skip to main |
skip to sidebar
Tonight was incredible! I played the piano as folks sang solos and ensembles, and there were skits between every few songs. What fun!
I had a solo too: "New York State of Mind" by Billy Joel. ;o)
I leave my digital camera in the car, but I always forget to take pictures. I'll try to remember to get some tomorrow (probably mostly of me, the set, or the baby grand...I don't have the energy to get permission from everybody's mama before I post pics here).
Have a wonderful weekend!
During the school year, I truly don't know what it feels like to be "bored." Every waking minute is filled with something important, and I long for the leisurely days of summer!
Then June and July arrive, and I quickly tire of doing yard work and house cleaning. My mornings are filled with a desire to get back into my classroom and start preparing for the new school year.
Perhaps I should simply enjoy the moment, eh?
Happy news: I've been personally invited to someone's baptism Sunday evening, and I'm thrilled! I'll also be able to enjoy celebrating with some friends.
More happy news: I'll be in that neck of the woods (a different church) again on Tuesday. I was invited to provide the music for a special program, so I'll get to play the piano and sing two songs. :o) My awesome buddy, Patrick, is tutoring in my place so that I can attend. (He rocks!)
Even more happy news: Today's research presentations were spectacular! I am so pleased with them! If I remember to take my camera to school tomorrow, then I'll take pictures and show you what they've done.
Thank you, God, for an amazing day! It started out a bit rough, but you helped me to appreciate every blessing. I love you, Lord. Amen.
It has been a bit nippy here in Ohio, but it will be in the 80's over the next three days! Woo hoo!!!! I'm so excited! I will be weeding this weekend. Hopefully, my yard will look decent before next week.
As I mentioned last night, a friend of mine doesn't want to teach summer school this year, so the summer school principal asked me to please apply. I love teaching, and I missed out on six weeks because of surgery. This will give me a chance to enjoy four more weeks of it this summer and earn a nice little income too.
Drama club rehearsals are running so long, but the good news is that the show is this weekend. After tomorrow, I'll only have to stay late if I need to work in my classroom.
I'm also looking forward to seeing the rest of these research presentations. Some students are so creative! The power points have been awesome, and some folks did colorful, well-organized posters and handouts. Overall, I've been pleased so far! ;o)
Lord, thank you for a career, not just a job. I feel blessed and honored that you allow me to teach these young adults. Touch their minds to yearn for wholesome ideas; I hear so much foolish, foul language every day, and I pray that you would give them a desire for excellence. Father, these kids are amazing! Yet, they settle for less-than-amazing grades. Why, Lord? Nudge them to strive for perfection! Let them yearn for A's and B's, in Jesus' name!
Jesus, I thank you for every friend and family member! I pray that you will keep them safe today, and speak to their hearts all day long. Please let us feel your Spirit with us as we travel to work, go to meetings, or simply get chores done at home. We need you, Father! We love you! You are the ultimate Daddy, and we want to be pleasing to you. Forgive us, Lord, for being goofy. Sometimes we're stuck on stupid, but we still know that you forgive and forget. Teach us to do the same. In Jesus' name, amen!
Didn't I just write (yesterday) that I hate walking in late for any reason?!?!?!?!
I was late for Bible study tonight.
**sigh**
I simply don't have enough hours in my day. I have not had a break from 5:00 a.m. -8:15 p.m., and I am truly tired. Thankfully, I smelled soup when I walked into the house. Praise God that my boys are old enough to scratch an edible supper together if I can't do it early enough. :o)
Here's today's schedule:
1.) Woke up at 4:00 a.m. fully intending to work out....too tired...chose to sleep an extra hour instead. (Maybe tomorrow...)
2.) Actually got out of bed at 5:00 and was on time for prayer this morning at 6:00. I even remembered to wear green for Earth Day!
3.) Left prayer at 7:05 a.m. to get to work by 7:15...but no one showed up for prayer in my classroom. That's ok; I listened to music and ended up discussing the Lord and his goodness with a teacher who heard the CD as he walked by.
4.) Graded oral presentations (on research papers) until 2:18 p.m.
