weekends are never long enough

Yesterday, more than one person at school commented on the amount of black clothing the teachers were wearing.  Were we all mourning the end of another weekend? Obviously, we all look forward the break from work.  Even when we love our jobs and we’re not stressing to the max, we still long for Friday afternoons and dread Monday mornings.  Then, after waiting impatiently for those two special days, they pass at an incredibly rapid rate before you can accomplish anything, and you’re back to work with an abnormally large amount of coffee. [Oh, is this just me?!]

For the past month those two blessed days each week are even more anticipated and seem to end before they actually begin.  Simply put, being away from my husband blows.  It is no fun at all and I wouldn’t wish it on my biggest enemy. That being said, we take every possible moment from weekends [making Mondays all the more excruciating].

Cooking, movies, date nights, family time, shopping, and traveling fill our weekends.  Of course, we make time to wakeboard, too! You didn’t think I’d leave that one out, did ya’?!

 August 11

Lake Tobesofkee

Just incase getting to spend my weekends with him isn’t great enough, Byron surprised me with an early birthday present: a brand new wakeboard and bindings!  Woo hoo!

My sweet husband [who does not enjoy running] even ran a 5K with me over the weekend.  The course was horribly difficult and not much fun at all, but it was great to experience together, though we won’t be running there again!

Before... 

After!!  

Sunday marked our 3 month weddiversary!  We spent it at the lake [is there a better place?!] breaking in our new boards.

And I was able to see Mer!!!

Sometimes it’s difficult to see simple joys when away from my husband, but I’m realizing that my weekdays away from Byron pass more quickly and pleasantly when I focus on the good things rather than the bad.  The blessings rather than the trials.  We’re enjoying the stress-free time days together instead of pouting about not having weeknights in the same town. For whatever reason, God has a plan for our temporary distance and I’m intentionally working to become more optimistic about it.  I’m definitely not letting the lack of days together ruin the time we do have in the same city.  God blesses us with a couple days to rest and laugh and love without the hassle of paperwork, alarm clocks, and meetings – so let’s get through this week, noticing and singing praises for the small joys, and get to the next weekend!!!

practically free shoes?! yes, please!

I have always loved shopping, and I shop often.  What I love most about shopping is finding the best deal I can.  One thing that most people know about me is that I never EVER pay full price for anything.  It just doesn't happen.  I shop sale ads, clearance racks, and use coupons.  Just how much money can I save?

I've been needing some new running shoes, but have been hesitant to pick any out because they're usually an expensive item, even with coupons and sales.  Byron and I shopped some over the weekend, but I just wasn't comfortable spending the money.  [Hurting feet aren't that big of a deal when you're running, right? Riiiiiiight.]  So, my frugality got the best of me, and I went home without new kicks.

Yesterday, I went shopping again.  This time with my Mom, but not for shoes.  It doesn't ever really matter what I'm shopping for though, because I always end up in either the activewear or shoe departments.  Last night, it was the shoe department.  I spent literally 45 minutes trying on running shoe after running shoe, when finally, a shoe met my fancy.  The only problem: it was in the wrong place and I couldn't find a price.  I took it to the cashier anyway.

She scanned the box . . . and the mark downs began.

60% off original price + additional 30% off + $10 coupon I got in the mail + $15 gift card = I paid $1.65 for shoes that were originally priced at $100.  Yes!!!  That is what I'm talking about.  The cashier was in awe.

God's blessed me with the money in my wallet, and my spending should be done wisely. . . focusing on the things that are most important, including tithing.  I'm somewhat ashamed to say that I never tithed regularly until about a year ago.  Since then, I've constantly been impressed with how God works in my wallet when I'm giving back to Him what's His.  After all, the money is His to begin with. . .

All silver and gold belong to me, says the Lord.

