The Lighting of a Fire

Friday August 15, 2014 

It’s my first week back in the classroom, and I’m already thinking about how to light the fire inside those students.

But education is not just for the young, you know. 

I have a quote for you today, my fifth favorite, that applies across the board as we learn our way through life.

I’m linking up with the ladies at Friday’s Fave Five today as we name our five favorites of the week.

Here are mine: 

1. My husband’s help. He is SO handy and so willing to help with my projects. I needed to spruce things up in my classroom a bit, and I had an idea that required his assistance. He cut boards, stapled, measured, and helped me make my room beautiful. A couple of these were t-shirts I love but don’t often wear, and a couple were bags from Barnes and Noble. We turned them into plaques for my classroom wall! He’s the best.

And, perhaps, the English teacher's favorite:

2. A great quote and a new bulletin board design. I’ve had this quote up for a while, and I do love it. (Trying to inspire my kids to think before today, beyond tomorrow, and outside of their high school selves.) The board needed freshening up, so we set to work, using scrapbook paper for borders and decoration!

3. Bidding goodbye—for now. A number of college-bound students have dropped by to say goodbye. One said, “I’m leaving in 15 minutes and I just came by to say goodbye.” So sweet!

4. My favorite pictures of the week. My grandson, Aiden, got his first hammer. His dad said to him, “With great power comes great responsibility.” Three-year-old Aiden replied, “I’ve never heard that before.” (I was pleased to see the safety glasses.)

 5. A quote for all of us—because learning is a lifelong endeavor. 

“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” (William Butler Yeats) 

Pouring information into kids’ heads is temporary; when you light a fire, the desire to make that knowledge your own and find some more is permanent. 

That’s what I want for my students!

I don’t know about you, but I love to learn. I pray that will always be my mindset.

Wishing you a week of loving learning, 

Who wants to be rare?

Friday August 8, 2014 

Who wants to be rare? 

It seems we’re all about being one with our culture today, being up-to-date on the latest technology, watching and doing what everyone else is watching and doing…

As a redhead, I always stood out whether I liked it or not. Sometimes that was good and sometimes, not so good. (Then I married a redhead, had four more of them, and we all felt right at home! Days at the beach left my arms numb from applying and reapplying sunscreen.)

Stay tuned for my fifth favorite today—as usual, a quote. One about the value of being rare. 

I’m linking up today with Susanne and the ladies at Friday’s Fave Five, where we replay the blessings of our week. Won’t you join us?

Here are my favorites this week: 

1. Back with friends. The great thing about starting school is being with my teacher friends. It’s been great to catch up with them and their families. Most of us have taught each other’s children, so we have a vested interest in each other’s families. It’s great to see my teacher friends again!

2. Firsts. Our youngest just moved into his first apartment with a friend, and he’s close to two brothers. Hearing stories and seeing pictures of the move and his new digs makes me smile. He starts his first full-time job next week, so it’s a season of firsts. SO proud of him. It’s so great to see them do what you raised them to do.

3. Unexpected paint. They painted my classroom this summer, and I didn’t know they were planning to. It looks so nice and fresh. They took posters and things off the wall and that has made me re-evaluate my décor, and it’s probably about time for that. I’m replacing some things with other decorating ideas I’m excited about. And my husband is helping me. Fun!

4. A dinner rendezvous. My hubby worked last night and sometimes he is able to get away and grab dinner. I got a cryptic but fun text about meeting him for dinner unexpectedly. It was better—and more fun—than eating my leftovers at home alone last night. Loved it.

5. A quote: 

“There are rare Christians whose very presence incites others to be better Christians. I want to be that rare Christian.” (A.W. Tozer)

I don’t know that I can elaborate on that quote—it says things so well. It’s a great one for me to begin the school year with, as I strive to see what I would call “problems” as opportunities.

I’m probably not enough of a rebel to our times and culture, but I long to stand not on the shifting sand of today but on an eternal foundation. May I be rare today! 

Wishing you rare moments this week, 

Thinking and Acting

Friday, August 1, 2014 

Thinking without acting?

I like to think, ponder, consider. And sometimes I think more than I act, unfortunately.

Acting without thinking? Oh, yes. I’m a redhead; I’ve been known to react a time or two without thinking.

