Friday, December 9, 2011

Count your blessings instead of sheep

So many things have happened this week...

  • My Christmas tree and lights are up...and put a smile on my face when I come home from work.
  • I have watched White Christmas 4 times now since Thanksgiving...hence the title :D
  • I made my last copies of the semester
  • I held my kids to deadlines! PTL no (or maybe very little) grading next week...aside from finals. ICK 
  • Parents are called...less than last six weeks :)
  • I have such great friends at work...I don't know what I would do without them. Go crazy probably...oh wait too late ;)
  • Claire's band concert was on Wednesday. SO proud of her that she's better than I ever was in 7th grade. 
  • The fine arts winter extravaganza was last night. It is so wonderful to see the NHS students come together to put on an evening of music, drama, and dancing. I enjoyed every minute!
  • One of my kids who barely passed 1st six weeks got a 98 on his test yesterday. I am not going to reach all my kids, but the few that I do reach help me know God has put me in the right place.
  • Two of my kids (engaged and in the same class) had their baby boy yesterday. Those two drove me crazy the first few weeks, but I have grown to love them very much. They told me earlier this week that I was the only teacher who asked about the details for her delivery time, etc. It broke my heart that no one else had asked. 
  • I got to chat with some of the senior girls about diabetes...I know it's weird, but I love talking about it.

I am realizing just how hard this job is, not because of the stress of teaching, not because of lesson planning, not because of discipline issues. It's because my heart breaks when I know after my kids leave my room they go home to situations that I can't even imagine, pain I will never understand, and trials (that they probably got themselves into) that force them to grow up so much sooner than necessary. 

This week, I have read my devotional every day. It's difficult because it's creating a new habit despite my busy life, but the joy I have found during the last week in everything I do has been fabulous. I am rediscovering the real reason for this time of year and how my life needs to reflect the gift the Lord gave us in  Jesus' birth, death, and resurrection.

so thankful my WHOLE life belongs to HIM

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Rejoicing

I have been struggling with reading my Bible daily...some weeks even picking it up at all except on Sunday, when I am "supposed to". Most of the time I am just lazy, or I find ANY other thing to occupy my time instead of facing what the Lord is trying to teach me head on.

Today, I discovered reading plans on the YouVersion app on my phone. I am starting with the Carols: a Christmas Devotional and Rediscoving the Christmas Season. I pray that the Lord opens my heart to what he has in store for my life by getting back into his word.

The question from the Carols devotional was "What do you plan on rejoicing about this Christmas season?"

I am rejoicing that:

  • I am in good health and have medication to help me remain that way
  • I have a family who loves me that I live close to and see often
  • I have a job that provides for me
  • Most importantly: the SAVIOR of the WORLD was born, lived, and died solely for the sins of the world. HOW CAN WE NOT REJOICE ABOUT THAT??
Let's rejoice this Christmas Season because of the real reason we celebrate!

So thankful my life belongs to Him and that He will never give up on us even when we stray :)

If you would like to read with me...

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

the year is coming to an end

Thursday, October 13, 2011, is exactly one year after I was diagnosed with diabetes. I am tearing up as I write this as the emotions flood back from the last 365 days. It feels like it's been so much longer than that, but it's not. I really don't even know what to write at this point. I just know now that I can survive with this disease. I still ask the questions "why me?" "why now?" and "why this" all the time, but I know my Father in Heaven has a beautiful plan through this pain.

I went to Lubbock this past weekend and enjoyed some much needed friend/social time after the many hours spent at work the last few months. But the most wonderful part about being in Lubbock was going to my church there. Some friends of mine (and fellow bloggers) made a video talking about their recent pain to introduce a song we sang on Sunday. The song is called Forever Reign. Since Sunday, I have listened to the song over and over and over. It is just a wonderful reminder that He is good, love, light, hope, peace, true, joy, life, more, Lord, here, and God.  No matter what season of life I am in, He is continuously ALL of those things. It has been far from easy the last 365 days, but I know He has carried me through the pain, fear, and anger.

On Sunday, we also had the privilege of hearing the Lord through Steve Grant, the chaplain for the Red Raider football team. He said some very convicting things that made me realize how selfish I have been the last few weeks. The Lord is trying to pull me away from everything so that I can begin to recognize His voice in the midst of all the other things drawing my attention. All I have been doing is fighting the feeling of lonesomeness by filling my time with other things so that I can continue to run from his voice.

The bridge in Forever Reign states, "My heart will sing, No other name, Jesus, Jesus" but the only part I would listen to was the verse where God is everything for ME. I would continue to forget my part, that I am to call on ONLY Jesus. My prayer going forward as year 2 begins is that my focus is not "poor me, I have diabetes" but that "my heart will sing no other name but Jesus."

I am so thankful that my life belongs to Him.


Saturday, September 24, 2011

The dark before the dawn

Teaching a a very difficult job. You can plan what you think is going to be the best lesson, and it ends up falling flat. You also depend on your students to be successful to prove that you are doing your job. You must contact parents that may or may not care about their student's achievement. And you come home with loads of papers to grade. It's tough. I love it, but it's tough.

