What's Up January

Happy Wednesday Everybody!

Today I'm joining  Mel, Shay, and Sheaffer for their What's Up Wednesday link-up. 

 

Every month we answer the same few questions based on how things are currently going in our lives. 

The questions are...

 

What am I eating this week?

I made Pecan Pie bites for my Bible Study group the other night. I used the recipe I found here and tweaked it just a bit, since I didn't have some of the ingredients it called for. And I must pat myself on the back a bit and say they turned out pretty tasty :)

What am I reminiscing about? 

I was telling someone the other day all about our AGWM All Africa Conference/Retreat. What a special blessing of a time that was! I came away with a greater knowledge, understanding, and appreciation for this organization I'm a part of. And I also came away with a greater vision for helping our One House family expand and grow and help further His Kingdom all around this great continent we've all come to know and love.

What am I loving?

Being back in school with "my" kids :)

 

What have I been up to?

My crew and I did a yummy taste testing experiment the other day, where we took regular ol' popcorn and tasted 6 different seasonings/toppings. We invited our staff and some of the students too, and let them join the taste testing fun. And we ended up with 48 taste testers. My crew loved it and so did I. What a fun time it was!

 

 

What am I dreading?

I'm changing this question. I've realized I rarely have anything I'm dreading. So instead, I'm adding a new question to the mix each month :)

What am I praying for?

My biggest prayer request for this upcoming summer's trip to the US for Itineration/Fundraising is for a miracle in terms of a vehicle. My car, which I left at my mom's house is currently not workable. And the cost to fix it is just too far out of my budget. And to buy (or even to rent) a car is also most definitely out of my budget. So I don't know what to do right now...

I have to travel around the state, connect with supporters, finish raising my missions budget, speak at churches, etc. But without a vehicle, I can't do any of those things. I know this might sound like an odd request... 

But do you know of anyone who might have a vehicle they'd loan me for part of the summer? Preferably in Alabama, but if it's elsewhere, that could be arranged too, as I could fly from Senegal to whereever the car is if need be. And obviously I'd pay for my own fuel and wear and tear on the vehicle. I'll be in the States for anywhere for about 7 weeks this summer, coming back around the 9th or so of June and staying 'til the end of July. 

I can't schedule services until I know about my vehicle situation as I need to know I have a vehicle first. So yes, I'm praying for a miracle. Will you help me pray for this?

What am I working on?

Sorting/Organizing everything at home. You don't realize how much stuff you collect after living somewhere for this long. And my apartment isn't that big to begin with. So I've made a list, breaking my apartment into sections. Most rooms are their own section. But if it's a room with more stuff (my bedroom and the kitchen, for example), then I'll give myself a bit longer to work in them. My plan is to give myself one week to work on each section, with the realization that it will not always take a full week to do it. So I can then start on the next section. And my goal is to use the 9 weeks I have until Spring Break to work on this. Then over Spring Break, I'll be able to know what baskets/storage containers I need and can go buy those and have everything all set up nice and neat. And also, that'll give me Spring Break to relax. Well, that, and work in my classroom... :)

Anywho - Here are the sections I have.

*kitchen food
*kitchen stuff
*living/dining room
*bathroom
*hall closets (linens)
*bedroom clothes
*bedroom stuff
*classroom storage at home

What am I excited about?

How fast my fundraising efforts have worked! Oh my word, God has worked in this situation in an incredible way! Once all promised amounts hit my account, I will only need $61 more in monthly pledges/commitments. If you'd like to partner with me to raise this last bit, either click HERE or email me at enichols85@gmail.com for more info.

What am I watching?

I've finally joined the world of Netflix. First up on my To Watch List is The Good Doctor. But what else should I be watching? Anyone have a good recommendation? Leave me a comment below with your favorite Netflix shows. I'm not a fan of sci-fi shows OR crime shows. But past that, I'm up for almost anything...



What am I reading?