It seems thinking and acting are best when they’re joined; fused with a foundation of truth, they’re a powerful combination. More about that later, with my fifth favorite, a quote.

I’m linking up with Susanne today for Friday’s Fave Five, my favorite exercise in being thankful.

Here are my favorites from this week: 

1. Having lunch with my husband. This is one of the joys of summertime. It’s great when he comes home for lunch and I get to spend an extra hour or so with him.

2. Friends’ books! I have two friends launching books today. One is Heather Strickland, who has participated in Friday’s Fave Five. She has just finished a devotional book called At the Master’s Feet. It’s available for Kindle, on Amazon!

And a friend and former student, Nicole Lataif, has just released her second children’s book, I Forgive You: Love We Can Hear, Ask For, and Give. I love that concept—that forgiveness is love we can hear. Nicole’s book is charming and, most importantly, full of truth. Nicole's book is available in hardcover and for Kindle, on Amazon.

3. Lunch with friends. That’s what I’ll be doing today, and I’m looking forward to it! And on another note, although going back to school to teach has its down sides—like getting up earlier and bringing grading home—I’ll get to spend my lunch with friends from Monday to Friday. I’m thankful for my school buddies.

4. Finding gold amidst the pages. I mentioned last week that I’m embarking on the Ph.D. adventure, and basically, that means I’m doing a lot to keep Amazon in business. I am so excited about some of the books I’ll be studying. I’m finishing up a last course for another degree, and I’m in the thick of Fyodor Dostoevsky right now. Dostoevsky is an acquired taste, but once you love him, you LOVE him. Listen to this: 

“It was a bright, warm, still July night, a cool mist rose from the broad river, we could hear the splash of a fish, the birds were still, all was hushed and beautiful, everything praying to God” (Dostoevsky, Brothers Karamazov, 273).

What a beautiful description of creation!

5. A quote:

“Faith is not the absence of thinking, but it is thinking and acting on the basis of the Word and promises of God.” (Tim Keller)

This is a great reminder for me as I plunge into more study. The melding of faith and thinking and acting upon God’s Word and promises is what it’s all about! 

All my thinking and reading are pretty much useless unless they have some connection to His Word and promises…and they do no one any good until they come to life in what I do every day.

Wishing you time to think and act, with faith, this week.

The Wonders to Come

Friday  July 25, 2014

The wonders to come—that’s a glorious subject, isn’t it?

More on those wonders, even amidst a rocky path, in my fifth favorite, a quote.

Join me as I recount the blessings of the past week…and a couple of the weeks before that, too.

I’ve been “out of pocket” for quite a while, busy with summer and traveling and family and study. Feeling thankful, I figured Friday’s Fave Five was the best time to jump back in. Each Friday, we share our favorites of the week. Won’t you join in?

My favorites this week:

1. Study—lots of it. My summer began with study, as I attended a summer residency toward my new Ph.D. program. It was inspiring and scary all at the same time. I met some wonderful people, students and professors alike. My introductory class went well, and I’m signed up for more this fall. (Along with teaching  high school, of course.) Right now I’m finishing up an independent study course to complete another program I began a while back. I’ve not lacked for reading and writing this summer. The great thing is, that’s what I love to do.

2. Family time. We’ve been back a couple of weeks, but I haven’t had a chance to post about our family time. I got to see my mom and spend some quality time with our grandson, Aiden. In fact, we got to travel with him and his parents to New York state to see family. (He did not lack for attention the entire vacation, as you can imagine.) We got to see him catch his first fish, and we even got to keep him a whole day by ourselves while Mom and Dad explored the city. We were also blessed to have our youngest and his girlfriend along. A blessing all around.

3. Planning ahead. Yes, I’m already thinking ahead to the holidays, planning to have them ALL together. My son and daughter-in-law are adopting a little girl from India, and the long process is getting shorter. I’m praying we’ll have her home for Christmas. Wouldn’t that be something?

4. Long-time love. My husband and I celebrated our anniversary in June, complete with roses and an evening out, then we took off across several states together, as we’ve done so many times. More times than not, it was with a van full of boys and a dog and, yes, times have changed—but some things don’t. He’s my favorite traveling companion, the one I love to come home to and with. I’m thankful for him, maybe now more than ever.

