Thanksgiving Challenge:
I am thankful for the pile of laundry and ironing, because it means we have clothes to wear.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Prayers
Every morning, I receive an email containing a devotion. So last week as I was home recuperating from surgery, this is the devotion I received. (At the end, I will tell you why this touched me.)
Jesus assures us that our prayers will be answered: “Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you” (Matt. 7:7, NRSV). Yet sometimes we wonder. We may pray that a broken relationship be healed, that a loved one recover from serious illness, that a friend succeed in some new venture—but then things don’t turn out as we had hoped. We wonder if our prayers were answered. Or even heard. Can we believe Jesus’ promise, “For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened” (Matt. 7:8, NRSV)? “Everyone”? Every time?
How Our Prayers Are Answered
God’s response to prayer is not always what we expect. Sometimes the answer is hard to discover. Sometimes it is hard to accept. But if we listen with care, we will discern the answer. It may take any of these forms:
1. God may say yes.
When our prayer for others or for ourselves coincides with the good that God wills for our lives, we may find that what we sought actually comes to pass. We rejoice in God’s goodness and give thanks for gifts received.
2. But God may answer our prayer with no.
What we request may run at cross purposes to the divine will for human life. Or, even though good in itself, there may be a still greater good that God is preparing for our lives. God’s no is hard to accept. We may be confused, even angry. Our trust in God may waver. Yet, if we continue to listen, we will surely find the meaning in God’s denial and find the yes beyond the no.
3. Or God may say wait.
God is not in as big hurry as we are. We may not yet be ready for what we think we need.
We may need to do some more growing first, to prepare the way for God’s gift. We may need to change some circumstance in our lives before we could even begin to use what God has to offer. And in waiting, we may learn to pray a different prayer, to seek and find what is more in keeping with God’s will for our lives.
4. Or God may respond, not with what we sought, but with something better.
It may be something we might never have thought of on our own. This is often the case. With our limited view of human needs, we pray for one thing, only to discover the “answer” is quite another. We may not even see this answer at first, or if we see it, we may be disappointed. But as we live into this new answer, we often find it is far richer, deeper, more lasting than anything we had in mind.
Now, my part…
Last April, I was praying for a teaching job for the 2011-2012 school year. I started planning my summer and was thinking about a part-time job through the summer. I know a lady who is a store manager at a local grocery store so I emailed this lady and she told me that if she had an opening, she would call me.
Middle of May
She emails me and tells me she has a part-time position if I was interested. So, I went in and filled out the application and interviewed all in one day. They called and offered me the job and I started two weeks later. I never dreamed I would work at a grocery store but Jamie told me just do it for the summer.
Ok, First day arrives and I go in to do so training. When I come out of the training room, this man introduces himself to be as the District Manager. He proceeds to ask me if I know how to use different computer programs. I told him that I had an education degree and I used a lot of them programs going through college. He said, “I may have a job for you.” Fast forward two weeks, it was near the end of the time to turn in application for teaching positions so I said something to my friend. She told me to come and talk to him that next Monday. Never talking or have seen this man since my first day, I was extremely nervous.
I go and talk to him. He explains the job (which sounds wonderful), the hours (WONDERFUL!), and the pay. Ok, Jamie and I had discussed pay because I did not want to make a wrong decision by taking this job and not applying for a teaching job. He offered me the amount we had discussed (WONDERFUL).I agreed not to put in for any teaching jobs this school year. He asked me to start the next Monday.
I started that next week and I loved my new job. But, I started questioning whether I had made the right decision.
Here are three reasons I KNOW I made the right decision:
1. All teaching position, this year, are one year contracts so next May I would be looking for a job again.
2. I work 7:30-1:30 Monday through Friday, so I still have a family life.
3. Two weeks before school started, I found out that I would need surgery (a later post).
So, Did God answer my prayers? Yes, but not the way I asked but something so much better.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Sixth Grade Graduation at Tanner High School
Mrs. Poole and Mr. Owens, two great people.
One of my favorite students!
Getting their awards!
One of the best!
One of the best!
One of the best!
A sweetheart!
Mr. Tucker calling out the names of the "graduates".
I enjoyed seeing all of the students dressed up. I told them I would come back in SIX years and watch them received their "REAL" diplomas.
This was an awesome group of students and I enjoyed every minute I spend with them.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
What Is A Grandmother
Author: Unknown
A grandmother is a remarkable woman.
She's a wonderful combination of warmth and kindness, laughter and love.
She overlooks our faults, encourages our dreams, and praises our every success.
A grandmother has the wisdom of a teacher, the sincerity of a true friend, and the tenderness of a mother.
She's someone we admire, respect and love very much.
A grandmother will always have a cherished place in our memories and in our hearts.
She's someone for whom we want every happiness in return for the joy she always brings.
A grandmother is all the dear and precious things in life...
