Dude!

Got home today and was reflecting on the day and asked myself, "How was I able to do that?" Only answer is, "By the grace of God."  Something I was unable to do even a few weeks ago I was able to do effortlessly today.  Through prayer I now have the ability. Praise God!

Working together

First I want to say sorry it's been so long. Thanks D for encouraging me to start up again.

Tonight's simple joy: Hubby, two children and I worked together to clean up the mess from a meal for 8. We were done in 9 minutes. If i had to do it alone it would have taken a lot longer. I so appreciate when everyone helps. It gives us all more time together.  Thankful for Jesus's example of a servants heart. When we are servants to each other we all benefit.

Simple thanks.

Tonight I'm thankful for those who have my back!

A Funny!

Yesterday my daughter had to run back upstairs to get her lunch before we left for school. She came back with a gallon of milk. I said, " What do u have there?" She looked and realized what she had and went back for her lunch. Then we enjoyed a good laugh.

A Choice

We have a choice. All of us are different. People may even annoy us!
( of course) But it's more fun to just laugh about our differences than be annoyed. Besides, God created each of us for His purposes. Let's rejoicein our differences.

Transition

Reflecting tonight about how my life is in a transition. For me, it's in regards to relationships. Thinking about it made me smile. I'm enjoying the adventure and excited to see where I end up.

Directions

Recently when Leaving a car rental place out of an airport we got great directions. The attendant said, " Take two lefts and a straight, it'll take you anywhere you need to go."

People Change

People change.  My husband and I have changed. We have matured, we have grown in Christ, grown in confidence, grown into who we want to be...etc. As a result our relationship has had to change. Our relationship now is not the same as our relationship 16 years ago.  Did it take personal and relational adjusting to deal with this? YES.  Was it always easy? No. But we both are better for it.  I feel closer to him , more comfortable with him and more myself than ever.  We made a vow to each other before God.  All three of us take a part in this relationship to keep it alive and fresh.
Thankful for the changes in us.

Results of a Simple Task

It's cool when two people can accomplish a task smoothly, understanding each other, and having a common goal. It's neat when roles don't need to be defined, or fought for, or discussed. It's a blessing to be able to go with the flow, joke a little, "compete" a little, and be completely at ease. Awesome to be entirely one's self.
Very precious.
Thank you God... For so much.

High Points

Lots of little things today. Lunch from the parent group, daughter had a very successfully visit at chiropractor and ran into someone at the park and also my mom and other daughters. Then we had a visitor for the rest of the afternoon who sang with my girls and it sounded awesome, followed by a nice dinner with my family where we shared the high points of the day which I have now shared with you. Amidst all these high points there were some low too. One was very sad. The point of this blog is to notice that though we live in a world with sin and bad things God is there and there are many blessings that I love to notice and receive. They confirm Gods existence and love for me. Hope you had some high points too. Would be cool if you shared them in a comment!!

Lost and Found

So I lost the key to my classroom at the beginning of the year. Can't find it anywhere, don't understand how/when I lost it. I got two keys at  the same time, I have one but lost the most important one. Finally I realized I could pray about it!!  So on my way home from work yesterday that is what I did.  Today the teacher across the hall found two mysterious keys in her desk (she recently lost hers and was looking for them)  Neither key opened her room but for some reason I decided to try one in my door. It worked!!!  Praise God I now have a key to my room again. Don't know or care if it was the exact one I lost but God has provided!

Tiny but Valuable

I love teaching Science. My favorite unit is the universe.  It's amazing to realize how big it is and how teeny tiny we are.  And then to think about though we are small, God chose us. Chose to die for us Though we are small we are not insignificant.  Wow.

In God's Eyes I'm Worth It.

I have a thorn in my side.  That can make someone question a lot of things.  But God is faithful.  I am just in awe of His love and thankful that he is always there and continuing to show it and for his patience.  An amazing, unexpected blessing today...for me...

yeah mom!