The last couple weeks have been daunting, draining, and lonely. I have been overwhelmed with everything I have to do. Last week, my principal informed me that I have been appointed team leader for math models. It adds more work to my already full load, and I wish they had told me sooner that I had acquired a new role. Yes, it is a blessing that so soon they have noticed my God given ability to teach children, but it will definitely be more work.

I have been feeling somewhat depressed because of my diabetes. I think my understanding of my disease is changing. It's no longer new; now it's something that I will have for the rest of my life. Yes, I have all this new technology (which is awesome), but it is still a disease that I have to manage.

My attitude has been all wrong through this situation. I have been so depressed and helpless that every time I see my Bible, I don't want to pick it up and turn to the only person who can really lead me through my problems.

Then Friday morning, the Lord provided me with some encouragement to help me through my struggles. Chelsea brought me a Homecoming mum to thank me for all my help I have given her over the last few weeks and to help me feel better after my couple rough weeks. Friday afternoon came along and I met with my appraiser, she told me that I was doing a good job from what she could tell in my walk-through (even though my kids were testing).  She also informed me that my commitment card from our faculty meeting was one of the best ones. The Lord just reminded me that He has given me this gift to relate to teenagers and teach them math but more importantly about His love for us. Taking a step back to look at why I am really here brings a little perspective to my recent struggles.

SO thankful that my life belongs to Him

Friday, August 26, 2011

being thankful...in everything

It's amazing the things we take for granted. electricity, A/C, food, clothes, health, family, friends. I have all of these things yet still we find so much to complain about. Reflecting on the past week/day has made me aware of the things I am thankful for today.

I am thankful for:

1. My disease. I have a disease that God is going to use for a purpose. Not sure what that is yet...
2. My job. I have a job. A lot of people cannot say that. It's a struggle and tiring, but it is so rewarding when you hear kids talk about math (and not totally hate it)
3. Good instruction manuals. For my insulin pump. so that I don't screw it up. (I have changed it twice now BY MYSELF!)
4. My family. Claire made volleyball. I got to see Chris in his element at work today. I talked to my daddy (he is far away so this is a big deal) yesterday so he could help me decide on insurance. I am able to talk to my mom all the time just because.
5. My kids. They told me today that I am culturally aware because we talked about learning how to duggie and The Lazy Song. haha
6. My pump. It syncs with my computer, my glucometer, and I only have to change it every 3 days.
7. Friday night. It's the night I go to bed the earliest. :) haha you have no idea how cool I am!
8. Laughter. My kids make me laugh all the time. I could be having the worst day and one of them makes me laugh, and it all turns around.
9. My friends...new and old. All the new teachers I have met the last few weeks are fabulous and it's nice to work with people closer to my age. Even though I don't get to see/talk to my old friends as often due to college, law school, and life it's ok because I know they are just a phone call away if I want to chat.
10. My Savior. He died for me so that I could have a renewed life through Him. His grace, mercy, and love I cannot fathom, and for that I am the most thankful. My God is way bigger than me (or anything I can imagine) and that's exactly the way it should be.

What could we possibly complain about? Seriously with a list like that. I have everything I could ever want and more. I am most thankful my life belongs to HIM!

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Is this too much?

All the things going on in my life...

1. First day of school is Monday...lots to do in my classroom/ getting ready for first day and week stuff
2. My pump was connected today! But I have no idea what I am doing
3. I have to decide on insurance, and I have no idea because I'm diseased. lol

Ok so it's really not that much, but it's a couple huge things.

I continue asking myself:

  • Can I handle all of this?
  • Why did I decide to do all of this right now?
  • Am I going to make it to next Friday?
  • Will my kids like/respect me?
  • How am I going to finish everything in time?
Basically, I don't have a lot of control over my disease, when school starts, where I found a job, or really anything in my life. As much as I don't like not having control, I know its good for me. I know my Father in Heaven is giving me things way out of my control to challenge and force me to grow closer to Him through life's craziness. 

So my question...is this too much? Of course it is by myself. But I am NOT ALONE! Sometimes we just need the reminder that we aren't alone. He is always with us. We can hand Him the reins, and He will take them to use you for His glory. Easy? No. Scary? Yes. Challenging? Yes. Worth it? Totally! 

I am so thankful my life belongs to Him. What a mess I would be without Him redeeming me and using me for His precious perfect plan. :)

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

classroom update! (year 2)

It's coming together...slowly. hopefully it will all be ready for Monday! Wow that's soon...

Anywho... here are some more pictures :) I am so thankful my life belongs to Him. I would not survive this without Him.


I bought algebra words for this wall :)

MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE PART OF MY CLASSROOM!!! It's adorable!


The poster on the left says "what to say instead of i don't know" LOVE this! you would not believe how many times I got idk on tests (multiple choice tests at that) lol


This wall needs some help, but it will get there I promise.