When she's a grandmother like you.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Mrs. Joyce Whitt
Let me begin 30 years ago. When I came to live with my grandparents at the age of 5, there was a very special lady at church that began loving me like I was her granddaughter. (She and my grandmother were great friends.) She would bring me “special” things to church. She always had a big smile on her face and she made you feel like you were the only person in the world. To tell you how special she was-- her and her husband sit where my grandparents would have sit at my wedding. She has been sick along time. Last summer, she was in rehab and I took my boys to see her. She was tickled to death to see them. On April 22, 2011 on my way home from school, I called my grandmother to check in and she told me that Mrs. Joyce Whitt had died. I was in total shock. That whole weekend was an emotional roller coaster. On Easter Sunday, I went to her funeral. What a sad day!
I will miss her so much.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
25 Manners
I found this article and I wanted to share. (If my children do this).
Manner #1~ When asking for something, say "Please." Always
Manner #2~ When receiving something, say "Thank you." Always
Manner #3~ Do not interrupt grown-ups who are speaking with each other unless there is an emergency. They will notice you and respond when they are finished talking. Sometimes
Manner #4~ If you do need to get somebody's attention right away, the phrase "excuse me" is the most polite way for you to enter the conversation. Sometimes
Manner #5~ When you have any doubt about doing something, asks permission first. It can save you from many hours of grief later. Never
Manner #6~ The world is not interested in what you dislike. Keep negative opinions to yourself, or between you and your friends, and out of earshot of adults. Sometimes
Manner #7~ Do not comment on other people's physical characteristics unless, of course, it's to compliment them, which is always welcome. Sometimes
Manner #8~ When people ask you how you are, tells them and then asks them how they are. Always
Manner #9~ When you have spent time at your friend's house, remember to thank his or her parents for having you over and for the good time you had. Sometimes
Manner #10~ Knock on closed doors -- and wait to see if there's a response -- before entering. Never
Manner #11~ When you make a phone call, introduce yourself first and then ask if you can speak with the person you are calling. Never-Mine do not talk on the phone.
Manner #12~ Be appreciative and say "thank you" for any gift you receive. In the age of e-mail, a handwritten thank-you note can have a powerful effect. Always
Manner #13~ Never uses foul language in front of adults. Grown-ups already know all those words, and they find them boring and unpleasant. Always
Manner #14~ Don't call people mean names. Sometimes
Manner #15~ Do not make fun of anyone for any reason. Teasing shows others you are weak, and ganging up on someone else is cruel. Sometimes
Manner #16~ Even if a play or an assembly is boring, sits through it quietly and pretends that you are interested. The performers and presenters are doing their best. Never
Manner #17~ If you bump into somebody, immediately say "Excuse me." Sometimes
Manner #18~ Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and don't pick your nose in public. Sometimes
Manner #19~ As you walk through a door, look to see if you can hold it open for someone else. Sometimes
Manner #20~ If you come across a parent, a teacher, or a neighbor working on something, asks if you can help. If they say "yes," do so -- you may learn something new. Never
Manners #21~ When an adult asks you for a favor, do it without grumbling and with a smile. Sometimes
Manner #22~ When someone helps you, say "thank you." That person will likely want to help you again. This is especially true with teachers! Sometimes
Manner #23~ Use eating utensils properly. If you are unsure how to do so, ask your parents to teach you or watch what adults do. Sometimes
Manner #24~ Keep a napkin on your lap; use it to wipe your mouth when necessary. Never...
Manner #25~ Don't reach for things at the table; ask to have them passed. Sometimes
It looks like I have a lot of things to work on this summer.
25 Manners Every Kid Should Know By Age 9Helping your child master these simple rules of etiquette will get him noticed -- for all the right reasons.
By David Lowry, Ph.D.
Your child's rude attitude isn't always intentional. Sometimes kids just don't realize it's impolite to interrupt, pick their nose, or loudly observe that the lady walking in front of them has a large behind. And in the hustle and bustle of daily life, busy moms and dads don't always have the time to focus on etiquette. But if you reinforce these 25 must-do manners, you'll raise a polite, kind, well-liked child.
Manner #1~ When asking for something, say "Please." Always
Manner #2~ When receiving something, say "Thank you." Always
Manner #3~ Do not interrupt grown-ups who are speaking with each other unless there is an emergency. They will notice you and respond when they are finished talking. Sometimes
Manner #4~ If you do need to get somebody's attention right away, the phrase "excuse me" is the most polite way for you to enter the conversation. Sometimes
Manner #5~ When you have any doubt about doing something, asks permission first. It can save you from many hours of grief later. Never
Manner #6~ The world is not interested in what you dislike. Keep negative opinions to yourself, or between you and your friends, and out of earshot of adults. Sometimes
Manner #7~ Do not comment on other people's physical characteristics unless, of course, it's to compliment them, which is always welcome. Sometimes
Manner #8~ When people ask you how you are, tells them and then asks them how they are. Always
Manner #9~ When you have spent time at your friend's house, remember to thank his or her parents for having you over and for the good time you had. Sometimes
Manner #10~ Knock on closed doors -- and wait to see if there's a response -- before entering. Never
Manner #11~ When you make a phone call, introduce yourself first and then ask if you can speak with the person you are calling. Never-Mine do not talk on the phone.
