I am 12 weeks into my Take Shape for Life Plan and I have shed 36 lbs. I'm so excited that this is working. It's almost surreal! :) Check out those new boots I bought today!
No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame... Psalm 25:3
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Work Crawling Out of the Fence...again!
So these last few weeks have been weeks of seeing my flesh play out horribly in the classroom. I have screamed and lost my cool more times than I care to admit. It seems nothing I try gets results with these kids. I feel like a miserable teacher and to top it all off a parent came to my assistant principal yesterday with concerns about her child not wanting to come to school. She thankfully referred her back to me, which I appreciate, but the parent has yet to contact me and I only know that about the concerns cause the AP gave me the heads-up. Well, I've tried to contact the mother and her cell apparently, according to her request is not taking INCOMING CALLS! I feel horrible that I can't even do anything to contact the parent and attempt to get this all straightened out. I hate having some conflict that I have the possibility of fixing, and not having the ability to attempt to resolve it. It's nights like these that make it so tremendously difficult to leave work at work. Work is crawling out of it's fence and I feel useless to get it back where it belongs. Jesus, I need your help cause I'm probably trying too hard to fix this all by myself.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
What I'm Into
Saw this post on my friend's blog and I'm playing along.
On my nightstand:
The Fitting Room: Putting on the Character of Christ by Kelly Minter - I've been working on this one for a while and I'm nearly finished. It's based around the passage in Colossians 3 where scripture says we are to clothe ourselves with Christ. It's been really good to read and digest slowly.
Financial Peace Revisited by Dave Ramsey - I'm taking Financial Peace University at Church, so reading parts of this has been my homework.
Not a lot of reading happens during the school year...just being honest.
Movies I've Seen
The Muppets was the last movie I saw in the theater, it was very funny and nostalgic. I'd wholeheartedly recommend this one.
TV:
* Biggest Loser - is always a favorite and I'm looking forward to seeing who will win. Always inspiring and encourages me to keep going with my weight-loss plan.* Once Upon a Time - Love this new show, find it so cool! Plus it's a roommate bonding night cause we watch it together.
* Parenthood - it's on so late, but it's one guilty pleasure I usually get sucked into!
* Switched at Birth - is a tweenage drama on ABCFamily about two girls who discover at 16 that they were switched at birth. One girl happens to be Deaf and there's lots of signing on this show and it makes me realize how much my skills have atrophied since college. *sigh*
In my ears:
*Children of the Free - this is a worship cd that was birthed out of my church in NC, and I listen to it weekly.
*Christmas music, of course! On the radio mostly, but I will bust out my copy of the Emmanuel tour from the nineties that I love with all the Christian Artist of old on it, and of course what's Christmas music without a little Michael W. Smith Christmastime in the mix.
The One You Need - by Shane and Shane - Awesome worship from one of my favorites. The song "Your Grace is Sufficient" is my favorite right now.
In my kitchen:
Since I've been on the Take Shape for Life Health Plan (click for more info) for the last 10 nearly, 11 weeks there's not too much excitement in the kitchen. Mostly green veggies and lean protein of the day with an occasional Morningstar Tomato Basil Pizza Burger thrown in the mix. Although, many recipes especially the Cauliflower Breadsticks have been on my list of faves from this site. The plan is working wonders, as I've lost a total of 32 pounds, so far and persevering during the holidays is the plan!! :) Thanksgiving down and Christmas and New Year's to go! :)
Looking forward to:
* Getting out of school for the holidays and going home to Arkansas.
* Getting to my goal weight and eating more like a regular healthy person, and purchasing clothes smaller than any I've ever worn as an adult.
*Receiving and putting up Christmas cards.
*Giving gifts to my family and spending time with my nephew and nieces.
* A teacher of course always looks forward to the summer and an occasional snow day, but not too many cause I don't want to lose my Spring Break. ;)
(Obvious plug for Ooohs and Aaahs! With some before and after photos)
Here's my prior to starting my Take Shape for Life (kinda hate this picture now):
 |
| Before Take Shape for Life |
 |
| After 32 lbs gone!! |
Sunday, August 21, 2011
“Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life.”
