New places

Hi, I have just changed blog servers. I think that is what you call it. So, my blog has moved!! I don't think I'll post to blogspot anymore. I'm still learning and playing with it, but my new blog is : http://simplegiftsandtruths.wordpress.com/

Let me know what you think! :)

Happy news

It is always a wonderful thing to pray with someone to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. I've witnessed, and prayed for opportunities, but it has been a long since I've led someone to the Lord. That is, a long time until this week. Friday after a chapel message, two of my second grade students came to me as told me they wanted to be saved. We prayed together and each of them had a glow and an excitement for the rest of the day.

That was wonderful. Then, another child came to me that same afternoon and wanted to accept Jesus as well. I can't judge these students, and I can't determine their hearts, but I pray that the soil was rich, and ready, and the seed that was planted will grow.

May I show them Christ as I should. Three new brother and sisters in Christ! :) A time for rejoicing.

Tea Rooms

Since our family is spreading out, and my sister and I are some distance from our parents, any visit together is wonderful. This weekend, my mom and sister, Meg met halfway from their homes to come visit me in Eastern NC. They visited my school, met my students, and saw my classroom. We spent time visiting and talking, enjoying the first meal I'd cooked for them in my "own household." Since the coast is only 2 hours away we took off together for Wilmington, NC.

When my sister got married, her rehearsal dinner meal was in a lovely Tea Room (English Country Tea Room in Greenville, SC) they are no longer in business, and the meal was more catered than a "Tea" but it was a beginning for us. When our parents visited my sister's in-laws, my mom was taken to a Tea Room in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. My sister has been able to visit a few other Tea Rooms with friends. For Mother's Day a few years ago, we went to a Mother/Daughter High Tea at my sister's church. Now Saturday, February 27th, we as mom and daughters, visited the Wilmington Tea Room. Proper serving, sharing treats, and tea. We enjoyed our brew on the boardwalk on a beautiful sunny day.

We have now set an official tradition. Whenever possible, we will try to go to a Tea. There is a Tea Room not far from our mom's work, so maybe we will go this summer. We'll see where else we get to go...

Victory in Jesus

A dear friend, mentor, and mom-figure for me during college passed away last week. I'm very thankful I was able to go to the funeral, and say goodbye. Thank you Mrs. Joyce Garland for the love and encouragement you gave me for all those years. I thank the Lord for the blessing you were to me.

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Psalms 23

centres

After attending a teachers' convention in Myrtle Beach last week, I'm full of ideas and projects to put to use in my classroom. It's pretty exciting around my room. We are playing more games, and trying to make better use of time. The big difference that I'm working towards is incorporating learning centres into my regular scheduled day. Instead of a lot of busy-work that doesn't do much, I'm trying to create interactive/enjoyable centres or activities that my kids can do once they've completed the seatwork assigned. I have already cut their seatwork total in half, and am trying to get them used to accomplishing it in a better block of time since they will only have half an hour to get it done as compared to the 45-60 minutes they've been getting. In rotation, my kids will do 30 minutes of seatwork, 30 minutes with me (reading), and 30 minutes at centres. We'll see how it goes. Yes, I know I'm using the Canadian way to spell centers/ centres. I like the spelling better, and hey, I need to get out my Canadianisms somehow since I'm in Dixie now. Back to grading papers... :)

ups and downs

Seven and a half weeks into my first year of teaching. It seems incredible that the Lord has allowed me to teach, and be the sole leader for a classroom. It still strikes me at odd moments. I'm in charge, for better or for worse. The ten kiddos are learning from my example/good and bad.

Very humbling... Oh that I would be wearing my armor as I should (Eph. 6) and seeking the Lord as I should to be in the right spirit day by day.

open house

Hi,

Tonight was open house for my new school. I'm so thankful for how the Lord has provided me a job, and an opportunity to serve Him- and do what I love. I'm really excited about this school year. The staff has been having an incredible in-service week with a focus on Who God is, and the important thing for teachers is that we need to know God before we can live Him- for our students and their families.

I'm overwhelmed by the wonders He bestows. I don't praise Him enough, talk to Him, or seek His face for direction. But He is still faithful, and continues to bless me and show me that He is in control.

What an awesome God! :)