Remember me?

Wow! I haven't been here since March? Guess I've been busy. Let's see:

1.) I taught summer school, and EVERY student passed! I wish the success rate was that wonderful during the school year!

2.) My son got an engaged. He and his fiancee are going to be seniors this year, and they're planning to get married right out of high school. I can't get them to change their minds. Hmph.

3.) I left First Baptist and an returning to Maranatha Church. I'm excited about this too! Pastor asked me to come back and play the piano so that the current pianist can retire, and I accepted that position officially last week.

4.) I am still teaching the women's Bible study at a local mission, and it's going extremely well.

5.) Perhaps the biggest change in my life has to deal with my diabetes diagnosis. My blood glucose level was 600, and some people go into a coma at 500! I've been taking meds to get my sugar at healthy levels, and it's working pretty well. I don't have to take insulin, though, and I'm grateful for that. I sure do miss chocolate candy! :D I don't like sugar-free choclate; it tastes ok, but it upsets my stomach. I'd rather have nothing.

I hope all is well at your house!

peace

Hello everybody!

I hope all is well in your world!

The sun came out today, and it brightened my mood considerably! ;D

I will tackle my never-ending supply of dirty laundry while Jamil is at youth group. Have a good evening.

another update

I can't seem to keep up with blogging! Here's another update of what I've been up to lately:

1. I tried to move in my mother, but that didn't work at all. I was on vacation, so I thought I'd try taking care of her. Unfortunately, she was up at 11:00 p.m., midnight, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6. The realization that she needed round-the-clock care was difficult to accept, but she is now in a nursing home for a month to get some extra physical therapy.

2. My brother, Eddie, has been awesome by going to see her twice daily, making sure she walks, and cracking jokes to make her laugh until she cries!

3. My job is fantastic! My students have such a positive attitude after the Christmas break, and they're working much more diligently than at the beginning of the year.

4. I began two women's Bible studies: one at a local mission and one at my church on Sunday mornings. Both are doing well, and I'm looking forward to what God has planned for us.

5. I am a chicken as far as dating is concerned. A friend has offered to set up some blind dates, but I'm not entirely comfortable with that. The one person I would love to spend time with doesn't find me attractive that way, and I've had some creepy dudes that have actually made me more cautious than ever. Single is better than the marriage I had, so I can't complain.

I hope all is well with you in this new year. May God bless you and yours!

:o(

I love animals.

I do NOT like seeing deers that have been hit, and I just saw one on the way home from the hospital.

So sad.

what to do, what to do...

There's so much on my "to do" list that I'm almost ready to give up. Today was one of those days when it would have been lovely to come home and say, "Hon, could you come here for a sec?" I definitely could have used a hug today.

At least my dog was eager to see me. :P

My ex hasn't been shy about want to spend LOTS of time with me lately and even went to church Sunday. Nice, huh? My heart has finally healed from the divorce. Sadly, I'm not interested in starting over with him.

But I can't help but wonder what God is up to.

Maybe he's serious this time. Perhaps he didn't go to church simply to be near me; wouldn't it be cool if God blesses him with sobriety permanently? My boys would be thrilled too!

I shouldn't keep pushing him away, huh?

It might be time for me to put my own wants aside for a minute so that I can concentrate on helping somebody else. And who knows? Maybe God will heal what has been broken, eh?

That is totally a long shot, but I'm game for whatever God desires for my life. Maybe we're just supposed to be friends.

Maybe not...

Hmmm....

GOD IS GOOD!!!!

I mentioned in an earlier post that I had to deal with one of my son's teachers (who happens to be a coworker as well).

All I can say is that God rocks!

My boss handled the situation better than I could have imagined, and I'm thrilled with the outcome. I give all the glory and praise to the Lord!

I'm going to color my hair and then head to a friend's church for a worship service. :o)

I hope all is well in your world!

**sniffle** ***cough*** ***aaahhCHOOO!!!!!**

I feel icky.

I hope you feel better than I do.

I will write more tomorrow.

Crazy week!

I cannot believe that tomorrow is already Thursday! I'm exhausted, but I will write more later. I promise!

incredible afternoon

My boys VOLUNTARILY cleaned up the yard today! WOO HOO! Jamil cleaned the house this morning and then cut the grass, and Shaq trimmed the bushes. Wow! My boys truly blessed my heart today!

They also spent the day with me: lunch, Wal*Mart, and grocery store.

After I put everything away, I ended up chatting with a special friend. It looks like we'll enjoy a movie and/or dinner soon. I'm so excited! I haven't done this dating thing in 18+ years, but I'm looking forward to this new chapter in my life.

In a few minutes, I will get off of the computer and make supper. But first, I wanna pray for sec:

Thank you, Lord, for letting my friend and me get reacquainted with one another. It has been so long since someone has shown this kind of interest in me, and I truly appreciate feeling so beautiful! Jesus, I thank you for my health, my boys, my family, and my friends! Thank you, God, for being with me every day. I am in awe of you, and I thank you for each blessing, including my finances and emotional support lately. You are amazing! I love you, Lord, and I hope you're pleased with me. Please continue to bless each person who reads this blog, each friend in my life, and each student I will meet on Monday. In Jesus' name, amen!

v-e-r-y long day

1.) went to doctor - - - thumbs up!

