The past few weeks I've found it very hard to be patient and content with where I am in life right now. I'm not sure why I've been so pouty about it lately...all I know is that I have been and it's not good. The things that I want and desire are good things but being all "down in the dumps" about not having these things right NOW....not-so-good. (cue:CanyoutellthatIworkinapreschool?)
Things I have yearned for lately include:
1. A kitten:) If you're a cat person, this needs no explanation whatsoever. If you're a dog person, imagine it says "A puppy" and you'll get the picture.
2. A house to have the kitten play in. No I don't mean a kitty playhouse...I mean an adult house so that I don't have to give our apartment complex some outrageous pet fee just to save a sweet little kitten from getting euthanized at an overcrowded shelter. If I can adopt the kitten for under $20 why do apartment complexes think they have the right to charge like $300 to keep it in my apartment???? Sheesh. Also, paying rent is like throwing money away...and even though I understand that we have NO CLUE where we'll be in July 2014 (thus why we have to rent right now) and that it would be silly to buy a house for only 1.5 years of guaranteed living in it.....I just.....ugh. Eventually it would be kinda nice to own something house-like...(soIcangetakitten).
3. Kids...this is in two parts...
A. I'm reaching a point where I'd like to have a baby. At least in theory. In reality, I just think I'd be really cute pregnant (which is probably a big fairy tale...like watching Disney movies and expecting relationships to be like that)...The idea of having a baby sounds like fun...until you see a frazzled new mom who doesn't get enough sleep and the baby cries allthetime!!!!!!!! That doesn't sound like fun...so on to part B.
B. Hubby and I feel overwhelmingly called to adopt. I cannot tell you how awesome it is to live in an area and go to a church where adoptions are very common:) I've learned a lot from talking to people and it gets me all jittery excited for us to start the process. I'm the kind of person that doesn't like to waste time with things. I'd love for us to have started paperwork yesterday but realistically that is just not where we are right now. For a lot of reasons.
4. Then Friday happened. I'm a teacher...close in age to at least 2 of the teachers that were killed at Sandy Hook. I'm a sister. I'm a wife. I'm heartbroken over what happened. I spent the bulk of both Friday and Saturday crying, praying, and texting all of my teacher friends telling them how much I love them and adore them and wish I could hug them. I miss my students from NC. This weekend brought that to light. So I yearn for Jesus to come back, end this suffering, take me Home, and bring justice to this world. Romans 8:18-25 We yearn, we wait, we groan in waiting.
Throughout the past few weeks, when I've felt particularly overcome with a pity party or overwhelmed with grief, I've turned to a song. This song was introduced to me by the worship director at our church when someone you know decided it would be a good idea to join the Christmas Choir (hint - it was me, and it was not the best idea I assure you - but it was fun). He gave everyone a cd of the music we'd be singing. And really, up until the past 2 weeks I hadn't been practicing on my own at all and thus hadn't been listening to the cd, even though it's been in my car. But a few weeks ago we practiced this song for the bulk of our practice time and I knew...this song gave me the Hope I needed to emerge from the stupid pity parties I was throwing. It's so powerful. And it's the perfect reminder in light of my silly self, in light of the horror of Friday, in light of Christmas.
I've listened to it or sang it probably over 50 times in the past weeks...letting it remind me that He is here, and He's here to save. I'm so thankful I'm never alone. I'm so thankful that He is here to save me and love me and comfort me. I hope and pray that this song provides you with comfort and peace, reminding you what Christmas is really all about.
You can listen to it by clicking on the link below and watch a powerful video to go along with it.
"Here With Us" By Joy Williams
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Sunday, December 9, 2012
I'm ready...
...for Christmas!
Someone asked me last week if I was ready for Christmas and I responded with an excited, YES!
Here are reasons why I'm ready...in no particular order:
1. We picked out a lovely 7ft. Fraser Fir courtesy of Home Depot on Nov. 27 and my sweet hubby put all the lights on that same night!
2. All of the ornaments were placed on the tree, plus some silver icicley things I bought last year by Nov. 28.
3. As of a few days ago, ALL of my Christmas shopping/gifting AND wrapping is COMPLETE! Phew.
4. Our stockings are hung by the digital piano with care.
5. The Christmas dishes and place mats have been making an appearance since Nov. 26.
6. I bought cute decorations a week after Christmas LAST YEAR at 90% off the original price and got to use them THIS YEAR! I have garland on our banister, snowmen at the 1/2 way point on our stairs, over 30 new ornaments, and a Happy Holidays welcome mat.