I am sooo thankful that my Mother did all my laundry today while home with my sick daughter.  What a blessing!!

Tooting God's Horn!

Ya gotta listen to God.
This weekend, again, was challenge/directed by God to treat someone.  I did, delayed (didn't at first but gave back the money).  Today it was returned in another form. A gift certificate for the exact amount of the treat for someone else is now a treat for me!  I thank the human giver and I thank God for how He plays "pay it forward".  Trust and obey, for there's no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Remember

1 Corinthians 15:58 says "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."

I framed this at one point in my life and now it sits in the window sill at my job.

We need to remember it because we never know how what we are doing is impacting the lives around us....

Little thing of the day

I made people laugh today. Guess I'm known for walking by the kitchen and saying " that smells good." Our principal ordered pizza for all of us and as if on cue, when I walked by, I said it! He laughed about it and gave me pizza! BBQ chicken, no cheese, which was really nice since I'm trying to loose weight.
Just nice to have a giggle and a smile and a piece of pizza!!

Another Return!!

Oh my gosh, what a tough week with lots of rewards at the end.  So much to be thankful for!  One of my Science students was convinced he could not complete a Science Fair project and he didn't at first.  I tried to give him a pep-talk Tuesday but Wednesday morning with his head hanging he said he didn't do a project.  I prayed during chapel for an idea, and got one, and decided if he was uncooperative I wasn't going to force it.  By snack time I had him doing a project and he did it enthusiastically.  He worked the rest of the morning and through lunch, with a great attitude, to get it done. Today on a scale of 1-3 he got a 2 which was pretty good!! I was so proud of him and he felt great realizing he COULD do this.
Now I am on the verge of tears because he and his mom thanked me with flowers!
Once again a blessing returned.

I give God all the glory for the guidance and the opportunity to be an encouragement for a student.

A Way

One of my daughters has trouble showing love to her sisters. There has been a lot of rude talk amongst the girls lately so I sat them on the couch and had them each tell each other what they loved about each other. This was very hard for the one who has trouble. She couldn't say anything to two of them, she even has trouble giving hugs. But when it came to her other sister she said " your my best friend." Dad then challenged her to go write what she loved and then read it to them. Now she could do it. It was soo nice. It meant so much to them to hear what she said.

What Could Be Better

Today my sister sent me a text saying she had a secret. Of course I thought she was pregnant. She said no, its something better. Well now the challenge is to try to figure it out! I asked my daughters what is better than being pregnant ( she's already married)? My third daughter said, " I know, I know, Heaven!". Awesome answer!
PS I know the secret. That's what it is, a secret. :)

A Blessing in Return

My daughter is one of my students and she was using my i-touch to text one of her friends from our class .  I jumped in and asked the girl how she was doing with her Science fair.  She said, "Terrible." I asked why, we eventually used face-time to talk about it.  Within a few minutes of our conversation, she had gotten started and was sending me pictures. I wrote back, "Fabulous!! Great job! Proud of you. " I then asked her a few questions to make sure she did it right....
Later that evening she wrote me, " Thank you for helping me I feel really blessed to have a teacher like you!! So THANK YOU!! =)"

We don't always know how the little things we do bless others.  It sure is a blessing when they let you know isn't it?

A Gift

I had the pleasure of taking the 3rd - 7th grade students from my school to a mini concert today.  The people performing were high school students from a local Prep School.  The concert was good but what made it memorable was a 10th grade pianist.  She started playing and you could hear how fast her fingers were moving, making a beautiful sound.  Another teacher and I were in awe.  She played like this, flawlessly for a few minutes. 
My daughters play piano, but one especially likes it.  After loosing her original seat due to a miscommunication she ended up sitting in full few of the piano keyboard and the talent playing it.  She later talked to the young lady and came home and is trying to play fast and fluid like her.  I look back and remember her being on the verge of tears having lost her seat and thank God that she ended up with the best view.  A view that has inspired her.  I pray my daughter uses her talent for God.