5. This quote:

“Your future is signed and sealed by grace. The wonders to come will make the hardships of the journey worthwhile.” (Paul David Tripp)

We’ve all walked bumpy roads and smooth ones, and if truth be told, we prefer the easy road. But when you know grace holds your future, it’s easier to hang on. 

And realizing that the wonders to come will give meaning to the rocky path is like seeing the sun over the top of a hill.

Wishing you grace that levels out the road,

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.

Friday May 23, 2014 

It’s Friday, and it’s time for some gratitude. 

Why?

It's amazing what gratitude can do.

Stayed tuned for my fifth favorite, a quote that will inspire gratitude.

I’m linking up with the ladies of Friday’s Fave Five today, where we recount our blessings of the week.

 Here are my favorites: 


1. The end of the 2013-2014 school year. With graduation tonight, the school year closes for me. It’s been a good one, and it signals some later mornings (yay!) and the time to jump into my studies. Can’t wait!!

2. Graduates. It’s such a bittersweet time for parents and teachers. We hate to see them leave, but what a blessing to see these young people moving into their college years. And to think that I have the privilege of being a little part of that!

3. Friends. I’ll be sitting with some great ones tonight, all decked out in our stoles and gowns. It will be the last year I’ll sit with some and I’ll miss them terribly. And it’s the first year for another, one who was a student ten years ago and now is a colleague. Very cool.

4. Essays. Yes, exam essays, believe it or not. I read a few that were just awesome. Makes you feel like they really “got it.” Love that.

5. This quote: 

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity...Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.” (Melodie Beattie)

The fullness of life—where we see that we have enough, where we revel in acceptance, and where we celebrate order and clarity we didn’t see before.

Simply being thankful can help us relate to yesterday, today, and tomorrow in the shadow of the Giver of all. 

Wishing you gratitude that transforms this week,
 

In Over My Head

Friday May 16, 2014

Ever been in over your head?

It’s scary and exciting all at the same time…

Stay tuned for more as my fifth favorite, a quote, sheds a little light on that.

I’m linking up with Friday’s Fave Five where we share five blessings from the past week.

My favorites this week:

1. Graduation! Yes, the last Groves boy has graduated from college. What a great combination weekend it was – Graduation and Mother’s Day – and we had ALL the boys together, along with two wonderful daughters-in-law and an awesome grandson. It was just great having them all together. So proud of the youngest as he graduates, works, gets his own place. Just wish we were closer geographically—to all of them!

2. Hospitality. Our third son, Andrew, and his sweet wife hosted all of us. We had 8 adults, a six month old puppy, and a three year old boy packed in, and happy chaos ensued. It was great to see all they’ve done to their first Home Sweet Home. They were truly gracious hosts.

3. Endings and beginnings. Today is the last Friday of the school year for us. Looking forward to having time for other pursuits after that. (More on that in #5.)

4. Summer. More travels to share time with family are ahead, and it’s easy for me to get excited about that. I love to travel and we’ll get to see some family members we only see once a year.

5. This quote:

“If you aren’t in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?” (T.S. Eliot)

This quote made me smile, and it made me think of my new endeavor. I start working on my Ph.D. this summer. I’m reading for the first class, and I am loving it. It’s exciting and a little scary.

And another thing about that quote—if I had said it, I’d modify it a bit. For me, it would read:

“If you aren’t in over your head, how do you know how big God is?” (Laura Lee Groves)

I’ve felt a definite pull toward this course of study, and all the preparation I’m doing is confirming that. Anything new is a bit scary, but when you know Who is walking beside you, it is so exciting.

I can’t wait to see what He will do with this new journey.

Wishing you some “over your head” times this week,

Craving certainty

Friday May 2, 2014 
 

It's easy to feel adrift, in need of safety and security.

We crave certainty in an uncertain world.

How do we find it? In an unlikely place.

Stay tuned for my fifth fave, a quote that will, paradoxically, remind you where to find it.

I'm linking up with the ladies of Friday's Fave Five today as we recount the blessings of the week. Won't you give thanks, too?

My favorites this week:

1. The month of May! To quote my Facebook status earlier this week, "Month of May, you are my friend." Not surprisingly, quite a few other teacher friends "liked" that one. Looking forward to slower summer days.

