January Joys, February Faithfulness

Monday, January 30:

Three old things seen new

1)  God's word.  My Monday night Bible study has been such an eye-opening experience for me.  I am learning more and more how to give myself into believing God completely.

2)  My job.  The kids in my classroom have been very difficult this year.  Every Monday is a chance to see them in a new light, and a chance to prayerfully change how our week will go.

3)  Report cards.  Uggg.  But yay!!!  My babies have made so much growth this year in reading and math.  I am so proud of them!


Tuesday, January 31st:

a gift found on a paper: My water bill was wayyyy down this month.  Every little bit counts!

in a person: My principal, Mrs. Amos is a true blessing to me.  I thank God for a boss who is a true, genuine believer in God, His word, and prayer.  I also appreciate the fact that se is very understanding where family is involved.  There aren't many people that can say that about their administrators!!

in a picture:  This is my Believing God bracelet.  I got it from Nikki at Marchese Creations, which is found at www.etsy.com.  I was thrilled when I found out that she could make me a Carolina blue one!!!  It should arrive in the mail later this week!

Wednesday, February 1:

a gift found at 11:30pm~Lunch time!!  And time to catch up with my teammate Marti. . .she's going to the Believing God Bible study with me--Love it!!

a gift found at 2:30pm~The bell rang for my kids to go home.  Enough said.  (It's been a long week!)

a gift found at 6:30pm~Walking into my church! I am so very blessed to have such a wonderful church home and church family where you can absolutely feel the presence of God as soon as you walk through the door.

Thursday, February 2nd:

Three things overheard today, all gifts

1}  that I should be nominated for Teacher of the Year. . .that made me feel pretty good!

2}  Tyler telling me how much he loves me under his breath, thinking I wouldn't hear.  (He's too big to say it out loud anymore, ya know??)  He's the best!

3}  H. squealing at daycare before I even get to the door to get her.  She was having a blast!!

What has blessed you today?

January Joys

Boy, have I gotten behind!!

Behind in POSTING, mind you, not in noticing God's blessings!!

This one may get a little lengthy, so I'm going to avoid as many photos as I can. . .

I just want to share all that God has BLESSED me with in 2012!!

Tuesday, January 24:

3 Things Blue--

1}  My trusty van. . .it's getting a little older, a little more lived in and worn, but it runs great, gives us great times together as a family, and is kind of like our home on the road!!

2}  Tyler's Carolina blue teddy bear~~yes, he's too old to be playing with stuffed animals, but his MeeMaw gave it to him as a reminder that she is a SURVIVOR of breast cancer!!  (H. got a pink one, but she didn't think Tyler would want pink!).  We are so blessed to still have her with us and to have her well!!

3}  My "Believing God" bracelet. . .we tied these on as part of our Beth Moore study we just started:

 It serves as our constant reminder that we are BELIEVING in HIM to do what He says He will do!!!  (I'm going to find me a prettier one, though!)

Wednesday, January 25th:

One grace borrowed:  I borrow "pins" from people all the time on my new favorite website, Pinterest.  I know you might not think that qualifies as a blessing, but in the teaching field, any ideas that I can find to help me get more from my babies is definitely a blessing. . .plus, I have found lots of uplifting quotes and scriptures on there as well!  You should check it out!

One grace found:  I found a gift bag with my name on it when I came into church Wednesday night.  My Secret Encourager had remembered my birthday!!!  I got a beautiful calendar to use at school & an awesome pair of earrings!!

One grace inherited: Today I really appreciate my love for reading.  And that, I have definitely inherited from my mother.  She spent many hours reading and writing letters to family members.  I could find her reading anything from books to magazines, you name it, she read it.  And she passed that love along to me. . .which I use to learn as much as I can about Christ and what He wants for me!


Thursday, January 26th:

A gift before 9am:  A stomach bug & a migraine. . .a gift, you ask?  YES!!  I am working really hard on making some healthy life changes.  The stomach bug actually helped me lose a few pounds to add to my cause!!  I was feeling pretty rough, though, which leads me to my next blessing. . .

A gift before noon:  Sleep.  Sleep.  And more sleep.  Finally the sickness subsided and I was able to rest.

A gift after dark:  Feeling well enough to spend some time with my kids before they went to bed.  And being able to choke down a few bits of food and keep them there was a blessing, too!

