Growing in Gratitude

Happy Thursday!

Today I'm joining Julie and Trista for their monthly Growing in Gratitude link-up, helping us to focus more on having a more grateful attitude.

Want to know what I'm grateful for?

I'm grateful for RendCollective's song, Counting Every Blessing.

I've liked this song since the first time I heard it. But the other day, as I was listening to it basically on repeat, one part jumped out at me.

You were there in the valley of shadows
You were there in the depth of my sorrows
You're my strength, my hope for tomorrow
I've been blessed beyond all measure

I am counting every blessing, counting every blessing
Letting go and trusting when I cannot see
I am counting every blessing, counting every blessing
Surely every season you are good to me

I'm grateful for my Savior and I'm grateful He's been with me always

in the valley of shadows

and in the depth of my sorrows.

I'm grateful He's my strength

and my hope for tomorrow.

I'm grateful for every blessing He's given me.

Dear Lord,

Please help me do like the lyrics of this song says...

Help me to count every blessing.

Help me to let go and trust in YOU.  

Help me to see that in every season,

whether good or bad... 

You are with me ALWAYS.

Help me to always count my blessings.

And my #1 blessing?

It's YOU.

Thank you Lord for all you do for me.

Thank you for every blessing!

- Me 

What's Up September

Happy Wednesday Y'all

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?

I made steak fajita nachos and huge batch of Spanish rice the other day. It was my week to provide the meal for our Bible Study. And I decided to make a double batch, so I'd have leftovers. So I've been eating off of that. Mine is not authentic (obviously). But it was so good. And I must say. It was quite tasty :)

What am I reminiscing about?

Starting this dream class of mine - And all the memories this classroom of mine has produced over the past year and a half. God has been so good.

 

What am I loving?

I'm loving our new theme for Kids Club. It's all about COLORS. The kids seem to be loving it each week. And if they're happy, I'm happy. We cancelled this week, due to our meeting space being in use. That worked out though... It gives us extra time to plan lots of fun things for next week's Kids Club :)

What have I been up to?

We had our annual Staff Retreat this past weekend. I always love this weekend each year. It's fun to get together with my co-workers from school, enjoy fellowship together, good food, air conditioned rooms, and nice times of worship :)

 

What am I dreading praying for? 

I typically shy away from including something I'm dreading. Honestly, there's usually nothing that I'm dreading anyway. So instead, I've decided to change "dreading" to "praying," and instead, list what I'm praying for...

So what am I praying for at the moment?

I'm praying for peace and clarity and guidance.

What am I working on?


I'm working on studying God's Word more intently, as part of The Loved Bible Project. I'm really enjoying this way of studying the Bible, praying, and hearing all the Lord has for me to learn from this time. I'm also praying over every line I highlight, every note I include, praying for the person who will receive this Bible when I'm finished and God lays them on my heart.

What am I excited about? 

Guess who was gifted plane tickets for a trip to the US over Christmas Break! Yep, that's right! I'll be back in the US from December 19 to January 5. I can't wait to see these two girlies (and the rest of my family, too, of course)!

 

What am I watching? 

I just downloaded the iTunes season pass for the final season of Big Bang Theory. It's such a funny show. Definitely one of my favorites :)

What am I reading?
 

My latest copy of Influence Magazine came in the mail yesterday. So last night, while waiting for my assignment (as a student) to upload, I started reading this article on the more and more common state of biblical illiteracy of our country. It was an interesting read. I think, too often, people depend solely on the preacher to give them the Bible. I think most people aren't studying the Bible and the power/truth it contains, as deeply as they should. And I'm speaking to myself here, as well. How often have I just read to read, and not truly studied the power of what I was reading? So yeah... This article was a good one.

 

 

What am I listening to?

I have a random eclectic mix of music playing at the moment.

What am I wearing? 

Nothing exciting :)

What am I doing this weekend?

 I'll probably head out at some point Friday and Saturday night and watch some of our students and staff play Handball. I also have dinner plans Friday. And I have a cute 5 year old's birthday party on Saturday. And then I'll spend the rest of the day Saturday, prepping for the week ahead (for my classroom and for the class I'm taking, as well). And then on Sunday, I'll go to church and then spend the rest of the day, meal prepping, followed by sitting on my couch, relaxing.

What am I looking forward to next month?

More fun things planned with my class,
Parent Teacher Conferences (always nice to check in...)
Harvest Fest at school
Finishing my class (it's only 8 weeks long)
Starting my next class (I'll have a week off in between)

What else is new?

Not much...

And that's what I'm up to this month.

What about you?

What are YOU up to this month?

