Below are the 20 most recent journal entries recorded in stephtay7's LiveJournal:

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Saturday, May 12th, 2007
2:26 pm	Okay-so nearly a year Wow so it's been nearly a year since I've written to you! Geeze-well, I got a job at Florence District One in Greenwood and am going to be in Latta next year. I love my kids and am having a hard time getting all this end of year stuff together but an even harder time leaving my kids behind. There's something really special about your first ever class-it's a one of a kind, never happen again kind of thing. I think I've become a little more girlie this year, too-I got into wearing mascara and eye shadow-which I've NEVER done. I even bought an eye curling utensil...scary! I also got a dog back in March thanks to moving out on my own...her name is Daisy & I love her to death! She's my constant companion...but sometimes it's kind of bad b/c I end up saying no to a social life out of responsibility to her...not wanting her to be alone too much and stuff with me being single and all. I finally got my internet set up here at the apt. (which is why I've gone like a year without writing). I got an extension cord to put the comp. laptop in the living room w/ me instead of the room with no furniture but the extension cable for it didn't fit so I'm back to discomfort and sitting on a wooden floor until I can find the right kind of cord but it is a strange fit! I may have to go to a specialty electronic store and show them the type of cord. I went to Flo. today to get a new battery for my cell phone and came away with a free case and car adapter! Coolness! I also love yellow and found this eye shadow called burnt gold-which I LOVE! I read an article in People by Drew Barrymore and she was talking about how she loved yellow,too-double coolness! My life revolves around magazines and books-but I don't look like a nerd I promise! I just really enjoy learning about different stuff and magazines have so many different varieties of articles...I come away with something new every time I look in one. It's unreal the things you learn about people and places. Anywho, while in Forence I looked for a more grownup bed set but couldn't find one I really wanted to spend money on so oh well...I saw this one a while back that was white with green vines growing all over and it reminded me of this plant outside my window growing up. I want something like that that's green and bright and outdoorsy but classy but until I find it, I'm not settling-weird but oh so true! Gosh, it feels good to type on this thing again! So anyway, I talked to Melanie and she's starting this eat healthy thing and has gotten me motivated! I'm going to go get some crystal lite packs and wheat thins, & start on a water thing & etc., etc., etc. b/c Lord knows I need some motivation physically and in many other areas! I've never had a year where I was so lax in my Bible study and prayer life. I got on the web since I finally got mine up and they have like Christian You Tube and I was so convicted watching some of the things on it so I read my Bible and prayed for the first time IN A WHILE and I MEAN IT'S BEEN A WHILE last night!!! I can't but think of how differently I would've felt about my life this year if I had done a little more than that b/c it gives so much more purpose to life and sustains you throughout the days so much better! I feel so much more strong on confident in what I read last night and thought, "Geeze, I've missed out." So yea-I am going to make a change on that right now!!!! I'm going to keep at it every day. I'm getting back on track with that no matter how much I have on my plate or how busy it gets-I have this hammock too, so I can go out there and read my Bible out in the yard while I'm tanning this summer, along with my other magazines and books I'll be sure to check out at the wonderful local library! lol I love reading outside-it's so relaxing, at least when Daisy isn't barking. lol But anyway, I have a long to do list that I have procrastinated on so my goal oriented self must go and do! (Comment on this)
Monday, September 4th, 2006
5:00 pm	The weekend... Okay so Friday at school was too horrible to even type about. I'm not going there, I was that angry about it so yea-Friday was wasted. Saturday the new chorus teacher at LHS and I hung out and rented a movie and went to BAM. I looked at books; she looked at board games and trinkets. lol But it was fun. My book came in-about introverts. I took the inventory test and sure enough I am a true blue innie...never thought I was. It said that many of them feel the pressure to be extroverted b/c that is more accepted in our culture so I guess even though I come across to others that way, it's probably b/c it was an act and I felt the pressure to be that way or something. The book was right, though-it was filled w/ tons of aha moments and I now don't think I'm weird or withdrawn, which for years I thought I was. Now, I know what I am and can feel more comfortable in my own skin, even if the majority are extroverts. It really was a relief. I could've cried reading some of the stuff that it said b/c I felt like I'd been criticized my whole life for the way I am socially, which is like breaking someone's spirit or so it felt growing up. I didn't get to eat lunch w/ Ellen today and really could've if I'd prioritized better. I can't seem to stick w/ something...I can stay at it for a lil while but then take like a 30 min. break. Hanging out w/ Steph is kind of tough, b/c she lives right beside you know who. As much as I hate to admit this, I still miss him-sometimes it can feel like too much. If life is like a roller coaster, then lately I've been on the downward slope and I hope it looks up soon. I need to go get gas in my car and get a few more things done for school. It mentioned in the book that journaling a little every day was good so I guess I'm back on the bandwagon at LJ! Though I don't know if it'll be a daily thing but I do think it'll be a lil more frequent. For having to be at a certain place I won't mention that I'm not fond of going (you all can guess, though I won't type it out in case somehow someone I wouldn't want would find out) I'm rewarding myself w/ 2/3 books a month, too! I did get to eat lunch w/ Mema and Granddaddy and Granddaddy has not felt well for a while so it was really good to just be w/ him and help take care of him, even if it was just taking his plate to the sink or patting his cowlick down. lol Dad went w/ me and he didn't get ill at me at all today...I don't ever remember a day in my life where we talked much and he didn't really get angry at me for one thing or another. So yea-I guess all in all it had its good points. I also found the charm bracelet Aunt donna and Linds had given me for my b-day and I really like it. I love my Mema & Granddaddy! They are simply the best. It was relaxing to just sit w/ them and eat and not think about the trillion other things whirling in my head usually-I was actually able to tune them out today for that period of time, believe it or not! (1 Comment |Comment on this)
Sunday, August 20th, 2006