2. A class I'm taking. I'm learning so much. This classes is full of inspiration and truth. I may just take some kind of class all my life... Love to be a student.

3. Conversations with my boys. I just love hearing from them. Of course, it makes me wish we lived closer to one another, but I love to have a chat on the phone with each one. It's great.

4. My students. I'm sure that's a repeat because I say it a lot, but even here in the last weeks of school, I do love these high school kids. They drive me crazy sometimes, but I'm usually smiling as I go over the edge. :0)

5. This quote:

"Security is not to be found in your wisdom and strength, but in the moment by moment grace that meets you in your weakness." (Paul Tripp)

This is so true. I know I strive to be strong, to figure everything out, to be wise...but His strength is make perfect in my weakness. Love the paradoxes of the gospel. 

All I have to do to find my strength, my safety, my security, is to yield--and the beauty of it is, the One I'm yielding to considers me precious and loved and valued.

Wishing you grace this week,  

On the Other Side of Easter

Friday April 25, 2014
 

We live on the other side of Easter, historically.

And what about Monday—the day after our Easter Sunday celebration?

Or the Tuesday after, the weeks and months after…how are we called to live? 

Stay tuned for my fifth fave today, a quote that reminds me of just that.

I’m linking up today with the ladies of Friday’s Fave Five, where we recount our blessings for the week.

Won’t you join us?

My favorites for this week: 

1. Books in the mail—textbooks! I’m embarking on a new educational adventure, and my texts have been arriving in the mail. Believe it or not, that’s very exciting for me!

2. Friendships among my colleagues. I have a number of friends leaving at the end of the school year, and I will miss them tremendously. They have made bumpy days smooth, made me laugh, and cried and prayed with me. Oh, how I’ll miss them. And how blessed I am that some remain; I’m beginning to value them even more.

3. The brother bond. I love how my boys love each other. When one has a question or needs some advice, he calls his brothers. They check in with each other all the time. I’m so glad they have each other. Does a mama’s heart good.

4. Students, past and present. I’m getting a little sentimental about several students these days, as they’ll be moving on to college soon. But I’m so excited to see where the Lord takes them! They have such potential and so many gifts. My past students remind me of that as, each day, I hear more about where they are and what they’re doing. I told one of my younger colleagues today, in the midst of all the stuff we teachers are not crazy about, we have to remember, we DO make a difference.

5. An after-Easter quote: 

“Because of Easter, we believe that the present work God calls us to is ‘not in vain.’” (Paul David Tripp) 

The Monday after Easter, I was thinking about the Monday after the first Easter.

How did Christ’s disciples feel the day after the resurrection? And did that excitement wane as the days passed by, as mine so often does?

I Corinthians 15:57-58 gives us good advice about how to live in the light of the resurrection. And one thing it reminds us of is that our work is not in vain.

That’s a good thing to remember, whether you’re a mom, a teacher, a writer, a whatever. We may look around at work that doesn’t look very glorious and wonder, but we can know that any work done for God’s glory is not in vain. We will likely not see the fruits of our labors either, but we can trust the truth of His Word and know that He will accomplish His purposes and we’re blessed to be a thread in that glorious tapestry.

Wishing you a week of purpose, 

A Glimpse of My Worth

Friday April 18, 2014 

What am I worth?

And how in the world can I relate to a God who sits in the heavens?

 Easter, the cross—they proclaim my worth.

Stay tuned for my fifth favorite, a quote that reminds me how an age-old story rings clear and true today.


I’m linking up with the ladies of Friday’s Fave Five, as we recount our blessings for the week. I’ve been away for a while, busy with life. So this will cover more than this week!

My favorites:

1. Oklahoma! Our fine arts students did an incredible job of performing Oklahoma, and a good time was had by all. They simply outdid themselves—as did our new director, Rachel Cox. I was honored to be her assistant, but I did little, in reality. The coolest thing about this? Ten years ago she was my student, and now she’s my colleague. The Drama department is in capable hands. She’s the best. So proud of her and our students.

2. Some time off. We have our Easter Break now, and I’m enjoying every second of it. It’s a little harbinger of summer, which is not too far away for us. And part of what I’m enjoying is the end of research paper grading! This big project is over for this year, thank heavens. I’m enjoying reading, writing…all of those good things.