I have been very busy these last few days starting the school year as a teacher. We have had meeting galore and very little time to work in our classrooms. I'm hoping that tomorrow I can be extremely motivated and focused to get things done in my room as Meet the Teacher is Tuesday evening. I fell across this quote:
“Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life.” --Charlotte Mason
It made me think about the importance of the atmosphere I'm creating in my classroom and how I should be spending so much energy investing in my students to help create a classroom atmosphere that is beneficial to all my students reaching their full potential together and individually.
I am already planning some things to help me with reduce the number of words and "nagging" I end up doing as a teacher. I hope to use anchor songs to cue certain activities and procedures. I am pretty excited at the prospect of using music, something my students are crazy about already, to help shape their behavior and save my words for more important things, like actual instruction.
I currently have 27 students on my list. I'm looking forward to meeting them and I'm feeling a little anxious about what this year will hold. Time will tell. I will post pictures of my classroom as soon as it's presentable!
“Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life.” --Charlotte Mason
It made me think about the importance of the atmosphere I'm creating in my classroom and how I should be spending so much energy investing in my students to help create a classroom atmosphere that is beneficial to all my students reaching their full potential together and individually.
I am already planning some things to help me with reduce the number of words and "nagging" I end up doing as a teacher. I hope to use anchor songs to cue certain activities and procedures. I am pretty excited at the prospect of using music, something my students are crazy about already, to help shape their behavior and save my words for more important things, like actual instruction.
I currently have 27 students on my list. I'm looking forward to meeting them and I'm feeling a little anxious about what this year will hold. Time will tell. I will post pictures of my classroom as soon as it's presentable!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Some thoughts floating around..
My pastor's sermon this morning was from 1 Corinthians 9 (you can find it here when they post it: North Wake). He questioned us with: Is there any thing you're willing to sacrifice to not hinder the gospel? He talked about viewing our sin rightly, so we might view the gospel rightly for the power of God and hope it holds. Well, I spent the afternoon at the pool after church and brought my book club book along cause I wanted to get caught up, so I could watch the video discussions. It was amazing how these similar things jumped out at me while I read. The book is based on Colossians 3, where Paul writes about us taking off our old practices, and putting on Christ. This passage is familiar to me as last year's Women's Retreat had a entire teaching session out of this passage. However, I never focused in on the portion of the text that states:
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
This is something I often forget and because I'm quick to forget that I am chosen, holy, and dearly loved, I reduce my Christian life down to a daily battle within myself to correct my own "behavior". Here's how the author more eloquently states this realization of the power of these three truths:
"I yearn to live altogether differently, not simply because I've learned how to manage my behavior but because God has changed me from the inside. And because I desperately desire to draw others to Jesus by a life that is distinctly bright and whole, because He has made it so... Paul clearly states that our being chosen, set apart as a saint, and loved is the sole work of God....But for now, we must accept and enjoy the grace and justification that has set us apart. We must revel in being saints. Anything less, and we're back to demerits and striving and classroom lectures, things that may manage our behaviors but can never change our hearts. And if being chosen, holy, and loved is about anything, it is about our hearts" (The Fitting Room p 50-51)
I have grown so accustomed to hearing these things that they have become familiar and have lost some of the revelry they should bring about in my heart. It has become this grand truth that I know with my head, but has somehow gotten lost in the journey to really becoming embedded in my heart. I'm being to see the reason is that they've gotten lodged on quiet a few idols that have built up upon the pathway. Oh how easily my heart seems to manufacture things to worship and chose above Christ. It's time for these things to begin to be chiseled away by the truths that can transform me from this rough sketch of who I think God wants me to be to the actual transformation that only he can do. Changing requires some effort on my part to cooperate and obey the Holy Spirit's prompting to "take off" "chisel away at the old man". Pray that I might be diligent to pray for these things that are lodged in the way to be revealed and I will gain a sense of awe and confidence of these truths. I am loved. I am chosen by God. I am dearly loved. How I want these things embedded deep in my heart that I would not be fearful of man and proclaim boldly the marvelous love that I have experienced rather than I think I understand.
"The problem is we either hear we are loved by Go so much that it starts to lose its meaning, or we've watered down our understanding of agape to the point that it starts ringing ordinary. Familiarity may breed contempt, but a lot of times it just breeds numbness." (The Fitting Room p. 55)
Monday, May 30, 2011
Poems from God's Heart
These poems flowed out of some much needed quiet with the Lord. My Savior is gracious and compassionate and patient with my wayward heart that is prone to wander. May they bring you close as they deeply touched me. This poetry has never happened before, nor do I know if it will ever happen again. Be blessed. These are all God's original work that he gave to me. So please don't steal them without giving credit where it's due. :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Are you flailing in your sin?
