skip to main |
skip to sidebar
I started the day at a professional development class, and I was incredibly disappointed in my fellow teachers who talked while the presenter (who taught my son a few years ago) was sharing ideas. How rude! I was mortified and embarrassed! One would think that educators would have better manners, especially if they themselves would never tolerate such blatant disrespect in the classroom. Ooooooo, I was so frustrated!
Ultimately, I was able to glean quite a bit despite the constant, distracting chatter, so the morning wasn't a total loss.
Then I drove to my new classroom and fell in love!
I have windows!
Go ahead and giggle! :o) But my room last year was hardly comfy and cozy...I didn't have a single window. Someone made some rather true comparisons of my former room to a jail cell.
I agree, which is why I love my windows in my new room! Granted, the view is of a big 'ol pile of dirt, but I'm hoping it improves somewhat over the course of the year. Seeing sunlight as I teach will be fantastic!
I have so many cabinets that it's going to take some creativity to use them all.
The electronic parts of my room have me a bit nervous, but one of my friends isn't intimidated at all. So, if I can't figure it out by the end of September, then he's going to get a phone call. :o)
The air conditioning is working wonderfully, and the motion-sensored lights are pretty nifty.
I have quite a bit of cleaning and organizing to do before the school year begins, but I'm well on my way.
Thank you, God! Today has been fantastic! Please stay with me as I teach the women this evening at Bible study. In Jesus' name, amen!
I had a peaceful day today! Yay!
I spent the morning in a bit of discomfort, but I think I'm getting better. (Thank you, God!)
I also spent some time with a friend this afternoon. That was quite enjoyable and relaxed me completely. (Thank you again, God!)
Then I went to my T.O.P.S. meeting and learned that I lost a little more weight. Double YAY!!!!
I like days when I accomplish what I wanted to do for that day. I did a couple of extra errands too, but I didn't wear myself out. I even walked around the neighborhood with my friend, Diana, to invite folks to our church for a picnic.
I suppose I should confess something. I've been moving in fear lately, and I need to cut it out. I've been afraid of a few things:
1.) Fear of failure at losing weight. Although I have succeeded at losing weight, I have also given in to the temptation to eat comfort food. I think that, from now on, I'm only going to focus on the positive and try to change my perception of myself, especially since I think I'm much bigger in my head than I am in reality. There is good news: I am no longer pushing 300 pounds, and I am no longer a size 28. I won't tell you how much I weigh, but I will say that I'm wearing a size 14 and some 12's. Only 4 more sizes to go! [I think a size 8 is realistic, but I'd love to see a 6.]
2.) Fear of failure in ministry. This is a big one! It didn't help that I picked a song that no one knew for the worship service. (There wasn't even ONE person who knew it!) But my pastor is awesome: he explained that it really wasn't a big deal. He said, "So we all learned a new song. What's so bad about that?" There's nothing like a fresh perspective, eh?
3.) Fear of not being able to care for my children financially and emotionally. I've got the spiritual aspect of life for the most part since we worship regularly as a family on Sunday mornings. Now I've got to trust the Lord to help me with every other aspect of parenting, including providing for the needs and a few wants of my kids.
4.) Fear of what people think of me. This one hit me right between the eyes on Sunday. Fortunately, I was able to share this with my Pastor, and he spoke some words of wisdom that helped me deal with what happened. If you're a bully, I couldn't care less what you think of me. But I can't handle when my friends turn on me. Actually, I guess I CAN handle it! I'm learning how, I suppose, but it still hurts.
5.) Fear of dating (even though I thought that's what I wanted to do). I know that sounds stupid, but it's true. I'm actually uncomfortable getting to know men in a personal way, such as a dating relationship, even if I've known some of these men for several years.
SO....
I think it's time that I stop worrying and let God do his thing. At T.O.P.S. I am steadily losing weight. I have been told that people enjoy my music and the Bible study I lead at church. My boys have everything they need for school, and all of my bills are getting paid, even though I wish I had more to put away into my savings account. And I have been asked to go out on dates since my divorce; I've simply chosen not to accept because I didn't feel God in it at all. [I'd rather not make that mistake again.]
I am more than a conqueror, right?
With God all things are possible!
Thank you, Jesus, for staying by my side!
I'm really tired and weak.
I've been trying to keep up with blogging, but I think I have to pass for tonight.
One happy thought before I go: I started a 90-day personal Bible study program that should help me become a better woman of God. It's a pretty thick book, but it looks wonderful. I'll let you know how it goes. God bless!
And I'm definitely doing that right now.
One of my e-mail accounts is "keepinmyjoy," and sometimes that's hard to do, isn't it?
I am not allowing an irritating 10-minute conversation to dictate whether or not I have a good day. Have you ever tried to soothe someone who didn't want to be soothed? If so, then you know how awkward I felt. A lady is mad at me tonight, and there's absolutely nothing I can do about it. She was so hateful that listening to me was virtually impossible. I eventually stopped trying to give her peace since it was clear that she was simply in the mood to be mad.
She called me, but she didn't really want a discussion; I suppose she expected me to silently listen as she spewed venom. Although I gave her very little wiggle room as she ranted, I wasn't rude. Sadly, I don't think she feels better. I tried though!