5.) Went to drama club rehearsal from 2:30-5:05 p.m.
6.) Found a summer school application on-line (I could use an extra $3000), filled it out, made copies, and headed back to my room.
7.) Answered my cell phone: I was late, so Pastor wanted to make sure I was ok and still coming.
8.) Walked back to my classroom and organized (VERY quickly) for tomorrow.
9.) Went to Bible study, tried to pay attention and participate, and headed home at 8:00.
Now for #10: zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
(I will type more tomorrow when my brain is functioning properly.)
I have a few minutes before I hit the sack, and I've just got to chuckle when I reflect on my life:
1.) I'm a treasurer. 'nuff said. Ha! I have no banking, accounting, or strong math background, yet He chose to put me in this position. I don't know where I'd be if my friend didn't help me (a lot)!
2.) I have two teenage boys; man, is that comical. They fight often, yet both of them surprise me frequently with tenderness and compassion beyond their years. They want to be "men" so badly, yet I can't help but see the "little boy" in both of them from time to time.
3.) A "guy friend" recently told me that I'd make a great wife, and even my ex-husband has told me that I was wonderful as a spouse. Yet no one is interested in dating me. [Actually, two guys are very interested, but they aren't Christians and therefore don't pray. A non-praying spouse isn't an option for me.]
4.) I'm 99% sure that God called me to minister to the women at my church, yet most of them aren't even remotely interested in listening to me. Hmmm....
As crazy as life may seem, I trust that God knows what He's doing. He can take a harried, single mom like me and do something cool with her life. I just have to let Him work on and in me. In the meantime, I'm willing to do whatever He's calling me to do. How about you?
I'm feeling grateful this morning for every blessing. Let's see:
1.) I have a roof over my head. Granted, it's not very big, and it needs a lot of work, but it's mine. No more landlords, no more holding groceries in the rain as I walk past several apartments to get to my own. ;o)
2.) My boys are healthy. So many children are battling diseases such as cancer and leukemia, and yet my boys' biggest worry is what to do for fun after school. We are truly blessed, aren't we?
3.) I am healthy. I prayed for a young girl, Jesse, who is battling cancer and undergoing blood tests and treatments on a regular basis. Yet, for some reason, God did not ask the same of me. I don't know why he heals some and not others; yet, I can't help but feel thankful for my life. I only needed surgery to remove fibroids and some pre-cancerous cells, and now I'm fine. (Thank you, Lord!) Which leads me to the next one...
4.) I have insurance. It's not as good as it used to be ($0.00 for prescriptions and only $10.00 deductibles for doctor visits), but at least I have coverage. So many people must pay the complete cost out-of-pocket. I would be $15,000 in the hole right now if I had to pay for my surgeries in December and January, and I'm grateful for the much smaller $1,500 bill I have to pay. (It'll only take me a year max.)
5.) I still have my mom. She will be 76 in August, but she's still alive and keeps me company at least once a week. Sometimes I'm at her house, but she usually comes to mine for the peace and quiet. (She lives with my sister, who has custody of her two grandchildren. She'd live with me, but her horse of a dog hates my little one.) My mom is a God-fearing, kind, compassionate, loving, patient woman who has been an excellent role model for me. I feel blessed every day that I have with her.
6.) My job has its wonderful moments. I am a teacher, so there are obviously going to be days when the kids get on my nerves. For instance, they had THREE weeks to get a research paper done, and 1/3 of them (maybe more...I didn't actually count) didn't even turn one in on Thursday. Yet, it's so easy to get out of bed in the morning because I really do love my job.
7.) Finally, I am about to go to church. I don't know why God picked me to be his child, but I'm glad He did. Church as I know it may change in the near future, but I will always have my faith in the Lord regardless of the building I attend on Sunday. I'm thrilled that both of my children have accepted Jesus as their Savior, and both of them have stories of how God has used them in particular situations with their friends.
I am blessed.
I just sent a prayer to someone I've never met. I hope I helped a little, tiny bit.
God, thank you for my life! There are days when I'm so dog-tired that I can't think clearly, but I know that I am still in your hands.
