Gratitude

Gratitude:  Letting others know you see how they’ve helped you.

     Gratitude is our virtue for the month of November. It's certainly appropriate since we celebrate Thanksgiving during the month of November. But how often do we really show gratitude?  I can only speak for myself, but I am quite aware that too often my Gratitude Tank is on Empty. I tend to complain instead of offering gratitude. What does that say about me?
   
     There are many people to whom I owe a huge THANK YOU.  But one keeps coming to my mind... and I haven't told him how truly thankful I am for him. Oh, I thought about sending him a card or an email, but I just haven't gotten around to it.  And that's NOT acceptable!

     On Monday, October 24th, the Airline Viking Freshman football team played the Southwood Cowboys at Southwood.  On what turned out to be the last play of the game, my oldest son, Peyton, was involved in a helmet to helmet collision.  I did not see the hit, but I saw him fall....and keep pushing himself back...out of the play... with just his feet.  I knew he was hurt. 

     I'm not a mom who usually over-reacts to an injury.  But I knew Peyton was hurt.  I prayed.  I watched. I prayed. I watched.  My friend, Lisa, who just happens to be a Physical Therapist was beside me and told be everything that would happen as the situation continued to unfold.  I knew he was hurt. I knew it had to be his head or his neck.  I stayed in my seat watching until.........the referees called the game. The game was over, and the emergency crew had been called.  It was now time for me to make my way to the field to check on my son and wait for the rescue unit.  As I got to him on the field, I told him he was ok and to be tough.  I touched his leg and looked into his eyes.  He was calm. Someone was talking to him and holding his head and neck since the play had ended.  The trainer at Airline, Paul, was holding Peyton's head and neck. Paul was very calm and continued to talk to Peyton and to me.  He sat on his feet for probably fifteen to twenty minutes just stabilizing PT's  head and neck until the paramedics arrived to evaluate the situation.  He gave the paramedics all the information and assisted them as they strapped PT to a board in full pads and helmet.  I knew this was very serious. As Lisa talked me through this process, I remember her commenting about Paul and how she bet "his feet and legs had fallen asleep" as he helped hold PT's head and neck securely for at least 15 to 20 minutes.  Lisa continued to "coach" me as to what they would do next, and where we should go.  Because WK South was the closest hospital, we went there. 
 
     We entered the emergency room where PT's jersery was cut from him. Strangely, that was a little difficult to watch. After some time his pads and eventually his helmet were removed as xrays were taken.  Prayers and texts of prayers were constantly being sent to our phones as we awaited the results of the xrays.  Perhaps I was experiencing that "troubled grace" that Doc speaks of so often because I kept thinking that I should be falling apart at any moment.  But I didn't.  When the doctor finally told us that he had determined that PT had experienced a "stinger" and we would soon be released, I remember having a huge feeling of gratitude.  I was thankful that God had kept PT safe on that football field.  I was thankful we were spending the night at home. I was thankful that PT's friends and coaches came to see him before he left the hospital. I was thankful that the Lord had allowed Lisa to be beside me and help prepare me for exactly what was to come in that scary situation.  I was thankful that PT was worried about getting his EAGLE test completed online before 11  PM! LOL!!! I was simply thankful. And I remembered Paul.  Paul, the trainer.  Paul, the guy who's feet were probably still tingling from sitting on them so long- for my son.  I was so thankful that Paul had seen the seriousness of the hit and reacted with caution and quickness.  I was thankful that Paul had evaluated PT and continued to talk to him in a calm and careful manner.  I was so thankful for our precious trainer, Paul. 

     It's been two weeks tonight since the injury, and I'm just now getting around to thanking Paul. (That kinda stinks that it takes me so long!!!)  But THANK YOU PAUL!!!!  You rock!!!!  I can never thank you enough for holding my child's head and neck at such a scary time and keeping calm and composed.  You are awesome, and I am very thankful!  So Paul, I'm showing gratitude to you.  I'm letting others see how you've helped me and my family.  And I appreciate it very much! Thanks, Paul!  I am very grateful for the job you do for the student athletes (and their parents) at Airline High School! You are a REAL CHAMP!!!

