Vocab lessons, puking kids, and broken dryers and other things that make me EXUBERANT!

I absolutely love it when I am teaching and the Lord speaks to me! A couple of weeks ago I was teaching a vocabulary lesson and one of the words we were discussing was exuberant.

Exuberant means effusively and almost uninhibitedly enthusiastic; lavishly abundant:abounding in vitality; extremely joyful and vigorous; extremely good; overflowing; plentiful

When we were discussing this word I asked the class to talk about things that make them exuberant! One of the parts of the lesson was for them to act out the meaning of the word. Their ideas were interesting and of course the charade for exuberant was acted out in an exaggerated manner. But I was prompted in my spirit to examine my attitude of exuberance towards things that happen in my life, every little bit of it! Of course thinking about thoughts like that when life is "good" makes you feel all spiritual inside. But He used that vocab lesson to prepare me for the recent events in my life.This past week has proven to test my exuberance levels.

About a week ago our dryer broke and Eric and I have spent several of our evenings at the laundry mat using the huge dryers. We usually try and do a few loads and then head into the laundry mat to dry it all at the same time. Of course you know I joke about living out in the middle of nowhere, so a trip to the laundry mat seems more like a huge commitment then an inconvenience across town. We are uncertain whether to fix it or purchase one as we've had so may things "come up" that the thought of having to purchase a dryer makes me want to throw up! Which brings me to my latest test of exuberance levels. I was awoken last night with a puking child. I know we all have times when our kids our sick. For me, it is just the thought of immediately knowing I need to kick it into gear and make sub plans that tends to stress me out. So admist dragging up the extra mattress to the living room for my version of "carpetless triage" and tending to someone puking, I am all the while thinking of how to prepare for my students the next day. When should I call, do I have everything run off, is what I was planning on doing something a sub could do...you get the picture. (by the way, being a perfectionist about sub plans doesn't help the stress levels either!)

However, each time I started to stress this week about the dryer or last night about the pukes and my need to create sub plans I kept remembering the vocabulary word. I specifically remembered how the students acted out what exuberant looks like. Tonight at the laundry mat I created a TOP TEN list of sorts!

TEN REASONS WHY BROKEN DRYERS AND PUKING CHILDREN MAKE ME EXUBERANT(in no particular order!)

10. Spending any amount of time in a laundry mat can make the most thankless person thankful. I am not sterotyping anyone. I remembered all to well the three years of our married life with two small children and having to use a laundry mat every week! But seriously, I found myself rejoicing that this was just a temporary thing. It was like the most destitute people were at the laundry mat each time I went. It has become a time when I pray as well as think of things for which I am thankful. My life really is a blessed one!

9. Using big dryers takes less time. It also provides immediate folded laundry.... which is an area I can struggle with here at home. I tend to fold laundry "tomorrow"

8. The thought that I could actually live without a dryer and still be OK is a little overwhelming to me. But it did make me think of things that I tend to think of as MUST HAVES, and really are just mere luxuries that I take for granted. We really have so much more than we could ever need.

7. Puking children prompt me to deep clean my house (another area I struggle with)

6. Puking children give you an opportunity to serve without expecting anything in return.

5. A puking chlld (at least mine) provides me with interesting conversations. My youngest, especially in the past 24 hours, has divulged so much information to me that has allowed me to know her better. She has told me stories about things that bother her, or things that are dear to her heart.They were preceded by a "Promise you won't tell anyone?" It has been precious. Today she even had a litany of questions she was asking between each wretch. It was like her mind was purging as well. Her questions and comments ranged from "Do you know some people look at their snot after they blow their nose!" to "Why does God let us throw up?" I love this kid. Though I am exhausted, she has made my heart full the past 24 hours.

4. A broken dryer while having a puking child makes me grateful that it wasn't my WASHER that was broken! It allowed my 3:30 wake up/clean up call to go a lot smoother. I most likely would have thrown away the things I was able to throw in the washer as I am not so great with the handwashing post-puke items!

3. While I would not have planned a sick child today, puking children make me realize that GOD's timing is always perfect. I can count on that, rely on that, believe it that.

2. Broken dryers make us appreciate the things that do work in my home-- my heater, my dishwasher, I have electricity...and so on and so on!

1.Facing broken dryers and puking children with an exuberant spirit is way more beneficial to the soul than being stressed!

