and then there was proof...

In the background... sometimes that's where the great things happen. Where they aren't noticed. Where they aren't readily praised. Where they aren't unnecessarily examined. Where they can be properly thought through. The background is where this story started, but not where it's going to stay.

This one guy had been in the background, behind the scenes, in my life. He was a friend, he was a smiling face, but that was all. He just sat and watched me while I paraded around trying to figure my life out. I put myself in the spotlight while he waited in the shadows. He waited for the timing to be right. Timing that wasn't in his terms. Timing that was in His terms, whether this guy knew it or not. I was busy trying to teach and coach and figure my life out while he watched me teach and coach and tried to figure out if he wanted a part of my busy life.

I was busy collecting friends and living the high life, or whatever you call teaching at a Christian school whilst running around like a chicken with its head cut off, and he was working. Becoming. Learning. Collecting skills and character qualities to be a godly man.

Then there was an accident, yet a moment in time that God knew we needed.

After that, the background wasn't really an option. He was on my radar, and I was... uhh... more than just on his radar.

Occasional texting turned into tennis.

Tennis turned into unintentional dates.

Unintentional dates turned into intentional dates.

Intentional dates turned into sporting events.

Sporting events turned into trips to the lake.

Trips to the lake turned into trips to my house.

Trips to my house turned into a family that was readily accepting and thrilled that this guy was so... me.
He smooths out my rough spots.

He eats and likes my food.

He laughs at my jokes. 

He buys me the most thoughtful things (like an automatic car starter).

He treats me with respect and dignity and he treats my family the same way.

 He puts my needs above his.

And he proves his trustworthiness and patience. 

I needed time to prioritize and clear my head while Christ used that time to redeem my past. I wanted pure motives and I needed time to make sure that's exactly what I had. I needed someone willing to wait for me. And that is EXACTLY who I spent time waiting for. :)

Isaiah and I spent time gaining wisdom from the friends who know us both. Praying and talking through our thoughts, dreams, and concerns. We spent time with each others' families and got to know them as well. After a few months of limbo, we made it "official" without making it "facebook official" (which is actually still okay in 2013). And 135 days later, we're still enjoying each other. :)

As someone without an M-R-S, I've gotten the question for years, "When are you going to get married?" I still don't know the answer, but I get to spend my days patiently waiting for an ever-faithful God. He's blessed me quite a bit up 'til now, and I'm excited to see His blessings down the road. For now, I'm gonna enjoy the blessings of a boyfriend who reminds me to love and trust my Jesus.

Amanda Joy Photography

 

life is daily. how should that impact my teaching?

As I think about my job and my class, I wonder what my second graders will remember about me, their classmates, and their time in my classroom. I'm reminded daily of the impact I have on their young lives. I want these children to know that they are loved. They have a teacher who would bend over backwards to help them succeed. But do they know that? How can I show them?

I'm learning that life is daily. It sounds obvious, but some days, that fact is a blessing. Some days, the dailiness of life is a curse. But each day, I am allowed to and required to...

serve my students.

love them.

guide them.

give them opportunities to become who they are designed to be.

give them various chances to find what they enjoy.

answer their unceasing, unrelenting questions.

point them to the Comforter when they are upset.

calm their fears when they are anxious.

encourage them to do their best.

pray with them.

pray over them.

show them what it means to focus on others.

give them time and prodding to reach out to others.

laugh at their jokes.

redirect their wandering minds and hearts.

be an example of focus on the important things.

encourage them to be organized so they can be productive.

smile at them for no reason.

and show them that they are cherished.

Fellow teachers, I hope this can be a practical encouragement as you impact the kids in your class. :)

 

Life goals (the second grade edition)

I decided to take a few minutes and get to know my kiddos better today. In a few free minutes that we had after recess, I had them write the numbers 9, 16, 23, 30, 50, 75, and 100 on a piece of paper. Then, I asked them to write down something that they would like to do by each of these ages. :) Their answers were priceless.

A few favorites are... get married at 30 and get a job at 75. Watch the news at 75. Sleep at 100. :) And... what child living in America wouldn't want a gun at 50... or a horse. ;)

   

You've been RACKed.

So, my thankful November bombed. I didn't realize how busy life would get, but between coaching varsity girls basketball, taking two vacations totaling a week and a half, and teaching school, my free time was sparse. I love having an outlet for what creativity I do have, but I'm not ready to be completely tied to my blog. We'll see how things change in that department!