Monday, August 8, 2011

MY NEWEST CLASSROOM! (year 2)

I got to see my classroom today!!! SO EXCITED! ...still nervous but glad that I don't have training, setting up my classroom, and lesson planning for 1 day before I start school. If I survived that, I can do this! AND I have the Lord giving me the strength to get through this stressful and busy couple of weeks! So thankful my life belongs to Him and no one else!

My walls are made of chalkboard! SO much I can do with this!

The walls between my room and the other 3 rooms around open to make 1 big room. Really cool...we'll see how loud it gets since the walls are thin. 


my activboard

view from the door with desks!


Prayed over the desks as I put them out today. Can't wait for young men and women to fill them!
Today reminded me why I chose to be a teacher. I needed that reminder.

Friday, July 29, 2011

Yup...I'm a NERD!

I've been a nerd my whole life! If you know me at all, you know this is true. I was a band nerd for 11 years. I was a math major. I teach math. I enjoy having math conversations. I never skipped class in college. I mean seriously how much more nerdy can you be... :)

Anywho, my nerdness came out yesterday in a new way! I am getting the pump as a treatment for my diabetes. (SUPER DUPER EXCITED) In order to go on it, my doctor wanted me to be on a continuous monitor. This means there will be a graph of each day of my blood sugars and what they are doing.

I stole this off the internet but its a good example.

Well I got SO excited because seeing what my blood sugars are doing all day instead of just the 4 times i check it will help me understand my disease a little better. I think that's reason to be a little nerdy! :) 

I stole this one off of some girls blog...but it pretty much looks like my stomach right now.

I don't have part A right now...that's the actual pump, and mine will be pink (BIG SURPRISE, right). It can tell you how much insulin is in your system, dispense insulin all day at different intervals, and it allows you to eat whenever you want! I can decrease my insulin when I workout so I don't have to eat extra to control my blood sugar.
Part B connects the insulin to my body. There's a tiny piece of tube stuck inside of me at that spot. It can unclip when I take a shower or swim. I know it's there, but I don't feel it.
Part C is the continuous monitor that is stuck inside of me. When she put this on me yesterday, it def hurt and was really uncomfortable, but I don't feel it anymore.
Part D is the brain for the monitor. It communicates with the pump, my glucose monitor, and the doctors and I can log into my account to look at the information. SO COOL! 

SO yeah I'm a nerd. I am really excited about this research that we are doing. But my life is gonna be easier and my disease will be slightly more manageable and less shots (4 per day vs. 1 per 3 days) I think that is something to get a little nerdy and excited about! :)

Be praying for me as I go through some of these changes in the next couple weeks. So thankful my life is held in His hands and that He has blessed people with minds to create these cool technological advances!

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Ruth

In the Bible study that I am leading at Creekside, we are going through the life of Ruth. She has a heart to serve God by remaining with her mother-in-law.  She is obedient. She has character that few women match. She is not a Jew, yet she has a book in the Bible named after her. She is in the lineage of Jesus.


She obviously did something noble and righteous to earn herself a place in the lineage of Jesus, which is why I chose her life to study. (and it's my middle name)


Anyway...I have been feeling bummed a little because it's wedding season and my friends are getting married. I am no where close to getting married but it is definitely something I desire with my whole heart. Last week as I was preparing for Bible study, I read that Ruth was noble in character and it linked me to this verse:

Proverbs 12:4
A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, 
but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.


And God revealed this to me: NEWS FLASH! I am not ready to be married! Right now I am not the noble wife, but as I continue to grow in my relationship with Christ, I am in the process of becoming a wife with noble character.


Well then I felt dumb, because I know am not really in a place to be getting married. I am just trying to figure out who I am in Christ, in my job, in my disease, etc. before I will be ready. God used this verse to show me I should chase after Him and not a guy who can't fulfill the things I need like my Heavenly father can. It seems so logical as I write this, but it's something I definitely struggle with.  If I desire a certain kind of man, shouldn't I be becoming the woman that he desires too. Once we are both the people that each other desires and needs, then God will reveal his plan. Until then I will run after my Savior and no one else. God's timing is always perfect and I find peace and rest in that. It is still a struggle, but I am overwhelmingly thankful my life belongs to Him. 

Sunday, July 24, 2011

through the eyes of children

This weekend was so great! Relationships were built with some amazing students, God moved through me despite my weaknesses, got to hear about some mighty things going on in Belize, and had a wonderful lunch with some Christ followers!

During lunch, some adorable and precocious 3 year old girls were VERY interested in my diabetes. Hayden and  Elizabeth could not have been standing any closer to me as I checked my blood sugar and gave my shot of insulin. They asked "What are you doing?" and I answered "I have to make sure my blood is ok." :) When I told them I had to give myself a shot, their faces were priceless! They definitely know what shots are! They also asked "Does it hurt?" ...Yeah, but I didn't tell them that :) I loved seeing their curiosity about something they had never been exposed to before.

Then I got to thinking this afternoon in the quiet of my apartment. Isn't that how I should come to my Father in Heaven? Lean into Him as much as I can. Ask all kinds of questions. React to what He is telling me. Be curious about the unknown.

