A Birthday Surprise

I was walking up to my classroom for the last period of the day. I was puzzled because the door was shut and the light was off. I open the door and hear "SURPRISE!" then my students begin to sing Happy Birthday. I start to tear up as I blow out the candles that they put on my Birthday Cake. The candles were a little melted because I was a little delayed getting to the classroom, but all still went well. I opened up the sweet cards from my students and began to tear up again. Then one of my young men promptly gave me a box of Kleenex. I was still in a little shock from the surprise and enjoying every moment. Yet something was not quite right....

After the shock wore off, the smell of smoke just kept lingering a little to much for just candles.

The real surprise came when I asked the students "what happened?" I knew this would not be good. Not until investigating did we discover that the students lit the candles with a lighter that they had acquired from an upper school student (Mistake Number 1). The student who was lighting the candles had issues putting the flame to the candle without burning his fingers. (Mistake Number 2). That student then rolled up a piece of paper and used it as a torch to light the rest of the candles. (Mistake Number 3). He could not get the flame out. So he threw the paper in the trash can. (Mistake Number 4). He then threw a bottle of bubbles on the flame to finally to put it out. (I had given them bubbles that morning to celebrate my Birthday.) One student then promptly opened the window preventing the school fire alarm from going off.

They wanted to surprise me and they definitely did.

Mini-Me

I ran into my mini me the other day at school. During the winter I wore out my Kansas Cowgirl Boots, put my hair in a side braid and would adorn a pretty skirt/dress. Well the other day I opened my door and their stood one of the upper school girls who chose to dress like me for dress like a teacher day. I did not even realize they noticed. I was very flattered and humbled at this evidence which proves that students/children really do observe the most little things about us.

Bringing Down The Great Wall of China

Often times when our lives feel chaotic and out of control the reason is we are trying to control all things. There is a problem with this for Christ is in control of all things. I am thankful he brings us to that point of distress so all we can do is call out to him. Everything came to a head this last Saturday. All my life I have strategically put built the Great wall of China in my heart for protection and safety. Since coming to the South the vastness of my Wall has been revealed to me. Some people would be let in, but just to the inner gate. The walls where just to heavy to keep holding up. After the crashing of the walls I have experienced this peace which surpasses my feeble human understanding. I am thankful that God has died on the cross to claim the walls of my heart and take me as His. This give us the freedom to very simply love as He has loved us. I will fail at this daily, but His grace is my covering. His grace is also my protection.

Update - Fun Things!

This is a list of all the monetary blessings God has given me!

Nana and Papa in S.C - My S.C adoption family. I also have a set of triplets as nieces now!

An upcoming trip to England, Ireland, Scotland (Possibly Still Planning)

Daily Provisions

A job at Summa Joe's a really cool dive downtown that serves all natural food from local farms

Swing Dancing - I stopped for a while but now I am back

Some good friends locally that I can call

People to love - Community of Anderson and Church

YMCA - Friends

Tax Assistance! (Thank you Amy!)

Memories of home that still make me tear up when I think about them.

God's Peace which surpasses all understanding.

"Wine is Constant Proof that God Loves Us"

"Wine is Constant Proof that God Loves Us"

This a little quote on my new S.C family refrigerator. For those of you who do not know things have drastically changed since my last post about moving. The people who I was house sitting for came home and told me they did not want me to leave. They wanted me to stay and become a part of their family. Now, I have my very own Nana and Papa in S.C. The greatest commandment is to love, but when love comes into our lives we are hit like a ton of bricks. For an entire week I was in shock at their willingness to just love me and make me a part of their home. What a delight they have been to my heart!

The little refrigerator quote kept popping into my head during this week. My mind then moved to all the things that God has done to remind me that He loves me. We are not to base our lives off of the circumstances, yet God uses the circumstances to further understand how deeply He loves us. When the Israelites kept screwing up God would then have to constantly remind them of the circumstances he brought them from and all the works of His hand. God never changes and I am so thankful for all the constant proof in my life that He loves me.

Freedom

I am truly overwhelmed by all that God is doing and has done in my life the past six months. I have tried to pen all of this on paper or words but the words are indescribable. I am not the same person I was when I left Kansas. I am free! I do know I will fall daily and I will forget my freedom. Yet, God is always there to lovingly remind me that I am His.

Moving Update - Prayer Request

The one thing I have learned for certain is that with Christ life truly is an adventure. In less then 19 days I was supposed to move into a little apartment on my own. I was excited for this endeavorer and as of right now that is still going to happen. The place has three downfalls which slowly started to sink into my brain:

#1 My budget would be really stretched with the rent.

#2 I would be living by myself, I am tired of living by myself I love people.

#3 The area of town is not the greatest and I don't have a peace about being there.

So, what I have learned to do is simply pray and then wait....

Well, last month I got an email from a friend about a little place at Clemson University with a bunch of Christian Girls. I ignored the email because I was still in the midst of the idea of having my own little place. Soon, however the email kept coming to my mind. So, I contacted my friend to get more information thinking that everything was already lined out and no place was available.

Today I received a reply with the girls contact information saying I could move in as soon as possible if needed. That was quite the surprise for me. I am going to call the girl today. The only problem is that the place is in Clemson which is about a 20 minute drive. However, I really do believe for a least a time the commute could be worth it. My three factors that concerned me most would be solved including the budget. Please pray for me in the midst of these decisions and possible changes.