Lost and weary of the trial you're in
Sudden change you wish you'd find
Yet all you encounter requires time.
Devotion is the answer.
It is these idols of the heart
must be crumpled, bit by bit
while at His feet you choose to sit.
Where is your comfort and failings to lie,
In repentance to His seat you fly.
You're my comfort, peace and strength
Alone I cannot make a change.
~~~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~
Crashing, crashing out of control
One by one they continue to roll.
Endless mercy, grace and love
from your Heavenly Father above.
Do not fret or delay for in this grasp you will realize
comes the continual grace to reach the prize.
~~~~~~~
In yourself in selfish pride,
in the defeat and guilt you hide.
in the defeat and guilt you hide.
If in His lap you choose to confide
Eternal hope are in His side.
Rush to Him and hide your face
and He will cover you with grace.
No longer needing to punish yourself
or try to finish the race yourself.
This was completed once for all
upon the cross' eternal call.
Even when you fear eventual fail
the Lord, He longs to hear your tale.
He is not weak nor does he tire
of your struggle up from the mire.
Rush to his side, dear precious one
For you find your strength within the Son.
~~~~~~
Rejoice, o fallen sinner in strive
for the One who conquers it is alive.
No longer broken, feeble, or weak
for is His face you'll continually seek.
He longs for your presence and joy of your face,
As you submit to His marvelous grace.
In His arms and continual embrace
your defeat will have no place.
For finished are your sinful chains,
when in His love you choose to remain.
~~~~~
O precious daughter feeling tired and trapped
unaware of the unfailing love in which you are wrapped;
fleeing, running so tired in self.
Stop spinning and toiling all by yourself.
Self will unravel leave you buried and drained.
Let this heat drive you to desire the grace of His rain.
Let this heat drive you to desire the grace of His rain.
Living water, eternal and full,reach for His hand out of the pit He will pull.
His glory, not yours and life to the full.
1000 Things Update
#3 Forsythia blooming gold
#4 Daffodil field in bloom
#5 Invitation of classmates at recess
#6 Connections with students
#7 Absent students
#8 technology that makes life simpler
#9 clear blue spring skies
#10 garden clean-up
#11 small group friends
#12 cozy pajamas
#13 comfy bed
#14 clean laundry
#15 cookies baked - lesson observed
#16 brother who loves Jesus
#17 beautiful nieces
#18 adorable nephew
#19 The gospel spoken to my heart
#20 confrontation of a friend
#21 meals with friends
#22 hugs
#23 baby snuggles
#24 men who care about me
#25 my dream deck plans
#26 accomplished on all standards
#27 cool spring breeze
#28 new spring green on the trees
#29 spring days with a lovely new dress
#30 Aya
#31 Maritza
#32 Liseth
#33 George
#34 Zyah
#35 craftiness
#36 laughter
#37 confidences of friends
#38 herbs
#39 vegetable plants cheap
#40 blue skies
#41 sundresses
#42 warm weather
#43 days off work
#44 boys lovingly working on the deck
#45 Christ's willingness to take God's wrath for me
#46 Secret Church
#47 sewing project success
#48 Christ dying my death
#49 warm bed
#50 technology
#51 volunteered hug from my former AU student
#52 50 students 2 teachers 1 room
#53 laughter
#54 baby sleeping on my chest
#55 garden growing
#56 deck nearly finished
#57 safety from severe weather
#58 field day survival
#59 cookout with Team Davis
#60 little children fun everywhere
#61 sewing project that's wearable
#62 pants that fit
#63 paycheck
#64 children behaving on Saturday
#65 helpful salesperson
#66 crafty gifts
#67 Southpoint shopping
#68 roommate love
#69 birthday key lime pie
#70 movie treats
#71 lunch with Courtney
#72 clean water from the spigot
#73 herbs growing
#74 bride "showered"
#75 party putt-putt without me
#76 brotherly "yes"
#77 reminder of the battle
#78 sweet baby cuddles
#79 North Wake worship
#80 spinach chopped by friend
#81 Surprise birthday card