Friday, January 27th:

3 gifts that might never have been:

1)  My marriage.  Randy & I split up for a time. . .looking back, I realize it was all in God's great timing.  During that split,

2)  Randy's salvation came.  I know without a doubt that we will see each other in Heaven and I never have to lose a moment's sleep about it.

3)  My sweet H.  Had God not intervened in our marriage and put the pieces back together the way only He could do, my sweet H. would not be here with us today.

Saturday, January 28th:

Three graces found in my friends:

1)  My new "partner" for my Made to Crave Bible study. . .I will explain that in my next "God's Girl" post!!

2)  A wonderful women's breakfast at church on the morning of my birthday

3)  My sweet friend Piper, for always, always, making sure that not a day goes by that she sends me encouragement for my struggle to becoming healthy.  I'm sure she has no idea what that means to me!

Sunday, January 29th:

A song heard:  Preacher Paul sung "Somebody's Praying" in our morning service.  That song always makes me so thankful for praying grandparents!  And it never fails to give me Godbumps. . .

A soft word:  Jesus tenderly speaking to my heart reminding me that I can do all things through him!  (even say no to ice cream!)

Where I saw light:  In the hearts of two newly saved Christians!!  We had two precious souls saved at church this morning.  It is always such a heartwarming experience to see new souls come to know Him!


Whew!!  I told you today's post would be long!! 

Already working on the next post about my weight journey. . .hang tight, it'll post before you know it!

January Joys Keep Growing

Friday, January 20th:

three gifts I saw only when I got close-up

1)  Harley's fingers.  She just got a new InnoTab:

Photo borrowed from VTech.com

It's kind of like an i*ad for kids.  She LOVES it.  But the amazing thing to me is to watch her fingers.  They are so tiny yet she has complete control and knows exactly how to maneuver her games to get what she wants.  Only God could make something so tiny work so perfectly.


2)  my weight issue

Yes, I consider it a blessing.

Until I started my "Made to Crave" study, I had never taken the time to look closely at how my decisions in what I choose to put into my body can affect my relationship with God.  By spending some time closely examining myself and my weight issues, I am finding a much more fulfilling walk with my Heavenly Father.

3)  popcorn

We pulled out the Whirly-Pop Friday night to nibble and watch a movie together.  I was showing the kids how the popcorn starts to "pop."  Have you ever seen a corn kernel "pop"?  Do you think that is something man could've come up with???  I think not!!  Even the simplest things can come directly from God!  (And by the way, Lord, I think your popcorn invention was brilliant!!)


Saturday, January 21:

one thing in the sky:  stars

I am always fascinated by stars.  My grandma used to tell me that the stars were actually people in Heaven watching over us as we sleep.  Now, I know that isn't true, but you know, sometimes it is interesting to think that those who are already with Jesus really are twinkling above and watching over me like my guardian angels. 

Just saying. . .


one thing from my memory:

I got to watch several of my former students play basketball on Saturday morning.  We were actually there for Tyler's game and didn't realize that they were playing after us.  Anyway, it was great to take a stroll down memory lane while watching each of my guys play their hearts out.  They are such great kids!

one thing that's ugly-beautiful:

My sweet friend Deidre has been out of town.  Actually, she's been hangin' out with the Siestas in Houston, Texas.  And with the tummy bug to boot.  We had both entered a contest on another blog but had trouble getting our comments to stay put.  Since she was on a plane, I re-entered her name for her (I felt bad that she couldn't do it from the Friendly Skies) and, get this--the lucky duck won!!! 

Really?!?!

She actually won!!!

I think that qualifies as ugly-beautiful, don't you??  :-)


Sunday, January 22

one grace wrinkled:

Tyler's bed.  He tosses and turns and tosses and turns.  I love to watch him sleep.  He is so peaceful, even though it looks like he has participated in a WWW match while he slept.  Making up his wrinkly bed today was just one more reminder of how much I love him!


one grace smoothed:

My quilt that I made.  It is the first one that I have ever made and I stitched it completely by hand. 

Yes, by hand.

I was soooo pleased with myself!!

It lies on my bed, smoothed out and a reminder that I can do anything I set my mind to, as long as I have God's blessing and help!


one grace unfolded:

That would have to be my printout that I use to remind me what blessings I am supposed to be looking for each day.  I keep it folded up and inside my Bible bag so that it is closeby at all times.  Keeping track of my blessings has been such a gift from God!


