaining of a knot in the upper part of her right arm for several weeks.  I remember us sitting at the dinner table one night and Sondra rubbing her arm telling Mom that it still hurt.  And I remember exactly where I was when my mother told me it was cancer. I was standing in front of my closet door, hanging up the laundry she had just laid on my bed.  As she stood next me, I could tell she didn't know how to tell me.  "The tumor is cancer," she said softly.  I remember asking, "Is she going to die?"  I really don't remember how my mother answered, because at that point her answer didn't really matter.  My sister had cancer and in 1988 that was not a good thing.  Radiation,  chemotherapy, and several surgeries followed.   I stayed many nights with my aunt and uncle while Mom took Sondra back and forth to Children's Hospital in Birmingham.  I spent many long days in hospital waiting rooms hoping, worrying, and visiting with family.

Fast forward to my junior year in college. My uncle Charles, the same uncle that took care of me while my sister was undergoing cancer treatment, died of a brain tumor.  There is no sugar-coating that.  He was my favorite uncle.  I loved him dearly and cancer had taken him at age 42.  This loss was fast and I found myself questioning everything.  Why us?  Why my family again? 

As I've grown older, I realize that cancer affects too many of us.  I've stood and held my friend as she received word that her mother's cancer had returned.  I've held my sister as she cried over the loss of a friend's child.  I've given hugs to friends who have received news of a breast cancer diagnosis.  And most recently, I've hugged sweet Stella and tried to hold back the tears so that this 5 year-old won't know that the thought of her having cancer makes me want to scream. 

Even through all of this, I can tell you that there is joy in cancer.  Joy comes in many forms and sometimes you have to look very closely to find it. But if you squint and concentrate on the things and people that truly matter, joy is all around. 

Joy can be found in the nurse who brings you extra blankets and extra hugs when you need them most.

Joy can be found in the gifts from your Sunday School class that understands that bills add up when you aren't able to work.

Joy can be found in the smile of a 5 year-old who loves to dance despite the tumor growing in her little body.

Joy can be found in the prayer of thanksgiving given when a mother's cancer  is in remission.

Joy can be found in the smile of your Aunt when she shares the recipe your Uncle used to make you every Christmas.

Joy can be found in the smile of a 16 year-old girl when she finds the perfect wig to wear to prom.

Joy can be found on a mother's face when the doctor tells her that the cancer has not spread.

Joy can be found at your uncle's funeral when your college friends show up to carry you through.

Joy can be found in the dinner brought to you by friends who knew you just couldn't muster the energy to cook.

Joy can be found when you wake one morning and find that the nausea from the chemotherapy has passed.

Joy can be found in the shopping spree donated to a 16 year-old girl by an organization that grants wishes for terminally-ill children. 

Joy can be found by all of us who understand that cancer has no power over us.  God will defeat it and heal these earthly bodies.  His promises never fail.

And so, for those whose battle rages on, we stand with hope and power.  We call upon His name for strength to endure and know that He is with us.  How awesome to know that the God who created the universe is fighting the battle with us!

Dear Lord,  So many of us face cancer while here on this earth.  Sometimes it is hard to see beyond the pain and suffering to a brighter day that you promise for us.  Help us to put our hope in you alone.  Take all fear from our hearts and give us the courage to trust in you.  For we know that in you alone will we find peace.  Thank you for your promises of healing.  In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”  Revelation 21:4

An Adventure in Anything

Anything.  When you think about it, that’s a pretty powerful word.  Recently, I read a book by Jennie Allen titled,  anything: the prayer that unlocked my God and my Soul. In the book, she describes a process God took her family through in which they prayed “We will do anything for you.”  I remember thinking as I read, “That’s great for this family, but certainly He doesn’t expect me to do this.”  Little did I know, He expected exactly that and more.  

Most of you already know that I recently completed my Master’s degree in Education.  I am often asked why I decided to go back to school and change careers at such a busy time in my life.  With three young children at home, it certainly was a crazy time to take on such a task.  My answer has always been the same:  because God asked me to.  I have enjoyed being with and teaching children for years and so it only seemed fitting that God would call me to such an adventure.  I have been so sure of this decision. 