But she's wrong...I'm NOT a horrible person. I do NOT walk around insinuating that my time is more important than anybody else's. I try to help others in any way I can. Although I don't have much spare time during the school year, I still make it a point to be available if my family, friends, or students need me. I don't try to make people feel self-conscious or feel dumb just because I'm an English teacher. In fact, I strive to do the exact opposite.
Perhaps I should stop fussing at you. After all, you weren't the one yelling at me earlier! :o)
Anyway...
Now that I think about it, I actually DID have a good day! Let's see:
1. Pastor Smiley did a great job today and used his recent camping trip and the idea of contaminated water to illustrate the meaning of "defiled." And thank God he can read music! I picked a song that NO ONE knew. Oops! I taught them the song, though, and they seemed to like it. Do you know "Wonderful, Merciful Savior"? I love that song!
2. My children have been actively working on behaving for me, and I'm quite appreciative of that. In fact, someone at work this evening mentioned how mannerly my boys are. What a nice compliment to me as a mother and to them as well!
3. My little one spent some of his own money to buy me a necklace for my birthday yesterday. It's a big 'ol heart that's full of colorful little gems. I wore it all day today.
4. My relatively new friend, John, left another gift and letter for me in the mailbox at church. I can't express how timely that was. God shared some things about me with him, and they were right on point. Wow...I'm touched that he prays for me so often.
5. I went back to work at a local theater, and I enjoyed catching up with some friends. One of my ex-students is trying to play matchmaker for me, but I'm not really sure I'm up for that. I guess I'll eventually have to get out there and meet some folks. To be honest, though, that thought evokes more anxiety than excitement. :o( But there is a bright side: At least I'm finally free to date if the right guy comes along. :o)
6. My Mom and I spent about an hour together this evening. She's so awesome! I was a bit agitated (due to my goofy phone call from Angry Lady). Being near my Mom brings me peace in a relatively short amount of time.
Thanks, Lord, for a GREAT day!!!!!
Wow...my day has been so awesome!
Kim, I know I already thanked you for the birthday present as soon as it came in the mail, but I had to thank you again after I opened it today. Girl, you have more creativity in your pinky finger than I'll ever have! You are soooo talented! And your family is absolutely beautiful!!!!
Alas, I still haven't gone to the doctor. I am soooooooooooo chicken. What the heck is my problem? Let's just say the details of my discomfort are too personal and gross to type here. Please just keep praying for me, okay? Thanks!
Happy note #1: My birthday has been lovely! My Mom took me to dinner, and I had some steak. That's a treat, not only because it's expensive but also since it's so fattening. But we were at Hometown Buffet, so I asked for a small piece. I also splurged on some strawberry shortcake and ice cream for dessert. Yummo!
Happy note #2: I watched some movies and a little bit of baseball, and then I got a phone call: my babies were ready for me to pick them up from the Fishels. They missed me! I got some awesome hugs...even in front of other people! Cool!
Happy note #3: A very handsome guy wanted to talk in the middle of Giant Eagle yesterday. I met him a while ago and have spoken to him a few times before, and he isn't creepy. I, however, am a big 'ol chicken. I talk much smack about being ready to date, but when a nice, handsome guy comes along, voila! I'm 16 years old again and totally tongue-tied. What the heck!?!?!?
Fortunately, I do know how to contact him...
...if I ever stop being such a dork. :o)
So, what am I doing on a lovely Friday evening? I was outside for a while, and now I'm going to jot down a few lines here before I watch some movies. After that, I'm going to hit the sack...it'll be almost midnight when I'm done watching them.
I had lunch with my friend, Melanie, and she is a hoot! I had been looking forward to some girl talk (something happened this week, and I was bursting to share it with her), but she brought her son. Oh well...I'll have to tell her later. She kept asking me, "What's going on with you?" I don't really have an answer except that I'm simply happy and content. It's sad that this joyful look on my face is so shocking to her, eh? But it's a new day! God is good! He's blessing me with peace, and I'm hanging on to every ounce of it!
And...
Tomorrow is my birthday! Yay! I finally get to open Kim's present for me, and then I'm planning on going to church in the morning to get some stuff done (I can't believe how time flew this week!). After that, I'm going to visit one of the nicest, cutest, little 'ol ladies I've ever met. She's in a nursing home. I visited her yesterday, but I promised to go see her again on Saturday. I also want to see that new Star Wars movie: The Clone Wars. I know, I know...it's a cartoon, but I wanna see it! So maybe I'll take my boys if they're home in time.
In the evening, my Momma's taking me out to dinner. We might have lunch instead though; she's a retired woman on a fixed income. Lunch is cheaper, don't you think?
I hope all is well in your world!
Lo and behold, my boys chose to go camping with some family friends! Wow! That threw me for a loop. I thought they'd surely decline because there's no internet or television in the woods, but they're actually excited about it. I dropped them off at 5:10, so they've been on the road with the Fishels for about 1/2 hour.
What to do with all this free time?
Well, I'll lead a women's Bible study in 1/2 hour, then I'm going to go home, let my doggy go outside for a few minutes, and then eat dinner (which will probably be a salad). If I'm in the mood for dessert, I can munch on some banana chips or a 100 calorie pack of crackers. Then I'll watch a movie.
After that, I'm probably going to be too tired to do anything fun, but there's always tomorrow...
