Usefulness

When I was in 5th grade Nettie Green told us that God always gives our life purpose, and it is our responsibility to find it. I remember her example was a mother with a 2 year old that God gave the mother to wipe his nose. That stuck with me, because it isn't always the glamour or power that is our purpose.

I sometimes have check list to make sure that I get the things completed that I need to complete but my purpose in life is completed without being on the list. I wake to pray first thing, I bring Paul coffee, I tell my children that I love them, I check in with friends. I never end a day without thinking through to make sure that good was done.

As a teacher, I feel I have a job that can heal others or hurt others. Many times my purpose is putting on a band-aid, giving a hug or teaching how to get along with others.

Yes, I feel useful. Thank you Nettie Green for a message that has stuck with my through decades.

Blessings

Look back and thank God. Look forward and trust God. Look around and serve God. Look within and find God! God closes doors no man can open and God opens doors no man can close.

Paul

I grew up in the same town as Paul. I never thought of him as more than someone that I went to school and church with, but the older ladies of our town would tell us there was something more there.

In highschool, I was a sophomore and he was a junior and he would have me carry his things, duck walk, and other things that I know now was his way of spending time with me. He was always the jokester.

When Paul joined the Air Force I realized I missed his smiling face. We dated when he visited our small town, but soon I was driving to see him. Later we were married, now 3 children later, I still laugh at his silly actions. He is someone I admire. He is smart, funny and can handle what life gives him. We have been married 25 years and I love him more today.

Children

I told my oldest I was changing my facebook picture to the one I took with a student. I won't. I'll leave the family up for now. I love my students though. We are deep into science and the questions are thought provoking. The thinking that goes on in those little minds are wonderful.

Thankfulness

I feel thankful for my thoughtful husband, supportive children, beautiful mother, a home, clothes, food, work, the list goes on and on.

I am back to wearing my complaint free bracelet because it is so easy to sit and talk to friends about the "wrong' in our lives. The bible does not teach us to do this. David, Job and others actually were thankful. Saying thank you is not just something we have children do.

1 Chronicles 29:13 Now, our God, we give you thanks and praise your glorious name.

Psalm 7: 17 I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the LORD MOST HIGH.

Psalm 69:30 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.

Psam 75:1 We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks, for your Name is near; men tell of your wonderful deeds.

Psalm 136:26 Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.

I remember going with my grandpa to the Lutheran church and repeating "His love endures forever." Yet we have the audacity to complain! How human is that!

I also love the song "We will magnify His name!"

The water has always soothed my soul and made me realize the gloriousness of God. The dophins were everywhere, except when we had the camera out.

Future

I've talked before about coming full circle...that I started in special education and would return to special education. I still do not know when or where but I believe this to be true.

I have filled out applications for 7 different districts in San Antonio and part of me wants to stay at CHS. Such indecision. This is not like me. I normally make decisions fast and stick with them. I don't know where I want to work.

My choices:
1. Elementary general ed.
2. Elementary special ed.
3. Middle school reading teacher
4. Elementary Reading Specialist
5. Middle school special ed.
6. High school special ed.

Hmmm. If I could stay in the private school and continue to teach 1st grade. I would like to have a full class of general education students and get paid twice as much. ♥

The quest to find my future continues.

Beautiful Day

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood. Cold is what I'm told. The sun is streaming through the windows. There is frost on the car. I think the life of my roses are gone, but there is life in my heart.

Today I visit both mom and dad. Mom in Georgetown, and Dad in the hospital in Temple. I have joy.

Fruits of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfullness, Gentleness, Self Control