SYATP See YOU at the POLE

Repost from 9/22/10 SYATP
for Theresa & Toni & Lainey



Last Sunday we were challenged to really worship. Not just at church, but in our daily lives. Our Sunday worship should be an out-pouring of the previous week.
Then, Doc explained to us that when we are worshiping, Jesus is right in the middle of our worship. (if we are truly worshiping in spirit and truth) He went on to explain that the angels and the Saints are in our midst as we worship. Knowing that the Lord is in our presence when we worship is enough, but knowing that we are worshiping Him with the Saints, those that have gone before us, is pretty awesome! After thinking about that, I realize that when I worship - I am worshiping with Old Testament Heroes! Ones like Noah, Abraham, Issac, Jacob, Joseph, Ruth, Rahab, & Ester, and New Testament Heroes - John- , Mary, Peter, Paul, and Timothy. I even thought about Heroes of the American Revolution like George Washington and Nathan Hale. And my grandparents, Uncle Jack, Bro. Jerry, Mr. Jerry, Mr. Tom; my sweet student, Molly, Katie, our babysitter, my precious friend, Sharon~ Wow! What a CROWD!!! How awesome is that!?!!
After mulling this around for a week or so, I can't help but be fired up about Wednesday Morning at Legacy Elementary School. This Wednesday, September 22, 2010 is SYATP- See You AT The Pole. This is the day that students, teachers, and parents all over our country and world meet before school at the flagpole to pray for the school year. We will pray and sing praises to our King, then have a devotion to start our school day. I can hardly wait! It's so exciting!!! And you can be a part!!! Just meet at your school flagpole! So I started thinking......who will be at our flagpole? Not just who I can see with my eyes, but who will be there worshiping with me that I can't see? Humm.... Who will be at your flagpole? See you Wednesday!

2 Corinthians 4:19
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Hebrews 12:22-24
But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, 23 to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, 24 to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel









Eph. 6:12 English Standard Version



For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Super Chicks!!!

Had a blast today with my sweet Super Chicks! You girls are our heroines! I LOVE YOU Lori, Christy, and Jennifer!!! Beautiful Ladies inside and out!!!

Thanks to John Roden and Chick-fil-a for our adorable team shirts!! 

A beautiful morning for a quick jog!  Ran with friends ~old and new. Great to see my precious grand-big sis, Lisa Porter Clark! What a blessing she is with her Butterfly Boutique on E. 70th Street.  Thanks Lisa for helping our precious SUPER chicks!!!

September 11, 2011: Ten Years Later, We Will Never Forget

     Sunday will marked the tenth anniversary of the terrorists attacks on our country.  I still remember it like it was yesterday.  Sunday morning I woke up and realized that most or all of my students were not even born on that awful day.  Until this year, my students either had some memory of that day, or they have been told stories about where they were, where their parents were, and the terror that unfolded that September morning. 
     So how do I explain the significance of this day to my fourth grade students?  I'm not sure.  I might start by telling them how Lauren Y walked into my fifth grade classroom said, "Mrs. Coker, did you know that an airplane just crashed into one of those big towers in New York?" 
    I told her I hadn't heard a word about it.  I justified in my mind that a pilot had possibly had a medical condition and unfortunately flown into the tower. How sad. Now to educate the future.
    As the morning progressed, classroom phones were ringing all over our open building. Something strange was going on, but we weren't sure what.  A teacher would receive a phone call from a babysitter, a parent, a spouse, then we would huddle together in the middle of our classrooms and pass along the newest information.... and gasp....and pray....and wonder what was going on in our country. 
   We were instructed to let no students on the Internet.  Students began to check out of school.  At recess, we were told all teachers would stand on the perimeter of the playground. Our students played innocently for perhaps the last time in their lives.  But some were onto us.  They knew something was up, and they wanted to know what ..... but we didn't know.  Not really.
    As the day progressed, we were told that all flights were grounded indefinitely. President Bush was flying from a school in Florida to Barksdale Air Force Base- located in Bossier City, Louisiana.  Really? Was the media really telling the world where the President was going? It was true. President Bush visited our own BAFB that terrible day.
     Finally, the remaining students left to go  home, and I could go get my babies.  Both were at FBB Wee Center.  I raced to get them.  When I got them home, I hugged them a little tighter never taking my eyes off of the national news- now with a ticker running at the bottom- sometimes two. 
    PT was four at the time and quite upset that Cartoon Network had interrupted the cartoons to broadcast the latest tidbit of information coming from Ground Zero. 
   I put the kids to bed early and watched as towers continued to burn and fall.  Total shock!
   Professional football and baseball games were postponed.  Our country couldn't grasp the magnitude of these attacks.  Everything stopped that day.
   As time passed, our country showed a real sense of patriotism.  Flags flew from homes in every neighborhood.  Patriotic tshirts and hats were everywhere and on everyone. Americans showed their patriotism and pride in a way they never had! And heroes were born.....
   First responders were recognized for the risky jobs they perform each day.  The military was called upon to fight, and our country was behind them.  Neighbors checked on their neighbors.  Strangers were a little kinder  and more considerate to each other. 
    And heroes were born.....
    I believe that is what I will tell my fourth graders.  During one of the darkest days in our county's history, heroes were born. 
   I will introduce them to Todd Beamer and his pregnant wife, Lisa. I will attempt to explain how Todd Beamer loved his wife, his kids, and his God.  That Todd was just an ordinary guy-but did something extraordinary by charging that cockpit with his buddies to retake the plane that was heading for the Capital Building in  DC. Ordinary guy that had the character to do something extraordinary. An American Hero.
     And then there's Pat Tillman.  Pat played football for the Arizona Cardinals.  After September 11th, he quietly left fame, fortune, and football to train to be a US Army Ranger.  (Now that's a  man! We have his football jersey & will fight over who gets to wear it Friday)  Pat trained quietly to become a ranger. Pat and his brother trained with this elite group so together they could help fight the War on Terror.  Amazing!Leaving it all behind - and who knew?  Another American Hero.
     John 15:13(NIV) says, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."  As stories are told and retold this week, ten years later, let's tell our children about our American Heroes.  Those who were just everyday people, but called upon to perform extraordinary tasks.                                         
     I think that is called.......Leaving a Legacy!