A Little Laugh

This made me laugh today.  One of my students said, " My mom had to get her root canal taken out today."  I laughed.  Then I explained what a root canal and a crown is etc.  Then she said, "All I know is she can't wait for her tooth to stop hurting." 

Love it!

An Answer

This morning on my way to work I was questioning if I should continue this blog.  Is it really God's will? Is it really being a blessing to anyone anymore?  I prayed.  Tonight I got a note from a Facebook friend saying, " I just wanted to thank you for your blog." 

Love this kind of stuff....the simple things...
How God shows himself daily just to let us know He's there and He loves us.  The problem is we don't always see Him.  That's why I want to do this. I want myself and the readers to notice Him everyday.

Thanks friend!

=)

My third daughter gave us a lot of trouble when she was younger (2 or 3).  Tonight my husband reflected on the wonderful child she has grown into.  Thoughtful, funny, sweet, creative..etc.  The child that was once a terror is now such a joy!.  In fact that's what her name means, father's joy.

Update on Daughter

Last week I talked about how the mix up with my daughter moving on in an art "competition".
A few days after my husband got an e-mail inviting her to participate after all because of their mistake.  We gave her the choice and she chose yes!  Now she is going to take the notes of the judges into consideration and has a wonderful mentor and she will create a better piece. 

Bonus Session.

My daughter and I were at our chiropractor this afternoon.  I love going.  I always walk away feeling relief from all kinds of things including stress.  Today we had a bonus session.  Today she started talking to my daughter about something. I have no idea why she decided to, but as she was talking I started to feel like what she was saying was a word from God for me!  I listen closely and tears come to my eyes at what she was saying. She basically said, when someone is just talking and talking and you can't get a word in edgewise just stay quiet and listen, wait for them to finish and if you feel like you have something to add that is valuable, say it and it will be like a golden nugget. She said more, but that is what stood out for me. I told her "You have no idea how that applies to my life right now."  And probably nobody reading this does either but I do. Good words of wisdom. I am continually amazed at how God works and who He uses.

God's Timing

My husband and I have talked on and off about selling the Sea Doo's for a while now.  He's even posted them before with no reasonable offers.  This morning he posted them and tonight they were towed away by the new owner and my husband got what he wanted for them.  God's timing....

The Negotiator

Outside of my kids and husband I am not a "mushy" person. But I sometimes do really want a person to know I appreciate them and I'm not sure how to say it or I just don't want to face to face. Once I used this blog to do it and I'm going to do it again today. Ready? Here goes...

I am thankful for "the negotiator" you are like a sibling to me.

Mushy?....oh well.

Simply Awesome

Just got back from a Youth Convention with our youth group.  Nothing like seeing hundreds of teens Praising God and wanting more of Him in their lives.

A Not so Simple Mistake...

Today a mistake was made by someone and that mistake caused heartache for my daughter.  I can see how it could be considered a minor error. Unintentional.  But it is also a huge oversight with lasting affects.
Today, at a youth convention, it was announced that she would be advancing to a National exhibition and evaluation for her piece of art.  She was not expecting this at all so you can imagine everyone's excitement. There were tears of joy! Two hours later, when we received her scores, was when we noticed the error that had been made and she was not advancing.  Now to break the news to our twelve year old and now tears of heartache.   At first I thought "Why her?" Then I remembered God is in control even in this.  There is some growth that we will all get from this. Even if she doesn't know what it is, she can take this to God and have the heart that says " I did this for you God and that's all that matters." I guess it follows part of the weekend's message, "Who are you following?" A training moment to teach her it's about God's love and approval, not man's.

And.... we ALL make mistakes and we ALL need to forgive and be forgiven.

Just a Thought.

People may disagree with me but it doesn't mean I'm wrong.
I'm not saying I'm always right ...
just saying.