Monday, January 23

Three gifts found in Christ

1)  the reminder to BELIEVE in His word!!!

2)  the power to stay on my "life changing plan" all day

3)  Mee Maw--He has been her divine healer of breast cancer. . . .twice!

Still Finding Joy in January

Tuesday, January 16th:

Three ways I witnessed happiness today:

1>  Watching my kids giggle, play, and run on the playground during recess

2>  Having time with my family. . .no ball practice, no where to be, just us, quiet time, and heading off to bed early!!

3>  I won a contest!!  It was petty, kind of, but exciting nonetheless.  I was able to pick out $10 worth of school supplies from a fellow blogger. . .I was happy to the max (I never win anything!!).

Wednesday, January 17th:

Three gifts from God's Word:

1)  "I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me."  Philippians 4:13

This has become my life verse in my classroom lately!

2)  "Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.  Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my king, and my God:  for unto thee will I pray.  My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct [my prayer] unto thee, and will look up."  Psalm 5:1-3

3)  "Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.  Behold I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?  I will even make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert."  Isaiah 43:18-19

Thursday, January 19th:

1:  a grace in the kitchen--pizza from L*ttle C**sars. . .no cooking for me tonight!

2:  a grace in the weather:  no rain or snow in the forecast, and dodged some severe weather. . .a huge grace for those who saw so much damage from the tornados last week

3:  a grace that might never have been

Many people may not know that my testimony comes from a time in my life when Randy walked out on Tyler & myself.  It was Father's Day 2006.  We were quickly headed down the road to divorce.

But God. . .

God had other plans.

For Randy's salvation.

For me to return to Him, with Tyler in tow.

And, had it not been for God's intervening power, this sweet Princess would not be here today.

She is definitely a grace that may not have been!!



What are you joyful for today???

January's Blessings

Wow. . .I am loving the fact that Ann Voskamp's January Joys is forcing me to stop and notice blessings that God provides for me each and every day. 

In lots of shapes. . .

or sounds. . .

or people. . .

Friday, January 13th:  three sounds

1)  the Princess' giggle. . .I LOVE this sound!!!  It is totally contagious!!

2)  Laura Story's "Blessings". . .this song is my testimony in three minutes.  God makes sure I hear it almost every morning on my way to work.

3)  the bell at the end of the day, signaling the start of  a longggg weekend for the kids and teachers!


Saturday, January 14th:
three ways I glimpsed the startling grace of God

1> Watching a young boy that plays basketball with Tyler give 200% on the court. . .knowing that he has cystic fibrosis and the game is very painful for him to endure. 

2>  Taking a drive through the areas hit hardest by the surprise tornadoes that hit on Wednesday. . .and knowing that no one lost their lives.

3>  Going on a shopping trip with the Princess to the mall plus several other stores--with NO meltdowns!!!  She was a perfect ANGEL!!!!  An absolute first for our family since she joined us!

Sunday, January 15th:

one thing I wore:  BLUE JEANS!!!!  I finally found a pair that fit without me having to hold my breath!!  This is the first time I've had comfy jeans in two years. . .yes, I said two years!!

one thing I gave away:  Cash. . .to help a family from our church who lost their home this week.

one thing I shared:  Cookies with my second grade Sunday School class.  We were talking about things we could do to show others that we love them!

Monday, January 16th:

three ways I witnessed happiness today

1)  Tyler going on a lunch date with his Mee Maw, just the two of them

2)  The look on the Princess' face when she realized it was Monday. . .that is JumpBunch day for her at daycare. . .and she adores JumpBunch!!!

3)  Watching the hubby get ready for his golf match. . .he hasn't played in quite a while for several reasons.  It was good to see him so happy for a change!


What kinds of blessings has God blessed you with the past few weeks??  Please share!

Today's Thoughts Part I: January Joy Dare

I don't know very much about Blogging etiquette yet, but I don't think you are supposed to post more than one blog in a day.

I've never been much for etiquette anyway!

I'm posting my blessings for the day now. . .

. . .and a tribute to Tyler's birthday later tonight.

Just shoot me.

Blessing #1:  something sweet--glazed Krispy Kremes!!!

                                                                                  photo courtesy of wikipedia.org

Blessing #2:  something sour--chewy SweetTarts--still working on a pack of these I got from my Secret Encourager at church

photo courtesy of amazon.com 

Blessing #3:  something Just.Right.

Aaaaahhhhh. . .God is good!!