3. A night at the theatre. My sweet husband got us tickets to The Screwtape Letters. It was awesome. Entertaining, thought-provoking, a great night out.

4. An opportunity for ministry. I write for The MOB Society (for moms of boys), and I’m enjoying being part of their Titus Two Team. We answer questions sent in by moms every Saturday. Last week a question about losing it with your kids prompted our leader to open a Facebook page called “No More Angry MOB,” and in one day, over 1000 moms had joined. The dialogue on the page is heart-rending as moms begin to realize they’re not alone in their struggles, as they search for ways to raise their children with a sense of the gospel, as they pour out their hearts and seek practical solutions for the challenges of motherhood. It’s a real blessing. If you are—or know of—a mom who would be interested, you can read more here in “How Do I Stop Yelling?”.

5. A quote that reminds me of what’s important about Easter:

“The Cross provides a stunning glimpse of my value in the sight of an omniscient God. The suffering and death of Christ is the price tag that God has set to secure my everlasting life WITH HIM. How much more valuable could I be in the sight of God -- whose appraisal is the only one that matters? There is no room for pride; there is no room for despair; there is ONLY room for humble worship and gratitude!” (Sam Kastensmidt)

Hoping you sense your worth to Him today,

In Praise of Rest

Friday March 14, 2014 

Who wouldn’t praise rest? 


We all need it—crave it, in fact—yet we turn our backs on rest and turn back to our tasks.

It’s so easy to buy into society’s notion that work equals worth…but that never brings peace.

Stay tuned for my fifth favorite today, as usual a quote—one that extols the value of rest.

I'm joining the ladies of Friday's Fave Five today as we recount the blessings of the week. Won't you join us?

My favorites this week:

1. Time. Spring Break this week has yielded time to read, write, wonder, plan, create. It has been wonderful.

2. Lunch out! My hubby just called and offered to take me to lunch. Another perk of Spring Break!

3. The beginnings of a book proposal. I got a major brainstorm while at Florida Christian Writers Conference, and I’m working on a proposal. I’m excited! Bonus #3: The opportunity to guest post this week, where I shared the story of amazing lessons learned in the darkness. And Adelle Gabrielson, my host, made a beautiful pin you can see here on my blog and at her place.

4. Oklahoma! The next couple of weeks promise to be busy ones, as we near opening night for Oklahoma!, our school’s spring musical. Love Rodgers and Hammerstein, and love the kids of the cast and crew!

5. A quote: 

“O day of rest! How beautiful, how fair.” (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow) 

I’ve had several “rest days” this week, and they have indeed been beautiful and fair. They make me long for more days of rest, but they also give me fuel to go on.

You’re getting two quotes for the price of one today because I have to share what Shelly Miller wrote on the subject:

“[R]esiliency is fueled from previous rest periods, of quiet and stillness abiding in His presence. By neglecting Sabbath for work, the result is often a lesson in futility...When we allow our outside environment to dictate our inner worth, identity becomes lopsided…Abiding in Christ through routine rest is the secret to flourishing….” 

Too often, I let my outside environment dictate my inner worth, and tasks take over.

Wadworth’s quote is short, sweet, and easy to remember: “O day of rest! How beautiful, how fair.”

Wishing you times of rest this week,

Joys of Life

Friday March 7, 2014
 

What makes your life joyful? 

Stopping to recount my blessings always turns my heart into a grateful place, a place that looks up to my Source.


As usual, more on that title—joys of life—in my fifth favorite today as I link up with the ladies at Friday's Fave Five. So stay tuned.

My favorites this week? 

1. An awesome writers conference last week. It was a time with old and new friends, full of laughter and tears, inspiration and anticipation, a time of praise and prayer. Florida Christian Writers Conference—I recommend it highly.

2. Anticipation. This word is probably on my FFF at least once a month, it seems. Am I living for the future? No, I’m enjoying today and thinking about what I may have to look forward to. We’ve been talking about summer plans and how next year may be a bit different, in a good way. I like to look ahead with anticipation. 

3. A new idea! I’m Outnumbered was the book of my heart, an outgrowth of wild and crazy times raising boys. And now I have another proposal on my heart. It’s tugging on my mind, and I can’t let it go. Praying that I’ll be able to get the proposal on paper this coming week.