#82 new birthday dress with pockets
#83 57% percent off recliner for deck
#84 present awaiting my arrival
#85 birthday mocha
#86 compliments on my dress
#87 birthday messages from my girls
#88 a real conversation with Matt
#89 Hip Hop Hustle with friends
#90 TOPS weight loss
#91 Birthday dinner and drinks
#92 Laughter
#93 dance skills, dance breakout
#94 strawberry cupcakes
#95 strawberry buttercream
#96 laughter love of SG
#97 Extend 2 EOGs break
#98 Surprise cake plans
#99 Goodberry's with Laura
#100 Birthday package from Mom
#101 random memory lane stroll
#102 FRIDAY
#103 Birthday party
#104 Putt-putt in the rain
#105 Grill-master Ben
#106 Pink Lemonade Cake
#107 Irises from Tiff
#108 Gift card from Lowe's
#109 Grill that works
#110 compliments from a genuine guy
#111 Completed deck
#112 friends who know you're not ok
#113 rain for my garden
#114 restful weekend
#115 Six Sundays in Spring
#116 Yellow cards with pictures
#117 Movies with Jess and Cameron
#118 Writing graded
#119 Greek food with friends
#120 Dishwasher
#121 Friends who are burdened for you
#122 forgiveness for stupidity of sin
#123 clean laundry
#124 grill working
#125 fresh veggies for kabobs
#126 $5 off coupon
#127 28 dollar grocery bill
#128 A mom to be grateful for
#129 Rachael's love for me
#130 Irises blooming
#131 Conversations with old friend
#132 He misses me.
#133 empathy among teachers
#134 plant from Jess
#135 job to go to
#136 My class- God's grace to me
#137 Felecia- unexpected volunteer
#138 grilled dinner - quiet deck
#139 You're Beautiful reminder
#140 Supportive teammate
#141 quick inventory counter
#142 Survival of Day 158
#143 Survival of the fittest - EOG Day 1
#144 $15 to see Hello Dolly
#145 Time with Sarah
#145 Z pizza
#146 Blue Moon
#147 Jimmy Johns for lunch
#148 long time testing
#149 Math Reteaching 15 kids
#150 Love of the SG men, cutting trees
#151 Umbrella
#152 Seat cushions
#153 grill that cooks
#154 cooking out
#155 grading on the deck
#156 guys hang out late
#157 Jenny's Baptism Celebration
#158 Chips and Salsa
#159 Dinner on Groupon
#160 Blue Moon
#161 Bedtime
#162 Maggie singing worship
#163 Maggie quotes scripture
#164 Reconciliation of friends
#165 Salvation for your lost sheep
#165 Beach trip
#166 Laughter of friends
#167 Time of solitude with the Lord
#168 Friends finding where He wants them
#169 Three day weekends
#170 9 days and counting
#4 Daffodil field in bloom
#5 Invitation of classmates at recess
#6 Connections with students
#7 Absent students
#8 technology that makes life simpler
#9 clear blue spring skies
#10 garden clean-up
#11 small group friends
#12 cozy pajamas
#13 comfy bed
#14 clean laundry
#15 cookies baked - lesson observed
#16 brother who loves Jesus
#17 beautiful nieces
#18 adorable nephew
#19 The gospel spoken to my heart
#20 confrontation of a friend
#21 meals with friends
#22 hugs
#23 baby snuggles
#24 men who care about me
#25 my dream deck plans
#26 accomplished on all standards
#27 cool spring breeze
#28 new spring green on the trees
#29 spring days with a lovely new dress
#30 Aya
#31 Maritza
#32 Liseth
#33 George
#34 Zyah
#35 craftiness
#36 laughter
#37 confidences of friends
#38 herbs
#39 vegetable plants cheap
#40 blue skies
#41 sundresses
#42 warm weather
#43 days off work
#44 boys lovingly working on the deck
#45 Christ's willingness to take God's wrath for me
#46 Secret Church
#47 sewing project success
#48 Christ dying my death
#49 warm bed
#50 technology
#51 volunteered hug from my former AU student
#52 50 students 2 teachers 1 room
#53 laughter
#54 baby sleeping on my chest
#55 garden growing
#56 deck nearly finished
#57 safety from severe weather
#58 field day survival
#59 cookout with Team Davis
#60 little children fun everywhere
#61 sewing project that's wearable
#62 pants that fit
#63 paycheck
#64 children behaving on Saturday
#65 helpful salesperson
#66 crafty gifts
#67 Southpoint shopping
#68 roommate love
#69 birthday key lime pie
#70 movie treats
#71 lunch with Courtney
#72 clean water from the spigot