Why is it so difficult for me to be a child of my King? ...so many reasons/excuses, but this weekend what I took away the most from Ryan (our speaker at dnow) was spending time with my Father is my Plan A and there is no Plan B. I will spend time with Him . Not I will try. I WILL. HE is my Plan A and there is no Plan B.

Thankful my life belongs to Him and that we should strive to have childlike faith

Monday, July 18, 2011

Missionaries!

A few of my friends from Creekside Community and Westland Baptist are heading to Bulembu in Swaziland this morning!

I am so excited for them and will be diligently praying for them as they travel and minister to the orphans of Bulembu!

I ask that you all join me in praying for these wonderful people that I am blessed to work and serve the Lord with on a regular basis.

Read more about Bulembu at http://www.bulembu.org/ and about some of the specifics of their trip this year on Tim's Blog

Also, my wonderful students at Westland left yesterday for their mission trip to Little Rock. Be praying for their safety as they travel again today and for their week of ministry there!

SO thankful my life belongs to HIM and that we can lift our concerns and everything to HIM :D

Thursday, July 14, 2011

I'm a big girl now!

I just moved into my very first apartment by myself...I had an apartment with 3 wonderful roomies, but this one is my very own!!

Here are some pics of the apt :) It's still a little messy because of the move and finding places for everything, but it's SO cute!

Kitchen :)



What will be my dining room...

My bathroom is HUGE!


super cute bed!

the new furniture!

yup def got that table for $50

Thanks Sarah for the couch!

I LOVE the bookcase!

Friday, July 8, 2011

Cow Appreciation Day!!

Today was the MOST epic day at Chick-Fil-A!!

The Westland Youth Group painted boxes like cows and got free chikin!

Here's the video of the awesomeness! Then you can vote for us :D Please and Thank you!

EPIC AWESOME MOB AT CHICK FIL A

Vote for us!!!

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

birthdays

I used to love birthdays and everything that goes with it. Cake, ice cream, balloons, candles, presents, and parties...i loved it all!!!

But this year was different.

So much has happened in the last year that all I really wanted was for my family to be together. Since I had church stuff to do today, we celebrated yesterday. Daddy was home from Guatemala and Chris came over! Claire helped me wash kitchen stuff before we put it away in my kitchen in my new place, and I ordered a mattress and box spring for my new bed. We had fajitas...yummmmm! and Mom made me a sugar free cake with sugar free icing! I also got lots of things for my apartment!!

Today, I got to meet with the wonderful church leaders with whom I am spending my summer. Then, Mom and Claire helped me find a table and chairs for my dining room and some living room furniture. And a family friend of ours offered to refinish them for me! Tonight was awesome because of the wonderful students I have the privilege to work with this summer.

What a great way to spend my birthday!

I still love birthdays just for different reasons. I love having family time and all the craziness that goes with it. I love having a reason to get presents that I need. and I love being a year older, but still looking 15 and freaking people out when I tell them I teach high school students...ok maybe I don't love this but I do enjoy messing with people's heads.

So thankful another year belongs to Him

Sunday, June 26, 2011

The first roomie wedding!!!

Basically we had a much needed roomie reunion for David and Lindsey Lee's wedding :)

We had so much fun decorating, eating yummy food, getting our hair done, eating yummy food, freaking out bc she is married, eating yummy food, and enjoying each other before we all move on to other things in our lives.

Here are a few things we took pictures of!

Candy Bar!!! YUM

The beautiful bride

Finished

We call this the sexy hair look :)
Pretty wedding hair!


lol not really sure what I was doing... but what's new

Getting Ready

Singing our TBS song for the couple

Congrats!!

Honeymoon time in Colorado!!

Update on the roadtrip adventures :)

I have tires that aren't old and flat! YAY! Walmart took great care of me and got new tires on my car :)

Praying for no mishaps tomorrow as I head back to Katy.

Also, I wanted to clarify the mental picture you might have of the happenings from yesterday. While changing my tire, my hair was still in an up-do and I also had my sparkly jewelry on. Pretty epic if you ask me. Such good stories we will have from this weekend!

hahaha

adventures in the little red car

It's always an adventure when you ride with me....you can ask any of my friends (ex. ski retreat, driving to applebees, superchick concerts, power locks...the list goes on)

BUT this weekend was especially spectacular  awful epic (yes i'll go with epic lol)

1. This weekend I drove from Houston to Odessa/Crane, Texas. A normal road trip right....WRONG

2. I stopped in Junction, TX and walked around to the other side of my car and what do I find...gum all over the side. Someone spit their gum out the window, it stuck to my mirror, and at 75 MPH it stretches in 3 or 4 places all along the side of my car. Lovely. and this is only the beginning.

3. I got some Goo Gone and the gum was gone :)

4. I walk in after cleaning my car and I get this crazy phone call. I cant really talk about this one yet, but take my word for it....CRAZY

5. A few hours before the rehearsal, I find out I have a flat tire. SO what does any group of girls do...call AAA. I forgot my card. Thanks to the roomie I used her card :) and he was there in no time to help me and he changed my tire. We decided to get it fixed the next morning.