9:49 pm	Haven't typed... So I haven't typed in a while...interesting times. Niki and John visited, I got charged by a dog on my bike and nearly fainted at the thought of stitches-never had that happened before and honestly thought I was too strong for that...kind of weirded me out a little. I am in a job I currently despise/hate and cannot wait for the year to be over and basically muddle through the week waiting for my weekends. I enjoyed this one b/c we got to celebrate all of our summer b-days and stuff. My walks with Ellen have been like breathing fresh air b/c we see things so much the same way. It's refreshing to have even one friend in this lifetime like that. Anyway, the kids deserve someone who wants to be there...I've felt this way for a while (except when I taught in Latta) and should've trusted my gut but I didn't so here I am...one year and it'll be over is what keeps me going, sad to say! It's so hard to take it day by day...a year is a long time. It's a shame too b/c I really like my team and my kids...it's just a job that requires too much of a person w/ my type of personality. The teachers are nice and helpful...my heart's just not in it; the pay is not worth all it requires...it's a job that could entail 24/7 and when I get home, I want home to be home. My realtionship with God is at an ultimate low...I'm not making time so therefore Bible study is null and void and prayer life sucks, which sure doesn't help matters; I've also missed church a lot. I'm on Paxil b/c I've been such a nut about everything...trying to see the whole picture and not being able to go one step at a time but education is like that...you can't be in this field and take things one step at a time-at least not early childhood...it's all preparation and planning ahead-all of it. It's consuming. You always feel like your neck is just above water. If you are thinking of going into teaching, I hope your skin is thicker than mine b/c if not GET OUT NOW!!! Sorry so negative...I just have to vent and this is my place to do that. I'll try to put a positive entry in here some time! lol (Comment on this)
Saturday, June 3rd, 2006
4:27 pm	peeved So I'm quittin' the journal for a while b/c I've been quite ticked lately and don't feel like typin'. My friends-ya know I love ya! Nothing to do w/ you all! (Comment on this)
Sunday, May 28th, 2006
10:30 am	Great Weekend... I had a GREAT weekend-went to the beach w/ Ellen and camped out w/ some of the Love crew last night; Mr. Cox made us pancakes for breakfast! lol good times. The beach was also way more than awesome since I haven't been there in forever! I totally had my mind off things yesterday-oh, to be able to go back and not be cooped up in Latta today! lol I am so thankful for friendships! Just wish I could improve w/ relationships-the boy/girl kind! B/c he's in my head again...I think the worst part is knowing I haven't really done my part either, in one area. We've both been accountable in this. There's so much I want to say b/c I don't want to look back and wonder and I'm scared to death my perfectionism (fear of being "found out" w/ weaknesses, esp. in male/female relationships b/c of dad issues w/ not feeling like I measured-at least I think that's the reason b/c I can think of anything else) has once again sabotaged another realtionship. Maybe he'll call again...I can only hope b/c I can't go out of this w/o any closure. That would eat me up; I can't go on doing that in relationships and I refuse to do that from here on out, even if I get rejected or hurt. What makes it worse is that I risked this w/ the one guy I would never want to give up; I've willingly done that in the past w/ other guys but would hate to know I could do that w/ this one. I think he's only acting like he is now (b/c he wasn't like that at the very beginning; everything changed at one point that i should've talked about a long time ago), due to my being so guarded from the getgo and not addressing the turning point. UGH. Okay-goin' to church. Enough's enough and I should be thankful-I really had an enjoyable weekend, if I could've just gotten him out of my heart. I'm glad friends no how weak I am and are accepting b/c I'd be so tired of hearing about him by now if i were them. Thank you all for your patience!!! (Comment on this)
Tuesday, May 23rd, 2006
5:27 pm	Graduation-5th grade Off to a fifth grade graduation at my school-teachers are expected to be there so I'm out and will type more later; oh yea-found a summer job for the month of June...the hours are short and the pay's not great but for 4 hours out of my day I get to work w/ kids on their reading skills and share Jesus! awesome. I had just typed about that recently...His timing never ceases to amaze me! (Comment on this)
Monday, May 22nd, 2006
9:51 pm	Only half days... So I was a lil bummed, thinking I was going to have a boring summer w/ everyone off doing their own thing and not really knowing where I stand w/ a certain someone to know if we're going to be hanging out but it turns out that I didn't think of one thing...my lil sis AB (who is VERY mature for her age and fun) will be around and she already asked me today about starting out biking kick again! As much as I love the solitary deal w/ biking, it'll be nice to have some company. It'll be weird not stopping by Abington to pester Linds, though, or yakkin' w/ her as she's on her way to work like we did last year. Gosh, I'll really miss that crazy girl this summer! So it looks like I won't be going insane due to isolation since at least someone I'm close to will be around and involved instead of doing their own thing! lol However, I am happy for Linds, that she'll get to be in Clemson and for Dana, that she's getting married, and for Ellen, that she'll probably get that camping job. There's just this selfish part in me that would like them to be around more often than what they are going to be! lol-I won't lie about it. The kids have awards day at 8:15 tomorrow and eat lunch at 10 so tomorrow should be an easy day b/c I have a writing activity for them, a word search, and a math sheet but we'll just do the problems on the Smart Board since they like using that thing. Ms. Rogers got to come visit today! She was doing really well and the kids love her so much; it was really neat for them. She is wonderful with my little guy and with all the children. She appears such a distant person but not when she's around them. You can tell that when she is with them she is completely in her element! She is wonderful w/ children and someone you'd never guess who would be. We had a party and she gave me the neatest flower in the cutest little basket! I've never received anything like it and thought it was sooo neat but I feel horrible that I didn't get her anything...I didn't even think about it! She's the one who went through surgery, too! Geeze, I don't think sometimes. Patricia and Mrs. McAlister helped me w/ the permanent records this afternoon, which was really nice of them to give of their time like that. Well, I'm off...spendin' too much time on this thing and not enough trying to get stuff for them to do tomorrow! Just in case, it's always good to be prepared. I got to walk w/ Ellen and chill w/ the Loves tonight...a well spent day! And only half of one will I have to spend w/ 16 kids tomorrow, as much as I love them. It'll be a nice release to chill out and get some things done in the room. I'm going to clean and bring a book to read since I've pretty much finished everything up but I'll probably end up helping other teachers who are moving out b/c it just seems weird as a teacher to be at school just reading...you can do that as a student but I guess you feel obligated to work as a teacher! Thursday at 1:00 will be here before I know it! (Comment on this)
Sunday, May 21st, 2006