6a. My mom moved into a new house and the people living there previously gave her a lot of their old things...and she gave what she didn't want to me and my sister! Score:) So I walked away with even more ornaments and a wreath for our front door!!!!
7. Our church is beautifully decorated!
8. The children's choir sang last week and the adult choir is singing next week - so fun!
9. I got a manicure (for free!) last week and made sure the color was as close to Christmas red as humanly possible.
10. We've attended our first of 3 Christmas parties already:) Yay for meeting hubby's work friends!
11. We went to the Oak Ridge Christmas Parade last night and it was so much fun. There were over 100 floats to see. It was a great parade, and we got some free candy to boot!
12. We have a basic traveling plan already laid out.
13. The series at our church this month is called Glimpse. We are going through the OT looking at glimpses of our Savior who is coming. It has been very good and rewarding.
14. I'm eagerly anticipating the celebration of Jesus' arrival. My Deliverer. Immanuel. God with me.
Are you ready?
Honestly now, this is the first year where I'm not seriously stressing about this holiday. It's very tempting to get stressed this time of year. But because of #14 on my list, I don't have to stress. And you don't either. He is coming. Whether your gifts are all bought, wrapped, and delivered on time, or not...whether your tree is up or not...whether you've drank egg nog already or not...He is coming...whether you visit your family or not...whether you sing carols or bah humbug your way through the season, Christ is coming. For you. For me.
He is coming because we need saving, and He loves us that much...to humble Himself in the form of man, to walk on earth, and deliver us from sin's grasp. He is coming to offer you freedom. This Christmas season, will you be set free? Or will you remain wrapped up in just a "snuggie" feel good Jesus that sounds nice, and looks cute in a nativity scene...never to really impact your life at all.
It's your choice.
Someone asked me last week if I was ready for Christmas and I responded with an excited, YES!
Here are reasons why I'm ready...in no particular order:
1. We picked out a lovely 7ft. Fraser Fir courtesy of Home Depot on Nov. 27 and my sweet hubby put all the lights on that same night!
2. All of the ornaments were placed on the tree, plus some silver icicley things I bought last year by Nov. 28.
3. As of a few days ago, ALL of my Christmas shopping/gifting AND wrapping is COMPLETE! Phew.
4. Our stockings are hung by the digital piano with care.
5. The Christmas dishes and place mats have been making an appearance since Nov. 26.
6. I bought cute decorations a week after Christmas LAST YEAR at 90% off the original price and got to use them THIS YEAR! I have garland on our banister, snowmen at the 1/2 way point on our stairs, over 30 new ornaments, and a Happy Holidays welcome mat.
6a. My mom moved into a new house and the people living there previously gave her a lot of their old things...and she gave what she didn't want to me and my sister! Score:) So I walked away with even more ornaments and a wreath for our front door!!!!
7. Our church is beautifully decorated!
8. The children's choir sang last week and the adult choir is singing next week - so fun!
9. I got a manicure (for free!) last week and made sure the color was as close to Christmas red as humanly possible.
10. We've attended our first of 3 Christmas parties already:) Yay for meeting hubby's work friends!
11. We went to the Oak Ridge Christmas Parade last night and it was so much fun. There were over 100 floats to see. It was a great parade, and we got some free candy to boot!
12. We have a basic traveling plan already laid out.
13. The series at our church this month is called Glimpse. We are going through the OT looking at glimpses of our Savior who is coming. It has been very good and rewarding.
14. I'm eagerly anticipating the celebration of Jesus' arrival. My Deliverer. Immanuel. God with me.
Are you ready?
Honestly now, this is the first year where I'm not seriously stressing about this holiday. It's very tempting to get stressed this time of year. But because of #14 on my list, I don't have to stress. And you don't either. He is coming. Whether your gifts are all bought, wrapped, and delivered on time, or not...whether your tree is up or not...whether you've drank egg nog already or not...He is coming...whether you visit your family or not...whether you sing carols or bah humbug your way through the season, Christ is coming. For you. For me.
He is coming because we need saving, and He loves us that much...to humble Himself in the form of man, to walk on earth, and deliver us from sin's grasp. He is coming to offer you freedom. This Christmas season, will you be set free? Or will you remain wrapped up in just a "snuggie" feel good Jesus that sounds nice, and looks cute in a nativity scene...never to really impact your life at all.
It's your choice.
Friday, November 30, 2012
30th Day of Thanksgiving
Well it's the last day of November. I can't believe how fast this month has flown by. I made a goal at the beginning of the month to blog every day about something I was thankful for. I didn't quite follow it religiously but I have still put forth a good effort I think. With that said, here is my last one:
Day 30 - I'm thankful that I know and serve a God that hears and answers prayers.
