God Is At Work

Ideas for the classroom are overflowing...and so is the excitement to make these ideas happen.

I worry that time and energy will try to thwart these plans, but I am ready to take action on not being able to do it all on my own -- accepting that I can't do it alone is just not enough to lift the weight on my shoulders from the daunting list of things that some of these projects involve. 

Shameless plug: Anyone willing to road trip out some weekend (SOON) to help...I will pay you in a comfy place to sleep, the beverages of your choice, and food! [Yes, I'm actually kinda serious, friends and family!]

These projects that I'm excited to make happen are much-longed for solutions to obstacles to efficiency or to  issues in the classroom that have gone unsolved through year 1 and thus far of year 2. Many prayers, tears, and sleepless nights have happened, so now I'm brimming with the excitement and thanksgiving for God bringing these ideas (and SO MANY RESOURCES!) to make them happen. 

It's always awesome when God answers prayers, but it seems like a nearly-overwhelming gift when He's asked you to be patient about it. It seems like there's barely been any wait on some other prayers lately, though! Things are falling into place so well that it's almost hard to believe. Sometimes you brace yourself thinking it will be so difficult for something to happen, but then you just have to laugh when God's like, "Hey, here you go, let me just open that door for you because it's exactly what I want you to do next!" 

I've noticed it seems to be going that way for a lot of people around me right now, too. What a gift to be able to see God at work in so many different ways in the lives of those around me. It's not always through great joy -- some of it has caused some heartache, I know -- but it seems like the growth is outta control right now. (Anyone else feeling this way?!?) 

How awesome to be able to share such joy with each other at how God draws us closer to Him! 

A Little Triumph, Hope, and Laughter

That surging feeling of joy and satisfaction in moments of being able to see growth from year one of teaching to year two

report card revision rather than writing and formatting from scratch
slightly more organization
less fear of taking on problems and
brainstorming solutions
a bigger arsenal of knowledge to turn to 
a mind open to imperfections and
the beauty in ever-changing and evolving plans
the ability to breathe,
take and break
into manageable and achievable little mounds to get to mountain tops.

Letting God take control of a situation after He's given me an abundance of proof that I can't do it alone

the best option isn't the easy one
but the right course immediately bringing peace
the words my heart needs and 
words to shut my mind off 
joy replacing frustration, anxiety
being able to sleep once more

The little things in life that bring laughter

things heard and remembered
unbeknownst to them and 
what's meant to be heard
that make me smile and 
chases away obligation
opening the view of the blessing
the treasure of the hours within
the four walls with them

Because just like Moses and the Israelites wandering in the desert on the way to the Promised Land
whining about the lack of food and water but
being answered with sweet manna and water from a rock and a stick
or
like Naomi and Ruth being left on their own in a culture dependent on men as the workers but
with a need to eat
finding relief in gathering wheat and a generous farmer

God provides.

And Just Like That, Fall Is Here

It feels like fall has really permeated everything now.

 As I was driving along one day, I suddenly noticed that the spots of color here and there have become entirely golden trees. It seemed like just a day later all of the hints of orange, coppery reds, and browns pushed  the remaining green away to scattered spots.

The a/c has been off for a while now. I've even had nights where I've had to shut windows from being too chilly. The mornings are crisp, and the air has taken on that subtly sweet scent that comes with fallen leaves.

Ladies and gentlemen, let me assure you that a tiny dog shivering is very dramatic. Squirt was definitely shivering this morning in the apartment. I had to put on one of his little doggy sweaters so he didn't turn into a Squirtsicle. [Can't imagine what it'll be like when the poor thing has to deal with the snow again for the first time if he's already started to get so cold...but I sense it'll make for some post material.]

"Look at him. Treats and snoozin', snoozin' and treats, that's all he cares about."*

Fall scents like pumpkin-y spiced things have become the candles of choice in my apartment, and my fall smell is in the Scentsy warmer.

Pants and long sleeves are getting comfier by the day.

Sleeping under the covers is no longer optional.

Yes, it's fall...the time of some of my favorite things -- aside, of course, from a shivering pup.

*from "Marcel the Shell With Shoes On" ...coming to a blog near you soon. :)