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,

For the love of books

Friday September 6, 2013

If you know me, that title didn’t surprise you in the least.

I’ll have more to say on that when you get to Fave #5.

I’m linking up today with Susanne of Living to Tell the Story for Friday’s Fave Five, where we share the blessings of our week.

Won’t you join us?

My favorites this week:

1. Being back at grocery shopping! I know, who enjoys grocery shopping? But I had a little minor foot surgery in early August and my sweet husband offered to do the shopping so I could keep my foot up on Saturdays…and get some things done on the computer. Last Saturday, I was back full force at Publix, and I found I had missed it. While my foot was propped, I made lists for my hubby and he did well, but you just see stuff and remember stuff and catch bargains when you do the shopping. Glad to be back at it. (In related news, glad to be back in my own shoes! I’ve gone two days now without the boot thing without any problems. So glad.)

2. Creativity. I do think it’s a blessing and a bane. I am thankful for it, but sometimes I get so many ideas that I just don’t have time to follow through on. That’s when it’s frustrating. But “to everything a season,” I keep telling myself.

3. BIG adoption news! My son and daughter-in-law’s paperwork is now all official and is in India, awaiting a match. There’s no telling when we’ll hear, but it’s still very exciting. Praying for the little one who’s already matched to them in the Father’s heart.

4. Students. I think of a precious former student who has grown so dear, even more in the last year. And of a current one who has trusted me with what she’s facing. I’m blessed to be a part of their lives!

5. A quote:

“I love movies, but through this book, I was made aware of a whole new kind of movie: my imagination. I watched a movie that no one had ever seen before because it was mine.” (A student)

One of my students wrote that last week, and I just couldn’t resist sharing. I know just how she feels, and it’s such a joy to share that feeling…and to share the love of books.

Wishing you the love of books this week,

Treasure

Friday August 30, 2013

What kind of treasure?

The paradoxical kind!

Stay tuned for my quote today, Fave #5.

I’m linking up today with Susanne of Living to Tell the Story for Friday’s Fave Five, where we share the blessings of our week. Won’t you join us?

My favorites this week:

1. First week of college teaching. It’s so nice to see what a difference a few years makes. My students are from all different kinds of places with different preparation (I’m still figuring that out), but they’ve all expressed a desire to improve their skills. That’s so nice. I have some very motivated high school students too, but let’s face it, the maturity level is just different. Sometimes I feel like I have a split personality—my morning (high school) personality and my late afternoon (college) personality. It’s also interesting how both of those teaching experiences enrich the other. Blessed to be doing both.

2. Sweet words from friends and family—about Pearl. Friends and family are reading their newly-acquired copies of Pearl, and it’s so nice to hear their reactions.

3. The difference a year brings. If you don’t know what last year held for us (or even if you do), check out Tuesday’s post, A Summer Redeemed. This summer, after such an incredibly hard road, my son shed his brace and cane and walked out of the church with his bride. This time last year we had just taken him back to Kentucky and settled him back in his apartment and classroom. He juggled teaching and physical therapy, fighting pain and fatigue. Our afternoon conversations this year are so different! He’s feeling so great, and of course, is as happy as can be living with his sweet wife. We’re so thankful for what God has done and continues to do.

4. Watching students write—voraciously! In my high school creative writing class, sometimes our free-writing time is over and they don’t want to stop. Or they bring in what they’ve written at home, even though that’s not a requirement. It makes for great afternoons.

5. This quote:

“We cannot seem to escape paradox; I do not think I want to.” (M. L’Engle)

A paradox is a statement that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet is perhaps true. Life is full of them; the gospel is full of them. After all, Christ turned the religious establishment’s way of thinking upside down. His “life from death” seems opposed to common sense, but it’s the truest of true.

And I, like Madeleine L’Engle, revel in those paradoxes. They make life interesting and wonderful and full of treasure hidden in the darkness (Isaiah 45:3).

Wishing you treasure this coming week,

Be kind...

Friday August 23, 2013

Be kind.

Why? To whom?

Stay turned for my fifth fave, a quote, and you’ll find out.



I’m linking up with Susanne at Living to Tell the Story for Friday’s Fave Five, where we share the top five blessings from the week. Join us!

My favorites this week:

1. My creative writing classes. What a joy this is! I have taught drama for years and loved it, but this was the year to switch over to creative writing. I’ll still be working with drama for our Madrigal Dinner and helping with the musical, but our new (wonderful) drama teacher has the reins of the program. She’s fun and young and energetic and awesome. And I’m loving teaching creative writing. Being with kids who love to read and to write is just so great! Watching their creativity flow is awesome. They inspire me!

2. Progress. Every day brings our grandchild from India a step closer. Here’s the latest update from our kids, Jonathan and Kristen:

“The final draft of our homestudy has been sent to our agency. Pending approval we will then be registered in the online database over in India. At that point we will officially be awaiting a referral! Jon and I are praying that our homestudy review looks good and that sometime next week we will get word that we are actually on the waiting list. Please continue to pray for the Lord's provision as we begin applying for grants in the following months. We still have quite a long way to go concerning finances but God has provided for every step so far.” More info here. 

3. My article! I got a copy of my magazine article in the mail—exciting! It’s in the latest issue of Lifeway’s ParentLife magazine.