So, while I was waiting at the laundry mat I figured I would walk to the Dollar General and get some cleaning stuff. I had used up all of my Clorox today. I shuffled down the sidewalk still in my sweats and my hair pulled back in a pony tail. Make up had not found its way to my face all day. The biggest thing I had going for me is that I did brush my teeth and that maybe I was carrying that dyer-sheet smell with me from the laundry mat. As I was checking out the cashier asked me. "How are you this evening, Mam?" I said exuberantly, "I am great. Thanks, how about you?" He stopped and looked at me and said,"Wow, that's the best repsonse I've gotten all day. You wouldn't believe how many people come in here and seem so...well, grouchy!" I had a quick moment to share with him exactly why I was so exuberant! The opportunity to share with him blessed me so very much.

Vocab lessons, broken dryers and puking kids...yup, they make me exuberant!

Content with a full heart!

This past week I had the wonderful opportunity to be reunited with so many great and wonderful friends. The girls and I went to New Jersey for a wedding by way of Virginia with a pitstop in PA! It has been a great week full of a whirlwind of activities, lots of conversations, little sleep, and lots and lots of laughter.We were happy to be able to squeeze in a couple of nights with Mimi and Pappy before heading back to Missouri. I have basically spent the last seven days spending time with loved ones. I am ready to leave tomorrow morning with a full heart, with a deeper understanding of how very blessed I am, and with a lesson learned.

We have been in Missouri for a little over a year now. While we do feel settled, there is, of course, a deep connection and "missing" of friends and family that are now separted from us by atleast 5 or more states. Some days we have struggled more with our move than others. However, time has allowed us to become more acclimated to our new home and has afforded us the opportunity to form relationships and become more connected to our Missouri setting.

It was as I drove down familiar Virginia streets that my heart was conflicted. I severly miss the familiar places, the special faces, the things that made our home....home! I drove down familiar streets literally with tears brimming, I met with dear friends, shared meals with loved ones, and "caught up" with so many dear people. It was like I was waiting to get that feeling, that notion, that we would be better off if we just moved back east! But it never came. Instead, I was reminded of the many things that have happened in our hearts and in our lives this past year. This trip has slowly become a confirmation of our move. With each get together and each encounter with "familiar" I sensed a resolve in my heart that the Lord has moved us to Missouri with purpose. Many of those purposes have actually already been fulfilled. But this trip has been for me a way of letting go. Not letting go of friends, but letting go of the fact that Lynchburg is my home. The conflict within my heart bothered me because I felt that letting go was synonomous with forgetting. My trip clearly has demonstrated to me that there is no possible way I can forget the many places and people that have helped make me who I am today. However, it has also encouraged me to realize in a deeper way that God's plan is so much deeper and better than anything I could have ever imagined.

I have had A LOT of time in the car. In other words, I have been thinking most of this trip. The Lord has shown me that there are other things I hold on to, not just dear friends from a former hometown. But more seriously, I hold on to so many things in my life that I feel like I should be able to control. In fact, I spend so much time trying to keep them firm in my grasp I miss out on the lessons that the Lord intends for me to learn. It is in fully surrendering those things I so firmly hold on to that I am truly able to receive and understand God's working in my life.

I believe the Lord has great things in store for our family in 2011. I think in order for us to be ready for them we had to be plucked from all that we loved and called our own so that we might be more open to hear what he has to say.

I begin 2011 with a full heart of what has been, and contentment for what is to be!

Christmas Morning Reflections

I will admit up front that the idea I got late last night was out of regret. The past few weeks our advent celebrations have seemed slack at best. I started a few years ago the tradition of hiding the baby Jesus for the girls to find each morning and correlating the reading of advent scripture to go along with the advent celebration. I was disappointed with how I allowed my tired body to rule over getting up a little early each morning to make it happen. We did "do the baby Jesus" (as Ellie would say every morning), but just not as much as I would have liked.

Since our last day of school on Wednesday I have tried to redirect our busy hearts (and my tired body) towards what it is we are exactly celebrating. I was beginning to revive my advent spirit. Back to my idea.....

Last night as I was setting the table for Christmas breakfast I had the idea to place a figure from the nativity set on each of our place settings to spark some discussion of what that person was thinking on Christmas morning. Our discussion was great! Ellie had the baby Jesus. She commented that even though babies can't think that he was thinking..."I can't wait to be with God!" We discussed what Mary knew about Christ's ultimate destiny on the cross, the fear of the shepherds and how Joseph must have overcome some serious issues to trust God for his future and continue caring for and loving Mary.

