still here...

It's been a while since I posted.  And with Google Reader shutting down...who's going to read this anyway? ;) 

But still it feels good to write. 

It's hard to know where to start.  There is no point in trying to catch anyone up on my crazy life.  So let's just focus on today. 

Overwhelming.

We have an accreditation team @ school until tomorrow afternoon.  They came into the classroom to observe.  They're not supposed to be there to observe your teaching...just to see if you're teaching what you SAY you are.  But really, when they're sitting there, staring at you...how can you NOT feel like they're evaluating your teaching?!? 

Nerve-wracking.

Later, the woman told me she liked how I remained calm.  I guess she didn't notice the veins poppin' out of my forehead, or that the stress was giving me a migraine. 

And it would be an understatement to say that it was unfortunate to realize three minutes AFTER my Science lesson that my zipper was down.  Fantastic.  Nothing like showing off my granny-panties on a Monday morning. 

Finally the school day was over.  An "interview".  Then rushing home for a snack before heading to softball games.  Homework.  Supper thrown together.  And kids in bed. 

Exhausted.

Another busy day tomorrow.  I just hope I can keep it together, and keep my pants closed.  For once!

still counting...

31 days are over, but the choice to praise carries on...

#1000  counting God's blessings - naming them one by one - being reminded of God's continual faithfulness, seeing how the habit of thankfulness has changed my perspective, kept my focus on Christ, reminded me of the TRUTH, and helped me to TRUST the One who gives, and who takes away - blessed is His Name.

the little things...

#972  wearing jeans to work
#973  being silly w/ my kids
#974  lil' "chef" - making peanut butter-honey crunch balls
#975  hot bowl of oatmeal w/ raisins on a cold morning
#976  bed head!  cute boy with crazy hair
#977  curry chicken
#978  fun night w/ a new friend
#979  electricity, dry home, family healthy & safe - praying for those living through the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy

for today...

#964  cold, gray day - smells like winter :)
#965  15 years of loving this man - dad, husband, lover & friend
#966  sweet eyes light up with understanding - excitement for learning
#967  talking through life issues - being heard and understood
#968  Sunday afternoon nap
#969  reading with the kids - all snuggled up under covers
#970  full moon - hidden behind clouds & trees, but brightly reflecting the sun
#971  Psalm 103:2 - I will bless the Lord and not FORGET the glorious things he has done

#957  cheering the kids on at their basketball games
#958  bedtime hugs & kisses
#959  clean clothes
#960  lessons from the life of Joseph - standing on faith & rising above
#961  unexpected call from a sweet friend, encouragement when I need it
#962  clearance sales :)
#963  God's perfect timing & provision

fighting for joy...

Several years ago our family drove out East for a family reunion.  We spent a day at Virginia beach, and I had fun watching our kids do this little "dance" as they would run into the water only to be chased back by the waves. 

I was content to sit on the beach and watch them.  I have trust issues.  Especially with murky water.  Blame it on years spent swimming in the Amazon, worrying about pythons and sting rays and schools of piranhas just waiting to eat me. 

Anyway.  I digress. 

It was a hot day, and I finally got up the courage to venture in.  The water felt wonderful, so I kept walking deeper...and deeper...

...until I was suddenly knocked down by a wave I hadn't seen coming.  I came up coughing and sputtering, trying to get rid of the bitter salt water I had just inhaled.  But before I could fully catch my breath, it happened again.  And then came the panic.  The desperate search for secure footing...

The last few days have felt that way.  I'm fighting exhaustion.  I'm fighting against anger and resentment.  I'm fighting to keep my head above water.  I'm fighting for joy...

#940  Psalm 28:7 - "The Lord is my strength and shield...I TRUST him...He helps me, and my heart is filled with JOY.  I burst out in songs of thanksgiving."
#941  bond of friendship - blessed beyond by these sisters going before the Father on my behalf
#942  rest
#943  reminder that I can face today with confidence because God is at my side
#944  my "special helper" - fun to spend a school day w/ Abbie
#945  delicious lunch from moms
#946  "Friday" on a Thursday
#947  community - camping w/ friends ("family")
#948  time to be away from all the have-to-dos
#949  giggling girls - sharing a tent & silly late night stories
#950  "fire boys" - ready @ a moment's notice for adventure
#951  clouds rolling past
#952  leaves rustling down - peaceful sight
#953  "best response to losses or thwarted hopes is PRAISE: The Lord gives and the Lord takes away.  Blessed be the name of the Lord." (Job 1:21)
#954  laughing w/ my sweetheart - can't see the good...especially without his glasses! :)
#955  beautiful sunrise to start the week - sky on fire w/ orange, yellow, and pink
#956  good night's rest - all night through

#939 Psalm 34:1-8

"I will praise the Lord AT ALL TIMES, I will constantly speak his praises.
I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart.
Come, let us tell of the Lord's greatness; let us exalt his name together.
I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.  He freed me from all my fears.
Those who look to him for help will be RADIANT WITH JOY;
no shadow of shame will darken their faces. 
In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles.
For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
Taste and see that the Lord is GOOD. 
Oh, the JOYS of those who take refuge in him."