 

 

4. Teaching in college. I’m teaching two college classes as an adjunct starting next week. I’m really excited!

5. This quote:

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.” (Philo of Alexandria)

This quote is a good reminder for me. It’s easy to get frustrated by people and what they do and say sometimes, and it’s also easy to forget that there’s usually a reason. When I remember that we’re all fighting battles, I’m reminded that there’s more behind that sulk or frown or insult than meets the eye. One remedy I’ve found? A little compassion in the form of a smile or a hug.

Wishing you some kindness this week,


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A vision of the world

Friday May 17, 2013

Spring gives one a new vision of things, doesn't it?

I love that about spring. A new vision of the world...stayed tuned for today's quote.

I'm linking up with Susanne of Living to Tell the Story for Friday's Fave Five today, where we recount our blessings of the week.
My favorites this week:

1. The countdown. Yes, this has to be #1. One more day of classes, then exams. Summer is on its way.

2. Teaching. I know it sounds odd; in one breath, I’m happy summer is here, in another I’m thankful for teaching. As I watch seniors get ready to graduate and try their wings, I’m grateful to have had a small part in their lives. I spoke to upcoming sophomores this week about their summer reading, and the anticipation on their faces piqued mine. And just last night, I heard from a former student who took a bumpy road in high school, but is being so used by God now. (You can read her wonderful testimony here.) Yes, indeed, I’m thankful for my day job.

3. Adoption. My daughter-in-law wrote a beautiful post this past week, and I quoted some of it here. Her heart for their daughter who’s waiting in India is so full. Watching her and my son live out God’s call on their lives is such a blessing.

4. Video. We took tons when the boys were growing up. We’re working on a video for our son’s rehearsal dinner, as we did for the eldest, and it is SO much fun to look back and reminisce. What fun, crazy days those were!

5. A quote:

"Young lovers see a vision of the world redeemed by love. That is the truest thing they ever see, for without it life is death.” (W. Berry)

A vision of the world redeemed by love – that’s what I want to carry with me. When times are hard, the road is bumpy, if we can remember that this life is redeemed by love…well, that’s hope.

Wishing you the truest thing this week,


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A Word from a Teen

Wednesday  October 24, 2012

I overheard a conversation in my classroom the other day, and it hit home.

A good reminder for parents and for teachers alike.

Writing at My Teachers Lounge today ... listen in on the conversation.

Out of the Comfort Zone

Friday September 7, 2012


Another four day week. I sure could get used to this!

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

Here are mine:

1. Literature. I’m taking a couple more classes this fall, and we’re delving into literature. I just love it. It’s so fascinating to look at ancient cultures, read their words, realize that the hole in the human heart is the same one we feel today. And to see the gesture toward redemption even before Christ walked the earth—that’s really something!

2. Sweet students. Oh, they’re not all easy kids, but there are a few very special ones every year. Some who stop by my room almost every day just to chat, see how my day was, to share news. It’s great.

3. Beauty from ashes. That’s what He does. In the wake of (and in the midst of) tough times, I don’t have a new project quite yet, but I have the seeds of one. I’m thankful for that gift—and praying for more inspiration!

4. Yoplait Orange Crème yogurt. I eat a little yogurt every day, and I’ve discovered a new, yummy flavor. With this, I don’t even need a dessert. I think I’m eating an orange creamsicle!

5. This quote:

“If we’re growing, we’re always going to be out of our comfort zone.” (John Maxwell)

I’m not real comfortable right now on a couple of fronts…but it’s growing time. And I’d rather be growing than sitting stale on the shelf.

What about you? How was your week? Are you growing…somewhere?


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Doing What You Love

Friday August 31, 2012


Well friends, I missed the party last week, and I missed hearing from you and about you. I’m linking up today with Susanne from Living to Tell the Story. Each Friday, we list our favorites of the past week. Hope you got to spend some time doing something you love.

My favorites for this week:

1. A new tea. My oldest son introduced me to Tazo Zen tea, a green tea with lemongrass and spearmint. Sometimes at school, I find I need a little caffeine, but not as much as a cup of coffee would give. This is perfect and tastes great!

2. The Middle Ages/ the Renaissance. I love these time periods! I’m blessed to start the year teaching the literature of these periods, and I so thoroughly enjoy it. I’m also making my way through Rutherfurd’s London and I’m reliving those times as I read. Love it.

3. Perspective. Oh, I so often need a new one. How easily I forget. Two posts jumped into my heart this week and flowed out onto the screen, The Fire and Point of View. Perspective is everything and I’m working on mine.

4. Family love. It’s great to have a family that loves. Even in hurt and when times are confusing, that love is still there—even long distance. Not a thing to be taken lightly.

5. A quote:

“I love working with teenagers. Somebody take my temperature!” (Laura Lee Groves)

Yeah, I said that. In fact, I posted it on Facebook the second day or so of school. It’s amazing…I really do love working with teens. I only have them 90 minutes at a time and I’m not their parent, so it’s easier than it sounds. (I’m also posting it here so I can go back and remind myself of that when I have a hard day…) I’m thankful to have a job I enjoy with kids and colleagues I really want to be with.

Bonus: We got an extra day off because of the threat of Tropical Storm Isaac. It was a messy, blustery day outside but no real danger and I got a lot done. I know Isaac is really doing damage now, though. Will you join me in praying for those affected by the hurricane?

Hope you get to spend your week doing something you love!


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