His Still Small Voice

A lot happened today.  This is what I want to share tonight.  Our dishwasher broke a couple months ago.  We had already had it repaired a month earlier and same part went again, time for a new one.  We washed by hand for a while, didn't mind.  I felt like we were suppose to wait and not rush out and buy one. I had no idea how God wanted to provide but we both knew He did.  One night we came very close to ordering one and Tim just stopped, It wasn't right. Finally this weekend I said 'It's time.'  I had in mind what I was hoping for.  A better model, pricier than I would spend but at a close out price.  I walked into a department store today and found it and made the purchase all in less than ten minutes.  A good brand and model for $225 less than it's original price because it was an overstock.  I know some say it's just a dishwasher but it's not just that.  It's the hearing of His voice, it's the knowing He's in control even in the little things, knowing He cares even about the little things, knowing He loves us and wants to bless us in big and little ways.
Mostly it's just cool to hear His voice and then see what He does and being like 'cool!  I heard him and listened and look what He did!  He did what He said He would.' 
Thank you God!

PS:  The dryer died the same week and similar story...We ended up saving over $300 on that because we didn't rush and found one online barely used.

A Response

Once up on a time I was away on a two day conference. It was four other woman and me.  One of the nights we were out for dinner.  The check came and I felt/heard 'pay the check'. I talked myself out of it and got up to use the restroom while two of the girls figured out who owed what.  While in the restroom I felt/heard again, ' I want you to pay the check'. OK. I decide if they haven't started collecting money I will pay the check.  When I got back to the table they still were, so I grabbed the check and payed it.  I decided to trust God and pay it.  It is probably important to know that I was being frugal on this trip.  I had planned to spend little and now I had to pay $95 plus tip.  Well, one of the girls said no and grabbed my money purse, I don't know how much she put in, her share was around $20.  The details are important now. This was a Thursday. Saturday I was surprised with a $25 gift card to a local department store.  Monday and then again Tuesday I received two $10 coupons to two local department stores.  And Wednesday I unexpectedly received another $50 in pay from a vitamin company I hadn't earned pay from in months.  Now the math

                                                                   25  + 10 + 10 + 50 = 95.

And if she had put $20 in then she paid the tip.  Within a week I had all the money back (but $1? maybe she put that in too). Not only were their meals paid for but mine as well.  The Lord speaks in a still small voice.  All we have to do is trust and obey.  He won't leave us hanging. I love telling this story of how God provided when I trusted.  This is not to toot my horn but God's!
From this, and many other things, I have learned it never hurts to be generous with the right heart. 

Simply Honored

Tonight I made a phone call! (remember I said I don't call much anymore) It was a nice phone call with a bonus. A child answered the phone and said something like, Hello this is the ***. I thought it was his sister and he said no it's ***. I asked for his Mom and as she was getting the phone from him she said, good job. When she got on the phone she told me that was his first time answering the phone. I was so excited and honored to be the one on the other end of his first time answering the phone.

So funny

Watching last weeks episode of survivor and someone had to go home because of appendicitis. One of the other players says what's that? ( first haha) someone tells her and a couple people talk about how they had it and the pain involved. The look on her face( 2nd haha) later the Host asks her a question about something and she reply's " I don't know I can't get my mind off this appendicitis thing and wondering what I do to keep mine from getting hurt" ( hahahahahaha) I love a good laugh! If you don't get it watch the last five minutes of episode 6 of survivor on Hulu.com.
Have a good night.

A Friend

Today I am thankful for a friend who has been an encouragement to me a lot this year. She is at least ten years younger than me but one of the things I admire about her is some of the wisdom she has that is beyond her years.... and mine for that matter. I am thankful she has been open and trusting and trustworthy. I just want her to know I appreciate her. One rule I have made for myself on this Blog is not to use any names.. So no name but I hope she knows who she is when/if she reads this. God places people in our lives for such a time as this. :)

The Heavens' Declare His Majesty

9:26 and I look to the Northwest sky.  I see Jupiter, a crescent moon and Venus in a beautiful cluster.  Doesn't happen all the time. Look around the same time this week to enjoy it yourself.