Since my last What's Up Wednesday post, I've read quite a few books. I read Status of All Things, Girl in the Blue Coat, Someone Knows My Name, The Outsiders, and Lila. And now I have a new stack of books at home, calling my name, ready for me to start reading when I get home each day. I love to read. My problem, though, is that I'm exhausted by the time I get home each day, so if I sit still and read, I'll end up falling asleep :)

What am I listening to?

I've been listening to "Control" by Tenth Avenue North on repeat lately. A friend shared it on Facebook one day last week and I was blessed to hear it at just the right time. God  placed this song in my path at just the right time. Have you ever been worried about something to the point of losing sleep? I've been like that the last few weeks. I'm talking about struggling hard... And y'all, I've prayed. I've read my Bible. And I've literally cried my fair share of tears, asking God why I have to face this unknown. Y'all, it's easy to say "Just let it go." But this is something I'm struggling with... And I'm talking about major struggling here. So anywho - When my friend shared it on Facebook the other day, I listened to it and then googled the lyrics and just sat there on my couch, with tears streaming down my face, telling God, "I know I need to give you complete control of my situation. But it's hard. Really hard... Please help me to let go of this. Help me to release my grip on this situation and give you complete control it all."

What am I wearing?

It's been pretty chilly lately. So most evenings as of late, I can be found on my couch in sweats and socks, so I can hopefully stay a bit warmer. I'm not complaining, though. It sure is nice to not be sweating, for a change. I do definitely enjoy that.

What am I doing this weekend?

I'll be at church on Sunday. But that's as far as I've gotten, plans wise.

Is it sad that I'm looking forward to having a weekend at home. I'm looking forward to NOT  making many plans. Because, while I do have a couple projects planned both at home and in my classroom, I'm honestly looking forward to simply relaxing :)

What am I looking forward to next month?

A Day off from School
Softball Tournament 
Olympics at school
Payday :)

What else is new?

I made a crockpot full of oatmeal on Saturday. And I've been slowly eating my way through it. I'm realizing that I was all wrong as a child. Oatmeal is definitely a tasty food. I'm enjoying trying out new toppings for it too. What are your favorite oatmeal toppings? Let me know. Maybe I can try your suggestion out next.

And then each month there's a special question. January's special question is...

What's your favorite soup recipe?

This is a tough one to answer. I love so many soups. It's hard to pick just one favorite. So instead, I'm going to name my top 4 soups. That's okay. Right? :)

Taco Soup

Potato Soup

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Chili

So what are YOU up to this month?

January 2018's Coffee Date

Happy Monday Y'all!

I'm joining Erin for her monthly Coffee Date link-up, where we pretend we're on a coffee date with a friend, just hanging out, and chatting about life at the moment.

If we were on a coffee date, I'd probably be drinking ice water. Hence, the water bottle in today's title picture... I'm trying really hard to limit my caffeine intake. I'd tell you that while it's hard, I've been doing far better than I thought I would be. So yay for me :)

If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you all about the conference I was at last week. I'd tell you how nice it was. I'd tell you how God spoke to my life. I'd tell you so many things. But most of all, I'd tell you that I realized just how thankful I am for this group I call my AGWM family. What a blessing this organization is!

If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you that I definitely enjoyed my Christmas Break, especially being able to catch up on sleep, reading, and time spent with friends. But I'd also tell you that I'm happy to be back at school with my crew. They bring such joy to my life :)

If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you that I have something big on my heart. And I'm realizing God's clearly wanting to teach me to have more faith and trust in Him through this. Ah, the interesting ways He gets things through to us ;)

If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you that this surprise gift was waiting on me on the first day of school. I've been wanting to read it ever since I first saw it advertised. I started reading it this past weekend and I love it!

If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you that I'm still raising support. I've raised my cash budget. Now I need to raise my monthly budget. My monthly budget covers my salary, insurance, and monthly living and ministry expenses. If you feel led to give, click HERE and follow the prompts to set up a recurring (monthly) commitment. And if you'd like more info about this, send me an email at enichols85@gmail.com.

If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you that weekly dinners with some of our AG kids (and others who have eaten with us throughout the year) are a treat. And I was happy for that to start back this week.