I've been going through a lot emotionally this week and today I finally feel hopeful. I know that it's because I spent a better part of yesterday evening talking to God and letting Him know what I was struggling with. Today I know He's lifted some of that burden by reminding me that He desires to encourage me strongly. And as long as I have Him, hope is NEVER lost.
Amen.
PS. If I blogged about this topic already I don't care. God deserves more blogs than anything else:)
Day 30 - I'm thankful that I know and serve a God that hears and answers prayers.
I've been going through a lot emotionally this week and today I finally feel hopeful. I know that it's because I spent a better part of yesterday evening talking to God and letting Him know what I was struggling with. Today I know He's lifted some of that burden by reminding me that He desires to encourage me strongly. And as long as I have Him, hope is NEVER lost.
Amen.
PS. If I blogged about this topic already I don't care. God deserves more blogs than anything else:)
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Behind! 26-27-28-29
26 - I'm thankful for the opportunities Hope Resource Center provides for women to hear about Jesus.
27 - I'm thankful for Christmas trees and how they smell!
28 - I'm thankful that it's okay to tell God how we really feel.
29 - I'm thankful for my fluffy robe that keeps me warm in the mornings.
Sorry I've not kept up with this very well right after Thanksgiving. One more day left!
27 - I'm thankful for Christmas trees and how they smell!
28 - I'm thankful that it's okay to tell God how we really feel.
29 - I'm thankful for my fluffy robe that keeps me warm in the mornings.
Sorry I've not kept up with this very well right after Thanksgiving. One more day left!
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Days 24 & 25 of Thanks
Day 24 - My Grammy
She's 80 ya'll! I love her so much. She is smart, funny, brutally honest, a believer, a quilter, and an amazing grandmother. I love having so many family gatherings at her house! Even if she falls asleep while we are playing games:) She makes the best food (rolls!) and is truly a genuine person.
Day 25 - Christmas Music
Hey, it's after Thanksgiving so rock on the Christmas Cheer!
Fa la la la la la la la la. Enough said.
She's 80 ya'll! I love her so much. She is smart, funny, brutally honest, a believer, a quilter, and an amazing grandmother. I love having so many family gatherings at her house! Even if she falls asleep while we are playing games:) She makes the best food (rolls!) and is truly a genuine person.
Day 25 - Christmas Music
Hey, it's after Thanksgiving so rock on the Christmas Cheer!
Fa la la la la la la la la. Enough said.
Friday, November 23, 2012
Day 21-23
We have been traveling so I hope you can forgive my slight lack of blogging. These posts will be short but sweet!
Day 21 - My sissy, Mandy!!!!!!!!!
She told me she'd been waiting for this post:) Well here it is. We went shopping together on Wednesday and it was so much fun to spend time with her. It's never enough. I hope our dream comes true of one day being little old ladies and living next door to each other. That would be sweet. She's my twin soul. My best friend. And the only one that can randomly bust out in song with me, or understand my crazy childhood movie quotes! I love her so much. She just got married and though I love her man, I'm jealous. He gets to spend way more time with her than me. But alas, life goes on doesn't it? Truly, she's amazing. We are so alike and so different at the same time. But most importantly, she's my blood...fo life yo!
Day 22 - Delicious Food
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! What was your favorite Thanksgiving treat? I ate a lot of delicious yummies. My favorite is sweet potato casserole and then probably any kind of pie!
Day 23 - My dad
He's an awesome dude. He's taught me so much about adult things like how to check the tire pressure on my car, balance my budget, plan ahead for things, make things out of wood, be resourceful, have fun, etc. I love my dad. He's a big teddy bear!
Day 21 - My sissy, Mandy!!!!!!!!!
She told me she'd been waiting for this post:) Well here it is. We went shopping together on Wednesday and it was so much fun to spend time with her. It's never enough. I hope our dream comes true of one day being little old ladies and living next door to each other. That would be sweet. She's my twin soul. My best friend. And the only one that can randomly bust out in song with me, or understand my crazy childhood movie quotes! I love her so much. She just got married and though I love her man, I'm jealous. He gets to spend way more time with her than me. But alas, life goes on doesn't it? Truly, she's amazing. We are so alike and so different at the same time. But most importantly, she's my blood...fo life yo!
Day 22 - Delicious Food
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! What was your favorite Thanksgiving treat? I ate a lot of delicious yummies. My favorite is sweet potato casserole and then probably any kind of pie!