Lord, please bless those who feel like they only have one nerve left (and folks seem so tempted to stomp on it). Multiply the nerves, Lord! Help us to be patient with others, to forgive immediately, and to lavishly love on our friends and family! We're so quick to criticize, aren't we? Help us to be kind to everyone in our lives.
Jesus, please give your healing touch to those who are hurting physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I know I want more of you! Please be with me as I continue to plug away at all of my responsibilities. Sometimes I'm weary, Lord, but I know that you will give me rest.
I love you, Lord! I praise you for being such a loving, sovereign, amazing, awesome God! Thank you for bringing me this far, and please give me wisdom for the days and weeks to come, in Jesus' name. Amen.
My day started at 3:30 a.m. when I woke up to exercise for the second time since I had surgery in January.
Apparently, my body was mad at me. My tummy was hurting, and I don't think it's supposed to. :o(
I've been uncomfortable all day, but I'll live. I was anxious to work out again because I like endorphins. ;o) I also like wearing smaller sizes. Alas, I will need to wait a bit longer to enjoy them.
Since I was already awake, I did some laundry before showering and going to Giant Eagle to get some bananas for breakfast and cheese and soybeans for my salad. (Have you ever sprinkled soybeans on your salad? Yummo!)
Then I went to 6:00 a.m. prayer...which was fantastic! I actually sat with a pastor who prayed about folks who allow themselves to get so busy that they can't feel the pain from the past, from loneliness, etc.
He was praying for me but probably didn't know it.
Then, when I got to work, I was called upstairs because someone wanted to pray. Sadly, a friend's wife had an aneurysm and is currently on life support. Please pray for George and his wife.
I've been incredibly stressed out lately, and for some reason God has chosen to allow me to be single. That's fine, but there are days when I want to pull my hair out. I don't think anyone has a clue how stressful it is to be a single mom (or single dad). I can't even describe the frustration, disappointment and heartache that my children have seen, but I'm trying to be a wonderful mom. I don't want to merely "get by" or "make it." I want my children to have the life God had planned for them from the beginning of time.
Any single moms reading this? You know what I'm talking about, don't you? There are days when I simply don't have the energy to make dinner, which is why I have built-in "free days" in my budget. We don't go to nice restaurants except for special occasions. That way, I can feed them more often, even when I'm tired. Taco Bell has become a favorite because I can get a salad (but it's soooo hard not to eat the fattening shell)!
I would never trade being a mother for anything in the world! However, I know that this isn't what God had in mind when he created parenting. My boys need a relationship with their Dad, and I'm praying that he will start developing that with both of them soon. Yes, he's helping financially, but I'm talking about giving of his time.
I'm saying all of this to make a point: I'm exhausted. So I decided to treat myself to a bargain book at a local Christian bookstore which happens to be down the street from my job. The cashier said they just "happened" to stock the top two shelves this afternoon and priced them all at $0.99 each!
That's when I saw Angela Thomas' face.
I picked up her book, and read just the first few pages. One bit of advice she shares is that the reader, whether he or she is a single parent or not, would show compassion the next time a single mom is in view. She also said to tell her she is beautiful!
See? I'm not the only single mom feeling rejected and not-so-attractive! I'm sorry that this woman felt the same emotions I've been feeling, but I'm also glad that she wrote about them. I'm feeling more "normal" than ever!
I will enjoy the rest of her book tomorrow. I should be able to finish it at work when my students are typing the final drafts of their research papers.
I also got to spend a few minutes with my pastor. If I were in a better mood, I would have chatted for a few more minutes. The last thing I want to do, though, is suck him dry (like I've done in the past). Maybe we'll talk another day.
Do they call it "sweet 16" if you're a guy? Well, my son turned 16 today, but we had already planned to go to dinner on Thursday since I had obligations tonight and tomorrow. Still, I wanted to give him something, so I brought him (and child #2) an Oreo McFlurry. We'll be able to celebrate soon! I'll try to take pictures since I haven't uploaded any in a while.
God, you touched so many areas of my life in such a short span of time! Thank you for your compassion and love! I love you back, Father. Be with me, Lord, as I continue to learn, grow, and heal. I need you to hold my tongue when I want to fuss, move me to hug and pray for those who are hurting, and forgive as you call all of us to do on a regular basis.
