skip to main |
skip to sidebar
I went to see this play with my buddy, Iva. What a hoot! I was able to see some friends I haven't seen since I worked with them last December.
Then we went for coffee at Perkins, and she enjoyed some pie while I munched on a muffin (which ended up being my supper because I forgot to eat). Oh well.
We talked and talked and talked...until 2:00 a.m.!!!! It's all good though; I'm wide awake! I'll be fine while I teach Bible study this morning, but I'm not sure I'm going to make it through a meeting at 3:00. :o) I'll just grab a big 'ol cup of coffee on the way and pray that God keeps me awake! :o)
I cannot believe how quickly this school year is passing!
My students are wonderful. It's only the second month of school, and they have already learned my expectations and have also stopped challenging me. Of course I still have one or two children who push my buttons, but I'm so grateful that it's not one or two entire classes! :o)
This afternoon I'll provide the music on our baby grand for a wedding at church. I met the bride and groom last night at the rehearsal, and they are fabulous! They're so young and cute! I pray that God blesses them immensely as they begin their lives together as husband and wife!
My ex-husband has been calling a lot lately, and I'm starting to lose patience. My life is entirely too full already, and I simply do not have the time to spend hours with him on the phone. He has made it clear that he wants to come "home," but I'm not ready for that (nor do I see myself wanting that in the near future....or ever, for that matter).
Please pray that I keep clear, healthy boundaries without hurting his feelings.
I'm off to get some grocery shopping done before I come home and get dolled up for the wedding. I might even wear lipstick! :P
In case you hadn't noticed, I've had very little time to chit chat here. That's because I have been forced to grade all of these stupid practice OGTs for my 160 students. The reading test had 7 essays, and the writing had 1 short answer and 2 extended response questions (think full-length essays).
I don't want to grade any more tests!!! :o( It took 2 hours to get through a single class set of reading tests, and I have six classes. I'm halfway done; I left the rest of those at school.
I just finished the second batch of writing tests, and I have 4 more to go. I might be able to knock those out tonight; we'll see.
On a MUCH happier note, I met with Jamie and J.J. after church today, and it looks like I'll lead a Bible study for a local group of women beginning on Tuesday! Woo hoo!!!!! That's exactly what the Lord has been laying on my heart lately, but I had no idea how he was going to allow me to minister the word. Now I know! :o)
I also ran into a friend in the grocery store this morning before I went to church, and we're both having trouble in the guy department. In fact, after hearing my pastor's response ("Maybe God doesn't really want you to 'play' right now...") and her circumstances at the moment, we've both agreed that the single life is for us. Sadly, my heart yearns to be loved, but I guess God doesn't want that for some reason.
Church was especially hard today. Pastor rocked (as usual); I just felt this incredible sadness during the service. I even missed communion because I left the sanctuary for a bit to compose myself; I thought I was going to cry in front of everybody. I'm not sure what's wrong with me, but I'm glad I start ministry again soon. I rarely focus on my own issues when I'm loving and encouraging others.
I've given myself a 30-minute break, so I've gotta go; I wanna play Tetris before I resume where I left off. Have a great evening!
First: church this morning :o)Second: finish grading papersThird: napFourth: church again tonightFifth: out for coffee with some friendsThanks for a beautiful morning, Lord!
Most of my kids did very well on their oral quiz today.I'm ready to relax for a second, though. I woke up incredibly early, worked all day, went to a 2-hour professional development class, and then prepped my stuff for tomorrow - - - but I still went to Bible study tonight. I left this morning at 6:30 and didn't get home until 9:15! Man, that's a long day. I'm definitely on the sleepy side! :POff to check FB, play a game of Tetris, and hit the sack by 10:00. G'night.
I've been running myself ragged...kinda like the Energizer bunny which, by the way, will eventually go kaput once the batteries die. We just never see that part in the commercials. :o) I need to rest.My weekends have been booked with prepping for school in August and grading papers last week. I'm burning out, but I'm not quite sure how to change my routine without getting behind in my work.I'm not doing anyting at church except praying for the ministries and building relationships with the women, so I don't go to meetings, have choir rehearsal, or teach Bible study anymore. Yet I'm STILL swamped. Where is my time going???? Hmmmm...I will leave for Columbus Sunday afternoon so that I can work on the proficiency tests for the state of Ohio. It's not exactly a glamorous job, but I haven't seen these folks in a long time (perhaps even a year). They are dear friends, and I'm excited about this trip! I'm also looking forward to having the hotel room to myself since there's no such thing as "quiet" time at my house. :PAmazingly, the start of the school year has been glitch-free! I've only had one gal push my buttons, but I pushed back - - - and lately she has been honoring the boundaries I have set.I hope all is well in your world. I'm going to play one game of Tetris before I hit the sack. Have a good one!
Remember "The 99"? Well, I had to do follow ups with those who did not already have a church, and I finally finished this afternoon. I feel so honored to share with you that God allowed me to pray with 173 women during my experience with "The 99," and 31 of them accepted Christ for the first time!