As the time grew near to begin the application and interview process, I prayed that God would lead me to the school in which I could best serve Him.  I prayed and prayed for the perfect interview at the perfect school.  The perfect opportunity never came.  I felt all along that the process just didn’t “feel right” to me and I even told Scott that I wasn’t sure that I was ready to work full-time. (That went over real well, by the way). Part of the benefit of securing a new job would be to help with the private school tuition bills that seem to be growing and growing. 

 I decided to take an interim position because it would give me valuable “beginning of the year” teaching experience without the commitment of a full-time, year-long teaching job.  I loved every minute of this experience.  I am so grateful for the opportunity I had in that elementary school.

And as God usually does, He spoke very clearly about my next adventure.  Just before the 2^nd grade position was to end, I received a phone call from the Children’s Minister at church.  She wondered if I was interested in working with our preteens.  Funny, because I thought I already was!  For years I’ve worked with 5^th and 6^th graders in various capacities.  She offered a part-time position leading our 5^th and 6^th grade children as the new Preteen Ministry Coordinator.  I was thrilled and excited about the possibility but suddenly, the thought terrified me.  Was I willing to put aside the classroom teaching for a different type of classroom?  I was so sure of my calling to be a teacher and now God decides to turn the path on me?  I found myself questioning and wondering if I had gotten it all wrong.  And what about helping out financially at home?  Would part-time work be enough? 

As I thought about the events that led up to this point, I realized that God had taken tiny steps to equip me for this exact position.  He had, in fact, convinced me to get another degree, a degree that would teach me how to lead children.  He granted me practical, hands-on experience with the very age group He wanted me to lead.  He prepared me with the book, anything, opening my heart to the idea of leaving my own plans behind to follow His.  Then, in His infinite wisdom and His perfect timing, He offered me the classroom experience He knew I would love.  When that foundation was laid, He quietly questioned me:  “Will you do anything?”  And of course, my heart screams back “Send me, Lord.  I will do anything.” 

It is with great joy that I begin this new adventure as Preteen Ministry Coordinator at Spring Hill Baptist Church.  My heart is humbled and I can’t wait to see where God’s path leads next.   

Dear Lord,

I am so honored that you would ask me to lead this group of children.   I want them to know you passionately and seek you in all that they do.  Help me to teach them how to find you.  Help me to show them how to serve others faithfully.  Give them a heart for missions so that when they leave us, they will be equipped to serve you wherever you lead.  I love you Lord and I am so very ready for anything.  Amen.

 

As a side note:  Two days after I accepted this position, Scott received a raise in pay at work.  It was like God was saying “See, I told you I would work it all out.”  I love it when God puts an exclamation mark on His plans!

 

A Marvelous Legacy

Dear Granddaddy,

I picture you celebrating your birthday today with Grandmama.  I know that she is right there by your side and if there is pound cake in Heaven, I'm pretty sure she baked one for you.  Of all the letters I've written to you over the years, this one is surely the hardest to write.  This is the letter you will never receive.

I want to celebrate you so that all the world knows just how remarkable you really were.  I love you and am so thankful that God made me your granddaughter.

Granddaddy, I love you because...

You were honest and direct.  You would tell me what you thought without hesitation. 

You were dependable.  If you said you were going to do it, you did it. And you expected me to also.

You were gentle and caring.  You always met me with a hug and a smile.  You would hold my hand and gently squeeze it to give reassurance when I needed it most.

You taught me that nothing matters more than loving Jesus.  I can still see you sitting on that back deck reading your Bible early in the morning. I remember visiting sick church members with you as you shared God's love.  I love that you taught Sunday School and as a child, I loved going in your class with you.  You painted a beautiful picture of love, both to your Savior and others.

You taught me how to garden.  As much as I complained about those hot days in the garden, I want you to know that I loved every minute.  I learned to plant, pick, and shell peas and butter beans.  You graciously passed on your love of growing vegetables to me.  You are the reason I love strawberries, butter beans, and "Grandmama peas."  Thank you for sharing that joy with me. 