5:08 pm	Dana's Shower So the shower was great! I am really happy for Dana and I got to meet Mack's mom; she seems so nice but it is amazing he came from her b/c she didn't talk much! Kathy and Anna were there! It was good to see them again b/c Kathy is a lot of fun to be around; now, she can talk!!! It was also good to see the Py crew. I am going out there for sure one Sunday in the very near future-and yea, I know I always say that but I really will visit; I didn't realize how much I missed seeing all of them. I thought about going tonight b/c they're having youth night but the weather looks pretty bad so I don't know. I am so thankful that I have really good friends!!!! And for Mrs. Vicki who is all Mama to Dana's friends; she's GREAT. They took off my blinders and I feel like I can see myself again. If he doesn't like me in that way anymore, then I'm moving on and we can just be friends; there's a guy at SH and one that Mrs. Kathy knows. Some people just mesh and some just don't. It's not that there's anything wrong w/ either, though-they just mesh w/ different people. I'm not saying that this is happening but it appears that way, given the lack of phone calls and all. If he really wanted to keep it going, he would call so I'm not going to put my feelings on the line; they're currently in check and will remain that way b/c I REFUSE to disrespect myself enough to become THAT GIRL b/c THIS GIRL now remembers who she is; she forgot for just a lil while there-thanks to my friends!!! I love y'all to pieces!!! Thank you for seeing me as I am and accepting me just the same. Dana, you are going to make a beautiful bride and I can't wait to be your bridesmaide!!! Our friendship means tons to me b/c of how honest you are and if you hadn't been, I could still be walking in the fog. It's good to know I have choices, that he's not the only fish in the big sea b/c for a while he was the only thing in my vision and I thought I'd never get over it if something happened and now I know I can. Knowledge is a great thing! (Comment on this)
1:25 pm	Field Day and the weekend... So field day was good, except for my lil guy had 2 spells b/c he didn't come first in everything and b/c his team lost one time. They put him in charge of something, thank God, and that was that. But he got rewarded for acting like a brat so that wasn't so great but oh well-it's how the system works when they're diagnosed. This weekend, I have been bored out of my mind. I've had plenty of school stuff to do, read 2 books, and went shopping for some showers and yet still, I was bored-I even did Lord knows how many loads of laundry and am fixing to clean my room. I also need to find some stuff for my kids to do tomorrow or it'll be wayyy too long a day. My VCR doesn't work so they can't watch a video and also, my teacher is missing her CD/DVD drive so I can't play one of those on the Smart Board...oh well! Hopefully, I'll figure something out and my kids won't be too mad that they don't get to do what the other classes are doing. Rachel is going to come visit her class after lunch, so I thought about going grocery shopping and doing a little mini party in the afternoon but I don't know if you have to run that stuff by the principal. I think I'm going to do it-I mean what could it hurt on one of the last days of school? Grades are in; it's not like it matters now. I was hoping I'd go out this weekend but oh well-may the next one or maybe never; I'm not getting my hopes up too much at this point, though I'd like to be able to I must admit. Sometimes I think I'm a little too good at protecting and guarding my heart. The sermon today was on Romans 8 again and was really good, about how nothing can separate us from his love. It was the way he said it and the stories he put behind it that made it so wowish but I don't have enough time to type all of that out. I've kind of felt a little blah lately. I thought I'd love that the end of the school year was coming but I truly like having something to do. I've got to find something this summer or I'm going to be bored out of my mind. I've never been like that; I've always liked the breaks but not this time. I guess b/c my last few experiences with teaching have been so fast paced and challenging, that I'm bored out of my mind if I'm not challenged. Thank God for Ellen and our walks/conversation or I really would go insane, I think. Reading books doesn't even do it for me anymore; last summer I was completely content w/ that. I think I'm just ready to be on my own and do stuff on my own...just get out of here for a while...I mean I'm always read to come back but maybe get away for a day or two. Anyway, w/ the reading deal, b/c I'm sitting I find it dull-even w/ pretty good books. I like to be up and about doing stuff now-I've always enjoyed riding my bike and stuff but I just like having something to do w/ my hands; I swear I'd do a day camp right here in Latta every day this summer if I could get someone to help me, truly. I've even thought of volunteering at a nursery if I can't find anything that has to do w/ kids or people-I'm also going to check at the library about volunteering if I don't find anything, like if they might like for someone to set up things for the kids now and then in their summer reading program or something. Mrs. Kathy asked me about helping w/ VBS and I am soooo excited. She didn't know how perfect the timing was; I was scared no one would ask due to me not changing my membership back yet (only b/c I don't know where I'll be teaching next year). Speaking of which, my devotional was about Hannah's circumstance and said that "Instead, she earnestly prayed to her heavenly Father and trusted in His perfect answer and timing." It related it to this guy who was in a job and worked w/ an athiest and how at first he was really strong but the closer they got as friends, the more critical he found he was of others b/c the athiest was that way and that rather than be an example, he fell in w/ the wrong kind of thinking and conversation. I want to leave my students with the right kind of thinking this year, these last few days; I want to leave them with the right conversation, as well as the teachers I work with. I will be the influencer, not one of the influenced! I know He's going to accomplish good things this week; I know He's going to make me an encourager to those little people. I'm going to tell them I love them every day...this is something I should've done all along but somehow it feels more significant now. I think it does to them, too-you wouldn't believe how many things I got to stick on my fridge from them on Friday...I think they want to be future influencers, too, so I need to teach 'em right! I'm sad to see 'em go but excited b/c I don't know what I'll be up to this summer but not knowing is kind of exciting...renewing in a way. to start fresh w/ some other possibility. I feel so alive today! 12 Ways To Be Happy: 1. Make up your mind to be happy. Learn to find pleasure in simple things. 2. Make the best of your circumstances. No one has everything, and everyone has something of sorrow intermingled with gladness of life. The trick is to make the laughter outweigh the tears. 3. Don't take yourself too seriously. Don't think that somehow you should be protected from misfortune that befalls other people. 4. You can't please everybody. Don't let criticism worry you. 5. Don't let your neighbor set your standards. Be yourself. 6. Do the things you enjoy doing but stay out of debt. 7. Never borrow trouble. Imaginary things are harder to bear than real ones. 8. Since hate poisons the soul, do not cherish jealousy, Avoid people who make you unhappy. 9. Have many interests. If you can't travel, read about new places. 10. Don't hold postmortems. Don't spend your time brooding over sorrows or mistakes. Don't be one who never gets over things. 11. Do what you can for those less fortunate than yourself. 12. Keep busy at something. A busy person never has time to be unhappy. And Number 13: To know lasting happiness, get to know Jesus. (Comment on this)
Wednesday, May 17th, 2006