#73 herbs growing
#74 bride "showered"
#75 party putt-putt without me
#76 brotherly "yes"
#77 reminder of the battle
#78 sweet baby cuddles
#79 North Wake worship
#80 spinach chopped by friend
#81 Surprise birthday card
#82 new birthday dress with pockets
#83 57% percent off recliner for deck
#84 present awaiting my arrival
#85 birthday mocha
#86 compliments on my dress
#87 birthday messages from my girls
#88 a real conversation with Matt
#89 Hip Hop Hustle with friends
#90 TOPS weight loss
#91 Birthday dinner and drinks
#92 Laughter
#93 dance skills, dance breakout
#94 strawberry cupcakes
#95 strawberry buttercream
#96 laughter love of SG
#97 Extend 2 EOGs break
#98 Surprise cake plans
#99 Goodberry's with Laura
#100 Birthday package from Mom
#101 random memory lane stroll
#102 FRIDAY
#103 Birthday party
#104 Putt-putt in the rain
#105 Grill-master Ben
#106 Pink Lemonade Cake
#107 Irises from Tiff
#108 Gift card from Lowe's
#109 Grill that works
#110 compliments from a genuine guy
#111 Completed deck
#112 friends who know you're not ok
#113 rain for my garden
#114 restful weekend
#115 Six Sundays in Spring
#116 Yellow cards with pictures
#117 Movies with Jess and Cameron
#118 Writing graded
#119 Greek food with friends
#120 Dishwasher
#121 Friends who are burdened for you
#122 forgiveness for stupidity of sin
#123 clean laundry
#124 grill working
#125 fresh veggies for kabobs
#126 $5 off coupon
#127 28 dollar grocery bill
#128 A mom to be grateful for
#129 Rachael's love for me
#130 Irises blooming
#131 Conversations with old friend
#132 He misses me.
#133 empathy among teachers
#134 plant from Jess
#135 job to go to
#136 My class- God's grace to me
#137 Felecia- unexpected volunteer
#138 grilled dinner - quiet deck
#139 You're Beautiful reminder
#140 Supportive teammate
#141 quick inventory counter
#142 Survival of Day 158
#143 Survival of the fittest - EOG Day 1
#144 $15 to see Hello Dolly
#145 Time with Sarah
#145 Z pizza
#146 Blue Moon
#147 Jimmy Johns for lunch
#148 long time testing
#149 Math Reteaching 15 kids
#150 Love of the SG men, cutting trees
#151 Umbrella
#152 Seat cushions
#153 grill that cooks
#154 cooking out
#155 grading on the deck
#156 guys hang out late
#157 Jenny's Baptism Celebration
#158 Chips and Salsa
#159 Dinner on Groupon
#160 Blue Moon
#161 Bedtime
#162 Maggie singing worship
#163 Maggie quotes scripture
#164 Reconciliation of friends
#165 Salvation for your lost sheep
#165 Beach trip
#166 Laughter of friends
#167 Time of solitude with the Lord
#168 Friends finding where He wants them
#169 Three day weekends
#170 9 days and counting
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
The Journey and the Challenge Begins
I have been reading this amazing book and been really encouraged and challenged to begin the hunt for the gifts of God in the here and now. So today I begin my journal of my own One Thousand Gifts. They may not be profound, but I pray that they will help me to find the JOY of where I am and the grace that I live in once again.
#1 Today as the tease of Spring weather disappeared to dreary and cool once again, I am thankful for a Burpee Gardening catalog that came in the mail. It's a great reminder of the hope that spring will arrive and that it will not be winter forever. This also reminds me that this journey of 1000 gifts may also bring spring back to my heart that has felt stuck in winter far too long.
#2 Finding a substitute to teach my class while I am out sick for yet another day.
#1 Today as the tease of Spring weather disappeared to dreary and cool once again, I am thankful for a Burpee Gardening catalog that came in the mail. It's a great reminder of the hope that spring will arrive and that it will not be winter forever. This also reminds me that this journey of 1000 gifts may also bring spring back to my heart that has felt stuck in winter far too long.
#2 Finding a substitute to teach my class while I am out sick for yet another day.
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