Day 23 - My dad
He's an awesome dude. He's taught me so much about adult things like how to check the tire pressure on my car, balance my budget, plan ahead for things, make things out of wood, be resourceful, have fun, etc. I love my dad. He's a big teddy bear!
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
19 & 20 Thanksgivings
#19 - Mentors
Hubby and I had our match meeting yesterday! No, I'm not talking about eHarmony style but I am talking about our Amachi match meeting. Now, what is Amachi you may ask? Amachi Knoxville is an organization that pairs Christian mentors with kids from 3 or 4 to 18 years old who have at least one biological parent that is incarcerated. As mentors we commit to spending at least 1 hour per week (4 hours a month) with our mentee and to serve as their mentor for one year.
Hubbs and I were really hoping for a set of siblings so we could pour into one family together. Finally, after much waiting, we met them yesterday. I was matched with a 10 year old girl and Hubbs is matched with her 5 year old brother. We are very excited to start hanging out with these kids and loving on them and their mother.
I'm very thankful that God has equipped us for the opportunity to mentor them and teach them about Christ. I'm thankful that we are doing it as a couple so we can grow through this process together. I'm thankful for people who served as mentors in our lives at different points who helped us grow in our faith and our marriage.
Major mentors for me personally: Mrs. Knight, my 5th grade teacher; Col. Stephenson, my JROTC instructor for 4 years; Elisa Sisterhen and Erin Coomer, Bible Study leaders in Cru at UNC.
I've learned so much from each one and am thankful for their love towards me.
Who has been a mentor for you?
#20 - Good health
We take this for granted all of the time don't we? If you got out of bed this morning with little physical effort involved, walked to the kitchen and fed yourself breakfast...you have A LOT to be thankful for.
I take my good health for granted every day. But today, while I was with my sweet special needs kids at work, I was struck again with how blessed I am to be in good health. Don't get me wrong, kids with special needs are a blessing too, I would never say that they weren't. But, sometimes it's hard to see kids who may never walk on their own, or be able to form words and tell you what they want, or who can't ever tie their own shoes...or feed themselves. That's tough stuff. My hope is that they will learn how to do all those things one day but the fact is, it's possible that they won't. I'm thankful for the sweetness of their faces, even when they're screaming at you for making them go to the potty, or sit in a chair at the lunch table. And it really makes me thankful for good health.
When have you been struck with how blessed you are to be alive and well?
Hubby and I had our match meeting yesterday! No, I'm not talking about eHarmony style but I am talking about our Amachi match meeting. Now, what is Amachi you may ask? Amachi Knoxville is an organization that pairs Christian mentors with kids from 3 or 4 to 18 years old who have at least one biological parent that is incarcerated. As mentors we commit to spending at least 1 hour per week (4 hours a month) with our mentee and to serve as their mentor for one year.
Hubbs and I were really hoping for a set of siblings so we could pour into one family together. Finally, after much waiting, we met them yesterday. I was matched with a 10 year old girl and Hubbs is matched with her 5 year old brother. We are very excited to start hanging out with these kids and loving on them and their mother.
I'm very thankful that God has equipped us for the opportunity to mentor them and teach them about Christ. I'm thankful that we are doing it as a couple so we can grow through this process together. I'm thankful for people who served as mentors in our lives at different points who helped us grow in our faith and our marriage.
Major mentors for me personally: Mrs. Knight, my 5th grade teacher; Col. Stephenson, my JROTC instructor for 4 years; Elisa Sisterhen and Erin Coomer, Bible Study leaders in Cru at UNC.
I've learned so much from each one and am thankful for their love towards me.
Who has been a mentor for you?
#20 - Good health
We take this for granted all of the time don't we? If you got out of bed this morning with little physical effort involved, walked to the kitchen and fed yourself breakfast...you have A LOT to be thankful for.
I take my good health for granted every day. But today, while I was with my sweet special needs kids at work, I was struck again with how blessed I am to be in good health. Don't get me wrong, kids with special needs are a blessing too, I would never say that they weren't. But, sometimes it's hard to see kids who may never walk on their own, or be able to form words and tell you what they want, or who can't ever tie their own shoes...or feed themselves. That's tough stuff. My hope is that they will learn how to do all those things one day but the fact is, it's possible that they won't. I'm thankful for the sweetness of their faces, even when they're screaming at you for making them go to the potty, or sit in a chair at the lunch table. And it really makes me thankful for good health.
When have you been struck with how blessed you are to be alive and well?
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