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.