You taught me that hard work pays off.  I would watch you on that red tractor for hours in the field.  I loved the way you would wave to me on your way back to the barn at the end of the day.  You loved being outside and I can still see you plowing the field, wide-brimmed hat on, and wearing those Liberty overalls.

You taught me how to love a spouse.  You spent your life loving your precious Frances and built a family with her.  You held her hand on your wedding day, throughout your life together, and as she took her last breath.  I loved watching the two of you together.  Thank you for showing me what complete devotion looks like for 56 years.  After I married Scott, I asked you the secret to being married for so many years.  Do you remember your answer?  "It's simple," you said, "And two became one." 

You taught me the meaning of "in sickness and in health."  When Grandmama faced Parkinson's disease, you never left her side.  You were there, day after day, caring for her every need.  You cooked, you bathed, you clothed, and you loved.  You were a pillar of unconditional love and when she died, a part of you died.  I learned so much from you during those years.

You taught me about love of country.  You served in the Army Air Corps during WWII and received a Silver Star and two Bronze Stars.  I loved how your face lit up when talking about your service.  You were so proud of your time there and the other squadron members. I will always remember what you said when I told you I bought my first car, a Toyota Camry:  "Why would you want a Jap car?"  Your devotion to country certainly ran deep.

You taught me so much more than all of these.  I love you because you were my Granddaddy and you were GreatDad to my children.

I love you because when you were getting ready to leave this Earth, you were still the strength I needed to say good-bye.  Two days before you died, I held your hand for the last time as you struggled to breathe.  It was hard to see you so feeble and weak.  As Sondra and I stood over you, you smiled and said, "I am so proud of you two."  All I could muster through the tears was this: "No, Granddaddy, I am so proud of you." 

For weeks, I've been trying to figure out how I would honor you.  It seems strange to be writing to you instead of visiting the farm and celebrating with family.  It seems odd that you are not here telling me all about WWII.  And it certainly seems amiss to not be able to hug you and tell you how much I love you. But as I think about all that you taught me, I realize that you are still here.  You are a part of who I am and I am so blessed to have known you.

I miss you Granddaddy and the kids miss their GreatDad.  As much as we want to spend this birthday with you, the thought of you celebrating this special day with Grandmama in Heaven makes me smile.  I smile because I know that you are finally at rest.  I smile because I cling to the promise that I will see both of you again.

Happy Birthday, Granddaddy.   You left a marvelous legacy.


But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children.  Psalm 103:17

 



A Father to His Children

Days like today can be really hard for those of us who have never been a daddy's girl. 

I have many great things I could tell you about my father:  He is a successful attorney, he provided for my sister and I, and he picked us up every other Friday night at 6:00 like clockwork.  He is the reason I love Alabama football, love to fly, and love peanut butter.  He taught me about baseball and he taught me how to make the best homemade pancakes.  I loved spending weekends with him and my grandparents on their farm.

But as many people experience, sometimes as adults we realize that our parents are not who we would like them to be.  They are real people, with real problems, who make real mistakes.  Sometimes circumstances and situations arise that cause relationships to go sour and it really doesn't matter why, the hurt is still the same.  My father and I don't have a relationship in which I am able to spend the day with him today. The truth is that there are countless little girls just like me who long to spend Father's Day with a daddy who loves them unconditionally.  I love my father, but it's just not going to happen. So, for several Father's Days now, I struggle with the fact that I should call him, I should send a card, I should just do something because deep down inside I'm still the little girl who really wants to make her daddy happy.  Every little girl wants her daddy to sweep her off her feet and dance.

On this Father's Day, however, I choose not to focus on what I don't have.  I do have a Mama that will always answer the phone, always show up, and always tell me she loves me.  She is never too busy, never too sick, and never preoccupied by others in her life to be with me or Sondra. 

She taught me how to use a screwdriver, how to caulk a tub, how to dig a hole, how to trim the bushes, how to mow the lawn, how to drive a car, how to check my oil, how to ride a bike, how to catch a ball, how to throw a ball, and countless other "dad" things. 