In Jesus' name, amen!
p.s. - Every now and then, I'll type a post and not proofread at all due to a time constraint or some other responsibility. Tonight, I'm just sleepy. Forgive my mistakes, ok? Thanks!
My ex called today.
He wanted me to pick him up, take him to the bank, let him give me $150 (even though he already gave me $140 a week ago), and then take him back home.
No strings attached.
I asked, "You don't expect to come here? I'm still a bit tired, and I don't want company right now."
He simply wanted to help me with the boys. S. and I got to meet his new puppy whose paws are enormous. He is definitely going to grow to be a huge dog (lab and pit bull). He has gorgeous gray/blue eyes and a friendly, playful temperament - - - I received lots of kisses within the span of a two minutes! ;o)
My son went with me. He's healing from a nasty spill on the skateboard, and his hand is still raw, his knees are beginning to scab, and the swelling on his head has gone down. I asked him to stay awake as long as possible and keep the ice on; I wanted him to stay up until at least 4:00 a.m., so he stayed up until 5:00 when I got up for prayer this morning.
He's such a good boy! The swelling is completely gone, but he's got some interesting pink designs on the side of his head.
Child #2 also got a bit aggressive with some neighborhood boys who are too ghetto for his liking. They wanted to come to our house and be their normal destructive, bullying selves, but J. wasn't in the mood. He told them, "I hope ya'll don't think you're comin' over here. You're not allowed. I said so."
He's transforming into a strong, bold young man before my eyes. I'm so proud of him!
I suppose the boys have felt a bit protective of me for years (since my ex left us). They have probably felt like the "men" of the house since they were small. I can't help but feel a bit guilty about that, even though I know it's not my fault. In fact, it's impossible to force a man (yes, even a husband) to show love to you and his children.
Let's pray:
Lord, thank you for the gift of my boys! I have tried my best to raise them with a love for You. Father, I can't watch them every time they step out of the house, but You can! Please keep them safe! Continue to equip them as leaders and not followers! Help them to make positive choices in their lives, and let them feel comfortable talking to me about everything, just as they do now.
I appreciate the opportunity to be their mother, Lord! I ask that you give me wisdom and guidance as they enter manhood; I don't always know how to teach them to be men of God, but I'm doing the best I can. I trust the rest to be done by you and the men in their lives who are following your ways.
Thank you, Lord, for my kids! In Jesus' name, amen.
I think today was the most powerful 6:00-7:00 a.m. prayer time we've had so far! Man, it was good!
There were tears, but that part was necessary for healing to take place (both in me and one other young lady). My ex-pastor did some incredible ministry with us. In fact, I have become accustomed to God sharing my business with spiritual leaders who pray for me.
Today was no exception.
His words, verbatim, were: "Woman of God (I love when he calls me that!), you're praying that God releases you, and I'm praying that He doesn't. You have something to learn, and once you do, you will be more like Jesus than ever before. Don't expect others to change and to be more holy. They probably won't. This is about you."
Wow.
He said he could feel something was wrong with me last week. Man, he was right on target with everything he said today.
So...
Lord, I will be obedient and continue to pray that your will be done in my life. Even though my flesh is reluctant to endure even more hurt, I will take up my cross and continue onward. Help me to keep my attitude in check, to love even when I don't feel like it, to forgive and forget and to be more like You. In Jesus' name, amen.
As my friends talked for a few minutes, I asked permission to go upstairs and play the piano for a little bit. I did, and that worship time was awesome! I love feeling the Spirit nearby!
After the prayer time this morning, I went to the mall and did three laps with two powerful prayer warriors. These women blessed me so deeply that I think I've made some lifelong friends! We spent most of the walk talking and sharing about ourselves, but we even prayed for a little while too.
It's only 11:08. I wonder what the rest of my day will entail...
Thank you, Jesus, for your gift of eternal life! You didn't have to suffer so much; you could have chosen to go back to heaven with your Father and reign without the pain of being whipped and tortured.