10:08 pm	End of year! Well, it's busy w/ all the end of year stuff but I'm lovin' it just the same. We have field day tomorrow and I get to wear jeans! lol I am bummed, however, b/c Elliot Yamin is no longer on Idol and he was my FAVORITE!!! I did him wrong by doing nothing...my slack hiney didn't vote! He was cute and humble and solid and sweet and authentic (which made him all the more cute)-b/c there aren't a lot of any of those in the world when it comes to guys and it's majorly hot and attractive, for me anyway! So anyway my lil guy was cool today; I read some Amelia Bedilia books to them at the end of the day and he was lovin' the humor in 'em so I went to the library and got all they had. He normally goes in the afternoon so maybe if we read in the afternoon, it'll keep him together! Regardless, that's the plan. I know this sounds crazy but on the days when I've had particularly bad hair days, he's gotten riled up over something and had an incident and on the days when I've had really good hair, he's been cool; granted, I'm not putting this on my hair...just find it ironic..and hope that I have a good hair day tomorrow! lol-just in case. j/k. I don't want to wash it tonight b/c this is the best one I've had in a while...shallow I know but hey-we all need some little distractions now and again. I went to McD's and got a happy meal today-plain hamburger...then I came home and picked up some stuff my mom had ordered from Mrs. Susan's food deal and walked w/ E-and really wish I would've gotten my ice cream w/ her b/c the Jello cookies and cream stuff I bought and made wasn't half as good as it looked like it was going to be! I was just tired b/c I'd been back and forth to Dillon gettin' lib. books (Amelia Bedilia) for my kids (I got one about Junie B Jones and her Field Day to read to the class tomorrow since they were having theirs...just randomly came across that-think it was a small God thing; he just shows up all the time!), McD's, and then I went the day before b/c I needed to run by Wal Mart...I should've gone and gotten ice cream! Geesh! Don't get the cookies and cream Jello pudding mix! lol And don't run back and forth more than you need to; making lists are great...that way when you go, you get what you need at once...would've been smart if I had done that b/c then I could've had my ice cream (so to speak) and eaten it, too, but oh well! I'm really upset that Elliot didn't make it, more upset than I thought I'd be. He is going to make some lucky girl really happy one day. I want to just hug him! I wish I would've taped it tonight b/c I loved all the stuff they showed of him; he's sincere but knows how to be goofy! lol I should've voted! I am now mad w/ myself for watching the show and not voting all season-how freakin' sorry is that! okay-I need to not get so angry b/c I need to go to bed soon! lol-no going to be w/ an angry heart, even toward myself! So this is a verse from my devotional today, Psalm 42:8 "By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me--a prayer to the God of my life." He is constant, day/night-whenever...he directs his love on us! Soak it up tonight, tomorrow, and the day after...and the week after, the month after, the year after, the lifetime! (Comment on this)
Tuesday, May 16th, 2006
10:29 pm	arghhh... long freakin' day is all I have to say...will be glad when school is over; there's a lot on the plate and somehow subbing makes end of the year wayyy harder b/c you don't know a lot (like where books of former students who transferred would be or why your teacher didn't put certain grades into the computer like she should've). Yes, I am thankful for this experience but not particularly today. "Tomorrow is another day!" Thank God this madness will end soon. If it were just the kids, I'd love but it's a heck of a lot more and I work hard...slackness just irks the crap out of me. Do your job; she didn't and I had to fill in...kind of ticks me off. Life isn't fair so I might as well roll w/ the punches; it could be a heck of a lot worse. Elliot was CUTE tonight! Hope he wins-Taylor's not so bad himself! They are the two I wanted to make it to the end...I hope I'll be right. Oh yea-did have a super good thing happen...found some time to get some pretty awesome books from the library and endulged for the first time in a while, even though I really had no time to do so-and got to walk w/ good friend Ellen, which is always a release from the stress of a day; laugher is great and so are books and Elliot and Taylor!!! (Comment on this)
Sunday, May 14th, 2006
7:59 pm	Okay people! So yes, those of you who read this, ST is switching up on ya AGAIN. I read over some of my previous entries and thought, "You know I would feel like the Bible was being crammed down my throat if I came across this and wasn't a Christian." I'm going to go back to writing about life and just keep my devotional time to myself unless I really think it fits well for that particular day and want to share it b/c I've skipped out on some really interesting things that have happened in the past week that were quite amusing!! I'll find a way to tie the other stuff in if I feel like sharing, though. I don't want to be unrelatable to the real world! So more news on today, Ellen and I went walkin' in the lightening and rain and thunder but just for a few b/c we were really close to home, thank goodness! I bought some chapstick that does NOT work and really want a Mulatte from Dairy Queen at the moment! Speaking of consumer stuff. On my walk, I heard about a squirrel that was black and white and oversized (we think Fran was on drugs!) and she got chased by a bee and I thought a bird had brain plumings! Lol-had to be there...good times, good times! My hair is all frizzed out now and Mama finally got home!!! YAY!!! So we're going to give Mema her Mother's Day stuff and then Dad and I are going to give Mom her stuff, as soon as I dry some clothes and fold and get these dang lesson plans done that I SAID I was going to do last week!!! I am beginning to procrastinate! Well, I'm off to procrastinate no longer! Okay, so I'm adding on to this and never seem to run out of thoughts...I wanted to stay at Mema and Granddaddy's tonight just so I could be near his apartment. If I were to leave the blinds open in their guest room (where Linds and I always sleep), I'd be able to see his dad's truck from the window. It's been two weeks since he's been near me for longer than like a few seconds (seeing him at a ball game) and I really, really miss him-not b/c my sister is engaged or Dana's getting married...I'm NOT ready for that and don't even know if he's the one b/c I don't know much about him yet but I know I've never thought I could care this much about anyone and that it freaks me out for the same reason-I don't really feel like I know him but yet he's in my head all the time. So yea, I miss him but glad my mom is back! B/c I sure missed her a lot earlier today! Off to bed. Love all of ya and hope your moms had a good Mom's Day! (Comment on this)