2.) had my first pain-free afternoon in almost a week!

3.) finished getting classroom ready

4.) went to Bible study and enjoyed being loved by my friends

5.) came home, did a blog, will check e-mail, then get sleep

6.) Tomorrow is my first day of school! I'll have meetings ALL DAY for the rest of the week, but I'll get to meet my 2009-2010 students on Monday!!!!! :D

difficult day

I'm going to my friend's funeral today. We weren't "close" by any means, but I know his ex-wife and children very well. He was an ornery old fella! I chose to hug him and kiss him on the cheek every time we were in the same room, and eventually he started to like me...which is when the teasing began. :P

Sadly, he passed away, so I'm going to the service this morning. Please pray for my friend, Kathy, her children and her grandbabies. They are brokenhearted and will need lots of prayer as they grieve.

On a happier note, I will also get to spend some time working on the bulletin boards in my classroom. I also got a few books from the library, so I'm looking forward to a cup of tea and a novel this afternoon.

Best wishes for a wonderful day for you!

Owwwww....

Normally, I'm not one to whine and complain, trying to get sympathy from everybody and her mama. I'm a "suck it up" kinda girl. I rarely miss work unless I have something horribly contagious that would make my students miserable, but I have to write this: I hurt!

I'm actually on my way out the door to go to the doctor for this horrible spider bite. My dear friend, Darlene, happens to be a nurse, and she told me to use Neosporin last night. Unfortunately, I was in the same amount of pain this morning, and the bite itself blew up and filled with puss!

I have NEVER had a bite cause as much discomfort as this one. I hope whatever bit me enjoyed the feast; otherwise, this just ain't worth it! :P

Soooooooo...I'm asking for a bit of prayer, please. I hope I didn't wait too long to see a doctor. I was hoping that I wouldn't have to make another medical bill when my other two aren't paid off. Oh well.

Have a good day!

unexpected interruption

When I heard the doorbell, I thought it was my son who had forgotten his key for the umpteenth time.

Imagine my surprise when 4 humungous, bullet-proof-vest-wearing members of the S.W.A.T. team were standing on my porch! My heart skipped a beat, but I new instantly they were after my ex-husband.

Apparently, he has several outstanding warrants for his arrest. My youngest son saw them surround the house and tried to call me, but I was already outside talking to them when the phone (which was downstairs and out of earshot) rang. He was terrified when he saw men at each corner of my house with their hands on the weapons!

Oh boy....

I think my heart rate is finally back to normal...(breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out...)

Geez. I NEVER get in trouble, and seeing 3 unmarked vehicles barely fitting in my driveway and on the street near my home freaked me out!!! I was frustrated earlier today about some paperwork at my job that is driving me crazy and may affect my first two paychecks of the school year, but this experience has reminded me that things could always be worse!

I'm off to play Tetris for a little while.

I hope YOU have a peaceful, relaxing day!

I can lead you to Jesus, but I can't get put shoes on...

I went to "the 99" once again, but I was running a bit late because I had to feed my boys first. I was also tired from a long night with little sleep, so I was rushing out the door...

...and didn't realize until my Pastor made a comment that I had two totally different kinds of sandals on my toes.

Duh.

I also had forgotten my jacket, and I was freezing! So I rushed home when we had a break so that I could look like someone with a bit of spiritual authority to pray for folks (instead of a goofball who can't even dress herself).

Tomorrow is another day...I'll try to get it right! :D

YAY!!!!!

I finished one paper for my grad class!!!! WOO HOO!!!!!

I will work on paper #2 when my brain can handle it...probably Wednesday morning. I'm sure I'll get an A, but it's still so time consuming.

I will let myself relax this evening by reading while enjoying some refreshing ice water with fresh lemon juice. It's supposed to cleanse the system, and I love it! Yummo!

I'm working on keeping my joy...how about you? :D

What is wrong with these people?????

I just finished checking my e-mails and reading recent news articles.

In the last ten minutes, I've read 3 articles about people hurting children in gruesome ways.

Let's pray:

Father, these situations clearly do not reflect the love and care you expect parents to show their children. Please protect little ones! Keep your arms of protection around them, and touch the minds of parents who are contemplating hurting their own children. In Jesus' name, amen.

On a happier note: I only have two more days of my grad class. It's interesting! I've learned a great deal of time savers that I'll try to implement this school year. I also received a behavior analysis that is almost 100% correct! I LOVE taking questionnaires like that, especially when they are amazingly accurate.

I just got off the phone with my buddy, Iva. We spoke for several hours, laughing and being silly. She's such a sweetheart!

I'd better get to sleep. I have a long day tomorrow. See ya!

God's goodness is amazing!

I shared my love for God with come folks today, and it felt wonderful!