6. The rehearsal went fine, but on our way to the rehearsal dinner (driving to Odessa from Crane-30 mins) there was a grass fire. We could have waited an hour or longer, but instead we go the back way to the dinner. We still got there about 45 mins late to the restaurant.

7. The bride and bridesmaids went to get their hair done the next morning. (NOTE: Small towns are SO different than the city) The stylists were 10 and 45 mins late. That would never happen in the city...no one would ever come back to your salon. Our hair turned out pretty though! It just took extra time.

8. I took my car to walmart to get my tire fixed before our hair appt. Their tire guy doesn't show up until 10 (lame). So we went to discount tire. They called me back about 30 mins later and my tire was fixed...for free. I think they just filled the tire with air instead of trying to fix the leak. (NOTE: if it sounds to good to be true, it probably is)

9. We came back to my car at 6:15pm and my tire was flat again. great. So what does any girl do who has watched the AAA change a tire the day before....change it herself of course. :) I did it in 15-20 mins. (NOTE: call me if you need help changing a tire!) I went to walmart...closed. Then I went to sams...crying, I asked the guys if they could do anything for my tire/let me buy new tires. No luck but they were really nice and they called all the walmarts in the area to see if someone was really nice and might help me out. Again no luck.

10. That's when I decided to just drive back to Lubbock on the donut (3 hrs ish). Good plan. No glitches. I got here safe and sound. My tire will be fixed tomorrow....hopefully

So thankful my life belongs to HIM...otherwise I would have gone crazy long ago

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

summer

I love summer! And BONUS I'm a teacher so I still get a summer :)

swimsuits, reading, sun, sleeping in, seeing friends, weddings, youth camp, working with some amazing students, packing, moving, growing up...these are the things consuming my 2011 summer.

  • 3 of my TBS sisters are getting hitched this summer...one of them being my roomie and it's this weekend!
  • Youth camp was fantastic! We won the hat for rec time! I loved working with seniors heading into the world of college!
  • I started volunteering at a church with their youth and it is great getting to know students as they search for their identity in Christ!
  • I am reading Harry Potter for the first time....on book 2 right now
  • I got an apartment! This means I have lots of things to buy...
  • Electricity, cable, phone, insurance, internet, food, gas and lots more ALL costs money. boo.
Basically there's so much stuff going on....and its fantastic to see God use me for his glory despite my inadequacies and imperfections.

I am so thankful my life is not my own and that it belongs to Him!

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Teacher gifts!

Being a teacher, I thought I was going to get lots of presents. It's the end of the year and that's what parents LOVE to do. However, where I work is slightly very different from where I grew up. Aside from the parties my kids decided to plan, where one of my girls brought me a veggie tray and Diet Dr. Pepper (WOOT for Diabetes), I have received no teacher presents.

It's fine. No biggie. I was just a little shocked.

BUT as I have been grading finals all week I have found some fun little gifts. (pictures to come)

I got notes from a few kids thanking me for being the best teacher. I was put in one of my seniors legacy books as her favorite teacher her last year at SWHS. I got hugs today from my football players (probably to bump their grade), but nevertheless it was sweet. I was told to have a great summer and good luck at NHS next year.

They are giving me gifts that I will treasure forever! Their LOVE. 

Tangible gifts are nice, but I would much rather be loved by my kids. I will miss them with my whole heart, but I am so glad I am not going too far away. (We will be rivals after all...i'll be at all the NHS vs. SWHS games!)

How I am loved this much after only 5 months, I'll never know, but the Lord has blessed me with fantastic children!

So thankful my life belongs to HIM!

Saturday, May 28, 2011

My last full day at SWHS :'(

Oh so many things happened on this bittersweet day at Spring Woods High School. Let me share a few of them with you:


1. Two boys in my second period almost got into a fight. Quick thinking Ms. H got them separated just in time...


2. The seniors got to wear their cap and gown, which was so fun to see.


3. A senior boy only wore shorts under his gown and flashed people. HAHA


4. My kids wrote on my board during 7th period.



The gift 7th period left me :)


5. I administered my first final exam. It's really no different than a normal test.


6. My awesome mentor made sloppy joes for lunch....YUM


7. Some very special teachers that I work with decided to play a prank on me. They stole my keyboard and mouse and placed them in my mail box while I was at my morning duty on Thursday. I was stressed and frustrated with many things and did not handle it as well as I might have on another day. (unfortunately, this is common for me...) Anyway, I apologized to one of the teachers and received the nicest email back, making my last full day much better. This is one of the things he told me: "I know that there have been teachers that teach for years and have become great, but for someone to find and pick up shattered pieces where others have left behind and finding them so broken that they do not fit together had decided to use herself in recreating and molding those pieces into a masterpiece- has to be a talent given from God." Totally made me tear up :)


8. I took some fantastic pictures of my children :D
2nd period

4th period

5th period

7th period
 I am going to miss these wonderful students! 5 months have FLOWN by.