2:50 pm	Mother's Day.... So I slept through church for the first time in a really l-o-n-g time, which made me feel terrible! I feel ickish when I do that and really, I had been goin' 24/7 since my last spell of sleeping in back in Feb. (which is the longest period of time I'd ever had of that habit). My mom went to visit her mom for Mother's Day. I'll be glad when she's home; Niki called to get Mom's number and announced that she and John are engaged via telephone at Mema and Granddaddy's. I miss Mom and it was kind of depressing not having her here today; Linds and Jordan and I were like "WHOA" about the engagement news. Looks like I'll be in another wedding not long after Dana's. Anyway, I had a blast at my grandparents w/ all my cousins and stuff but it's just not the same w/o your mom there at family stuff. It was cool; I was in the guest bedroom and could see a certain someone's apartment from that room-it was cool to his fam. all together the way mine was, minus my mom. The weather was gorgeous but then turned cloudy and now it looks like the sun is going to come back out again. I love my family! Randomness again, I know, but I think life is about appreciating those around you, even if they're not everything you wish they were; I often don't feel like I mesh in my crew, except my extended fam. Like my best cousin in the world, Lindsey has this way of loving people w/ her whole heart; if she's upset, she cries and if she's happy, she smiles. If I'm happy, I smile but if I'm upset I don't cry in front of people; sometimes it's hard for me to just be me b/c I get so caught up in doing. I want to love people the way she does; she's so open and has the biggest heart. She would never have to worry if something should happen to her, that people might not realize how much she loved them. She would know they knew b/c she shows it every second of every day. And I'm a really strong Christian and I can't even do that; I want to learn how but it's hard when you haven't been taught through experience. I know He has the power to change me, however, if I'll let go of what's safe and let Him but certain people, no matter what you do you just don't mesh w/ them and that's bound to happen-even in families. Her family is a lot more loving than mine, esp. Aunt Donna who calls me her kindred spirit! I love her so much! She's GREAT! and so is Linds! Linds and I cleaned up for Mema Taylor; it was really nice to do something for her on Mother's Day that she'd appreciate a lot more than a gift, like us showing her how much we love her. I think everyone kind of looks for a hero somewhere in their life; Susan Love has been like one to me but not even she can be everything. You can't look to others for your happiness or joy. God is my hero b/c He is the only source of pure joy that there is in this world, even when we feel a world away from Him at times and sometimes I must admit it would be nice to be taken back to the time I was a little girl, w/ no worries and no serious relationships and all that that entails...wondering where you stand and going nuts b/c of not feeling in control of your own emotions-it just seems to get harder and harder the older you get, esp. when you really like someone and you don't know if they feel the same and you don't know how to show them b/c you've never truly been shown-at least not by a male figure on this earth. But when I turn to Him, He's ALWAYS THERE. And I have to believe in me or I'll never be satisfied and I'm tired of not trying and not believing. I'm going to want the best and wish for the best.... decide to be a hero or Jesus for someone and never doubt myself or His ability to work through me. I don't need to worry about what others say or think and just be me and not let anyone bring me down b/c I'm secure enough in who I am, in who He's made me and will continue to make me in the future. "As we grow up we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down... probably will. You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken (I really hope neither one of these happens currently!). You'll fight with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt, because every sixty seconds you spend upset... is a minute of happiness you'll never get back." Colossians 3:1-3 1Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 3For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. (Comment on this)
Friday, May 12th, 2006
10:16 pm	State-not this year... So I had a great day at LES today! The kids have been so good! They're all getting Fun Dip at the end of the day on Monday. The FFA people came and we all had a lot of fun. This is just a lil tiny testimony to how God has provided but I think we often overlook the small ways He has of doing things, always looking to the big stuff. I wanted to make sure I had money for the kids that didn't bring any so they could all get a lil something for their mom's on Mother's Day, like if they couldn't afford it or if they forgot to bring money, since I didn't pass out fliers. I was thinking last night that I'd have to cash a check but ended up finding exactly 10 one dollar bills so that I could give out individual dollars to those students who may not have had money. I really didn't want to have to go out AGAIN after going to Dollar General and find it pretty neat that I had set in my mind to bring $10. and somehow ended up finding 10 ones...I never have ones. God is so good; that tiny thing really made my evening! He's awesome, even in the small stuff He's big. So my class and I did a few neat activities at the end of the day when we had time left over, like acting out our spelling words and the kids would guess which word it was an drawing the differences b/w homophones, like see and sea. It was good. My lil fella that struggles somewhat was awesome today, too, I might add! He got frustrated but was able to get himself back together, which was SUPER. Anyway, I got grades into the comp. before I left for school and hurried home to see Mom off before she left to see her mom for Mother's Day, and then Dad and I went to pick up Ellen to head to the state game. I had some good convo. on the way there w/ Ellen and got all my grades in my gradebook. So anywho, we get there and we were 4-0 in the first inning and I really thought this year we had it, that we were going to pull through but we choked and didn't. It's okay-I would've choked, too, if I were them. I don't necessarily know for a fact they did that but it sure did look like it. I really think (sorry if it's pessimistic of me) that this is the one year we had to get it; I don't know that it'll come again when we'll have much of a chance against them. But they've had an awesome season and didn't lose one game on our home field. That says something! I wish I would've stayed for the ceremony but I forgot they even had those. Dad and I got chicken sandwiches on the way home at Chick-Fil-A and it really hit the spot-some good eatin'! I hadn't had one of those in a while. I rode my bike for a few when I got home; the moon was REALLY bright AGAIN-there were clouds in front of it, though so the cloud looked really strange. It was weird-you could see the clouds like how they'd be during the daylight-fluffy and stuff; I'm not used to seeing clouds at night look like that...normally, it's clear and stuff. So anyway, I forgot to go to Sandy's cookout and her shower so I am going to get her lingerie tomorrow since her wedding is tomorrow! I'm not going to stay for the wedding but am going to try to get up early, run to VA, and get something for her and call her sister around 10 and see if I can drop it by her house, since the wedding's not until 3. I hope that'll work; I feel terrible for getting so busy and forgetting so much! Busy isn't an excuse and I should've been there probably but oh well. What's done is done. I am sooo tired...school can wear you down come Friday! I do love it at Latta, though. To think I thought of not doing teaching! Thank God for this job opportunity; I truly believe God's been working the whole time and find His timing to be completely perfect. Everything just seemed to fall into place exactly when I thought all hope for my ever going into teaching was gone; things have turned around. So my devotional kind of went along w/ that today, 1 Peter 1:3-7 3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; "Whether it is financial, relational, spiritual, or emotional, you have, or will one day, come into a time of famine and trial or testing. And when famine hits, you wonder if a radical change is the only answer--perhaps you should leave the church, JOB, or city God called you to and retreat to a place where provision seems more certain. However, we need to avoid the urge to panic and retreat. YOU FELT GOD CALL YOU TO THIS PLACE AT ONE TIME, SO BE CAREFUL TO RUN AWAY FROM IT WITHOUT THE ASSURANCE THAT GOD IS RELEASING YOU TO GO. God may want you to stay in your "Bethlehem" and trust Him through the famine." I'm glad He brought me through the famine of some current experiences! To think that I thought of retreating from His call on my life! I run too much on emotions and not enough on His will! I truly believe I am where I am supposed to be and can appreciate the things that brought me to this place, even if at the time they felt all consuming. "All things work to the good of God." Looking back over the past few months, nearly all 12 of the past year, I can truly see that. (Comment on this)
