Happy Wednesday, Y'all
Today, I'm joining Shay and Sheaffer for the first What's Up Wednesday link-up of 2024. Can y'all believe that today is the last day of January? Wasn't it just New Year's Day?!
Every month we answer the same list of questions based on how things are currently going in our lives.
So let's get started...
I made a pot of chili on Monday. Oh my word, y'all... It was so good! And it might not have been cold outside (quite the opposite, in fact). But I totally bottomed out my AC that evening and pretended like it was winter inside. Whatever it takes. Right? Ha! :)
What am I reminiscing about?
Our current senior class as students over the years... Because I taught some of these kids back when I was an elementary teacher (1st, 4th, and 5th grades) and then a few since becoming a special ed teacher (which started when this class started 6th grade), not to mention all the class sponsoring and other stuff I've done with them... I recognize the gift/privilege it has been to have all these years with them, and it's one I don't take lightly. I love that I've had this sort of front row seat perspective of seeing them learn and grow over the years. And while I know I'll be crying all sorts of happy/proud tears on their graduation night in June, I really can't wait! What an awesome group of people they are!
What am I loving?
One night, as I was praying about a situation I'd recently experienced, the Lord laid Lamentations 3:22-23 on my heart...
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning...
Anywho - As I read this verse, I thought about my view as I walk across campus each morning, on my way from my apartment to my classroom. I love this view of the beautiful sky/beginnings of the sunrise peeking behind the trees and buildings. So I made it my mission to stop each morning and take a quick picture of the sky. By doing this, it has allowed me to force myself to stop, take a breath, and thank God for his incredible mercies and to thank him that even if something bad happened the day before, it's okay. His love and mercy never ends. It's new every single morning. And that is such an incredible gift!
What have I been up to?
Some friends and I went grocery shopping the other day. And while I was sitting in the car waiting on them to finish up in one store, I had to laugh. Here I am sitting on the side of the road and when I look up, I see a bunch of goats walking towards me. This one just stopped and stared at me. It's such a natural sight here, so I shouldn't let it surprise me. But for some reason, it still does all these years later :)
What am I dreading?
Pretty much anytime I have to go outside... The dust has been so awful lately. I feel like the minute I go outside, I instantly feel choked up. It's just so heavy in the air, turning the air almost orange/tan. In fact, most of the weather apps have put out warnings a lot lately about the quality of the air, due to all the dust. It's always bad this time of year. But I feel like it's worse for some reason this year...
What am I working on?
Trying to not get sick... Ah, one of the joys of working in a school. Kids are the best at sharing germs with one another. And it seems like there's always something going around. Here's hoping it stays far far away :)
What am I excited about?
One of the perks of teaching for as long as I have is getting to see students come back and visit along the way. When a former elementary student reached out, saying his school was visiting our city for an event, asking if I could potentially meet up, of course I jumped at the chance. And I'm taking a few of his former classmates with me as well. We say that our school is sometimes like a revolving door. Kids are always coming and going. So it's rare they're around for long periods of time. That's what makes this meet-up happening tonight such an exciting one for me. My teacher heart is excited today. That's for sure :)
What am I watching?
I watched "A Man Called Otto" on the plane on my way back to Senegal. Y'all... I was literally crying at the end (and at multiple other points during the movie too). I know I'm late watching it. But still... It was such a good movie that had me on the edge of my seat the whole time.
What am I reading?
I'm reading through the book of Philemon with one of my classes, as we put into practice some of the lessons we're learning on the spiritual discipline of Bible studying. We're using Philemon, since it's one of the shorter books of the Bible and we're therefore able to read and reread it multiple times, gaining all sorts of wisdom from it as we go. I love exploring, with my students, all the lessons God has for us through the reading, studying, and application of His Word!
What am I listening to?
While in the States and listening to the radio one day in the car, I heard the song "Brighter Days" by Blessing Offor. I love the music by itself, even without the lyrics, but I did, definitely, like/appreciate the words as well. I wasn't having the best day the first time that I heard it. I was feeling quite down, in fact, worrying about something and dwelling on the unknowns and bemoaning all of that to my mom. Then a few minutes later, this song came on the radio and it really made me stop and adjust my thinking that day...
What am I wearing?
Nothing exciting... It seems like the coolness didn't really last too long. So unfortunately, I'm back to wearing things that are lightweight and cool again. Here's hoping by next month, I'll be able to answer this question a bit differently... What do y'all think? :)
What am I doing this weekend?
Since I'm a (co) sponsor for our senior girls Small Group, that means this weekend, I'll be hanging out with 100+ high schoolers and some of my co-workers, at our High School Youth Group Retreat. I am looking forward to spending this time with the majority of our high schoolers. And I'm praying this weekend is a good time for them to continue drawing closer to the Lord.
What am I looking forward to next month?
We'll be planning our last big fundraiser for our senior class (insert break to cry a little here), which will be happening on the 1st of March. But all the work will be happening next month... So that's the biggest thing. Then there's a few fun things I have planned for the classes I teach. Plus Valentines Day is next month. And while I could live my life without the holiday, personally, I do like it as a teacher. I'm a big fan of finding ways to treat my students :)
Favorite recent Amazon find?
I ordered a few accessories to go with a "costume" idea I had for the fundraiser I was just talking about. And by costume, I mean, something to go with the t-shirt and jeans I'll be wearing. That way I can fit in with the theme but still be comfy, since I'll be working during the event, itself. But since the theme hasn't actually been announced yet, I won't share what I bought just yet... But I still am pretty happy about what I bought. :)
What's new this month?
Not a lot, other than things I've already mentioned in this post... Just living this life God's called me to live :)
And that's what I'm up to this month.
What about you?
What are YOU up to this month?
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