The one thing she has never done is criticize my father. Not once in 34 years have I heard a mean word about him. In fact, she is still the one that encourages me to mend the relationship I desire with him. 

Being a mother has never been a choice for her.  I was never an obligation.  I am her daughter and she wants to be with me.  Unconditionally.

Most importantly, I have a Father in heaven who promises to love me forever.  He tells me his love endures forever and that He will never leave me.  He tells me that I am treasured and that He is jealous for me.  I am His daughter and I am so loved.

And so, on this Father's Day, I spent the morning with my mama. I made her pancakes and I thanked her for visiting me this weekend.  I prayed for her safe travels home and I thanked God for the gift of both my parents.  Because of them, I am learning to be best mother I can be.  Unconditionally.

 

The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.   Psalm 103:13

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for knowing my heart today.  Thank you for being the daddy that is always with me.  Thank you for loving me, dirt and all.  Thank you for my Mama and my father.  As a child, they both provided for me, protected me, and loved me.  I am especially thankful for the extra duty my mother has always been willing to work for my sister and me.  She is a perfect example of your love.  Help me to be the same unselfish parent that she has been.   I love you daddy, and I can't wait for you to sweep me off my feet and dance. 

Amen


This post was inspired by my good friend's Facebook post. It read "Happy Fathers' Day to all the divorced and single Moms out there who have pulled and continue to pull double duty by doing the work of two parents. Especially to the Moms of boys, who teach their sons how to throw a ball, catch a fish, be a gentleman, and never feel a lack of love a day in their lives."   This status update changed my view of this somewhat difficult day. I pray that all single moms will feel God's blessing upon them today in a special way.

Summer Fun at Alligator Alley

We decided to take a quick trip across the bay to Summerdale to visit Alligator Alley.  We had loads of fun!

 

 

 

 

 



 

We needed a small snow cone to cool us off a bit:

 

 

 

 

Everyone had a chance to hold a real alligator.  Alligators are surprisingly soft!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As we began to cross the bridge over the swamp, guess who passed by?  SANTA!  Harris said "I guess even Santa needs a vacation during the summer!"  

 

 



 

 

This is an alligator nest...

 



 

This little guy is named Captain Crunch :)

 

 

 

Waiting to watch them feed the alligators.

 



 

 

 

You could not pay me enough...

 



 

 

 

He fed the alligators whole pigs!

 



 

 

As we watched this guy feed these huge alligators, I leaned over and asked Matt why he thought God made alligators.  He replied, "I don't know, because He can?"  At first, I thought he had given me a lame answer.  But when I thought about it a bit more, I realized that Matt was right.  God doesn't have to have a "reason."  He is the Creator and sometimes, He creates just to show us that He can. 

 

We had such a great day at Alligator Alley.

 

 





Goodbye 2nd Grade and Goodbye PreK!

I can't believe another school year has passed.  It has been a great year for both the twins and Harris. I snapped a few pictures this morning as they left for their final day as 2nd graders and PreK4.  I knew that each of them had grown a lot this year, but to see the first day of school compared to the last day of school blew me away.  It's funny how they seem to be growing up so quickly right under my nose.

Look at that sweet baby face on the left.  Now he looks so "kindergartener-ish!"

 

 

Even Macy looks baby face at the first of the year to me.  She has gotten so tall in the past few months and threatens to pass Matt shortly.

 

 

This sweet 2nd grader is now so cool.  At the first of the year, his buzz cut had me thinking he looked a bit like a 12 year old.  I had no idea that by the end of this school year, he would truly look older (even with his hair grown back)! 

 

 

Together they always look so happy.  They will certainly always be "babies" to me. 

 

 

All the 2nd graders performed their last music program titled "Imagine God" on the Red Steps on the last day of school.  Here's a picture of the entire class:

 

 

 

Then the celebration began! These two have spent four years at the Lower School.  Look how far they've come:



 

 

They will miss seeing the teachers that made going to school so much fun, but they are happy to be moving on to the "big school."  We look forward to many more good times and sharing in Harris' years at the Lower School, too.