Tuesday Talk

Happy Tuesday Y'all 

Today, I'm joining Ashley and Erika for their monthly Tuesday Talk link-up, where we, bloggers, can talk about anything on our mind at the moment.

I've done a few of these posts over the years. 

February 2017 - Talking about Things I Wish I Could Say

May 2017 - Talking about Why I Teach 

July 2017 - Talking about Mega Conference

February 2018 - Talking about Stories Behind Some Photos

Mary 2018 - Talking about A Friend of Mine 

April 2018 - Talking about The #psloveme Challenge

May 2018 - Talking about My Upcoming Summer 

June 2018 - Talking about Randomness

And today, I'm going to be opening up and sharing my heart a bit. I'm going to be talking about something I've been feeling lately.

I remember having a conversation with a friend a few days before school started back... We were talking about how many years we've been teaching. When I told her I was starting my 10th year, it caught me off guard. 

10 years?!

It just didn't seem possible. 

And I remembered being that shy 23 year old, fresh out of college, transitioning from student teaching in the Fall to being a long-term sub in the Spring. I was so nervous. I was definitely not very confident in myself, as a teacher. In fact, I wrote a "letter" to First Year Teacher Me a few weeks ago, in which I talked about this.

Then, not long ago, I shared a bit of my Philosophy of Teaching and my thoughts about it, as well. In that post, I shared how I've changed as a teacher over the years. I shared how I felt far more confident in myself, as a teacher.

But recently, the devil has been filling my mind with lies, leaving me questioning my abilities as a teacher. For a while, I was walking around in a semi-fog, feeling utterly defeated and crushed in my spirit. I continued to teach my students (and I have taught them quite well, I might add). But the minute they would leave for the day, that sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach would return, worse than before. 

And then while at a really low point one day, I told a co-worker...

I feel like a total failure as a teacher.

And I was honest. 

I truly felt like a failure.

 Was I? No.

But it's how I felt. 



Then fast forward a few days, when I see the image above on Facebook. And do you want to know what I did after reading it?

I cried.

As in, full on, crocodile tears...

I cried a lot.

And then, I asked myself a couple questions.

Why am I believing lies?

 I'm giving control of my mind to the devil, the father of lies, which is CRAZY!

Who am I?

I am a child of God. 
I am a confident teacher.

Am I really a failure as a teacher? 

No. 
I am most definitely NOT a failure as a teacher.

My heart/spirit were left feeling defeated/crushed. And while, I don't feel those feelings anymore, it took a lot out of me. 

But my confidence is back.

And I've kicked all those lies I was believing to the curb.

So I'm feeling like myself again :)

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So why am I rambling on and on about this?

There are a few reasons.

1. I feel like there's this perception in the Christian world that Christians always have it all together. They don't experience sadness (as in, the deep emotional/mental hurt like I've been experiencing). They live in perfect bliss all the time. And if they do end up struggling, then there's a label slapped on them that calls them Damaged, or Sinner, or Whatever...

2. I need the support and accountability. I need friends asking how I'm doing and if I'm in the Word and praying about the areas in which I'm struggling. I need listening ears and I need guidance and advice. And FYI - I am blessed to have that here. But it's something I included on my original, personal (non-blogged) list.

3. I want other Christian Teachers (well, anyone in general) who are struggling to know they are not alone. Life can be hard. It can be especially hard if you feel like you're all alone out there. So if you're reading this and feeling this way, know that I am willing to be a listening ear/email recipient. 

Saturday's Letters

Happy Saturday, Y'all!

Today, I am joining Kristin (who just had an adorably beautiful baby girl, by the way) for her monthly Little Letters link-up, where we write "letters" to anything we want, as a way of sharing an update on our lives at the moment. Although, she may be ignoring blogging for a while longer as she loves on her new precious one.

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There are so many things I could write about.

But I'm tired.

So I'm sticking with just one...

Dear Kids Club,  

You started back this week.

 Thanks for being such a fun way to end my work day on Wednesday. 

We read this book.

Chameleon's Colors by Chisato Tashiro

  

We talked about this Bible verse...

  

 

 We played a fun game (which I didn't get a picture of since I was leading the lesson/craft part of the afternoon). But I heard so many happy little voices, recounting how much fun they had during game time.

We decorated chameleons to represent ourselves.

All in all, we had a great afternoon.

Wednesday will be my longest day each week.

I put in a full day of teaching. Then I lead Kids Club. Then I go back to my classroom to do any prep work necessary for the following day. And it can be long and tiring. And honestly... At the end of last school year, I was even thinking I might have to give up Kids Club.

 But you know...

I'm so glad I didn't.

I'm so glad God allowed me to continue.

It's times like this one.