I got to witness 31 women give their lives to the Lord for the first time!!!! WOOO HOOO!!!!!
If you're in town, stop by my church at 7:00 on Friday. Check out First Baptist Church for information about our pastor, programs, or directions. Have a great day!
Our pastor was the only guy who showed up for Bible study tonight, and we were, *ahem*, a bit out of hand. He knows we love him, though! :o)
Have you ever had a perfect day?
Today was one of those days when everything falls into place perfectly. I started my day by worshiping the Lord and enjoying his presence...then I wrote paper #2...went to church to organize the office a bit...chatted and prayed with Pastor, came home and cut the grass...made supper and ate with Jamil (Shaq was at a friend's house)...went to Bible study, visited with my mom for a while and then came home.
Today was balanced with work and recreation, responsibilities and a bit of fun!
I'm looking forward to tomorrow!!!! :o)
This week has gone by crazy-fast!!!!!
Today is the last day of my grad class, and I had planned on turning in my paper early because I'm such a nerd. However, I spent many hours ministering to folks this week during the little bit of free time I had. I'm no longer in leadership at church, but I haven't slowed down one bit as far as listening, praying with, and ministering to hurting people. I've even had people in my grad class ask me about my spiritual life. Cool, huh?!?!
Anyway, my paper isn't due for two weeks, but I'm going to write it tomorrow (Saturday) morning so that I can relax and breathe. This is the last paper I have to write for at least two years, which is when I'm planning to take more classes for the fun of it. At this point, it looks like the boys are going to college for free because of Wilson's disability, but I still want to help them a little every month. I'd prefer that they do not work while in college, so the money I would have paid for tuition can go for clothing, cell phone bills, food, or whatever they'll need. :o)
I keep forgetting my camera, but I'll try to take pictures of the beautiful campus where I've spent the majority of the last four days. It's gorgeous! A convent is on the other side of the grounds, and the nuns are so cute in their habits! They're sweet, too, and I enjoy chatting with them before/after class or on breaks. Walsh University pays them for three classrooms, and they've been renovated. It's an older building, but it looks brand new on the inside. I'll have to show you with some pics this evening.
My son, Shaq, volunteered to do some ministry with our pastor, and I couldn't be happier about that. My little one is going to the "The 99" with my mom tonight; maybe I'll see if since I'm a prayer counselor. I'm planning on staying until Shaq calls me for a ride home.
I hope you have a spectacular Friday!
Church was cool today! Pastor did a sermon on "first fruits," and I know that he's not particularly fond of preaching on that topic. In addition, we happened to have quite a few visitors today, but he still did a wonderful job.
I also met a great new friend named Amy. She's so sweet!
My headaches are back, so I was uncomfortable during the sermon. I was tempted to run to the drinking fountain and take a couple of Tylenol, but I would have interrupted the service big-time since I was sitting in the front.
I pray for myself when I'm sick, but sometimes God doesn't heal me. Oh well.
I'm making Hamburger Helper for dinner. I might be more creative if I didn't feel so icky. I took a nap, and it DID help a little bit.
In a couple of hours I will go to M. Church and lead the music for the worship service. Corporate worship is always fun, isn't it? :o)
Have a great evening!
When I was hurting and decided to leave the church, Brian stepped up and faithfully played every single week. Now, I am hesitant to play during a service. I want him to continue playing. Besides, he has been playing (and doing a great job!) every week.
I think I'll bow out for a while. Pastor will be out of town, and Brian actually wants to tackle the challenge of playing by himself. I don't mind; it's on my birthday, so I'll be able to sit back and relax. :o)
I'm not really needed at my church anymore.
The work that I would have done is now being accomplished by a beautiful, sweet, kind, loving woman who is willing to tackle just about anything.
The music I would have played is being done by the capable, friendly, lovable husband of a friend of mine.
I think all of this is happening for a reason. I won't say what that reason is here, but I sure am excited about it! I will keep praying for the growth within my church and the opportunities for others to become involved in ministry.
God, thank you for allowing me to move aside, to allow Brian to shine as he worships you each week. Thank you for blessing him and his beautiful family with a wonderful vacation! I'm also grateful for the folks who are willing to put their hands to work for you!
Father, I will continue to pray as you lead me, and I appreciate every opportunity to show you my love for you through obedience and humility. I am yours, Jesus, and I'm listening for your voice every day. I love you, Lord, and I pray that you continue to use me however you see fit. In Jesus' name, amen!
We had an unannounced fire drill at an awkward time: break (lunch).
But it wasn't a drill at all! Somehow the lunch ladies caught a pizza on fire.
Umm....I'm not quite sure how one does that, but that's the story I heard.
So my students and I enjoyed the beautiful summer weather for 45 minutes while the firefighters got everything under control. Unfortunately, one of the workers suffered smoke inhalation, which is why it took such a long time for us to receive clearance to reenter the building.
This afternoon, I'll meet a friend at 5:00 to help her with a project, and then I'll just sit tight and wait for my church's Bible study to begin. (We'll be at Panera; come join us!) After that, I'll get some much-needed rest. I stayed up late playing the piano/singing to the Lord, but now I'm sleepy!