I found the idea of "RACKed" on pinterest, and I feel bad not citing it, but I have no idea where it is or where to start looking... So, I'll share a little of my project for December.

Random Acts of Christmas Kindness

Starting December first, I'm trying to make a difference by stepping out of my comfort zone and doing a random act of kindness. :) Days one and two are below. Some are small things, some will hopefully be bigger, but I'm trying to focus on others this Christmas season since selfishness sinks in way too often.

December First: I spent some time with some dear family friends baking and playing games with the kids. After I got home that evening, I packed up some goodies and waltzed over to my new neighbors apartment. Emily and I introduced ourselves to two new girls who just moved in. I'm hoping that this is the beginning of a bridge building time for us!

December Second: I made up a couple extra Christmas Party invitations for my roommate's and my Christmas "Extravaganza" this weekend. I dropped one off at my new neighbor's apartment, and one at my older-neighbor-whom-I-haven't-seen-in-forever's apartment. :) Lord willing, they'll at least stop by this weekend! :)

I'll keep you updated on my future RACKed activities!

 

Do it anyway.

I don't often (and maybe I really should) pass on words written by others, but today, I stumbled across this entry by Mother Teresa. Full of wisdom and full of grace.

Do It Anyway

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.
Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.
Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten.
Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.
Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God.  It was never between you and them anyway.



Such a poignant reminder to live for the perfect One who made me, not the imperfect others along life's path.

 

Make a difference Monday: week two

Report from last week: I wrote my note on a post-it note right before I left school and I tucked it in my wallet so it would be fairly easily accessible when I ran my errands that afternoon. :) I got to Target and kept thinking of a place to drop it. I decided that I would wait to the checkout line in hopes that no one was behind me. It worked out perfectly. I dropped it in the lane as Ii was loading my items onto the conveyor belt. As I was leaving, the cashier was meandering around back towards where I dropped it, so I smiled and picked up my pace. :) It felt good to know that no one (except you) knew the "good thing" I had done that hopefully left a smile on someone's face and pointed them to the true Source of love.

Week two's challenge: Write three (or more) notes of encouragement and leave them one of two places: tucked conspicuously between books at your local bookstore, or on windshield wipers in a parking lot. The choice is up to you! OR... you could do both. :)

If you happen to miss it today, go ahead and do it another day! Blessings know no boundary of time. :) Be a blessing to someone EVERYDAY!

I can't wait to hear about both challenges, last week's and this week's!

Make a difference Monday: the beginning

A dear friend was talking to me yesterday about how much of our lives are spent doing trivial things and how much time we waste just "having fun." We wanted to make a change. But we are two girls with very busy schedules. How in the world are we supposed to initiate any change that matters? We came up with several small ways. :) K-LOVE, the Christian radio station, does Make A Difference Monday. So we challenged ourselves to make even the smallest difference. We ahve a list of things to do that will make even a small difference in someone's life.

As a reader, I want YOU to:

1. Follow my blog either by google friend connect or by email.

2. Read every Monday what our challenge is for the day.

3. Join us in our challenge!!!

4. Leave a comment with what you did and how it went.

5. Pray that these "tiny" opportunities will lead to something bigger. :)

6. Strive to make even a tiny difference on... heaven forbid... a DIFFERENT day of the week! ;)

Week one: Take a dollar bill. Or two. Or even three. Write an encouraging note on a post-it. Stick the note on the dollar bill and drop it in a public place. :) Our notes today said:

"You are worth dying for. In fact, someone already did. Romans 5:8 ... But God showed His love to us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

I have to run a few errands after school today. I'm really excited to leave my "mark" on the world in a small way. It's the least I can do since Christ gave His ALL for ALL. :)

Interest and Impact.

Occasionally, I look at my blog stats. I find it interesting to see what other people view, what titles and content catch their attention. Where in the WORLD some of my readers are from.

I might not interest many people (honestly, I might not even interest you!), but I have the chance to impact those few that I touch. My blog has been viewed by people in SEVERAL countries... including (and not limited to)

United States
United Kingdom
Portugal
Russia
Canada
South Korea
Germany
Kenya
Honduras
Hungary
France
Peru
Malaysia

I know people in just a handful of these countries. Seriously, Malaysia?? I'll take it! :) Apparently, my blog is reaching all over the world. My influence might not be as significant as a certain Denver Broncos QB, but I have the privilege and responsibility to share the joy of Christ with those I can reach. This blog might usually be pointless nonsense, but I can take even the little things in life and use them as an... aroma of my Savior.

How are YOU using your corner of the world? :)