Thursday, May 11th, 2006
9:37 pm	My kid was okay! So today at school was great. To those of you who actually read this and prayed for my lil fella, THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!!! I encouraged my fella to draw some pictures (when he finished work early) and write imaginative stories to go w/ them and he was ALL FOR IT! Hope it keeps working! lol-I got him a lil word search book tonight, a second grade level activity book w/ a variety of stuff (even though he's far smarter than that), and a coloring book, all for like under $2. Dollar General is GREAT. I'm also going to let him borrow the book we'll read tomorrow for small group so that he can practice drawing the characters in the book. He likes all of that. Today at school was awesome; the kids were really good during PACT. I just hope my guy ends on a good note tomorrow; he seemed to warm up to me some today and sat in my lap-that was a first and is really good for a child w/ Asbergers (spelling?). I got all my grades into the computer and stuff! =) Then, after school I came home and read some and layed around watching TV, then called my buddy WooTang to go walking and had a blast convoing about anything and everything. I also went to the library and was talking to this lady who loves being a librarian-it's cool to hear about why people love what they do. I like learning about others, esp. ones who seem more apprehensive to talk for some reason. She was really cool and talking about how her boyfriend taught 1st grade and was going to be moving up to second and how the kids were going wild w/ end of year. I think it's cool that there's actually a guy teacher somewhere at an early childhood level. Anyway, moving on-we're going to the game tomorrow!! Not me and the librarian! lol-Ellen and I. EXCITEMENT-goin' for state! We're bringin' chairs-front row seats; yea buddy! So anyway, back to what I did after school...after the walk, and geeze was the weather gorgeous, I went and got my lil guy's stuff and then came home to bike b/c the breeze and weather was just sooo incredibly generous to me and just flat out NICE. When Ellen and I were walkin', it had rained not longer before but geeze that sun was brighter than I've seen it on days when it hasn't rained at all! and then tonight when I was out biking the moon had like this soft shadow of white around it; it was REALLY BRIGHT and it was out pretty early at its full state, before it got dark. So anyway, I got home and called parents about the FFA comin' to sell plants tomorrow b/c I totally forgot to send my fliers home w/ my kids today and I hate for them not to get a flower! lol-kids love those things! I couldn't get a hold of some of them so I'll bring ten dollars for the ones who usually buy in case they don't have money. I hate for them not to be able to get something tomorrow. Anyhow, tomorrow will be an interesting day w/ kids having tested all week, the end of school year, and the FFA coming-I bet it'll be wild! Mama said LHS has had some wild times lately w/ the people you'd least suspect! It sounded like pure pandamonium the last 2 days. Poor George Liebenrood. So a lil slice of peace in the midst of the pandamonium, "6Therefore humble yourselves (and geeze do I have a lot of pride in my life in some areas, the areas I least wish it showed up) under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 8Be of sober spirit, be on the alert Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. 10After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ (WOW-that truly is amazing to try to fathom all He's done, esp. that), will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you." My devotion was about Samson and how hard he fell short in his sin. It stated that no matter how hard you've fallen, God is ready and willing to restore you b/c He is a God of 2nd chance. "If you will truly seek God's forgiveness, your strength and spiritual health will return to you. When we die to our will and follow God to a new level of obedience, we will be amazed at what God can do through us. As our faith increases, others witness the reality of Christ in our life (this is something I wish were more evident in my life; I know it is often lacking). We also benefit personally by having greater confidence and anticipation of His blessing." It's amazing to me the times when I try to do things in my own strength, I mean like daily, hourly, by the minute! I feel like I'm so used to being self-sufficient due to my loner like ways that I have this "do it all" mentality, that I don't need help or that I don't ask of the Lord's help enough-which is crazy b/c I couldn't even breathe w/o Him; sometimes I even feel I push people away. It amazes me that I choose not to die to my own desires sometimes b/c I know His desires and plans can live sooo much better in me than the ones I've made and that they're beyond "what I could ever think or imagine"...far and beyond the ones I've made for myself. I've heard a quote that goes something like, "You can write your plans in pencil but be sure to give God the eraser." How true! I want to learn to let go of me and hold on to Him. "Lay my pride by the side and I'll become even more undignified than this! Some may say it's foolishness...but I'll become even more undignified than this;lalala lala la, hey, lalala lala la lalala lala la, hey, lalala lala la!" (Comment on this)
Wednesday, May 10th, 2006
9:43 pm	Fireflies and other news... So today at school was hard. My lil guy came back and it's thrown him off completely that they don't have activity this week due to PACT. He got bored today and nearly had a spell! He manipulated me b/c when Mr. Johnson got to the room, he acted completely okay. UGH!!! I'm trying to figure out what to do w/ him tomorrow b/c he's so much smarter and finishes his work so much faster....I thought about bringing some books for him while the others are finishing up their activities but I don't want the other kids to become resentful of his "special treatment" however, I'd rather them be safe and resentful than in fear of a chair being thrown at them due to the little guy's fits...it's bad-I mean all day I felt like I was walkin' on egg shells. I'm trying my hardest to develop a relationship w/ him, where he feels safe but I just don't feel he's there w/ me and it breaks my heart in some ways. I care for him as much as I fear him. I don't show the fear but it's there! I couldn't wait until the end of the day so I could go home and watch some Oprah, do some reading, and head to the game w/ Ellen! I got to chat w/ her and Megan. They are soooo sweet! I just love speech people! lol Speech pathologists are the bomb! Anyway, the game was AWESOME!!! I mean I don't think either team had one error...oops, I think Indian Land had one but it was one heck of a game and to see the excitement of the whole town like that, it was just neat. Mema and Granddaddy were there and Mom even came. Random