SO SO SO SO SO thankful my life belongs to HIM!


Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Weird Wednesdays

Everything happens on Wednesday...

About 7.5 months ago on a Wednesday I went to the hospital because I was in diabetic ketoacidosis
About 5 months ago on a Wednesday I accepted a job at Spring Woods High School
About 2 months ago on a Wednesday I was laid off due to budget cuts
Today...is Wednesday...and I accepted a job at Northbrook High School 1.3 miles away from SWHS

Why Wednesday? Who knows.

But there is one thing I do know. HE has been with me every step and HE will continue to guide my every step through another crazy change.

I am so thankful my life belongs to HIM and that I don't have to worry anymore...about ANYTHING! I wish I could remember in the midst of stress :)

I give up.

The past few days I have been thinking about something really huge! (I'll write later about details) But it has been weighing heavy on my heart, and last night this song came on the radio...thank you KSBJ. As I began to listen to the words for the first time, I knew my Saviour was speaking straight to me. He was telling me I needed to give it up and let Him carry the burden. AND what happened next is the best...my thoughts came together and I had NOTHING to worry about at all! Isn't He just the BEST LORD, FATHER, SAVIOUR, BEST FRIEND, LOVER, HEALER, GUIDER, ETC ETC ETC ETC that a girl could ask for?!

MY WORDS CANNOT DO HIM JUSTICE!

I AM SOOOOOO THANKFUL that my LIFE belongs to HIM!!!


Strong Enough by Matthew West

You must
You must think I'm strong
To give me what I'm going through

Well, forgive me
Forgive me if I'm wrong
But this looks like more than I can do
On my own

I know I'm not strong enough to be
everything that I'm supposed to be
I give up
I'm not stong enough
Hands of mercy won't you cover me
Lord right now I'm asking you to be
Strong enough
Strong enough
For the both of us

Well, maybe
Maybe that's the point
To reach the point of giving up

Cause when I'm finally
Finally at rock bottom
Well, that's when I start looking up
And reaching out

I know I'm not strong enough to be
Everything that I'm supposed to be
I give up
I'm not stong enough
Hands of mercy won't you cover me
Lord right now I'm asking you to be
Strong enough

Strong enough

Cause I'm broken
Down to nothing
But I'm still holding on to the one thing
You are God
and you are strong
When I am weak

I can do all things
Through Christ who gives me strength
And I don't have to be
Strong enough
Strong enough

I can do all things
Through Christ who gives me strength
And I don't have to be
Strong enough
Strong enough

Oh, yeah

I know I'm not strong enough to be
Everything that I'm supposed to be
I give up
I'm not stong enough
Hands of mercy won't you cover me
Lord right now I'm asking you to be
Strong enough
Strong enough
Strong enough

Friday, May 20, 2011

The Royal Wedding

So I know most people have seen this, but it is so stinkin hilarious!



I love Cinderella...I still would love to be Cinderella at Disney World someday! (A girl can dream!) And this picture just makes me love Cinderella even more haha

So thankful the my life belongs to Him (and that I am not an ugly step sister) :)

David's Song of Praise

Fridays are such good days to blog.


This week has been a little stressful...all the way around. I'm exhausted and don't really feel like doing anything. And when I get lazy and complacent that's when the Lord decides it's time for a wake up call.

That was yesterday.

I broke down because of all the sin, negativity, and shame in my life, and praise the Lord HE took it away. I told my sweet savior that I can't do it, and it's so true I CAN'T! But I CAN do it with Him in the driver's seat. I am still stressed and busy, but now I am not trying to do it alone.

A few weeks ago I came across 2 Samuel 22: David's Song of Praise, and I am so encouraged by it!