Haggai 2:8   

premature fist pumps

Before Byron and I started dating, I’d never wake boarded before.  I’d always wanted to, but never had someone to teach me.  As a wake boarder, Byron offered his advice and we’ve since found a hobby we enjoy together.  We love the lake and head there as often as possible.  Let’s be honest; is there a better way to spend an afternoon? [the only correct answer is: no]

This was my second summer wakeboarding.  And I finally mustered up the courage to attempt to jump the wake [. . . my first time behind a wake board boat].   I’d tried a few times before, but always chickened out at the last minute and ended up absorbing the wake instead of using it to pop out of the water.  It’s nerve racking! 

But a few weekends ago I did it! I actually got the board into the air.  And in that split second my only thought was, ‘I hope I don’t wipeout when my board hits the water!’  Even though I only got a teeny, tiny bit of air, I was so excited when I landed without toppling over.  So excited.  As soon as I realized what’d happened, I did a little cheer inside my head, telling myself how great of a wake boarder I am. 

Byron played photographer and caught a picture -- like I said, I was only inches in the air!

This all happened so fast.

Then, I looked to the boat and let out a squeal that was accompanied by a fist pump.  What happened next was tragic and hilarious at the same time.  Before I knew what’d hit me, my hips turned to face toward the boat, the front of the board dug into the water, and my face smacked the water.  Hard.  I can only imagine what the guys on the boat and my facial expressions were as it happened.

I was laughing before I could lift my head out of the water.  At the same time, I was [and still am] proud of myself.  Although my face hurt pretty bad, I hopped back up and tried it again, and whatta ya know?  I didn't pump a fist in the air and I didn't plummet face-first into the water.  Success.  For the rest of the afternoon I continued to successfully land without taking a spill -- it was great!   

Let’s just say I’ll keep my celebratory fist pumping to a minimum from now on.

1 day down, 179 to go!

It is quite unfortunate that the 1^st day of school and last day of summer go hand-in-hand.  I love summer – warm, sunny days playing in the lake, taking long walks with the dogs after dinner.  Today one of my students even said, “It seems like each year summer gets shorter and shorter,” to which I agreed.  

@ Oconee

Before I kissed summer good-bye, though, I enjoyed some time on the lake and a relaxing weekend with Byron [yay!].  I’m blessed to have had a relaxing summer as a newlywed, and even more blessed to have an end to my summer – because that means I have a job!!  

A night of shopping for wakeboards, followed by a stop in the Lego store,
and finally to TBM for dinner... great date :)

This morning I greeted the school year with a big mug of coffee and a smile.  In the midst of greeting students, sorting school supplies, and trying to lead lessons, I mixed up my twins … which allowed the perfect opportunity for them to further trick/confuse me.  Sneaky, sneaky, sneaky.  There were no major mishaps for the day; all of my students made it safely to their bus or car in one piece, whew!

I'm incredibly excited to see what this year will bring.  God's blessed me with such an incredible team of teachers and some very special students.  It will be a new experience -- fun, challenging, rewarding, and exhausting.  I'm not sure if when my head will stop spinning.  Life's about to get crazy -- here's to the new school year!  Cheers.

answered prayers . . . but that's no need to stop praying

Isn’t it interesting how we seem to talk to God more when we need something from Him?  Comfort, guidance, strength, peace, understanding…there’s an endless list of things only He can provide for us.  And as soon as you I feel like the world’s about the come crashing down or I’m at the end of my rope, all of a sudden I find myself on my knees praying.  A lot.    

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  Then the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-8

All summer long I worried and stressed about work, wondering if I would even have a job for the new school year.  The summer was exhausting…After spending months praying for a teaching job, I was officially offered one last week.  I am the newest member of the third grade teaching staff at Knight Elementary!  I could not ask for a better school or with more incredible teachers.  It is such a blessing that I truly enjoy spending time and working with the ladies of third grade. 

I never cease to be amazed at just how wonderfully God’s plan works.  It’s like He knows what He’s doing or something! 