 





 





God Showed Up

     As I kissed my children good morning, hugged them as they rose from their beds, and then sent them out the door to school, I couldn't help but think about the dozens of mothers in Oklahoma who followed the same morning routine yesterday.  They had no idea that their children wouldn't be coming home.   When tragedies like the Moore, OK tornado occur, I often find myself asking the question "Where was God?"  Today was certainly one of those days.

     In Hebrews, God says "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (13:5).  I imagine that the parents of those children and the countless others who lost loved ones yesterday feel pretty abandoned right now.   They have no homes, no clothes, no food, no water, and some of them have lost their children.  Think about that for a minute.  They're children are gone.  How could they not feel abandoned?

     As I began to talk to God about this, He slowly reminded me that He is wherever we take him.  He asked me to take a closer look.  So as I stared at the TV, I began searching for a glimpse of Him.  And as the familiar passage in Matthew 7 tells us, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."  I found Him.  God showed up.

God showed up in the voices of the meteorologists who begged citizens to take cover.

God showed up in the faces of the first responders as they rushed to that elementary school.

God showed up in the heart of the teacher who shielded her students with her own body during the storm.

God showed up in the mother who prayed for her child to be found alive in the rubble.

God showed up in the hearts of neighbors as they dug through the rubble of what once was their friends' homes.

God showed up in the churches of Oklahoma as they opened their doors to the now homeless.

God showed up in the eyewitness accounts of children being rescued and rushed to local hospitals.

God showed up in the form of power crews from surrounding areas hoping to lend a hand.

God showed up as the American Red Cross provides water and shelter to the victims and workers.

God showed up on Facebook as the nation wrote their sympathies for the lost.

God showed up in my own home as we prayed for the victims.


     I wonder how many people cried out to God during those brief few minutes of the storm. I know it must have been many.  I also know that my God showed up.  I know that He was under the rubble with those 3rd graders, holding them tight as they took their last breath.  I know that He was with the injured as they lay buried under their homes.   I know that He is still watching over the recovery efforts, pointing search teams to victims. And I know that He is with me as long as I seek Him. 

Dear Heavenly Father, sometimes it can be so overwhelming to be a part of this world.  There are storms that take us by surprise and some even take everything we have.  There are heartaches and hardships that make us question whether or not you are still in control.  Thank you for reminding us that your love endures forever.  Thank you for showing up every time we need you.  We love you so much.  Amen.

From the Heart of a Student Teacher

As my semester of student teaching comes to an end, I find myself joyful and quietly wishing I could extend it just one more day.  I have become accustomed to the hustle of getting ready each morning, the sweet smile from the school secretary as I arrive, and the short walk up those stairs to the third grade classroom I've called home for the past five months.  But yet, my heart is torn between the career that lies ahead and the 31 students that I will never forget.  In an attempt to capture the feelings and memories that bind me to this class, I give you a list of what I've learned.

As a student teacher, I've learned...

1. I have never been more sure of my calling.  I was meant to be a teacher.

2.  Every child is truly a blessing.  Every child.  Even the one that knows exactly how to make your day miserable.  And does.  Every day.

3.  The child that causes the most trouble in class, usually has the most trouble at home. 

4.  "Trouble at home" can take many forms:  no food, no clean clothes, no mother, no father, no parents at all.  Or worse, parents that abuse you.

5.  Standing up in front of a class requires hours of preparation.  Long hours.

6.  Sometimes you have to be willing to stop mid-lesson and say, "Class, this isn't working.  Let's do it a different way."  And that's perfectly okay.

7.  Your cooperating teacher is giving her class to you.  Share it wisely.

8.  A smile goes a long way to a student who feels overwhelmed by that math test.

9.  Most of the time, a simple tap on a desk is better than shouting "I said BE QUIET!"  The end result is usually the same. 

10.  Sometimes, answering God's call to serve His children means you miss out on special events with your children.  This can be overwhelming.