Dear Conversation, I miss you.

Some say I am a social person.  Something that used to keep me connected with people was the phone.  In the age of texting and emailing very few phone calls are made any more.  It's good when you just need to ask something quick and don't want to get in a long conversation.  But it seems to me that making a phone call is now demanding to much of a persons time or I am taking the risk of bothering them.  I don't feel comfortable calling anyone (without a text warning) besides my parents and my sister......

A Youtube Moment

A Youtube moment is what one of my students has named the times when I am "silly".  For different reasons and at different times I do, say or act silly and often surprise my students by it.  One of my students has recently started saying I wish I had a video camera and could put this on you tube, It has now simply become " This is a Youtube moment." 

Today's Youtube moment was a result of my frustration.  I got frustrated with student for not listening to my simple instructions.....again... I didn't say anything but stepped out of the room for a minute to get myself together,  I stepped back into the room and by some miracle I turned my frustration energy into something else and really silly like , with a smile on my face,  said, "That's ok I would love to explain it again." It was a mix of a high pitched, super excited voices with a couple of somethin, somethin's..(ya know those singing growls)  Hard to explain. Maybe I should record it and put it on here.  HAHA.  Anyway, the class burst into laughter and I continued speaking in this manner telling the student what he/she should be doing.  Of course I was laughing too and it was a great turn of events.  Within a couple minutes the student was on task with the rest of the class and we are all smiling.  And I have been in good spirits all day, and carried that silliness into youth group tonight.

I am so thankful that I was able to make that switch!  It resulted in so much fun. Praying I can remember to do that in the future.  Praying we can all realize that if we stop for a second and decide to make a change the results can be great!

Is it better to give than recieve?

Today I got lunch at a local "eatery" near school.  I had a gift certificate my mom passed on to me after winning it.  It was for $20.  I picked what I wanted and still had plenty of money left so decided to ask a coworker if she wanted anything. I still had money left so I asked another. We all had lunch on a shared blessing and it was a blessing!  I loved being able to share and bless them as I was being blessed!  I thank God for what he gives me and that I have learned and continue to learn that sharing the blessing is was he truly intended and the more I share, the more I am blessed spiritually and materially.  I don't do it for the blessings but God shows who He is every time I/we are obedient.  I do it trusting that he will continue to provide all our needs.  Someday I'll spend some time sharing the many stories we have of God's faithfulness in this.  Awesome!!!

PS.  Still having great days while Bible teacher away (post 2) God is faithful!
PPS: Answer to title question: my opinion, Give without expectation and then rejoice in the surprise of what you receive!

A breathe

Yesterday my pastor said " take time to breathe". Basically supporting the whole point of this blog. Notice what's around you and enjoy it. Enjoy creation, your kids, etc. Today I stopped to look outside and see my four girls all playing together. Loved it!

For the "Big Things" file

A woman came up to my husband after to church to share something.  She talked to him about how her mother was diagnosed with stage three cancer (I don't know what kind) andhow  her mother had finally come to church last Sunday.  The daughter had been trying to get her there so she could be prayed for.  At the end of service they went up for prayer and my husband prayed for her.  The woman had a doctor's appointment Tuesday and the daughter was hoping to come back to church with a good report.  She did.  She told my husband that at the appointment Tuesday they couldn't find any cancer.  I am thankful for a God who heals!!!!

A Link

Great day at church today! Worship was great, the sermon was great and God's presence was awesome!  Another thing I love about my church is the people.  They are loving, friendly and fun.  Even the Pastor knows how to have fun.  If you know me well, then you know I'm all about having fun.  So to add to my list of great things about church today is the fellowship afterwards was great too.. Check it out.  Click on the link below to see what I am talking about.  God gave us life and wants us to enjoy it.  Here are some people enjoying life and those watching are enjoying life too.  This will put a smile on your face for sure!