There I was, sitting on the floor, surrounded by kids from so many different countries and backgrounds and families and religions and beliefs...

And you know...

Our number one, top goal in Kids Club is to see these precious ones grow closer to our Savior over the course of this school year. And as I watched them, so engaged with the lesson, listening intently, answering questions, and encouraging their friends... 

As I sat there, leading this lesson, I thought...

This is why I do it.

This is why I don't mind Wednesday being such a long day each week.

It's so incredibly 100% worth it.

So to wrap up this "letter," I'll say...

Thanks, Kids Club.

Thanks for the fun way to end my Wednesday each week.

And more than that, thanks for giving our kids yet another way to learn about you. What a blessing it is to work in a Christian School! Thanks for that reminder, as well.

Sincerely,

Me

Currently

Happy Thursday Y’all

Today I’m joining Anne from In Residence for her monthly Currently link-up, where we share what’s currently going on in our lives.

Each month, Anne gives us a list of prompts to use to guide our posts. This month’s prompts were: 

* starting * buying * sharing * reading * recording *

So what am I currently up to?

I’m currently starting to do better about preventing myself from working so much at home. Wish me luck at continuing :)

I’m currently buying not a lot. My fridge and freezer are both full. My cabinets are full. So why buy more? However, with that said... When a friend told me our school's Cantina (snack counter) had Dr. Peppers in stock, I quickly made my way out there to get a couple. After all, this goodness is a rare treat now that I live in the land of no Dr. Peppers :)

I’m currently sharing my heart with a great group of kids. I consider it to be such a blessing to be their teacher.

I’m currently reading this adaptation of Inside Out with my class, as part of some Social Skills lessons I like to do at the beginning of the year, learning how to deal with various emotions we all have. My students have LOVED this book. We'll finish it today. And then tomorrow, we'll watch the movie. My kids are so excited! And I do believe I am too :)

I’m currently recording nothing really... Well, other than 4 pages, double spaced, all about Writing Quality IEPs for a class I'm taking. Sounds exciting, huh? :)

And that's what I'm currently up to.

What about you?

August 2018 in Photos

Happy Monday Y'all



And all the teachers said Amen...

School's been back in session for 2 1/2 weeks. My class is quite a bit different this year and requires a lot more prep/planning. And I've been dealing with some other stuff on top of that, so the dog in the picture above is totally me :) However, even though I'm tired, I’m so enjoying teaching these kids God has sent my way.

  Anywho - On with the post...

At the beginning of each month, I'll share the previous month's photos. I'm sharing, if for no other reason, to help me remember some memories and thoughts that went along with each of my 365 photos from the month at hand...

Can you believe it's already September?!

Anywho - Here are August's photos.

Days 213 - 215

213) On Day 213, I mailed a stack of thank you cards. 
214) On Day 214, this sweetness happened at naptime.
215) On Day 215, I had the privilege of watching this girl graduate preK.

Days 216 - 218

216) On Day 216, I watched my nieces mesmerized by all the goings on at the airport. 217) On Day 217, I arrived back in Senegal.
218) Day 218 was my birthday.

Days 219 - 221

  219) On Day 219, I got this sweet birthday card from a student.

220) On Day 220, I made my favorite birthday cupcakes :)
221) On Day 221, I began tackling this mess...

Days 222 - 225

222) On Day 222, I saw this (not so) fun sight at the grocery store.
223) Day 223 started with appetizer prep.
224) On Day 224, I put the finishing touches on my class decor.
225) On Day 225, I led a presentation on Special Education.

Days 226 - 228

226) Day 226 saw caffeine and chocolate help me get everything done.
227) Day 227 was the first day of school with my new "team" :)
228) Day 228 ended with silly faces and Uno.

Days 229 - 232

229) Day 229 was a 16+ hour work day, but we were o-fish-ally happy :)
230) On Day 230 I expressed thankfulness for this addition to my classroom.
231) Day 231 included seeing a bunch of these guys.
232) Day 232 ended with Chinese food with this friend (and others).

Days 233 - 236

233) On Day 233, we learned the adults in our class are ninja teachers :)
234) Day 234 included some Bible research.
235) On Day 235, I caught this guy's smile :)
236) On Day 236, I bought a few boxes of this goodness.

Days 237 - 239

237) Day 237 included a fun package of sweetness in the mail.
238) On Day 238, we played a game to help us learn vocabulary words.
239) On Day 239, we had lots of individualized learning going on.

Days 240 - 242

240) Day 240 ended with a whole lot of lesson prep.
241) On Day 241, I found out that Heaven gained this special angel.
242) On Day 242, my heart beamed during free reading time.

And in case you missed them, here are the links to the previous months' photos.

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

JULY