Manner #12~ Be appreciative and say "thank you" for any gift you receive. In the age of e-mail, a handwritten thank-you note can have a powerful effect. Always
Manner #13~ Never uses foul language in front of adults. Grown-ups already know all those words, and they find them boring and unpleasant. Always
Manner #14~ Don't call people mean names. Sometimes
Manner #15~ Do not make fun of anyone for any reason. Teasing shows others you are weak, and ganging up on someone else is cruel. Sometimes
Manner #16~ Even if a play or an assembly is boring, sits through it quietly and pretends that you are interested. The performers and presenters are doing their best. Never
Manner #17~ If you bump into somebody, immediately say "Excuse me." Sometimes
Manner #18~ Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and don't pick your nose in public. Sometimes
Manner #19~ As you walk through a door, look to see if you can hold it open for someone else. Sometimes
Manner #20~ If you come across a parent, a teacher, or a neighbor working on something, asks if you can help. If they say "yes," do so -- you may learn something new. Never
Manners #21~ When an adult asks you for a favor, do it without grumbling and with a smile. Sometimes
Manner #22~ When someone helps you, say "thank you." That person will likely want to help you again. This is especially true with teachers! Sometimes
Manner #23~ Use eating utensils properly. If you are unsure how to do so, ask your parents to teach you or watch what adults do. Sometimes
Manner #24~ Keep a napkin on your lap; use it to wipe your mouth when necessary. Never...
Manner #25~ Don't reach for things at the table; ask to have them passed. Sometimes
It looks like I have a lot of things to work on this summer.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
County Tournament- February 7, 2011
Andrew's basketball team won county tournament to be called “COUNTY CHAMPIONS!”
Enjoy the pictures of that special night.
 |
| Andrew after the big win! |
 |
| Getting his medal. |
 |
| Andrew with Coach Mario and Coach Chad. |
 |
| Excitement! |
 |
| The trophy! |
 |
| Last team meeting. |
 |
| We met our goal. |
 |
| Yeah! |
Basketball Season
Ok. I am a little late.
Andrew played basketball.
Enjoy the pictures of the season!
Andrew had a GREAT time!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Top 10 Things in 2010
So New Year's Eve is tonight...Can you believe it! Another year is out the door and what a great one it was!! So, many wonderful things Jamie, Austin, Andrew and I did this year.
I am listing the top 10 things we did in 2010. Let the countdown begin.
These things are in no certain order.
10. I finished my Master Degree in Education. (YEAH, ME!)
9…We purchased a BOAT and I rode the intertube… (We spent a lot of hours on the river during the summer.)
8…Austin’s fall baseball team (9-10) won the end of season tournament. GO BISCUITS!
7…Andrew caught a lot of fish during his fishing trips.
6…Jamie killed 3 deer.
5…Went on a great field trip with Austin to the ICE exhibit in Nashville.
4…Went on a great field trip with Austin and Jamie to Montgomery to visit our State Capitol.
3…I have made some really great friends this year.
2…Went on a great field trip with Andrew to Cathedral Caverns.
1…I purchased a MP3 Player.I love it…
I am listing the top 10 things we did in 2010. Let the countdown begin.
These things are in no certain order.
10. I finished my Master Degree in Education. (YEAH, ME!)
9…We purchased a BOAT and I rode the intertube… (We spent a lot of hours on the river during the summer.)
8…Austin’s fall baseball team (9-10) won the end of season tournament. GO BISCUITS!
7…Andrew caught a lot of fish during his fishing trips.
6…Jamie killed 3 deer.
5…Went on a great field trip with Austin to the ICE exhibit in Nashville.
4…Went on a great field trip with Austin and Jamie to Montgomery to visit our State Capitol.
3…I have made some really great friends this year.
2…Went on a great field trip with Andrew to Cathedral Caverns.
1…I purchased a MP3 Player.I love it…
Saturday, November 27, 2010
November 25--I AM THANKFUL FOR....
On Thanksgiving, I was sick and in the bed most of the day. So, I am thankful for medicine that helped me to feel better...
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
November 23--I AM THANKFUL FOR...
I am thankful for a GREAT field trip to Nashville....(I will post pictures later)...
Sunday, November 21, 2010
November 21--I AM THANKFUL FOR....
I am thankful for GREAT movies... I have been watching Fireproof for the hundredth time...
November 20--I AM THANKFUL FOR..
I am thankful for the Saturday morning basketball. Andrew scored 2 points. Go Mustanges!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
November 18--I AM THANKFUL FOR...
I am thankful for not having to cook supper....My mother-in-law invited us to eat with them...Yeah!
(ok..We are having ball practice four nights a week so I do not have time to cook.)
(ok..We are having ball practice four nights a week so I do not have time to cook.)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)