thought-Ms. Kurtain? (spelling?) was sitting near me and some people really are rubbed the wrong way w/ her but she was so nice-I don't get it. Anyway, I also saw a pretty special someone at the game! I wanted to introduce my people but didn't feel it was quite time for that yet. But man the excitement during that game-it was SOOOOO COOL! Then, I went to King's w/ Mama b/c she wanted a pizza and didn't even think about the team eating there-but heck if all of 'em weren't there! I should've known. I spoke to Jordan and AB as she was going outside and got to chat w/ my Love crew for a while!!! Love the Love crew, just love 'em! Crazy about 'em; my home away from home-can't say enough; they're GREAT people and even invited me to ride w/ them to Camden but I'm going w/ WuTang! Mama stayed inside and went to congratulate Coach Rogers and low and behold if he wasn't there sittin' beside him! lol Anyway, once I ate I did some biking b/c the weather was just awesome and I rode down my Manning View road!! I love that thing, esp. in the evenings when you can hear the cars in the distance and the breeze-it's sooo peaceful...there were tons of fireflies out and I was just singin' away all these church camp songs like "Sit With You Awhile", "Nails in Your Hands", "Heart of Worship", "Reign in Me", etc. wishing I had my camera to capture the fireflies and eating up the sunset; I haven't seen fireflies in a l-o-n-g time-I remember all the neighborhood kids going to catch them on Bethea St. as a kid! I swear my heart felt like it was filled to capacity, esp. after seeing a smile from a cute someone at the game. I like seeing him smile. Anywho, I didn't care about singin' my head off and bein' all childlike b/c that's why I like that road-no one goes down it and it's so dark they can't see. When lights start heading toward me, I stop so I don't look like an idiot, though. I mean who sings riding their bike down a road? It's nice to just be me-w/ no expectations and stuff. I know this is weird but I just feel really close to the Lord when I'm on that thing in the evenings...esp. tonight, I guess b/c of the way the sun looked when it set tonight and the fireflies...the clouds had this gorgeous hue. It was sooo neat-well, neat's not the word but I don't really know what is. Lots of childhood memories there-I remember Blythe and I getting a bunch of wheat from that field one time to try and make bread! lol-yea, we were nerds. That's my lil sanctuary, my go to place. I really can't explain how it makes me feel; I just know I love that it's there any evening I feel like riding that way! So anyway, typin' of the Lord and all, this was my devotional for today...and please pray for me tomorrow regarding my lil student! It's becoming a daily battle due to the schedule changes-he can't handle stuff like that and I don't always feel like I can handle him. It's a little overwhelming w/ 15 others students...though I CAN handle them! Prayers could be useful, however. "Faith on Trial" 1 Peter 4: 12-19 12Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you;13but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. 14If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; 16but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. 17For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER? 19Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right. Some days we feel as if our faith is on trial and Satan is running a cross-examination that challenges our confidence in God. But the only important question is this: Are you going to believe what the Lord says, no matter what He allows into your life? The heavenly Father always has a purpose for testing believers’ faith. He stretches us so that we will have a greater capacity to serve Him (boy is he doing this in the situation w/ my challenge student!). Though we may sometimes feel we are at our limit (daily w/ him), the process actually occurs gently, like stretching a new rubber band a little at a time (I can see that my patience has grown). With each extension, we are able to accomplish more for His glory. It is often easy to trust God for certain things more than others, but He desires our complete dependence, regardless of the situation. That is why He will test His children in the same area repeatedly until they can successfully bear up under the pressure. Afterward, they will be able to testify to non-Christians about what the Bible says and also about their own experience of divine help in dark valleys. We will taste both success and failure as our faith is in the process of growing (comforting to know everyone experiences both and that no one is immune to failure). The disciple Peter had a share of both. But each time the Lord stretched him, his capacity for service became greater (what a comforting thought! see, there's hope even when we don't do as well as we wish or when we can't reach that student like we wish we could, etc.-whatever the situation). In the book of Acts, it is Peter who fearlessly preaches at Pentecost and also heals a lame man without a shred of doubt. (Acts 2:14-36; 3:1-7) Our faith will be put on trial. If we are wise believers, we will respond by trusting God to stretch and develop our conviction until we are the men and women He desires us to be. Anytime I think that I've missed something, that I'm not in His will or have missed His timing somehow, I'm going to try to remember that growing spiritually is a process and growing as a person is a process that takes time, knowing that God is making me the woman He wants me to be even if I'm not her quite yet. I'm so glad He doesn't give up on me, that He forgives me daily, that He believes in me to do better tomorrow, and that He gives me a clean slate each morning! So I'm going to end w/ some verses that mean a ton to me, Hebrews 4: 14-16 "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the fiath we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with out weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." So I'm off to do just that! (Comment on this)
Tuesday, May 9th, 2006
9:27 pm	Busy... Gee, today has been busy, good but busy! I got to go see some kids play at the community center and then got to go walk w/ Ellen! I mixed up phone numbers and someone acted like a turd but it'll be okay-it was still a good day. Sorry about the turd thing...it's just that I really liked this person as a teacher and any time I feel rejected by a man, it hurts b/c of issues w/ not really feeling accepted by my own dad. I know that person just had a lot on his mind. He's just seemed a lot less friendly w/ me lately; when I was his student, I thought he thought a lot of me...I'm constantly seeking acceptance or to feel worthy enough by father figures and sometimes guys in general. Why do I care this much? Geeze, these issues w/ men are gonna drive me nuts. The only man I don't have an issue w/ in the acceptance arena is the Lord! And sometimes I even see Him as more judgmental than I should! Anywho, too much talk about this AGAIN so moving on...my lil suspended guy comes back tomorrow-SCARY. On a good note, my devotional was talking about how we become consumed with the world and get lukewarm, that we live in a very busy and materialistic society so there's a struggle to remain faithful to God and our devotion to Him can become difficult. It stated that we need to spend time w/ God and in His word. My relationship w/ God and reading His word has been such a comfort and encouragement lately! Sometimes I get weary in the battle but His word is always there to lift me up. It might be insight into a Bible verse that has stumped me forever or a closeness in my prayer life that I haven't felt...somehow no matter how weary I get, if I make that time-He supplies. I want to start trusting and acting on the promises of His word. I read it so often and full heartedly believe it so seldom. Isaiah 58:11 "Lord, let us be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." If you are thirsty, God is a faithful gardener of the soul! I would love to have written more about my day but I'm pooped! Job opportunity possibility...I think I'm too chicken, though. I don't ever go out on a limb but always keep it safe. I think this would be a good experience; I think I'll sleep on it and think some more after I get these lessons good to go for tomorrow and take my shower! (Comment on this)
