"Stop panicking over the will of God!"

Beth Moore so boldly stated tonight. I needed to hear that! We finished up our David study tonight. Session eleven was the best yet...a perfect ending to a wonderful story. I learned so much. The word heart sticks out to me, an undivided one at that. I am so grateful for this study and the word of God. Also, I am proud to say that I didn't miss one single day of homework...if you've ever done one of my beloved Beth's studies you know that that is saying something! :)



I also went to a Pampered Chef party at my friend Amy's house. It was pretty much the girls from our Sunday School class, and I didn't get to stay the whole time because of Bible Study, but it was fun anyway. I am always trying to plan a girls night or outing, so I was totally in my element tonight. Surrounded by lots of women that I respect and learn so much from, and then I had to leave early. Oh well. I ordered a chopper, which we will get a ton of use out of. And they fixed me a to go plate. It was so good...I just can't remember what it was for the life of me!


Well friends, I'm about to curl up under a blanket on the couch and watch my Monday night tv shows...hoping I'll stay awake long enough for Bethenny Ever After!

Our David study wrapped up with this verse, along with Psalm 23.

Hebrews 4:16 (The Message)
Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let's not let it slip through our fingers. We don't have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He's been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let's walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.

Sunday Randoms

What a wonderful day we had in the Lord! We woke up and enjoyed breakfast and some front porch time with Matt's dad who spent the night with us last night!

We had Sunday School in a brand new classroom today, and got breakfast (again) as a reward for moving! Haha! I really ejoyed both Sunday School and our Pastor's sermon this morning. We went to Publix right after church, then squeezed in a short nap before we had to be back up at church.



Matt and the FBC choir performed their Easter Concert with the Youth Choir. AMAZING! I was sort of worried about sitting alone, but my sweet friend LeAnn and her daughter Ann Murray sat by me. Oh, the life of a choir wife! :) Before I went into church I couldn't help but take a picture of the beautiful oaks and spanish moss hanging over the sanctuary entrance.



Showing off my pick earrings. :) I found them in the bottom of my jewelry box this morning.


And then you know Easter is coming soon, when you see a kindergarten teacher...


and her hubby...


and these.


Blakely watched us from a distance.


I hope that everyone has a blessed week!

What we talked about in SS today.
Colossians 1:11-12 (The Message)
As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you'll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.

Roses and Our Saturday

After huge storms early Saturday morning, the Rose City 5K walk went on...I pre-walked just in case we went out of town and am sad that I did. It is way more fun to do with with lots of people on the actual race day. I found these pictures from our YMCA's website.

Our school system. Woo Hoo!!! Go Jackets!


Lots of walkers!!



I spent all of Saturday outside, finishing up my David study, and ejoying all the pretty roses. There are roses blooming everywhere right now in The Rose City. :) O


Matt had to go to Quitman for Orthofix, so I rode with him. We picked up Coyoacan to go. Yum!!



I also pulled out our Easter decor! We really hardly have any. I wanted to get some little nests and more natural looking eggs. BUT, maybe next year! :)







And these last pictures aren't Easter related. But I did "borrow" a lamp from my bedroom at home for a little storage dresser that we have in our hallway. I LOVE it! Thanks Mama!

Bad hair days and DQ Night

I've been sporting big, wavy hair for about two weeks now. It sort of worked while I was on Spring Break, because I was at the beach. And I hardly straighten it during the humid, SGA summers, but now that I'm back at work, it gets old fast..haha!

My Chi that I've had for about 6 years broke two weeks ago. I dropped it one morning getting ready. SAD day!


Thankfully, my friend Robin came to my rescue and I'm borrowing her Chi flat iron that she never uses until I can buy a replacement. I am so grateful. I think my kids will be too...they keep asking why my hair is all wavy. I guess they don't like it so much!


Tonight was Dairy Queen Night...I always enjoy it every year. It is a fundraising night for my school. I had more families than ever come out and eat dinner, so that was fun. I got to sit at all of their tables and chat with their families and brag on my babies! Plus, catch up with some teacher friends that I hardly get to see outside of work. It gets very crowded though, and I feel like I talk nonstop and really fast for a few hours. So when I get home, I always take a deep breath...and feel like I can just be myself again. Not super teacher....haha! Matt wanted to capture my demonstration. :) I do so love my job!