On my plate sat one of the wisemen. My first thought was that they most likely were feeling awe and wonder at the sight of Jesus. But then I started to think about the fact that they didn't even see Jesus on Christmas morning, they were still searching, looking, hoping. As our discussion continued we realized that they maintained their hopefulness despite their continued search. We thought about the satisfaction they must have felt when they finally did find him. We know that they searched for such a long time and that they must have had such a confirmation in their spirit when they saw him. It is a great feeling to have affirmation of something you have studied, searched for, believed in and then finally get an answer to!

Oh to have the endurance of a wisemen each day. Often times I lose endurance waiting for the "Lord to be found" admist my circumstances and journey in life. He has proved himself to us over and over. I should never wane in my search for him in every circumstance of my life. Acknowledging this should be something that is always in my heart and never far from my lips. I have been learning to live in the hope of our Savior. In the hope of his sovereignty. In the hope of the grace and mercy that he pours over us daily.

Countless times this past year we have stopped and "found" the Lord in our journey. We have "found" him admist our stress and our times of relief. We have found him in times of trouble and in times of joy. We have sensed him in times of famine and in times of feast. We have been filled with such awe and wonder the very moment when we realize and know that He is there, He is in it, He is in control.

Christmas morning is almost a memory. I sit here watching the girls work on a puzzle with Christmas music playing in the background. Ellie already has on a new outfit and it presently singing Away in A Manger to herself as she sits and organizes her stocking goodies. I am thankful for the awe and wonder of the birth of our Savior, Jesus. I am praying for a year of learning to seek him each day like a wiseman....unrelenting, with great intentions, unwavering, and being ready with the gift of my heart in hand to offer to the Lord.

My regrets of slack advent celebrations have melted away. I am encouraged to know that seeking him is not just an advent thing anyway. It's a daily thing. It's a learning process. It's something I will never be done doing until the day when I can actually bow down before Him and honor him like the wisemen did.

Living Life Out Loud

Nothing puts life in perspective like death. This past week our church has mourned the loss of our pastor's wife. Her death was unexpected, unanticipated, and caught everyone off guard. It was as if the wind was taken from the sails of our congregation.

Gloria and Randy were actually on a trip celebrating their anniversary when she passed. It goes without saying that his life is forever changed. Today at her
funeral we witnessed a great act of worship. It was known by anyone who knew her that she loved music. The worship we experienced was as close to heaven as I have ever experienced. What a joy to celebrate someone's life in such a way. I know she would have been in awe of the way the worship was carried out today. The songs chosen drew our attention to the whole reason we live, to honor the Lord! The fact that our Pastor spoke was touching.The reality of his message echoed the faithfulness of God and our need of a Savior.


Honestly I didn't know Gloria that well. I actually feel like I know her better now that I have heard the eulogies and adulations given about her over the last week. She is remembered as a person who was not afraid to live out loud, and had a song in heart that was never far from her lips. She really made an impact on those she encountered. We haven't been here for even a year. Consequently, my personal contact with her has been somewhat limited. But from the moment I heard of her passing one conversation we did have came to mind. It will be remembered forever.

One Sunday a handful of women were sitting at a table enjoying a cup of coffee and conversation. Someone inquired to her if she was going to be involoved in an event that was coming up this fall. I gathered from the conversation that it was something she "usually" did. She paused and then said "No, I'm not." After another slight pause she went on to explain that recently the Lord had told her that He was preparing her for something. She indicated she didn't know exactly what this "thing" was, but that He indeed "had big plans for her this fall." I remembering listening to that comment and being challenged by her words. I am often a person who plows into things head first, not stopping to see if the Lord indeed desires me to. It encouraged me to acknowledege that the Lord indeed has plans for our lives, but we need to be willing to take time to listen to them. I was inspired by her sensitivity to the Lord.

I have been thinking this week that Gloria had no idea that His plan was to call her home, to call her to Himself and allow her to sit at His VERY feet and sing.(something she truly desired). Even still, her desire was to yeild to Him. I was inspired today thinking about that conversation realizing that the Lord has a plan for us all. He created us with a special purpose in mind. Gloria's purpose here on earth was clearly laid out today. She was a woman who was loved and a woman who loved!