2 Samuel 22

David’s Song of Praise
 1 David sang to the LORD the words of this song when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. 2 He said:
   “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
 3 my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
   my shield and the horn of my salvation.
He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—
   from violent people you save me.
 4 “I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,
   and have been saved from my enemies.
5 The waves of death swirled about me;
   the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.
6 The cords of the grave coiled around me;
   the snares of death confronted me.
 7 “In my distress I called to the LORD;
   I called out to my God.
From his temple he heard my voice;
   my cry came to his ears.
8 The earth trembled and quaked,
   the foundations of the heavens shook;
   they trembled because he was angry.
9 Smoke rose from his nostrils;
   consuming fire came from his mouth,
   burning coals blazed out of it.
10 He parted the heavens and came down;
   dark clouds were under his feet.
11 He mounted the cherubim and flew;
   he soared on the wings of the wind.
12 He made darkness his canopy around him—
   the dark rain clouds of the sky.
13 Out of the brightness of his presence
   bolts of lightning blazed forth.
14 The LORD thundered from heaven;
   the voice of the Most High resounded.
15 He shot his arrows and scattered the enemy,
   with great bolts of lightning he routed them.
16 The valleys of the sea were exposed
   and the foundations of the earth laid bare
at the rebuke of the LORD,
   at the blast of breath from his nostrils.
 17 “He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
   he drew me out of deep waters.
18 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
   from my foes, who were too strong for me.
19 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
   but the LORD was my support.
20 He brought me out into a spacious place;
   he rescued me because he delighted in me.
 21 “The LORD has dealt with me according to my righteousness;
   according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me.
22 For I have kept the ways of the LORD;
   I am not guilty of turning from my God.
23 All his laws are before me;
   I have not turned away from his decrees.
24 I have been blameless before him
   and have kept myself from sin.
25 The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness,
   according to my cleanness in his sight.
 26 “To the faithful you show yourself faithful,
   to the blameless you show yourself blameless,
27 to the pure you show yourself pure,
   but to the devious you show yourself shrewd.
28 You save the humble,
   but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low.
29 You, LORD, are my lamp;
   the LORD turns my darkness into light.
30 With your help I can advance against a troop;
   with my God I can scale a wall.
 31 “As for God, his way is perfect:
   The LORD’s word is flawless;
   he shields all who take refuge in him.
32 For who is God besides the LORD?
   And who is the Rock except our God?
33 It is God who arms me with strength
   and keeps my way secure.
34 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
   he causes me to stand on the heights.
35 He trains my hands for battle;
   my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
36 You make your saving help my shield;
   your help has made me great.
37 You provide a broad path for my feet,
   so that my ankles do not give way.
 38 “I pursued my enemies and crushed them;
   I did not turn back till they were destroyed.
39 I crushed them completely, and they could not rise;
   they fell beneath my feet.
40 You armed me with strength for battle;
   you humbled my adversaries before me.
41 You made my enemies turn their backs in flight,
   and I destroyed my foes.
42 They cried for help, but there was no one to save them—
   to the LORD, but he did not answer.
43 I beat them as fine as the dust of the earth;
   I pounded and trampled them like mud in the streets.
 44 “You have delivered me from the attacks of the peoples;
   you have preserved me as the head of nations.
People I did not know now serve me,
 45 foreigners cower before me;
   as soon as they hear of me, they obey me.
46 They all lose heart;
   they come trembling from their strongholds.
 47 “The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock!
   Exalted be my God, the Rock, my Savior!
48 He is the God who avenges me,
   who puts the nations under me,
 49 who sets me free from my enemies.
You exalted me above my foes;
   from a violent man you rescued me.
50 Therefore I will praise you, LORD, among the nations;
   I will sing the praises of your name.
 51 “He gives his king great victories;
   he shows unfailing kindness to his anointed,
   to David and his descendants forever.”

even though i can forget sometimes...I am very thankful my life belongs to HIM!

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

my children

Q: How many people can say they have 106 children at 21 years old?
A: Not very many. In fact it might sound a bit strange.

I am a teacher...at least for the next few weeks. I have been complaining about these "creatures" (my principal used this term...haha) I have walking into my classroom everyday. It has been a very negative couple of weeks because they are driving me crazy.

BUT TODAY WAS DIFFERENT!!!

I have been working my butt off to come up with something fun for my Math Models kids to do. Then I discovered a fun activity on the district server. I didn't have to create anything; I just had to make some minor adjustments. (POINT: Miss H)

Anyway, I had the kids work on a budget for a fictional situation. Some had a spouse and/or children and some didn't. Some were electrical engineers and some worked at McDonalds. They had to mess with the numbers, consider what things they needed, what things were just wants, and how much they could save a month based on their income.

I WAS AMAZED!

They loved it!! They started off buying everything, and most figured out that they couldn't just spend all their money. I had kids yelling across the room that they were going to buy their wife all the junky stuff so they could buy the luxury apartments, phones, and cars, which I informed him would be a bad idea. :) One girl was trying to decide on clothes or food because she didn't have enough money. (oh the things high school girls deem important) Some decided they were going to walk everywhere instead of having to pay for a car or to ride the bus. One girl decided she would spend her money on nice clothes instead of a car because she didn't want to look like she couldn't afford nice things.

Basically I laughed all afternoon....much needed laughter, i might add. :)

Even though my children drive me crazy, they are MY children. What other 21 year old can say that?! I love them, and I am totally going to miss them on June 2nd when I have to say goodbye to them.

so thankful my life belongs to Him AND that he blessed me with a much needed wonderful Wednesday

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Mandy

Mandy Pitts is a very special person in my life :)
I have known her since my sophomore year in high school when she joined the flute section at Taylor High School. She was super quiet and adorable. And that year I had no idea that we would still be friends today.

The following year when I was a junior and she was a sophomore is when I knew that we had a special bond. We were sitting in Spanish 3 reading Don Quixote and we found out that I am dumb. Senora Bickley was going over vocabulary for the book, she was talking about dawn (like in the morning). I thought she was talking about don (like a man i.e. DON quixote). SO like any other successful person I asked the person in front of me what was going on. Well that person happened to be Mandy. She laughed and explained to me that it was the dawn in the morning. HAHA This earned me one of my many nicknames...Don Connie.

Thus began our special bond.