Yet you loved us enough to become the ultimate sacrificial lamb.
I can't ever repay you, but I love you with my whole heart! I look forward to the worship service today because we are honoring you, the Son of the most high God who conquered death and made it possible for us to go straight to the throne of the Lord in prayer and praise.
THANK YOU, Jesus!
Father, we pray for those who are under so much persecution that they must break the law to come together for church. Keep them safe, Jesus! Watch over them, and keep your loving arms of protection around them.
Holy Spirit, there are so many people hurting. I personally know people addicted to drugs and alcohol, people who lost loved ones this year, and others who have wounds from childhood that are still causing them distress. They need your comfort, Lord, and I pray that you will touch hearts today. Perhaps Easter and Christmas are the only times they grace the doors of church, but Lord I pray that you will help them to find you today. Let them realize that life could be so sweet with you as Lord and Savior! Help them to see and embrace Your truth!
Use your people, Lord, to walk in faith and love. We need desperately to introduce you to some folks this morning, this week, this year! We invite you to equip us with everything we need to witness effectively to those in our sphere of influence. In Jesus' name, amen!
What a beautiful morning!
I made ham, eggs, and toast for the boys and one of their friends who spent the night. It took a while to cook everything, so it was a bit disheartening to watch them inhale it. Oh well; growing boys...
I plan to go to church, take care of a food ministry concern, make the bulletin, come home, do some laundry while I make a cake for dinner at Mom's house tomorrow, and then go back to bed (hopefully by 8:00). We have a prayer vigil tonight, and my hours are from 1:00-3:00 a.m., which means I'll need to get my sleep in patches.
Although my schedule is a bit hectic for a day "off," I'm so calm right now. I feel peace, and I'm grateful to finally be able to trust God to keep me sane through the crazy moments. The Lord is amazingly compassionate, isn't He? I'm in awe of him. He blesses me by taking care of my needs, but, every now and then, He reveals his knowledge of even the trivial aspects of my life.
For example, I wasn't feeling very feminine or particularly attractive yesterday (perhaps all ladies go through that periodically, eh?), and the Lord sent a grandma, a woman I didn't even know, to walk to the other side of the church just to tell me, "You know, I saw you at band concerts and at the grocery store, and I just had to come tell you that I think you're the most beautiful woman I've seen in a long time."
Me?
I was a bit stunned, but I gave her a big 'ol hug.
Then later, at the Good Friday evening service, a former student introduced me to her Dad. I thoroughly enjoyed watching him be so obvious about what he thought of my looks.
Believe me, it doesn't happen often. ;o)
I see his daughter every day in the halls, so it won't be hard for him to find me. If it's meant to be, it'll happen. If not, then I totally trust God.
It's nice to be cool with it either way. (Thank you, Lord!)
I've finally discovered that I like me. I embrace me. I like my heart. I like my mind. I like my attitude. I like my desire to make people smile. I like spending time with the Lord in prayer and worship.
I like the woman I've become.
Perhaps that's partly why I feel so much joy right now. I appreciate the way God chose to make me, and I think it's beautiful to be loved by Him.
So be encouraged! God sees you where you are, including the small stuff that you may not think is important enough to include in your prayers.
What would you like to do or to have happen? What would bless your heart today?
Let's pray:
Lord, thank you for my friends who are reading this blog. Father, I pray that you bless us generously in every area: emotionally, financially, physically, and spiritually. Lord, you know what's going on in our heads, even if we're too embarrassed to admit it to anyone else. We don't naturally run to our friends and say, "Hey, do I look beautiful to you?" But you know when we're feeling inadequate. You know when we'd appreciate a sincere compliment, and you provide! Thank you for that!
Father, I pray that you surround me and my friends with people who will understand our needs and desires and help us to pray fervently for them (as long as they line up with Your will). I'm feeling like a whole woman for the first time in years, and I'm so thankful, Lord!
Jesus, as we celebrate your resurrection tomorrow, please know that we will never forget your sacrifice. You are truly an amazing, compassionate, forgiving, loving example of how we should be living right now. Help us as we stumble through life! Yes, there will be days when others can lean on us for support, but please don't let us fall in our weak moments. Strengthen us, Jesus, to look like you even when it's incredibly difficult.