We sang a lot (I mean A LOT) of songs today. Every song spoke of the faithfulness of God and made our hearts turn heavenward. It made me long for the day when we will be given the opportunity to worship our Lord face to face. I pray that until then I will have a heart that is sensitive to know what the Lord is guiding me to do. That I will not just know He has a plan for me, but that I will be sensitive to yeilding to it, unashamedly!

Sometimes life as we know it gets so busy and distracts us. It is days like today that bring me back in,that encourage my heart that there is more to this life! As we live out our lives may we be encouraged to "live to know Him here on earth!" and live out loud!

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won't turn back
I know you are near
And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?
(Chorus:)
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We'll live to know You here on the earth
(Chorus)
Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You
Christian lyrics - YOU NEVER LET GO LYRICS - MATT REDMAN

Thinking Heavenward

Have you ever had one of those days, those weeks, those months...where you realize that the Lord is incessantly trying to break through to you with a life-lesson of sorts? It seems as though recently the Lord has been bombarding me with circumstances and situations that all seem to direct me to the question, "Am I really living with a focus that is heavenward?"

It is almost hard to put into words what I have felt, experienced, and have been challenged with over the past month. It has been a conglomeration of so many different things. I recently have tried to use my "free" time in a more focused manner. Please realize that I use the term "free time" rather loosely. I feel as though my life is wound a bit tight so this free time usually is spent in the car or is between the hours of 10:00-12:00 at night. I sometimes listen to my i-pod or just try to spend time in solitude. I recently have been listening to a song on one of my tracks that narrows down what I feel the Lord has been trying to teach me. It is an old hymn that I have found myself playing over and over.

Jesus, keep me near the cross,
There a precious fountain
Free to all, a healing stream
Flows from Calvary’s mountain.

In the cross, in the cross,
Be my glory ever;
Till my raptured soul shall find
Rest beyond the river.

Near the cross, a trembling soul,
Love and mercy found me;
There the bright and morning star
Sheds its beams around me.

Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
Bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day,
With its shadows o’er me.

Near the cross I’ll watch and wait
Hoping, trusting ever,
Till I reach the golden strand,
Just beyond the river.

Refrain

I am more convinced and aware of the constant and unending distractions that interfere with me keeping a heavenward focus...one that keeps me near the cross...remembering the whole reason I live. Living free of those distractions is such a delicate balance. But the Lord has challenged my deepest and inner motives in so many areas of my life,areas in which I would have quickly claimed that I had no problems or issues. I have been challenged to think about what exactly I am living for each day. I have been challenged to examine my heart and have discovered areas that need tending to...that need to be directed "near the cross".

While it has been a time of conviction, it has also been so encouraging to think of all that the Lord has done for me. His grace and mercy that covers me and is ENOUGH! I realize that as I stay "near the cross" I will not wait in shame. I am able to thrive and grow and experience the life He has intended.

My heart is challenged. My life is changing. My God is oh so very good!

(sigh)

I have felt like the last few weeks have just been a blurr. I am getting done what I have to, but when I woke up this morning at 5:00 just so that I could put the dinner dishes in the dishwasher and "feel" a little more caught up I was reminded how so very busy this time of year is for me. I usually go into survival mode, totally rely on Eric for way too much, and seriously consider inventing a Caffeine implant!
I am really enjoying my new job, but the four new preps have me working pretty steadily. I am enjoying the challenges, but won't lie that having an extra day this weekend to get my life in order is most welcome. The imbalance of school and home is such a challenge to me. I know I have perfectionist tendancies so it is a challenge to decide what is important.
I am studying Colossians and keep this verse close at hand. "Let the peace of Christ guide all of your decisions, for you were called to live as one united body; and always be THANKFUL! Let the full richness of Christ's teachings find its home among you. Teach and advise one another wisely. Use psalms and hyms and Christian Songs, singing God's praises from joyful hearts. And whatever you have to do, with in speech or action, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, thanking God the Father through Him." Colossians 3:15-17
Usually I am drawn to the whole part of "doing everything as unto the Lord" which certainly is a good part. But I have been drawn particularly these past few weeks at the encouragement to

Let the full richness of Christ's teachings find its home among you.