11.  Don't yell at the third grader who is always late.  He can't drive himself.

12.  Stickers make everything better.

13.  Third graders are still babies.  They still wet their pants in class. 

14.  Technology will fail (usually when your supervisor is observing).

15.  It's okay to mess up.  Kids will realize you are a real person.

16.  Teachers are far more than teachers.  They are mothers, fathers, counselors, doctors, maids, comedians, dancers, pastors, and friends.

17.  Loving your students means being willing to discipline them when needed (even the best behaved in the class messes up).

18.  Pencil sharpeners are evil.

19.  Hot glue guns will burn you.

20.  Sometimes the worst-behaved child will surprise you.  He'll secretly slip a note on your desk that simply says "I'm sorry."

21.  Encouraging a child to try harder on a test instead of giving "hints" usually pays off for the child.  Watching the "light bulb" moment is indescribable. 

22.  It's fun to watch students succeed.  It's even more fun to tell them you knew they would. 

23.  There can never be enough Kleenex in a classroom.  Or Lysol.  Or sanitizer.

24.  Third grade girls can start their periods.  Be ready with an answer.

25.  Giving a kid a chance to redeem his behavior doesn't show weakness; it shows grace.

26.  P.E. is a God-given blessing.  Enjoy every minute.

27.  Laminating can be addictive.

28.  Diet Coke is a necessity.

29.  Teachers never get to use the bathroom.

30.  Students will notice everything about you.  And ask you about it without hesitation.

31.  Kids tell all their parents' business. 

32.  Kids like to teach each other.  Use this to help you!

33.  The child who tells you on the way in the door "Mrs. Browning, my mom didn't give me my medicine!"  is giving you a warning.  Get ready.

34.  Always say "good morning" with a smile to each child.

35.  Teach them to stand up and say the Pledge of Allegiance with respect.

36.  It is impossible for a child to learn if they haven't eaten.  Have snacks on hand.

37.  Third graders need deodorant.  And a bath. 

38.  Cat litter soaks up vomit quickly.

39.  Rainy day carpool stinks.

40.  Bullying is a very real problem.

41.  A game of Simon Says passes the time quickly while waiting in the hall.  It also keeps students quiet.

42.  High fives and happy dances are a must in my classroom.

43.  All the late nights, essays, research papers, tests, field experiences, and student teaching were worth it.  I am a teacher. 

These are just some of the many things I have learned over this semester.  Of all these, I am most happy to share that I learned God is very present in public schools.  I know because I took Him with me every single day.  I saw Him in the smile from the school secretary.  I saw Him in the smiles from other teachers.  I felt Him as teachers prayed over me the day before my comps.  I felt Him in the hug from the child who now has a DHR file with my name as a contact.  I saw Him in the prayers of the two children who bowed their heads and said a blessing together at lunch every single day.  I saw Him in the eyes of every child in my classroom.  His handiwork is apparent in each of them.

I am so blessed to have been a part of this class and I can't wait to see what's next.





















 

Unlimited Patience

I say goodbye to my family and close the door most school mornings by 7:30.  And I sigh because by then, I feel like I've run a marathon.  It can seem so difficult to get everyone out the door. 

This morning was particularly difficult because Macy and I had a heated discussion about homework.  She has struggled a bit with forgetting to write down her assignments and bringing home homework.  This is not yet a problem, but I am trying to emphasize the importance of being responsible for your own work. It's easy for her to tell me "just copy Matt's for me."  I guess that's another benefit of being a twin. 

So as they left, I felt burdened.  I realized that instead of encouraging her to do the right thing, I had only torn her down even more.  I made her anxious about it and more self-conscious about approaching her teacher.  Boy, did I blow this one.

As I reached for my Bible, God showed me these verses: 

 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance:  Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners -- of whom I am the worst.  But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.  1 Timothy 1:15 - 16

 

He reminded me that in showing mercy to me, He equips me to do the same.  He tells me to use my shortcomings as an example to others, including Macy.  I know that I am not a perfect mother and that I will often fall short of unlimited patience, but to be reminded that that's okay was exactly what I needed to hear this morning.  God never fails to show me unlimited patience and it is because of Him that I am able to go to Macy this afternoon and share that grace with her.  And I can't wait for her to get here.