Listening

So, I spent my Monday doing nothing but listening to sermons and reading Hunger Games.  It was exactly what I needed.  I never sit at home and enjoy the stillness.  Whenever I am still, I tend to think through my life and it makes me nervous.  I know that God pushes me to do more but if I am busy, I can't right?!?  My New Year's resolution was to tell people, even if I had not spoken to them in a long while, that I thought of them and prayed for them.  Sometimes it is uncomfortable but always sparks good connection.  My friendships this year have suffered because of my crazy work load but others are flourished because God urged me to pray for them.  I am very glad that God is in charge of this crazy world because He puts people in my life exactly when I need it.

Words to Live By

A Franciscan Benediction

May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships so that you may live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.

May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy.

And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in the world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done; to bring justice and kindess to all our children and the poor.

Amen

What a powerful prayer!  I think that this sums up my entire adult life.  I love the people I serve so passionately because following Jesus means loving unconditionally and standing up for the voiceless.  I have learned over the last few weeks that people will think you are crazy, act like their racist behavior is no big deal, and pretend the world is not hurting.  It is not my place to rant and rave but it is my place to allow the Holy Spirit to use me to speak truth into people's lives.  People can't change without Jesus.  We are powerless without Him.

Laughter

Laughter and Good friends is really all you need when your life is not going the way you want it to.  I am trusting the God has a perfect plan for me and I just need to continue to be faithful.  However, I have days where I need a pick me up.  I probably stayed out too late this week but I met some pretty hilarious people.  Going to bars in the middle week is always fun for me.  It is not crowded and you get to have actual conversations with people instead of being packed into a bar.  I had some great laughs but I also realized that I am so grateful that I follow Jesus.  That I serve a God that believes in second chances and holds onto me no matter how much I try to wiggle out.  It is pretty incredible, isn't?  My week ended last night at church concert - Bebo Norman and Robbie Seay Band.  I have loved Bebo since my freshman year in college and I still love him.  His lyrics are powerful to me so now I am listening to him exclusively this weekend:)

Thanks to the many people I met this week - you helped me find joy when I was feeling discouraged!!

Thankfulness

Today I am reminded of few things: my mother is amazing!!, I love young people and being a part of their lives, and most importantly I need to learn to be bolder for the Lord.

My mother is an incredible mother.  She did not have a good role model but she has always been there for my sister and I.  I always felt that she had my best interest at heart and loved me no matter what.  Working at the same school has shown me that she is an amazing teacher as well.  She changes the lives of her young people that serves.  They love her so much!

I love young people and dealing with their chaos.  It makes me feel very purposeful to help them.  It is how God created me to be.

I am thankful for my IBC Ruth bible study.  Ruth showed me that I need to step out further in relationships to show the face of Jesus.

Sun and Mon

Things I am grateful for:

1.  Solitude
2.  March Madness - Cincy wins:)
3.  Redeeming Love of Christ
4.  Old Hymns reminds me how people have worshiped the Lord for hundreds of years
5.  Making a difference in at least one young person's life
6.  Thunderstorms

Sat

Today I am grateful for laughter, great internet resources on plate tectonics (teaching 6th grade science--crazy), and March Madness!!

Another Chapter Closes

Last night was my last night working at World Market.  Yippeee!  I just could not manage a night job while teaching all day.  It was not possible to keep my sanity.  I do love how God blesses you even in a tough situation.  This job was less than ideal but came to me when I needed a job.  They were gracious to give me hours when I needed them and backed off when I got a permanent full time job.  The conditions were less than ideal - I worked really hard for not that much money.  My blessings came with the people around me.  I made real authentic friends while working at this job!  Sometimes you find an unlikely person that understands your situation and would do anything for you.  That is what I found at World Market and that is what I will remember at this retail chapter in my life.

More Thankfulness

I am thankful that I can find inspiration from others who have lived before me and endured immense hardship.  Here are some quotes:


“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” 
― Frederick Douglass


“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” 
― Martin Luther King Jr.