I am totally enjoying my private prayer time with some Bible reading with the Lord, and I usually play the piano/sing some worship songs to God after work every day. My dog looked so relaxed as he listened this afternoon! :D (I'm serious! I think he might have felt the Lord's presence too!)

I confessed some immature behavior to someone last night, and he laughed. (I'm so grateful that I didn't get a long lecture. Instead, I received precious friendship, complete acceptance, and his typical encouragement. We simply sat and talked for a couple of hours like we used to do so often, and I smiled as I drove home.)

My Mom also got a visit from me last night; I just wanted to check in on her and make sure she was feeling well. We ended up talking and laughing in my car for an hour! She's reading a book and wanted to tell me all about it. :o) I didn't mind listening - - - I love her dearly.

Recently I read about some folks who displeased God so badly that the earth swallowed them up...including their wives and children. Aren't you glad God doesn't punish that severely anymore? If He did, I would have been dead long ago!

**** WHOA! **** I just got a call from my friend, Iva, who won tickets to the Women of Faith Conference in Cleveland tomorrow! And guess who she asked to use the second ticket?!?!?! Praise God! A few weeks ago some of my girlfriends spent some serious moolah that I just didn't have to arrange a group trip, but God knew the desires of my heart. It's funny; I type the title of this entry 15 minutes before the phone call! :o)

THANK YOU, GOD!!!!!

Let's pray:

Thank you, God, for your presence, your love, and your forgiveness! I know that I have found favor in your sight recently since my hard-headedness transformed to a desire to obey Your will for my life. There's still so much I need to improve, though. Please continue to walk with me every day.

Forgive me, Lord, for my immaturity! I know that you're not shocked by my decisions, but I am truly sorry for giving up on You too quickly. As I've already told you, I'm ready and willing to do whatever you ask!

Your kindness astounds me! I am humbled as you show me myself daily, but I'm also encouraged because I know that You are helping me in so many areas of my life. I am truly grateful!

Father, please continue to knit our hearts together! Remind us of what our mothers and grandmothers had said for years: "If you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all." I also pray for balance as we try to communicate with each other regarding offenses. Don't let us judge and convict others; instead, Lord, allow us to simply address offenses in as loving a manner as possible and to feel eager for any correction that is going to ultimately bring us closer to You. Jesus, I also pray that you would embolden the women in my life so that they will be willing to correct me if they see me out of hand. I really do want to be holy because You are holy!

Thank you for the best evening (last night) I've had in a long time! I really missed my friend, and I'm so thankful that you've allowed the tension to totally disappear. He is such a blessing to me, and I pray that you bless him in every way. Father, I pray that you use me to bring him peace, to help him relax on the rough days, and to encourage him with visions you give me in prayer.

And thank you, again, for Iva's thoughtful heart! I'm still in awe that she thought of me when I'm sure she has lots of friends her own age! (I hope I'm not old enough to be her mother; perhaps I'm just 15 years older than her). God, thank you so much for allowing me to know this sweet, amazing woman who loves you with all of her heart! Bless her with a pain-free night of rest this evening, and touch her home with peace and excitement for what You're up to in their lives. Let her, her husband, and their cutie pie baby boy have some fantastic family time today before he goes to work. In Jesus' name, amen!

peaceful

Jamil and I spent the morning rearranging my living room!

I had a large rug on the floor, but at 8:30 a.m. Jazz's collar got caught on a loose loop. The poor guy was freaking out; it took a few seconds to get his collar off to see the problem. If that had happened when we were in school, he would have been trapped from 8:30 until the boys came home at 2:30.

The carpet had to go.

That was a no-brainer. :D

I have beautiful hard wood floors, but they'll need to be stripped and waxed - - which will need to wait until I have extra money (probably January when I'll get three paychecks).

I spent the day cleaning up, trying furniture in different spots, cooking, doing laundry, and watching a couple of movies on t.v.

I've had quite an amazingly relaxing day! I might spend tomorrow relaxing at home as well; we shall see. I'm not exactly motivated to go to church; it's not fun anymore, and I have so much more joy spending time with God right here at home.

I enjoyed some fantastic worship time this evening, though. I have come to cherish my private time with the Lord more than ever.

Sweet dreams!

trip to the store

I misunderstood the directions last night, and I gave prizes to the kids...even after all their tickets were used.

That means we were running out of candy, pencils, etc. pretty quickly.

So.....

I just bought about 15 bags of candy to replenish our supply for tonight! :o) I also bought some pencils with encouraging sayings and someChristian playing cards (like "Bible Memory"); if we can't use them tonight, then we can always save them for Sunday school.

Michael Jackson's gone?

Whoa...

Michael was only 13 years older than me.

So sad.

The funeral of my friend, Jenny, and the passing of Michael remind me to thank God for every day. We are not promised tomorrow (nor will I be disappointed if I don't get another one). If you think about it, we probably won't want to come back once we've experienced heaven. :o)

Despite the loss I've felt recently in my personal life, I am still happy. I'm looking forward to things to come, and I'm so glad the Lord will be with me every step of the way.

Aren't you?