4. Spring Break. Yes, it’s that time here. I’m ready for a little sleeping in and time to work on what I want to work on. I’m also thankful that my sophomores’ research paper rough drafts are graded and returned. The next step is grading the final papers, but that’s a couple of weeks away.

5. A quote: 

“Uncertainty and expectation are joys of life.” (William Congreve) 

I’ve already mentioned my affinity for anticipation, and she’s a cousin of expectation. Uncertainty, though, has a negative connotation—but it doesn’t have to.

When we know the One who holds the future, uncertainty is cushioned by His love, surrounded with His presence. 

Wishing you uncertainty and expectation this week, 

A life rich with gratitude

Friday February 21, 2014 
 

We’re closing in on March…it’s not far away!
 (I couldn’t resist a spring-y photo.)

That’s one thing to show a bit of gratitude for. 

What makes life rich? 

Stay tuned for my fifth favorite to find out…

Linking up with my FFF friends again this Friday to recount the blessings of the week.

What are you thankful for?

Here are my favorites of the week:

1. Some downtime with my husband. We’ve staked out some time just for us, and we're both looking forward it. I’m so thankful for my partner in life and love.

2. Unexpected flowers. My Valentine’s Day roses appeared at home, so I was surprised to receive another bouquet on Tuesday. This one was from a sweet friend who just wanted to say thanks for our friendship. They’re a cheerful addition to my school room.

3. A writers conference. I’m so excited to go and get inspired, to meet new people and renew old friendships. Can’t wait.

4. The blessing of adoption. Things are happening (both on the scene and behind the scenes) on the adoption front. Last week I mentioned a dear family on the way to China to get their two children. They faced quite a challenge this week, but what a blessing to see the Lord’s faithfulness to them! And even in our own long wait for our India belle, little movements forward mean a lot. So thankful…and still praying.

5. A quote: 

“In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer) 

Lately I’ve been impressed with how much of life we spend in the mirror. So often, I think it’s all about me. It’s only when see all the little blessings (that are really so large) and I look up and acknowledge those source of blessings that I realize how rich I am. 

Wishing you a life rich with gratitude this week,

Valentine's Day and beyond...

Friday February 14, 2014 

Giving love away… 

On Valentine’s Day and beyond. 

More about that later.

I’m linking up with the Friday’s Fave Five ladies, while we share our blessings of the week.

What are yours?

My favorites this week: 

1. Journeys. My youngest son is certainly on one as he’s working on the broadcast of the Olympics in Sochi. It’s been great to talk to him and text back and forth and to get pictures like the one above. I’d know the back of that head anywhere! 

2. Completion. The research paper my students write is a major project, and we’ve completed a good portion of it. The rough draft is coming, but it’s nice to celebrate the last of the note card grading! Also, I finished an article for ParentLife magazine last weekend and got it all sent off. A good feeling.

3. A book list and babies. A former student of mine will take off this weekend to go to China and get her new daughter and son. Theirs is a precious story. They will bring home a little boy and girl with dwarfism characteristics who will be warmly welcomed into their family of two American-born daughters and two Ethiopian-born toddlers. Missy emailed to ask for ideas for books for the long flight over, and I was only too glad to oblige. What fun to put together a recommended reading list for someone you hold dear!

4. Gifts. I know it’s fun to get gifts, but it’s so much fun to give a gift someone really likes. My mom is pretty much house-bound (especially in this weather), and she loves flowers. If I send her roses, they’re nice for a short while, but I happened upon this bucket of bulbs that sprout and grow indoors. She loves watching them come up and bloom, little by little, for weeks.

5. A quote: 

“God has called us into the joyous ministry of giving His love away to others.” (Don Lessin) 

Valentine’s Day is wonderful when you have a loved one who values you, but there’s so much more to love than those roses and chocolates. Day after day, season after season, we have the privilege of giving God’s love away to others. I’m thankful for that “joyous ministry.”

Wishing you God’s love in the coming week,
 

Resting in Him

Friday January 31, 2014 

Resting? In Him?

I have an issue with waiting. I wrote about it earlier this week.

But I’m learning … gradually … that waiting time isn’t wasted time.

My quote today, Fave #5, says it much better than I can.

I’m recounting the week’s blessings today, linking up for Friday’s Fave Five. 