January's Joy Dare

Ann Voskamp is on my Reading List for 2012.

Her book, One Thousand Gifts is supposed to be a true blessing.

I have recently started following her blog, and this came across a few days ago. . .

the January Joy Dare.

You can read all about it here:

http://www.aholyexperience.com/2012/01/the-1-habit-your-new-year-cant-do-without-giveaway/

I have to do this.

I.  Have.  To.  Do.  This.

I HAVE TO DO THIS!!!

By counting a small number of gifts daily, by the end of the year you should have your own one thousand gifts.

I got started a little late, but I am going to start with today & work backwards. . .

January 9, 2012
     ~a gift in my hand:  my constant reminder that I married one of the greatest men in the world

     ~a gift I walked by:  Mrs. Kim, one of the Princess' teachers at daycare. . .she is soooo great with the kids, always smiling, always loving. . .I just appreciate her sooo much!

     ~a gift I sat with:  my lunch-mate, teammate, and friend Marti. . .

January 8, 2012
     ~light that caught me--the full moon. . .always sooo beautiful rising out my front window

     ~a reflection that surprised me--my Princess in the mirror getting ready for church. . .her giggles always surprise me and tug at my heartstrings!

     ~a shadow that fell lovely--the shadows cast by all of the people on their knees at church praying for lost loved ones or other needs. . .especially the shadow cast over Tyler as his mommy & daddy knelt over him to pray.

January 7, 2012
     ~three graces from people I love
          --an unexpected milkshake from CookOut delivered from a sweet friend of mine at work

          --a midday nap with no guilt whatsoever, compliments of my hubby!

          --a great big hug from my friend Kristina while I was waiting for Tyler's game to start

January 6, 2012
     ~one thing in my bag--it's better than my American Express--I never leave home without it!

    ~one thing in my fridge:  Breyer's vanilla ice cream (need I say more???)

    ~one thing in my heart:  my desire for God to send me a true friend.

January 5, 2012
    ~something I'm reading

    ~something I'm making:  notecards on a ring to help me start to memorize Bible verses.

    ~something I'm seeing:  that I need to spend more quality time with my kids, just hanging out and getting to know one another

January 4, 2012
     ~one gift old:  God's word.  Withstands the hold of time.  Still alive and the best counselor ever to be found.  I am so thankful that God gave me a set of directions for life--I wouldn't have a clue otherwise!

     ~one gift new:  finding a blog that one of my former teachers has begun.  She says it, says it well, says it to the point, and leaves no room for debate--just the way I like it!!  Feel free to check her out at http://www.suemacslife.blogspot.com/.

     ~one gift blue:  a Duke loss to Temple (can't help it--those are so rare, they have to be gifts from God!  After all, He chose to paint the skies Carolina Blue!)

January 3, 2012

     ~3 lines I overheard that were graces

          --"Hello.  This is Debbie Kincaid calling for Burke County Schools.  Due to inclement weather, Burke County Schools will be on a two-hour delay for students and staff."  (I love waking up to her!)

          --"I hope you have a really good day today, Mrs. Mull"  --as spoken by one of my students, Jamie, almost every single morning.

         --"You should never argue with your mother. . .she loves you to pieces."  from Randy to Tyler :)

January 2, 2012
     ~a gift outside:  COLD weather!!!  The kind of COLD weather that produces S.N.O.W.!!!!!  And the next day, it did!!!

     ~a gift inside:  a huge "Thank You!" from a friend a co-worker, Sondra, for the devotional I gave her for Christmas.  She is one of my biggest prayer warriors, and for Christmas I surprised her with a copy of Jesus Calling.  I had no idea it would mean so much!

     ~a gift on a plate:  mozzarella sticks for lunch!!!  (My favorite school lunch!!!)

January 1, 2012
     ~three things about myself that I am grateful for
        1)  I know that I am saved by the blood of Jesus Christ and that in Him and ONLY Him I am redeemed!
        2)  My ability to organize activities or just "stuff" in general. . .especially when I have the time to really do it right!
        3)  The fact that, to the best of my knowledge, I am a healthy 36-year-old TarHeel with lots of life left in her unless Jesus wants to call me home sooner!


WOW!  That was tough--I had to go back through calendars, journal entries, texts, and blogs to remember what happened on those days!!  Now that I am caught up, I want to genuinely focus on looking for my small blessings that Jesus sends my way each and every day!