Let the Valentine's Day Adventures Begin

I love the imagination of children. Their minds seem to thrive even more around the time of Valentine's Day. They want the very best for me and dream that I have a handsome secret love out there somewhere in the world just waiting for the opportunity to bring me treats. Today I got a box of chocolates in the mail for Valentine's Day. They were from my sister and quite grand. In reaction to this treat one of my students proceeded to say, "well we are waiting for you to get a ring in the mail from a man we do not even know named "Ben" (Like Ben and Jerry)." He was joking but to be honest there was a little truth to what he was saying. All of the precious twelve where bright eyed in agreement.

Now for the average single women teacher in the world these comments can just be depressing and annoying. Praise God I am not average. Instead I laugh and quickly reel them back in. Then for a little while my heart swells. To them I am Cinderella awaiting my handsome prince. My students want the very best for me and of course they want to be a part of a fairytale. I think this Valentine's week is going to be a fun week for us all.

Did I forget to mention the chocolate graham cracker heart I received yesterday as a surprise? I was at the church potluck and a handsome prince placed this treat at my seat before I arrived. I was quite taken a back and so were the other princesses at the table. The prince of course was very suave and gracious. Especially for an 8 year old. My students got a kick out of that story especially since some of them where there. They agreed though that my prince should be a little older than 8.

On the Fourth day of sickness....

... I am starting to go stir crazy. I don't know about y'all but I do not stay in a house well sick. I don't feel like the energy to do anything but I am bored out of my mind. I do hope I can get back to normal soon. Parents have been sweet to text me and see how I am. Yet, I am still going stir crazy. All I have to show for this week is probably a couple of pounds gained along with an addiction to General Hospital.

God...Does dying to flesh really include those cute boots?

As a women I naturally have a love for shoes. However like parents teach our children we some times can not get what we want. I am thankful for this physical representation of a bigger spiritual battle that has been going on. Being a single women is a glorious thing. As I have sought to enjoy and savor this time in my life I am even more amazed by those around me who think that contentment as a single women is impossible. Older sisters in Christ often plant seeds of discontentment in my heart by their very words to me. What has intended to bring encouragement often causes a spiritual war to raise inside as me. I am called to walk as a single women gloriously with God daily. I have been given tasks to accomplish and adventures to be experienced. I do not know what all is in store for me. For the past few weeks the Lord has gloriously helped me welcome the unknown with open arms. Freedom is a glorious thing! I just wish other women are able to experience this same freedom. Sometimes what we think we really want is something we don't need at all. If God takes care of the needs of the sparrows how much more with he take care of His beloved daughters.

Moving Forward

My life is going forward. The work I do is good, I have learned so much about myself. Yet, I am so tired of living like gypsy. I want a place of my own to call home. A place where I can grow things, shoot guns and see the blanket of stars. There is a place that is open to do this at the end of February but rent is too much and even then making rent will still be tricky. So what is a girl to do? Pray. I have no idea what is happening in my life. The only facts that are true is that I get the opportunity to love children every day. That is what I am most thankful for. I just wish I would remember the little sparrows more often.

Working Out with Gaston

"No, I will get the weights you just need to rest." My heart lept in my chest as the deep voice resonated in my ears. The man belonging to that voice was my very own personal trainer Gaston (Not his real name). For one hour he walked me through my training routine at the gym. Spotting when needed and telling me also when I needed to tighten my muscles during my workout. I must say I have never enjoyed a workout as I did yesterday. The reasons could have been because I was working intensely and experienced the satisfaction of a job well done. Or the fact that I had my own personal Greek God assisting me in workout. I think that later is more close to the truth. Either way the gym will definitely being bringing me a little more delight than normal. I am thankful for my own person Gaston except mine is not the villian. There are times like this that I am thankful to be a single women. Even though one day I hope my future husband will appreciate the fruits of this labor and need to give a hearty than you to my Gaston.

(P.S This message will not appear linked to my facebook, only my faithful followers will get to here this message.)

"Good Things"

Contentment is a beautiful thing! The real issue is not that are we content but are we willing to be content. Well Paul talked about being content in all circumstances, his heart and mind were willing to be content. He focused not on his physical position or possessions but instead the heavenly perspective of Christ. I have challenge my students since being back to daily reflect on the "good" things that Christ has done. Some of them may not seem like good in the world eyes but still they are. So when we are struggling with believing that we are content I know I must take my own lesson and remember the "good" that have come and things to look forward to. Here are just a few:

Good Things:
An amazing New Year's Party filled with Bagpipes, dancing, canons and fabulous fellowship.

Seeing the growth in my children just after two weeks.

Daily laughter and funny sentences.

Learning to depend on Christ daily for my daily bread in His Word

The amazing jr.high youth group adventures that are coming up!

Bear Hugs from people I love.

A hard run on treadmill

Swing Dancing

Long chats with both old and new friends

Redeeming something that is broken

Deep covers on a cold night, plus fuzzy pj's

The look of a tiny child as they discover something new

Sunrises and Sunsets

My list could go on and on. Even though these are physical things which is not the point of this blog today. God still delights in seeing the hearts of his children delighting in the gifts that he has given us. All good things do come from him.

Also this picture seemed appropriate for the article it made me laugh!