We love you, Lord! In Jesus' name, amen.
God woke me up at 2:30 a.m. to check on my kids.
So I did.
And my son wasn't in his room, or the basement, or anywhere else in this house.
He took it upon himself to leave with some friends and planned to be home by 3:00 a.m. - - - and Mom would never know the difference...
...unless Mom has a Daddy up in heaven watching over her and her little chickadees, a heavenly Father who alerts her when something's not quite right.
I am smiling as I think of a time when the same child defied my orders to stay home (on punishment) and walked out of the house with friends anyway. I wasn't supposed to be on a certain side of town, but God nudged me to turn down a side street which made me go completely out of my way to meet my mother for lunch.
As I drove, I noticed my own flesh and blood walking amidst an eclectic group of young men.
I did not, however, cause a big, horribly embarrassing scene for him (although I VERY MUCH wanted to!!!!). Instead, I pulled up in the driveway directly in front of them and said, "Get in right now" and drove home.
Sorry, bud...you might as well quit trying to sneak. With the Lord's help, I'm going to catch you every single time. And if memory serves me correctly, you actually said, "You know, Mom, I wasn't even having a good time..."
;o)
I love you.
I know you read this blog every now and then, and I'm glad. I tell you all the time that I love you, and I mean it. If I didn't care, I'd let you run the streets and do whatever you want whenever you want. I think you'll find, though, that your friends who have total freedom like that don't actually feel loved at all. Instead, they feel as if their parents don't care what happens to them.
You are loved, sweetheart, and you will ALWAYS stay in my prayers. I want only what's best for you. In fact, I want you to have an even better, more fulfilling life than I've had! You are precious in God's sight...and mine too.
Love,
Mom
Almost one third of every class was absent today.
Could it be because their rough drafts for research papers were due today????
Naw...
Couldn't be...
Amazingly, though, I finished grading all of them before I left work this afternoon. Obviously, I don't read every word; it only takes 30 seconds to grade each one. At this stage, I look for their outlines, research questions, and the rough draft. Next week, they'll peer edit and type the final drafts. It will be a quiet, peaceful week for me, but I'll need to start grading all of those final drafts on the weekend.
I'm also planning to be absent myself...but only from a couple of church services. I'm running myself ragged for...well...what? I'm not sure. In fact, I may not go to church at all tomorrow. We'll see what God says. He told me to go to prayer this morning, and that was just sad. I hope He doesn't ask me to go to that again; I don't get any peace from it at all.
I had to forgive tonight so that I could take communion and be ok in God's sight before I go to sleep, and I'm feeling much better than this morning. I think I share my heart too quickly, and that's why I get hurt. What a dork I am.
Perhaps I'll just spend tomorrow taking care of me, praying and communing with God, and enjoying my boys. That will give me a much-needed mental break from the mundane routine I've found myself in lately. It seems that others always have something else for me to do or handle, both at work and at church.
Oh well. That's how it goes sometimes, isn't it?
We'll see what God's up to in the morning...
Today was a long day.
We taught as usual, but then we had parent-teacher conferences until the early evening.
Afterwards, a few of my fellow teacher-friends decided to go out for a drink to celebrate my buddy's birthday. I'm not really a drinker, but I tagged along and enjoyed some ginger ale.
Yum! I haven't had ginger ale in quite a while. :o)
As I laughed and enjoyed some adult conversation (as opposed to the adolescent banter I hear every day), a colleague and dear friend began sharing about some personal troubles. Yep, folks, I did some ministry in the middle of a bar surrounded by a biker gang.
Doesn't that sound just like God????
I'm tired, but oh-so-content! Let's pray:
God, thank you for such a lovely (albeit long) evening! The day went smoothly, conferences were pleasant, two different prayer times with my pastor were peaceful and relaxing, and the fellowship with my friends and coworkers was exceptional. I pray that my words blessed my buddy tonight. Lord, I pray that he feels your peace as he falls asleep, and please let him have a spectacular morning with you. In Jesus' name, amen!