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150629395153208

things that make you go hmm #1

Sometimes, perhaps, is takes something big for God to get our attention.

....the simple things aren't really simple.

A friend worded it well tonight.  When we allow the Holy Spirit to move in us, instead of the flesh, the "big things" (our problems or worries)  become little and the "little things" (the blessings we often miss each day) become big. The "simple things" have much more value.  Life has much more value.  There's a song that says "O let us see your face, hidden in simple things" Is He really hiding or is it just that we aren't seeing Him.  O that we would see Him! And enjoy life the way God intended!

A Simple Prayer and a Simple Answer Make a Difference

My husband and I didn't sleep well last night. I had a crazy dream and was woken up every hour starting at midnight by one of the animals.  I was concerned about how I would get through the day with lack of sleep.  During morning prayer at work a friend prayed for both me and my husband.  I had a great day! A really great day! Tiredness never overcame me, school was fun, I got everything accomplished that I needed to and Tim had a good day too..
I am thankful for friends who pray and a God who answers1!

For "The Best Days of My LIfe" file....

Tonight I was writing a bio for my school yearbook.  I don't like doing stuff like that but I put my best foot forward (the right one, jk).  After a while I asked Becky how she would describe me and she said, "loving, caring, fun and crazy (in a good way)".  She also said I am someone who likes to spend time with her kids.  It was so sweet to hear all that.  Then I asked Georgia,"What am I like?" and she said "You like blue." Haha.
I asked Abby too, but she didn't know what to say.  Finally, I asked Jessie, "How would you describe me to your friends?" At first she said, "I couldn't, they would say 'yeah right' or laugh at me"  I didn't understand why.  Then she leaned over and with tears in her eyes and she whispered "You're the best friend ever."

This is one of the best days of my life. 

Thank you God that I am doing something right.
Please continue to watch over my children and guide me in my parenting.

A Simple Reminder

When I was a public school a teacher I typically taught five classes and a had duty. I also had a 40 minute prep period and a lunch period each day,to do work and...each lunch.  I'm currently in a private school and teach 6 classes. I have, on average, one prep period a day, and duty free lunch three times a week. (ps. I get paid quite less too)  It's OK. I'm fine with that. I love my job. My kids are there, God is there, the students and parents are great... etc.  This week and for the next two our amazing Bible teacher is away. Long story short, I am taking over for my sixth grade's Bible class.  Do the math. I started to get anxious and quickly realized that I don't have to.  I simply said "Hey God, you're in control so I trust you're going to help me."  I was reminded last week that God is in control, even in stuff like this. I don't have to sweat it.  And an added bonuses; our awesome secretary filled the long empty chocolate bowl and it was 73 degrees outside! Today was a great day!

I'll let you know how the three weeks ago.  As long as I don't try to take control back it should be simple.

simply #1

Tonight I bought tickets to go see my sister and her family in Colorado.  The airline gave me the option of naming my trip, so I did.  "Visit To My Second Best Friend" is what I titled it (my husband Tim is my best friend) Karen and I were not "friendly" growing up.  It feels so good to now be able to call her best friend.  It's a simple thing that makes me smile because I know how much God has done to give us this.  Those are stories for another day.

Welcome!

The other night my husband said to me I love it that it's the simple things that make you happy, you are so easy to please.  It made me think about all the simple things in my life and how if we take notice of them we can enjoy life more fully.  Of course there are also bigger things that bring me joy and amazement as well. Hence the title "It's Mostly The Simple Things". As they come to mind, or as they happen, I will record them in this blog as a constant reminder to myself and all who read of the joy of life. 

So what caused him to say that?  I was rejoicing that we had gotten the grocery shopping done in the hour and a half that the kids were busy at a school function.  A weight off my shoulders and I could enjoy the weekend more fully.