But now that God’s answered my prayers and led me to the school I thought was out of my reach, is a hiatus of prayer in order until my next breakdown?  No. No. No. Absolutely not.  I am probably guiltier of this than anyone else and I am determined to change that. There will always be uncertainties, and without a doubt there are even more reasons to praise God.  Lately I’ve spent a lot more time in prayer – praising God for how great He is, giving thanks for the great works He’s done in my life and how graciously He’s blessed me, and presenting my worries and requests at His feet before I’m unhappy and unable to sleep.

Never stop praying.

1 Thessalonians 5:17

didn't we just get rid of all the boxes?

Byron and I have been married a little over 2 months and it literally seems as though we just finished unpacking our last box.  All of our items have found ‘their place’ in the apartment, and then, as soon as everything is settled, what happens?  It’s time to pack them up again.

“Haven’t you only just moved in? Why are you moving out already?” you might ask.

Well, the story goes something like this:

Byron began working in Macon as soon as he graduated college in May 2011.  When Byron and I married, we knew Macon wasn’t the place we wanted to call home, but since his job was here, so we landed.  Last week I was offered a job teaching at the most marvelous school (more on that in another post), and Byron insisted I take the job…in Gwinnett.  Byron cannot transfer to the Atlanta area, so we have been praying like madmen for God to lead us to a job for Byron.  As of now, our plan is for me to move back to Gwinnett and live with my gracious parents while Byron continues to work in Macon.  Hopefully he won’t be here long. 

This is most definitely not the ideal situation, especially for a newlywed couple.  If you read my last post, you know it’s difficult for me to say this, but we’re trusting that God’s got something great in the works.  He’s in control and fighting for us to be in the same city.  We just need to trust His timing. 

Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is 

the Lord’s purpose that prevails.  

Proverbs 19:21

This has been the theme of the summer for me.  Regardless of the plans I make for myself, the Lord’s plans prevail. Instead of planning and worrying so much, my energy should be spent seeking and growing closer to Him. Praising Him in all circumstances.  God’s plans are better than mine and He is faithful. 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, 

so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Romans 15:13

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, 

“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”  

Jeremiah 29:11

I'm memorizing these verses and praying that sooner or later I'm going to stop doubting so that I can really believe and trust in what they say.

God's plan for me & my faith in it.

a Pinterest find

Faith is a constant struggle for me.  I don’t fight with whether or not Jesus is who he says he is or if what’s written in the Bible is true.  That’s not what I’m talking about here. 

My struggle is having the faith to trust that God is in control, that He has a plan for me, and that He will make His plan prevail.  I grew up hearing these statements and memorizing the Bible verses that support them.  I know it in my heart, but do I believe it?  Truly believe it?  With my whole heart? 

Most of the time.

Other times, I do all that I can to avoid God because I’m upset that my plans aren’t following through the way I’d wanted.  My Bible basically calls my name [and if it had eyes they’d stare at me] as I walk past it and refuse to pick it up. 

Side note: I am a planner.  Byron jokes with me because I have to plan in advance to be spontaneous.  I like to know what’s going on and when it’s going to happen.  I just can’t imagine why letting God have control of my life is so hard for me…  {incase you didn’t pick up on it, that last line was sarcasm}

from one of the blogs I follow

Last week was one of those ‘other times.’  I was upset about everything.  Literally.  And when I’m upset I do a whole lot of nothing.  And you know what’s funny?  In the times I was trying my hardest to avoid talking to God [which is just silly because I should seek Him in these circumstances . . .], He was trying even harder to talk to me.  I kid you not.  With church signs, songs, Facebook, Pinterest, and the blogs I read, God revealed Himself to me through my friends, calmed my heart, and brought me back to Him.  

from another blog I read

Then, to put icing on the cake, His plans were revealed.  And yes, they are better than what I was anticipating, like always.  I imagine God saying to me, "One day, young grasshopper, you will learn. . ." Haha.  [but really.]  

Thankfully, my faith in His plan waivers less and less.  I do believe it’s growing me into a less controlling, more humble person, for which I am grateful, but it’s still a tough learning experience for me.  

and another Pinterest find

I guess God's using social media for His benefit.  Who woulda thought?