A Whirlwind Finish

Friday the 14th marked the final day of my first trimester of teaching. As of 3pm yesterday afternoon, all of my grades for the trimester and been entered into my electronic grade book. Ten minutes before beginning this post, all of my grades were turned in to my boss. I am sure that means that progress reports will be going out to parents this week. I am going to spend the rest of the day pulling data on kids' grades, cleaning up and organizing my classroom, going through papers and of course setting up for the rest of the week. Hopefully the day passes quickly. 

I spent Saturday wedding dress shopping for my cousin Aly. She tried on so many beautiful dresses and the one she picked is indescribably perfect for her. Our grandmother (a master seamstress and dressmaker) came along as did her other grandmother, her fabulous mom, our friend from high school, an aunt of Aly's, a friend from college, and Aly's sister in law. We skyped in Emily so that she could be involved even though she is all the way in warm and sunny Arizona. It was so much fun! After she said yes to the dress, we went out for lunch and then went home to enjoy an afternoon of reality T.V. and girl talk. The wedding is in September and I think it is safe to say everyone is looking forward to it. That night, Aly's brother Tom, drove Aly, Katie (our friend from high school), Tynan (Aly's friend from college) and me to a local bar where we had even more girl/wedding talk! It was such a busy, eventful, exhausting day and countless memories were made and laughs shared.

Sunday, well Sunday I spent grading. My students did okay for the end of the first trimester. I wish I had gotten more final papers, but oh well. I did my end of the work and sometimes that is the only thing I can do. It has been cold and snowy here and so I spent all of Sunday cuddled up with Lifetime movies playing as I graded. It was a nice day.

 I have started the second week of Love God Greatly's Gratitude Bible study and I cannot express how poignant it is to my walk with Christ. The focus on thankfulness and gratitude to Christ amidst the struggles and trials of everyday life is something that has really made me reflect on and consider my perspective in the moments that irritate, frustrate and complicate my life. I have been made to stand back and really look at how these moments affect my life in the big picture and to really pay attention to what/where I am placing my values and priorities. It is difficult to praise God and thank Him in these moments sometimes but I am learning that I am closer to Christ if I thank Him in all moments, whatever kind they may be.

A verse that has captured my heart the last few days comes from Philippians 4:7, "And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." I think that so often we forget (I know I do) that if we just let Him, Christ will give our hearts and minds His peace and that His peace will ease our anxieties, stresses and worries. This is something that we must remember and consciously, consistently (if you are like me daily) allow Christ to do. If we do, we can be more balanced, compassionate, grateful, and loving to not Christ, but to those around us. Today, my friends, I pray Christ gives you peace for all your moments. I also pray that in return you give Him gratitude. 

To close, the picture below is from Saturday night, a good time was had by all!

                                        Me               Aly              Tyan             Katie




                                                                                                      

In Christ,

Teresa

Giving Thanks, Focusing on Blessings and Loving Life

October turned out to be a very busy, lively, vibrant month. Tons of family time, football, and fun with my friends (think indoor pool time with your best friend chasing her adorable one year old!). I finished my Esther bible study with Love God Greatly, and on November 10th I will doing another bible study with Love God Greatly, this time focusing on gratitude! If you are interested, click the link above and read all about it. I would love to have you join me in deepening my relationship with Jesus and walking closer with Him each day. It will be a joy filled, reflective, thanks focused study and I am eager to start this study! 

November is the finish of my first trimester of teaching, the start of my second trimester of teaching, wedding dress shopping with my cousin Aly, Thanksgiving, and lots of family time! I am really looking forward to it.

 I am a little nervous as well. Last Thanksgiving was an exhausting, stressful, emotional, draining time. My ex had open heart surgery on November 21, 2013. I was essentially primary care for him through his recovery in the hospital and then when he got home as well. By Thanksgiving day, I was absolutely drained. There was a ton of drama that took place on Thanksgiving day and by 11 that night, I drove home crying and just wanting to sleep for days. Now, I am completely different person. I have found my courage, my joy, and my strength. I am still nervous about how I will handle the week of the 21st. I am hoping that school will keep me very busy. I will be praying my way through that whole week. If you could pray for me, I would greatly appreciate it. My focus will be on my blessings and on all the people in my life that love, support and make me happy. 

Focus on your blessings, friends! Love is so wonderful and Jesus gives us all so much to be thankful for!

84,000 Prayers,
Teresa

P.S. My favorite devotional verse from this week was Psalm 68:35, "O God, You are awesome from Your sanctuary. The God of Israel Himself gives strength and power to the people. Blessed be God!"