I'm loving getting to spend the rest of my Thursday evening with my sweet little family. :)

Thank you, Lord, for all of your blessings!

Psalm 119:26-27 (The Message)
Get me on my feet again. You promised, remember? When I told my story, you responded; train me well in your deep wisdom. Help me understand these things inside and out so I can ponder your miracle-wonders.

Busy Spring Days

I pre-walked the Rose City Walk 5k course with some of my teaching friends yesterday afternoon. It was gorgeous out and we had a blast! The course is near our house, and goes all throughout neighborhoods here in town. It is beautiful to walk and every day I see more and more people out and about prewalking the race. LOVE our little town! Here are a few pictures from the walk last year. My school is in the orange. But the group shot is of our system.



Last night I finished another JSL year! As always, it was an emotional night...very sentimental. I heart the amazing organization and it is completely overwhelming to hear about all the children's programs in our county that benefit from our fundraising. I took a picture of the building before I walked in...wish I would've snapped one of the pretty decor inside.



I started helping with a new little ministry at church tonight. It is called Backback Buddies. We fill bags full of food and put them in backpacks. I'm talking about A LOT of food. We fill about 40 backpacks and them bring them to the schools and they go home with children that don't get enough to eat on the weekends. It was fun!


I am currently organizing the Mini Relay for Life for my school. It is a 1950's theme and should be "hoppin'"! :) I am also just trying to keep my head above water, as I have so many things going on around school and in the community these next few weeks. Summer Vacation is starting to sound better and better! Hard to believe that it is a little over a month away!

These verses describes how I feel these days.

Psalm 119:1-8 (The Message)
You're blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God. You're blessed when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him. That's right—you don't go off on your own; you walk straight along the road he set. You, God, prescribed the right way to live; now you expect us to live it. Oh, that my steps might be steady, keeping to the course you set; Then I'd never have any regrets in comparing my life with your counsel. I thank you for speaking straight from your heart; I learn the pattern of your righteous ways. I'm going to do what you tell me to do; don't ever walk off and leave me.

FREE Flowers and Thankfulness

Church was wonderful both times today....the Lord really speaks to your heart when you need it most. Sunday School was great as well. I was so overwhelmed by my small group today. I just feel like we have such a great group...we mesh and it is just an encouraging class to be in. I am just SO SO thankful for each person in this class. And that somehow, we found our way to it.



An amazing praise and worship medley was sung this morning and I fell in love. So many of my favorite songs combined! When I find it, I will share. But I do love this song too...you can't help but sing along. It sounds really good blasting in your car!


I have been all over town looking for carnations/daisies to do an experiment with tomorrow in my science lesson. Well, as I walked into the floral section at my last stop, a worker was getting rid of tons of flowers. They only had white mixed in bouquets, and I needed all white. She told me that I could have all the white flowers I wanted for FREE. So I got roses, daisies, and babies breath. I am so excited and thrilled to get such a variety for no cost! I felt uplifted after this experience! Ha!! A good end to a GREAT day!




Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Deliverance

I've had a funny past few days. Out of character for me, I guess. I've had A LOT of time on my hands...usually I'm running around and longing for rest. Even though I've had tons of free time, my mind WILL NOT stop going. I mean it is spinning out of control. I've found it really hard to focus and felt really anxious...especially about my future. But in the midst of my wild thoughts, this song has also been stuck in my head. :)



I read this today when I was finishing up my Bible Study. Leave it to the Lord to use Beth's words to bring some much needed promises to soothe my soul.

I read through 2 Samuel 22 and Psalm 18. They sort of parallel and teach us that God is a personal God we each can call our own.

He is my Strength when I am weak.
He is my Rock when I am slipping.
He is my Deliverer when I am trapped (to my anxious thoughts that consume me). :)
He is my Fortress when I am crumbling.
He is my Refuge when I am pursued.
He is my Shield when I am exposed.
He is my Lord when life spins out of control.
Maybe someone else needed this reminder today too!! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Psalm 18:1
I love you, O Lord, my strength.