“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” 
― Martin Luther King Jr., A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches


“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
― Eleanor Roosevelt, This is My Story


“I learned this, at least, by my experiment: that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.”
― Henry David Thoreau, Walden: Or, Life in the Woods


“A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow.”
― William Shakespeare


“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent” 
― Victor Hugo


Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.
Albert Einstein


“You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead pursue the things you love doing and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off of you.” 
― Maya Angelou

MIA Thankfulness

So I had a bit of pity party for myself, but I am back on track of gratitude.  I have to remind myself to find joy in the little things. I need to list out 22 things so I missed so many days...maybe 10 at a time!
1.  Love the IBC's Lent series on Hosea.  It is love story rocked with honesty.  Reminded me how much the Lord loves me and always pursues me.
2.  Blessings out of unexpected people -- thank you Sharon for being my mentor teacher
3.  Tati's hugs -- the school has written this girl off but I just love her.  She is going to prove everyone wrong and graduate!  She hugs me every morning and it reminds that I am making a difference.
4. Brandon's dancing during science youtube videos
5. Leonard and the ladies -- this crew makes me laugh
6. Quitting WM!  Done with one of my jobs.  Yippeee!!
7.  Mom's help at school.  I do love our commute:)
8.  Sushi with my favs avocado, strawberries, and crab
9.  Friendly staff at Market Street
10.  Rosa's tortillas -- they are so delicious
11.  Great memories of Lubbock

Five Days of Thankfulness

Thursday -- 1. Low key evening at home 2. Able to catch up with old friends 3. Time to paint my nails

Friday - 1. Possibly a long-term sub gig teaching 6th grade Science 2. God's sense of humor that it is my worst subject 3.  That I have to depend on God for complete insight into teaching

Saturday - 1. Great time at Melissa's bday party 2. Wine Demo @ Market Street -- all day...I love that grocery store 3.  Bodyguard on TV

Sunday - 1. Moving into a sweet friend's place 2.  My own bed 3. My own bathroom:)

Monday - 1. Able to sleep in this morning 2. Breaded Okra 3. Sonic drinks

Wed and Thurs TYs

Yesterday I was thankful for:
1. able to hang out with Miranda, Brandy, and Mallory -- always laughter
2. guac and chips at 7Salsas
3. witnessing my mom in her hilarious school Feb. funk

Today I am thankful for:
1. God created me to be calm in a crisis
2. God created me to be able to adapt to change well
3. God created me to love the unlovable

Monday and VDAY

So today is one of my favorite days in middle school - Valentine's Day  --  SO mUcH DrAmA so little time...the kids crack me up

Thankful for discovering the Kroger by my school has my two favorite baked goods: pumpkin chocolate chip muffin tops and cranberry orange scones; excellent bible study speaker on submission (women at ibc); and my mom (her flip out today was priceless)

Monday -- pre VDay
1. leaving WM on time
2. pencil sharpeners
3. being able to be calm in chaotic situations

Weekend Thank-You

Here are my gratitude lists from the weekend~

Friday
1. Quick traffic - made it from Irving to Richardson to Grapevine in 1.5 hours - Yay!
2. Unexpected compliments
3. Crushed Ice

Saturday
1. Fun Friends
2. Laughter at Kroger wine demo
3. Movies - I just love going to see a movie on the big screen!!

Sunday
1. Sleeping in
2. Heated seats
3. Market Street - love that grocery store - it is my Lubbock home:)

Hilarious Gratitude List

Today I am thankful for:


1. Middle school romances -- so much drama over insignificant events
2. Mentoring -- realizing that is my real purpose at school
3. Quick commute to and from work

Gratitude

Today I am grateful for:
1.  Friends you can truly be yourself around 
2.  Cristina's salsa -- love that stuff
3.  Thoughtfulness from people whom you least expect it from

Joy Dare

My friend Jenny suggested that a group of us begin the Joy Dare.  Each day list three things I am grateful for and see what God does with it.  I know this will surely help me find my way.

Tuesday Gratitudes
1.  Women's bible study at Irving Bible Church
2.  No second job tonight
3.  A sweet young man at school told me that I am always smiling and that makes him smile.

Love this idea and glad I have some wonderful ladies to share this with so it does not get lost in the shuffle of life.