I have been thinking about what that actually means to me during this most hectic time.
Not just knowing the FULL RICHES OF CHRIST'S TEACHINGS, but making them find their HOME IN YOU! Making them be as comfortable as home! I daily have been thinking of the riches of Christ's teachings and it has strengthened me and caused me to stop and take account of who I am in Christ and what I have in Christ....let's just say that my CUP IS FULL!
So, yeah I am tired and (sigh) this is an exhausting time of year. But I am so very thankful that the Lord is patient with me as I work at the things He teaches me and live them out to be as "comfortable as home!"

Java Moms to the Rescue!

I remember very clearly driving by what seemed to look like a Coffee Shop the very first week we moved to Missouri. Of course I was pleased to find out that it had opened recently and was convinced that the Lord had it opened just for me. Shortly after we moved I was invited (by Stacey) to have "coffee with several of the Moms" that meet at this new Coffee shop on Tuesday Mornings. I couldn't make it for a few weeks but eventually decided to meet them and see what they were all about!

I remember walking up to the shop and seeing one familiar face and then saying a short prayer before I walked in. It was something like..."Dear Lord, please help me to feel comfortable!" At first glance they looked like a amiable bunch. If I remember correctly, two of them were knitting, one was showing some school pictures and the other quietly smiling! The time went quickly and I did enjoy their company. I left hoping I would have the courage to return.

Well, 8 months and a bazillion cups of coffee later all I can say is WOW! I truly am thankful for this group of ladies and the ways they have encouraged me. I honestly consider them super heroes for rescuing me each Tuesday from one of my lowest of low times. I have never had such stillness in my life like I did from January through May! It was a needed time of rest and recovery for me, but I sometimes did not like the stillness...the waiting...the alone time! My Tuesday mornings became like therapy to me.

Today was my last time with these Super Heroes so I thought it fitting that I show them my appreciation. I gave them each their own Super Hero name!

Pam was named the PONTIFICATOR! Now, while to pontificate has a pompous connotation I gave her that name because she is such a thinker! She is grounded in her faith and beliefs, and yet listens and is challenged by others. I do not believe a thread of judgement runs through her veins. She is like an incredibly comfortable chair that welcomes you to sit and visit, putting you at ease, and inviting you always.

Sarah was given the name, INCONSPICUATOR! She is quiet (at first) and very sweet, sensitive, and gentle. I liken her to a tea cup....beautiful and lovely and when seen in action she brings warmth to all who get to know her. Also, she is HILARIOUS! I am quite certain that I would not be able to sit next to her at a seminar or any place where I was to behave! Her "inconspicuous" humor has lightened many of conversations!

Carol is to me the CELEBRATOR! Many conversations were held over the past 8 months...her genuineness towards each story shared or victory won was encouraging to me. Her excitement is contagious and her sensitivity towards others is something to be emulated. Her "Eeeeeeeeeeeeeee and Clap Clap!" are given with heartfelt sincerity. Of course we weren't always celebrating as we all have burdens we carry with us. I admire her because not only is she a celebrator, but she genuinely is concerned at times when the road is a bit bumpy too!

Stacey was honored with the name INSTIGATOR. Of course that may have many hidden meanings (LOL). I liken her to a long power strip taking people and plugging them in where needed. It is not just that SHE KNOWS EVERYONE AND EVERYONE KNOWS HER (seriously... that is true), but she just makes it her mission to let no person go unplugged. It is truly a gift, and saved me from a long bleak winter! Somedays our coffees would extend to lunches, shopping, trips to the vet. Thanks for plugging me in!

For me...I called myself the SPONGINATOR. I selfishly soaked up everything they poured into me and now feel that I am sopping and soaking and ready to pour into my new venture that takes me away from seeing these wonderful ladies on such a regular basis! I plan to drink a ceremonious cup of coffee each Tuesday Morning as my planning period is during the time that we meet. I will sit back and envision myself sitting with them. My Tuesdays with them will be missed, but I am the better for having had spent time with them. Eric would often refer to this group as the "Coffee Ladies". To me that sounded way too mature! I wanted to think of something a little more hip and "young". Of course no group of super heroes can be without a group name. You have heard of the Justice League?....well meet the JAVA MOMS!



I made them each a JAVA MOM mug after giving them their new Super Hero name. I think it is a good thing I am a teacher and not a professional porcelin mug painter!