Monday, May 8th, 2006
7:36 pm	First day of PACT So even though second grade didn't have to take PACT, my group was really good today! My two worst kids weren't there again today! Last time, they missed out on the same day! I love 'em but I must say I was relieved. I ate it up today; tomorrow, well, each day has enough trouble of its' own right?! Anyway, I went to the library to check out this book, The Watsons Go to Birmingham and saw Mrs. Cathy and Mrs. Sue. Then, I rode my bike and chilled out around the house. That lil dog chased me again, barking all the way! I visited w/ my grandparents for a minute since I was in the neighborhood and I started on my lesson plans for the upcoming week and tomorrow I'm going to try to clean some. I am terrible at starting on something that's not due for a while and then not getting done what's just around the corner. I have half of my lesson plans done for next week but haven't yet looked over my lessons for tomorrow! I need to get a lot done in time for American Idol and House tomorrow night! I talked to Beth yesterday on the phone and need to call Dana. I haven't talked to that girl all week! Sorry-random thoughts again...anyway, it's the last episode of 7th Heaven tonight...I've grown up w/ that show...parting is such sweet sorrow! I also read my Bible today...i'm gonna try to start gettin' up early enough in the mornings to read it some then b/c I have at least half an hour to mull around before school. Romans 12..."Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. ....Love must be sincere. Hate what's evil; cling to what's good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful ni hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's peopel who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends. ....If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good." Yea-this'll take some major meditation. A huge chunk to choke on rather than swallow...all good things come in time! It's time for 7th Heaven so I'm out. I can't really type all I want to about this now but will definitely make some time to soon b/c I can hold a grudge and know that I harbor unforgiveness w/ certain things so yea-it was needed. (Comment on this)
Sunday, May 7th, 2006
9:23 pm	Rain... The sermon was really good today; it was about not being intimidated by situations or people and how Romans 8 says that we are more than conquerers...he compared it to climbing a huge mountain and then seeing the view from up there...how Paul was on a spiritual mountain top writing that in that he said, "Yet in all these things..." b/c he'd realized how much God had given the Christians of that time, more than anything his unending love and loyalty to them. It was cool and made me feel good to know that our pastor even felt intimidated b/c he was talking about how every human had been there and all that stuff. It was the rainiest day today! I wanted to nap but didn't. I did lesson plans and ran up to the school w/ mom for a minute and looked over what I'm going to do tomorrow. I did some clothes and took a shower and am all wanting to go to bed right now but forgot to put my kids' papers together for tomorrow to send home. So let me get off of here and go do that! They have PACT this week so both small groups will be null and void since the activity teachers will be helping w/ PACT b/c they didn't have enough monitors. The kids will be going stir crazy being in our room all day...and so will us teachers!!! It should be an interesting week. This was my devotional today...thought I'd share; it speaks for itself. ohhh-yea, I just sneezed all over the computer screen; that was pretty! I think I'm getting a lil blech w/ this weather. My throat is irkin' me a lil; I will def. take some Vit. C tonight! Okay-sorry...random thoughts occur frequently w/ me! Back to the devotional.... 2 Peter 3:14-18 New American Standard Bible (NASB) Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, 15and regard the (E)patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, 16as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. 17You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, 18but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. "Just like us, the early church faced many trials and heartaches. Persecution of Christians was ever on the increase. In writing to the churches, Peter admonished believers to be diligent in their faith and secure in the peace of God. But how can we be peaceful in restless times? And how can we remain hopeful when injustice is increasing? The answer is found by looking at the object of your affection. What gets most of your attention? If your mental focus is set on the difficulty of your circumstances, then more than likely you will struggle with maintaining a good attitude and an awareness of God’s presence. But if your attention is centered on Christ and the promises He provides in His Word, then you will experience a residing peace that lingers deep inside. Perhaps your life has gotten off course. You find yourself complaining to God and wishing you were in a different set of circumstances. God has a plan for you right where you are. The Christian life is a process. We learn as we grow through life’s difficulties, and God uses each one to teach us more about His faithful love and care. If you have drifted in your devotion toward Him, go to Him in prayer and confess your wayward attitude. Then ask Him to restore the sweetness and joy of the fellowship you once shared with Him." (Comment on this)
9:40 am	The rest of yesterday... Since I typed my entry at 10 something in the morning, let me tell ya about the rest of yesterday...so I decide to call him and ask him about coming to the game b/c it was so neat watching these guys who hadn't played since they were in high school (and some in college) now playing in their 50s and 60s. It was wayyy better than Spring Fest or any other community even I've been to; they were selling Red Raiders shirts and all (that's what Latta used to be). Well I call to invite him and who but his dad answers the phone?!!! I didn't know what to do or what to say-I mean totally taken off guard. So my silly self, rather than just saying "This is Stephani" said, "ummm...well....ummm (some more stuttering trying to think fast and figure out what to say, freakin' out that his dad is on the phone-granted I'm a slow thinker which was apparrant in my response) this....is....his....girlfriend. His dad was laughing about it so I hope they laughed it off and that he doesn't get ticked that I told his dad that, that his dad won't give him a hard time about it. I apologized to him, though, and told him I didn't know his dad was coming in. He had been on the phone w/ his mom. His dad was taken off guard, too, I think b/c he was ready to get his phone back. He said, "Here, let's switch phones; you talk to your girlfriend and let me talk to your mom." I told my mom about it and she laughed her head off. Geeze-he may not have even told his parents about me; oh well, they know now. Whatever will be, will be. lol Now let me get ready for church. (Comment on this)