Life

This week I am thankful for sweet lifetime friends who I got to see a few of this weekend. I'm thankful for the many ways God uses others lives to bless and encourage me and I only hope and pray that the Lord allows me to bless others half as much as I have been blessed!

Family

If I'm honest my life is nothing like I thought it would be when I was a child. If I had it my way I would have been married with 3-5 kids by now. I'd be a stay at home mom who homeschooled them all and travelled the world with my husband.  Yet somehow the Lord chose otherwise. I'm 31 work 2 part time jobs and barely get a breather, not that as a mom I'd get one either, but still. 

This week part of my teaching lesson is on families and I just want to rip it up but I have chosen instead to try and be joyful for my sweet parents who show up every day. I'm reminded that while I might not have my own little family I am blessed with 3 good friends who let me be a part of their children's lives. I know that the Lord is still at work in me and uses me in ways I couldn't have imagined to bless others, that doesn't mean the longing disappears but today I am thankful for fellowship with friends whether bike rides, cooking or just bein listening ears to one another people are this weeks blessing!

Students

Today I am thankful for students. Each year that I've taught I always have one student in particular that is such an encouragement. I'll name my three most recent. My first year it was Caroline who shouted praises when I praised the kids and when I was getting irritable she was a good attitude check. She mimicked every thin I did. Last year it was a child who struggled with everything but hungered to learn anyways. He had quite the sense of humor for a 4 year old. And this year it's Sarah who greets every parent she meets and invites them to my class. Although the names have been changed and each year it's a little different I'm so thankful to be blessed by those around me including my students!

Tassels and Hassles

There are so many things to be thankful for but right now I also want to be honest. Today I am thankful for all the Lord has done for me but I'm struggling to adapt to a new place that should feel like home and adjust my expectations because it just isn't yet.  As a 31 year old single woman I ask that the Lord would provide me with at least a few single friends till He brings along a man and right now I really don't know very many single people yet alone interact with enough to have close friends. Reader whomever you might be I'd appreciate your prayers for contentment and thankfulness for all that I have! Now that I have stated that disclaimer I'll begin.

Today I have many things to be thankful for:
1. Gas was only $1.99 per gallon (sorry no picture but I promise it was!)

2. Red lights- I'm a little odd but I really enjoy them because they remind me to pause and pray or just be thankful in a busy day.

3. My Kendra Scott tassel it is something I waited and saved up for but wear almost every day. The tassel was introduced to me when I first saw a friend who owns a lot of jewelry. I'm not a huge jewelry person but we were studying Numbers in BSF and the last action the priest would do before entering the temple is tie the tassel around his waist to remind himself that the Lord was always with him and that he was to keep himself pure of heart, soul and mind. I wear mine almost every day. I wear it around my neck and usually wrap it around twice, when i get nervous, stressed out, etc... I just touch the clear jewel to remind myself He's in this with me. The poor thing I'm going to wear it out but I love it. The Lord delights in functionality and beauty and for this I am thankful!
I almost waited till I had a teaching job but after meeting with a friend reminded myself my job does not define me Christ does and I went ahead and bought it. I am excited to learn almost a month later that I will be teaching adults and I still get to work at the museum. It may not be exactly what I planned but for now it's even better because not everyone gets to work 2 jobs that both encompass their love to serve others.

Just a Start

My first post goes to all those struggling with anxiety. Tonight I was at a conference and one of my moms friends was speaking. She talked about 2 things that stuck with me. In the lovely words of Holley Gerth- "We are not here to impress but to bless." Social anxiety is real. She also talked about how anxiety is a super power and viewing it as one rather than a downfall.  Those of you struggling how have you used your super power today? Super powers being things such assensitivity, empathy, and even others. Love how even our weaknesses the Lord turns to strengths!