My favorites this week: 

1. Teenagers. I really do love teaching high school. Love those kids.

2. A thank you. I got an email thank you from a student this week, and that doesn’t happen every day. A student wrote sweet things I would not have suspected. Made me smile.

3. The Groves girls. I love my daughters-in-law! They’re just real keepers. If you need to talk (to someone other than a male in my family), you just text and say, “Can you talk?” For years, I’ve had only boys to talk to. This is SO nice.

4. Words and pictures from my international son. My youngest is in Russia, and I’ve seen pictures and gotten texts and emails, and I’m so thankful for that. It’s just GREAT to hear from him.

  5. This quote: 

"Give God His glory by resting in Him, by trusting Him fully, by waiting patiently for Him. This patience honors Him greatly. It leaves Him, as God on the throne, to do His work. It yields self wholly into His hands. It lets God be God."  (Andrew Murray)

Yes, I do have an issue with waiting. It seems I feel I must DO something. What am I thinking? That I’d do a better job than the Creator, the One who loves me more than anyone else?

I forget that waiting doesn’t take Him by surprise; it’s part of His plan, and although I can’t see things happening, the time is being used by God.

Hoping you’ll find peace as you wait this week,

Returning to my Source

Friday  January 24, 2014
 

Ever wish you could go back to the beginning?  

Find newness, rediscover joy? 

My #5 today, a quote reminds me how to get there… 

I’m joining Friday’s Fave Five again today to recount the blessings of the week. Won’t you take a moment to count yours, too? 

My favorites this week:

1. An opportunity for my son. My youngest, a college senior, is on his way to Sochi to work on the Olympics broadcast. I’ve ever-so-excited for him, and a wee bit concerned, as any mom would be, I think. What an opportunity! He’ll be there for three weeks, so if any of you would like to join me in prayer, I’d sure appreciate it. Praying for safety and an great experience. 

2. Faithfulness! God’s, that is. When my son and daughter-in-law embarked on the adoption adventure, the funding seemed an insurmountable barrier. But God had other ideas, and He has helped them get closer and closer…and now it all seems so real and so possible. All the paperwork is now in India (all six pounds of their dossier), and they’re waiting for a referral. That can take up to a year, but it could happen at any time. I’m asking for sooner rather than later—but our times are in His hands. 

3. Fun with students. This was Winter Court week, and the kids (and teachers) have been dressing up along with the themes of each day. Tuesday was Teacher Clone Day, and yes, I had one (minus the red hair). We planned our outfits—it was fun!

4. Working on another web home. I’m working with the greatest designer on a web landing page and personal blog. I’ll still be posting here, too, though. She’s the best! And if you want to check out deals on the latest Christian fiction for your Nook or Kindle, she runs The Vessel Project. It’s a great thing! 

*Bonus: My hubby is planning a little getaway for the two of us. I can’t wait!

*Bonus #2: We saw The Book Thief last weekend. What a poignant, thought-provoking movie.

5. This quote:

”The yearning to know what cannot be known, to comprehend the incomprehensible, to touch and taste the unapproachable, arises from the image of God in the nature of man. Deep calleth unto deep, and though polluted and landlocked by the mighty disaster theologians call the Fall, the soul senses its origin and longs to return to its source.” (A.W. Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy)

Deep calleth unto deep…isn’t that lovely?

But the best part to me is that “the soul senses its origin and longs to return to its source.”

I know I do.

Thankful for the longing,

Braver than we are

Friday January 17, 2014

It’s a new year.

Doing anything brave? 


I’m feeling inspired—no, compelled—to. 


I’m joining up with Friday’s Fave Five today to recount the blessings of the week, and my #5—traditionally a quote—will come back to that.

But for now, the blessings of the week: 

 1. Being back! I hesitate to say, “I’m ba-a-ck…” because it’s still a busy semester, and I may fall off the posting wagon. But I’m anxious to touch base with my Friday friends again and hear what’s happening with all of you.

2. A new schedule. I taught some classes at a local university last semester and I simply LOVED it. What a great experience. They won’t need me this semester and in a way, I’m disappointed; but in another, it’s nice to have a little time back. (I’ll fill it up again, though, of course…) Teaching high school in the day and two college classes twice a week can be pretty time consuming. It was challenging but fun, and I'm so thankful for the experience.