If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you that while watching softball this past Friday, I was freezing! Oh my word, it was so cold!

If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you that this past weekend I had breakfast with some of my fellow AG ladies to say See ya Later to one who's leaving for a bit. It was such a nice time with delicious food and a fun time of fellowship.

If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you this is what my desk looked like when I walked in to do some work this weekend. Knee deep in planning... Just keeping it real folks. It's not always nice and neat. That's for sure :)

If we were on a coffee date, I'd share one of my favorite MLK, Jr. quotes, in honor of today being his birthday.

So if we were on a coffee date, what would YOU share?

Currently

Today I'm joining Anne for her first Currently link-up of the new year.

But first...

Can we all be amazed that it's already 2018? Didn't 2017 just fly by?

Anywho - On with the post :)

So what am I currently up to? 

I'll tell you.

I'm currently ENJOYING our conference, and all I'm learning. What a blessing it is to be a part of this amazing organization!

I'm currently STARTING to get mentally prepared for school starting back. I've loved my break. And I definitely have loved catching up on sleep and free time. But y'all, I can tell it's almost time because I'm really missing my kids :)

I'm currently HOPING for God to move in a big way in regards to my class. I haven't written any details about it on here and I'm not yet. But y'all, feel free to join me in praying...

I'm currently READING a lot! Hello Christmas Break with all your free time :)

I'm currently EATING lots of yummy deliciousness that I can't get in Senegal :)

I'm currently SCHEDULING (or at least I will be when I get back to Dakar) services for this summer. I still need to raise $400 in monthly commitments (support) in order to finish raising my missions budget. Will you prayerfully consider partnering with me to raise this amount? If so, either click HERE and follow the prompts to donate online OR email me at enichols85@gmail.com for more info on how to send donations through the mail.

I'm currently PLANNING to read  and journal through the entire Bible, using a new reading plan for the year. I'm also doing a coloring devotional each night, as a relaxing way to end my days. I know we're only a few days in. But so far, so good :)

I'm currently STAYING in South Africa for our continent wide missionary conference and retreat. It's been great so far and it's only half over. What a blessing this week has been so far, and I know will continue to be.

One Word for 2018

Happy New Year!

In hopes of simplifying my life a bit, I'm changing up my New Year's Resolutions/Goals.

This year I'm focusing on one word...

Growth

In 2018, I'm going to focus on GROWTH in a few specific areas of my life...

Growth in my relationship with God

I want to grow deeper on my walk with the Lord this year. I want to grow to the point where my first instinct in times of trouble/confusion is to turn to prayer and His Word, rather than to advice from family or friends. I want to grow such a hunger for His Word, that it is the first book I pick up when I'm ready to relax and read. I want to grow in my relationship with God.

Growth in my career

I want to grow as a missionary teacher. I get the joy/blessing of having a career I truly LOVE. And I want to grow in that. I want to continue expanding my mind, growing in the knowledge needed to be the best missionary, the best teacher, the best missionary teacher I can be. I want to read and study. I want to explore and prepare. I want to grow in this career I so truly love.

Growth in my health

I want to grow healthier in 2018. I want to grow healthier - physically, spiritually, mentally. I plan to get in better shape. I plan to eat healthier. I plan to prevent some of the currently inevitable health conditions my family has dealt with. I plan to grow spiritually (see goal 1). And I plan to grow healthier mentally. I plan to include more positivity and less negativity in my life (see recent purchase below). I plan to spend more of my free time reading or expanding my mind, versus mindlessly scrolling through Facebook. I plan to include more free time in my often busy schedule. I plan to grow physically, spiritually, and mentally healthier. 

Growth in missions support

And since we're talking about needed growth... Another area in which I want (need) to see growth is in my missions support fundraising. I need to finish raising my budget. God has called me to Senegal to work with an incredible group of kids. But to continue long term at this, I need to raise the rest of my monthly commitments budget. If you're reading this today, and feel led to give, please click HERE or you can email me at enichols85@gmail.com for more info.