Every year about this time, I begin to look at the next school year. Many of you know that I teach special ed. I love it and have been blessed by it. But around this time, I begin to evaluate if me teaching is working for my family. Being a working mom (outside the home- I know sah mom's work too!), while trying to keep up with everything else at times is very tiring. When I took this new job, I told the principal that I took it year by year. I could only commit to one school year at a time. I am not going to lie- this year has been ROUGH! By far the "worst" year ever. Of course this has me thinking "Do I really want to do this next year???".
I know God led me into special ed and teaching. I have now doubt about that at all. God knew that my heart was for children with special needs. But, at the same time, God blessed me with 4 beautiful children. He entrusted them to me, and my most important job is to make sure that I am training them up in Him. I have no doubt that God will lead me to where he wants me to be and what he wants me to do. My job till then- not to worry (which is SO hard for me). Why do I worry so much....is it not knowing , not having a plan? Yep- I am pretty sure that is it. :) I like to know what is going on, or at least know what direction I am going. But as part of the ME makeover, I am doing my best to be still and listen. Listen for Gods nudge on which way to go. Listen to His voice as He speaks His will for me. Praying constantly that my worry will not interfere with, or over shadow His voice.
Do any of you find it hard not to worry, or to give up that control that you "think" you have over it all??
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Decluttering EVERYTHING!!
Do you ever just feel like there is so much "stuff" that you just don't know what to do? I am there....so there in fact that this weekend is being spent cleaning out and donating lots of "stuff". I am starting with my home, but will so move on in to myself.
First things first (I wish I had taken before and after pictures) I organized the bookshelf. That may not sound like much, but oh my word it needed it BIG TIME! Next I moved to my kitchen cabinets. There is one that is truly a catch all, and was getting rather annoying. So they are not straightened and ready to go. Next I moved on to a drawer that was begging for some attention. Then to all areas of the downstairs, were I sorted baby toys, and cleaned like a mad woman.
Riley and Ian have helped by picking up their rooms. Now, at this time they just have Rubbermaid tubs to hold their toys and stuff in. Matt and I are going to be building a storage unit for the boys room and for Rileys room this spring. Once we get those built, it will be easier for the kids to clean up and keep their stuff up. at that time we will also sort through toys and let them choose what to keep and what to donate. I plan on continuing to rotate some toys (2 tubs in the attic, and then I can swap them every few months) but most will be in their room.
I am going to tackle the attic and garage tomorrow and Monday. I am so ready to be able to walk in the attic and to park in the garage :)
I know this post wasn't too interesting I am sure....but at times it helps me to list what I am going to do.....next post how I am decluttering my life!
First things first (I wish I had taken before and after pictures) I organized the bookshelf. That may not sound like much, but oh my word it needed it BIG TIME! Next I moved to my kitchen cabinets. There is one that is truly a catch all, and was getting rather annoying. So they are not straightened and ready to go. Next I moved on to a drawer that was begging for some attention. Then to all areas of the downstairs, were I sorted baby toys, and cleaned like a mad woman.
Riley and Ian have helped by picking up their rooms. Now, at this time they just have Rubbermaid tubs to hold their toys and stuff in. Matt and I are going to be building a storage unit for the boys room and for Rileys room this spring. Once we get those built, it will be easier for the kids to clean up and keep their stuff up. at that time we will also sort through toys and let them choose what to keep and what to donate. I plan on continuing to rotate some toys (2 tubs in the attic, and then I can swap them every few months) but most will be in their room.
I am going to tackle the attic and garage tomorrow and Monday. I am so ready to be able to walk in the attic and to park in the garage :)
I know this post wasn't too interesting I am sure....but at times it helps me to list what I am going to do.....next post how I am decluttering my life!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Today I am reminded...
of just how blessed I am. I am blessed that at this time, God has seen fit to bless my children with health. Sure- they get the occasional cold and have some allergies. But they are healthy- free of disease. Others are not so lucky. We have known of several friends/acquaintances who have been diagnosed with cancer, or their children have been diagnosed with it. Every time I hear of this- my heart breaks. My prayers rise to the King of Kings for healing, restoration and peace for the family. There are times where my prayers are answered, but not in the way I had hoped...they are made new - a perfect body free from pain and disease and living with the I AM. Each time, I weep in pain for the family, but also with joy.
My children have prayed for these young fighters. One in particular, Hailey Ann, they prayers each night that God would heal her, and if she went to heaven that God would make her family happy about it. They prayed unprompted, but from their heart. The only death they know about takes them to heaven where it is the best place to be! And they are unafraid. One of Caleb's baseball teammates, Jackson Williams, is going through chemo at the moment. Another child in our community, Savannah Swandal, is struggling as they just got word that her cancer has spread. These families need our prayers. These children need our prayers. I have included their CaringBridge sites below. should you choose to visit.
Lord- help me not to ever take for granted their health. Help me to see the blessing when they are clingy because they are not feeling well. Help me to always treasure every moment with them, because those moments might be gone too soon.
Jackson Williams:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/actionjacksonwilliams
Savanna Swandal:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/savannahswandal
An Angel in Heaven, Hailey Ann Trainer:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/haileyanntrainer
My children have prayed for these young fighters. One in particular, Hailey Ann, they prayers each night that God would heal her, and if she went to heaven that God would make her family happy about it. They prayed unprompted, but from their heart. The only death they know about takes them to heaven where it is the best place to be! And they are unafraid. One of Caleb's baseball teammates, Jackson Williams, is going through chemo at the moment. Another child in our community, Savannah Swandal, is struggling as they just got word that her cancer has spread. These families need our prayers. These children need our prayers. I have included their CaringBridge sites below. should you choose to visit.
Lord- help me not to ever take for granted their health. Help me to see the blessing when they are clingy because they are not feeling well. Help me to always treasure every moment with them, because those moments might be gone too soon.
Jackson Williams:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/actionjacksonwilliams
Savanna Swandal:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/savannahswandal
An Angel in Heaven, Hailey Ann Trainer:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/haileyanntrainer
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
New Year, New Me and New Goals
How did you like the title of that one! I am super excited to restart this blog. It has been way too long and I love being able to look back and see what has happened with the kids. Blogging sporadically over the last 2 years or so makes me sad as I miss those moments to look back on. I have vowed in the past to do better about blogging and failed, but this year- it is on!
Not only have I usually said I am going to blog more, but I find myself wanting to work on me. I think I am half way decent ;) but there are some areas I want to work on. I want to be more disciplined- not only in taking care of me (eating smaller portions, exercising), but also I want to grow in my spiritual walk with Christ. I have found over the last year that I feel more stagnant. By that I mean that I feel like my progress in learning and studying has slowed so much. To be the best wife and mother, I need to focus on my life with Christ. I need to model for my kids, digging into God's word to find answers and to be prepared for spreading His word!
I have many photos and events that I want to document, but I will get to those later. I know I don't have many readers out there anymore. And I am ok with that. Hopefully some of my friends will come back :)
Not only have I usually said I am going to blog more, but I find myself wanting to work on me. I think I am half way decent ;) but there are some areas I want to work on. I want to be more disciplined- not only in taking care of me (eating smaller portions, exercising), but also I want to grow in my spiritual walk with Christ. I have found over the last year that I feel more stagnant. By that I mean that I feel like my progress in learning and studying has slowed so much. To be the best wife and mother, I need to focus on my life with Christ. I need to model for my kids, digging into God's word to find answers and to be prepared for spreading His word!
I have many photos and events that I want to document, but I will get to those later. I know I don't have many readers out there anymore. And I am ok with that. Hopefully some of my friends will come back :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)