We went on to go to the same university (the best one ever!!), Texas Tech University. We were in the same section in Goin Band, the piccolos. We were in the same sorority, Tau Beta Sigma. So we shared a lot of things the last few years. In our sorority, she became my little sis, and as sisters we have skied (fallen) down mountains, been super pretty, counted yellow cars, went on band trips, and SO much more!

On a more serious note...She was the person who took me to the doctor when I was diagnosed with diabetes, and she put up with me when I was completely out of it. Mandy's beautiful face was what I woke up to the next day in the hospital. She bought princess bandaids for me and decorated my hospital room with streamers.



Flute Christmas Party in high school

TBS fun times :)

The whole family!

We are pretty!

We were practicing Thriller.

Skiing FUN!

I love this girl so much!!
SO thankful Mandy is my little and that my life belongs to HIM :)

Thursday, April 28, 2011

David

I have been reading about the life of David, the man after God's own heart, and I came across this passage the other day.

2 Samuel 16: 5-14  Shimei Curses David

 5 As King David approached Bahurim, a man from the same clan as Saul’s family came out from there. His name was Shimei son of Gera, and he cursed as he came out. 6 He pelted David and all the king’s officials with stones, though all the troops and the special guard were on David’s right and left. 7 As he cursed, Shimei said, “Get out, get out, you murderer, you scoundrel! 8 The LORD has repaid you for all the blood you shed in the household of Saul, in whose place you have reigned. The LORD has given the kingdom into the hands of your son Absalom. You have come to ruin because you are a murderer!”
 9 Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head.”
 10 But the king said, “What does this have to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the LORD said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who can ask, ‘Why do you do this?’”
 11 David then said to Abishai and all his officials, “My son, my own flesh and blood, is trying to kill me. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone; let him curse, for the LORD has told him to. 12 It may be that the LORD will look upon my misery and restore to me his covenant blessing instead of his curse today.”
 13 So David and his men continued along the road while Shimei was going along the hillside opposite him, cursing as he went and throwing stones at him and showering him with dirt. 14 The king and all the people with him arrived at their destination exhausted. And there he refreshed himself.

It made me realize that sometimes God has placed people in our lives that we don't like and don't want to deal with. But He has placed them there for a reason. The others around you may not understand why you tolerate that person or situation, and it can sometimes drag you down. No matter how annoying, frustrating, or angering he/she/it is, He will give you the strength and support to get through it.

I have a situation just like this right now, and it is such a comfort to know that these times are temporary and that I will get through it. If thousands of years ago David could get through being cursed, I can certainly persevere through this with the Lord carrying me. :)

SO thankful my life belongs to HIM!

What a Wonderful Wednesday

Yesterday was so random...

I got to witness high school students act like children...more than normal anyway.

We are watching movies in class this week because of TAKS. But yesterday was exceptionally delightful because some of my students haven't seen Despicable Me. It was like watching a 5 year old walk into Disney World for the first time. Their faces lit up during all the funny parts, and they were so enthralled with the movie. I loved seeing these "tough" students behave like youngsters!


I have another autoimmune disease called Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

What a cool name for a disease! Now I'm not thrilled about having more stuff wrong with my body, BUT if it has a cool name, it makes things slightly better. :)

I went shopping!

I got to go shopping for my roomie's bridal shower on Saturday! It was so nice to do something other than grade papers or discipline students.

Claire got an iTouch for Easter.

I tend to play it more than she does...

My students have learned WAY more from me than I thought!

I had kids come to class yesterday excited that they knew a few more questions because of something we talked about in class! It made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. lol :D

like I said...random, BUT still very thankful my life belongs to HIM :)

Monday, April 25, 2011

1 Peter 5:5-7

5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
   “God opposes the proud
   but shows favor to the humble.”
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Just the verses on my mind today...thought I would share.

So thankful my life belongs to HIM and for His gift of salvation and forgiveness for all of us. Happy Easter!

Saturday, April 16, 2011

ASTROS!!

My super awesome math dept. head had some Astros tickets on Tuesday for game 2 of the Cubs series and couldn't go. SO who gets the opportunity to use them first....the newest member to the department who loves the Cubs and Astros especially when they play each other! :) 



My mom, who lived in Chicago for awhile, also LOVES the Cubbies, so I knew exactly who I was going to ask to join me.


The night was AMAZING because...

  • I got to hang out with my mommy!
  • We ended up getting free parking because the game wasn't busy!
  • The seats are in the club section right behind home plate...even I couldn't get distracted during the game!
  • There are waiters that bring you your food, so you don't have to go anywhere. But you still had to pay for it...
  • George and Barbara Bush were right in front of us in the bottom section and got a standing ovation as they left...verrrrry COOL!
  • Final score: Astros 11 Cubs 2   I didn't really care who won, but it was exciting because there were so many hits!
  • I got to eat a pretzel!
  • I caught a bag of Cracker Jack from the announcers who are right behind the section we sat in.



The VIEW!!!!


My pretzel :) It was DELICIOUS!


George and Barbara


CRACKER JACK!

SO thankful my life belongs to HIM!