Have a wonderful evening!
After work, I had a meeting with Pastor about my role in the church, and I feel MUCH better about everything. You may have noticed that quite a few of my blog entries have disappeared. That's because I have decided to erase every entry that contained even one ounce of whining.
:D
I want this blog to bless, NOT DEPRESS, people!!!!
(Hold me accountable to that, please. I'm on an "accountability" kick, and I'm getting blessed by the words of truth that my friends are sharing with me.)
I'm going to spend several evenings with some fellow Christians as we witness and pray with young people in the next few weeks. Please pray that we say the exact words God is calling us to use.
My boys will be home soon. They went to Cedar Point with their youth group, and I'm looking forward to hearing all about it! :o)
I praise God for every blessing, and I'm looking forward to seeing what He's up to not only for my life but for the lives of everyone I know! I love you, and I'm interested in your testimonies. I'm all ears!
I thought I was supposed to play at M. Church today, but I'm supposed to play NEXT week!
Duh!
The music director let me play anyway since I had already picked out the songs. :o)
I enjoyed some incredible prayer time with her and the pastor after the service, and I feel so refreshed!
John filled in tonight while Woody is on vacation, and he spoke about FORGIVENESS! (That's exactly what God has been dealing with me about for several days!)
He encouraged us to keep standing on God's word, to keep loving one another, to keep behaving in a way that is holy so that those without God's love can see a difference in us.
Worship was amazing; Mandy harmonized with me as we led the music, and it was fantastic! God's spirit ministered to me tonight, and I loved every second!
I'm off to write three tests and get some sleep. Goodnight!
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!
I have had a long, busy week. I worked 7 hours every day, and then I helped with the kids at church on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evening for Kids Fun Nights. Although it was enjoyable, I still greatly prefer teaching my teenage students. :D
I'm pleased to say that everyone earned an A or B during the first "semester,"which ended yesterday. Only ten more days until my summer begins!!!!
The weekend will be spent working on homework for my next grad class. It doesn't begin until July 27th, but I'm getting a head start since I already have the book. I'm looking forward to enjoying a few cups of decaf tea as I catch up on some recreational reading.
Enjoy your weekend!
We had at least 3 times as many kids tonight as we did last night, and perhaps we'll have even more tomorrow.
Yes, I'm tired, but my nieces made some little friends this evening. :o) Speaking of "tired..."
G'night.
I didn't think to bring my camera, but I'll try to remember to take it tomorrow (and Wednesday).
Iva did a wonderful job organizing this three-day kids' fest. There were games, balloons, snacks, fun, and fellowship! I invited my great-nieces who had a blast! I was thrilled to see them behave so well and participate with the others.
I am exhausted, though; I'm used to the big boys and girls. :o)
I'm off to relax by playing a game or two of Tetris before I finish a writing project and write a test. Hopefully, I'll be in bed by 10:00 or 10:30 (at the latest).
Have a peaceful evening!
For the first two days of summer school, I have tried to get my students to work as independently as possible. I do have one child who is incredibly demanding of my attention, but she's quick to say things like, "You know, I hated you, but now I love you!"
Seriously...that's a verbatim quote of hers from this morning.
As a teacher, I always want to be in control of every situation. I do not want behaviors to become so wild that no one listens. On the other hand, I'd like the kids to enjoy themselves while they learn. It's a delicate balance, but I think I've got this class where I want them. I'm lenient, though; it's difficult for folks to focus for six hours on one subject (especially if it was failed during the regular school year).
So far, every single kid has a C or better! (Thank you, Lord! Please help them to keep it up!) One young man said, "Man, you're really nice, and I understand this (persuasive essay assignment) now."
As I sit here reflecting on the day, I am pleased that I let God control everything. He helped me deal effectively with some classroom conflicts without resorting to discipline tickets (which remove them from the classroom).
I have tried to let the same thing (allowing God to be in control of me) happen in my church life, but sometimes transitions are hardly smooth. I find myself longing for the peace and excitement for "church" that I had two weeks ago. Now I am bracing for an uphill battle that won't be pretty.
I asked for some advice from you here on my blog. Since I haven't gotten any responses, I suspect that I'm not the only one who may have reservations about giving advice on how to deal with difficult people.
I have exasperated my arsenal of witty, endearing comments for those giving me grief at the moment. Sometimes I can use humor in the classroom to totally diffuse a situation, but that hasn't gotten me anywhere at church.
You know, I'm just plain weary of getting emotionally beaten up by the very folks I have tried so hard to support and love. God is calling me to continue, though, so I will...
On a happy note: Tomorrow should be fun! A couple of friends are going out of town, so they'll miss a graduation party for their son's buddy. I was asked to take pictures, so I will try my best. My less-than-professional snapshots will have to do.
Hmmm....on second thought, perhaps I should give my camera to someone else for the afternoon!
:o)
Enjoy your Friday evening!