3. Watching God work. This past Sunday we visited a church plant and heard a former student preach. I claim no part in what this young man is now, but it is so awesome to see what God does with young people yielded to Him. It’s a privilege to be in a place where I can see that happen.

4. Memories of the holidays. I’m still feeding on them. Thanksgiving was awesome—we had ALL our boys together plus a precious grandson and two wonderful daughters-in-law. We had a great time. And we got to see three of the boys at Christmas time, too. During the holidays, I spent time with my mom—helped her decorate for Christmas at Thanksgiving and helped her take everything down when we saw her after Christmas.

5. An inspiring quote:

 “We have to be braver than we think we can be, because God is constantly calling us to be more than we are.” (Madeleine L’Engle)

And with His help, we can. I’m feeling driven to undertake some new study in 2014, and I am just so excited about it. And a bit scared. It will definitely be a challenge, and I’ll be called to be more than I am now, that’s for sure. But if He is calling, I know He’s already there. And that bravery? Well, He’s the best Source of that, so I’m sticking close to Him.

Have a great week!
 

Breathe grace.

Friday September 27, 2013

I know most days I just need to breathe.

Slow down and breathe.

Breathing grace? Sounds wonderful.



Stay tuned for #5, a quote, to find out more.

I'm linking up with Susanne of Living to Tell the Story to share my five favorites of the week. Come along as we share Friday's Fave Five.

My favorites this week:

1. Another milestone—a step closer to a granddaughter from India! Our son and his sweet wife have another important appointment coming up. One more thing to check off the list. This is such a long process. They’re in the “matching” stage now, and we’re all just aching to see a picture from India of the little girl the Lord has matched them with.

2. Amazing technology. I’m not one to buy into all the latest and greatest, but a few new things have helped me keep tabs on my elderly mom who’s so far away. I’m thankful for those.

A bonus fave, on the same subject. I'm SO thankful for the technology that allows us to know one another across the country. And I was thrilled this week to read Faith's review of Pearl! I SO appreciate you spreading the word, Faith, and I'm thankful for your kind comments.

3. A great series on the Tudor women. I love these! They’re written by Sandra Byrd, and I’m reading the last of the three now, Roses Have Thorns: A Novel of Elizabeth I. They’re fascinating.

4. A husband who leaves me notes. I love getting up and finding my hubby still here, but the next best thing is to find a sweet note…even after 35 years.

5. A quote:

“You can’t breathe out what you haven’t breathed in. Breathe grace.” (LetHopeIn.com)

We want to show grace and be grace, but we have to take it in first.
And there’s only one place to get grace—at the feet of the Father.

A great reminder, isn’t it? It was for me.

Wishing you grace this week,

Living gladly.

Friday September 20, 2013

Living gladly.

Sounds like an admirable goal.

Stay tuned for my #5 to find the source of that gladness.

Glad to be back posting today!

Life is a whirl right now, and I missed two weeks of recounting my blessings.

I’m back, linking up with Susanne of Living to Tell the Story, sharing my five faves from the week.

This week’s blessings:

1. A quick moment to write this post. I have been so very busy with teaching—both high school and college—this past two weeks, that I’ve barely posted at all. I’ve missed it and felt compelled to get back to the computer. Glad to have this moment. I keep telling myself, “This is for a season.”

2. Teaching college. It is just awesome. I am really loving it. As I posted on Facebook the other day, my high school teaching enriches my college teaching and vice versa. Blessings all around!

3. Support for our India belle. My son Jonathan and his sweet wife Kristen are being featured this week on Give 1 Save 1 – Asia. The concept is for those who read to give a dollar to help bring a child home. Those dollars add up, and every little bit helps. There’s a nice post and their adoption video posted over there—so click on over and get to know them!

4. Some good deals. My college boy did some shopping on me before he left this fall, and he got a great coupon that could be used in September. I just used it during a great sale, and I came home with some much-needed new clothes! I don’t shop much, so when I do, I make up for lost time…

5. A quote:

“The greatest honor we can give almighty God is to live gladly because of the knowledge of His love.” (Julian of Norwich)

This made me think. Do I live gladly? And is the source of my gladness the knowledge of His love?

Wishing you real gladness this week,