Limeades for Learning

Please vote for our class in Limeades for Learning. Thank you!

My Story Part 2

   As I said earlier, PT and I enjoyed packing boxes for Operation Christmas Child and sending cards and letters to children around the world.

   I read that book, Miracle in a Shoebox, each year to PT and to my class at school.  And I don't remember exactly how it happened, but those precious McWilliams girls (while attending Apollo) told me that their grandparents had been on several mission trips distrubting the shoeboxes with Samaritan's Purse.(It just-so-happened that their grandmother was a friend of my Aunt Gail; and it also just-so-happend that the girls' Aunt Robin was my sorority sister from Louisiana Tech! Isn't that cool?!) So they had their grandparents come from all the way from Arkansas to our school. They shared with our class about having the opportunity to hand-out the shoeboxes to these needy children! Wow! (Now that was a mission trip I could get excited about-humm )

    A few years later, God blessed us with ND! And PT, ND, and I would read our book, shop for our "shoebox child's" gifts, color or write letters to enclose, and pray for the precious child that would receive that box. It was so exciting to witness my boys began to realize the gift of giving.

   In 2005, my parents informed me that they would be going with First Bossier to Juarez, Mexico. Huh? Yes, they were going to Mexico to distribute OCC shoeboxes!!!  I asked to go to along.  I begged to go. There weren't any slots left! I was going to have to wait....

    Until 2006! In January of 2006, I went on my first mission trip! And I WAS SOOO EXCITED!!!

    Our team went to Juarez, Mexico, stayed in a room full of women (can't remember how many),slept on bunkbeds, shared one shower and one toilet.....and I didn't want to leave. 

    It was thrillng to watch the eyes of those adorable children and their grateful parents.  I'm not sure who was more excited- the kids or the team.  It was truly a life changing experience!!  Nothing like I had imagined in Mission Friends, GAs, or Acteens!! This was AWESOME!! An adventure!

    And so each year in January, I would get really excited because I was headed to Mexico!  In 2009, the trip was especially exciting because PT, my friend, Lisa along with her son, JJ, went with us. The boys worked so hard, played hard, and loved on some kids.  Suprisingly, they said they would forfeit some of their Christmas money and gifts to go again. That was BIG! (Teenagers giving up their "stuff" for someone else?!)

    About that time, Juarez became the deadliest city in the world. Needless to say, our church would not be taking groups back there anytime soon. And I was sad...

   I remember almost dreading January 2010.  No mission trip to begin the new year.  Not for me anyway. 

   Brad, our mission's pastor, had planned a trip to Peru, but it was a longer and more expensive trip. I didn't even tell a soul that I was interested in going. But I was...

   As my mom prayed (that Sunday in church) a prayer of thanksgiving that her daughter wasn't going to Peru, the Lord had other plans.  The following day I received a phone call asking if I would like to go on the trip.  What?! How!? By 3 PM on Monday, I was going to Peru. Mrs. Leigh was sick and getting sicker (poor thing), but I was going in her place.On Friday!

    The team was awesome! The missionaries we worked with were wonderful. The people of Peru were hungry for the word. And the county was gorgeous!! I made new friends from home and new friends in Peru.  It was a fantastic trip! 

    It was on that trip that the Lord began speaking to me that I didn't have to go to Mexico or Peru to minister to the poor.  They were in Bossier. Just down the street. Around the corner.  I knew I had to do something.  But what?

     Yes, there's still more...

   

  

Book Review: A Place Called Blessing by: John Trent with Annette Smith

A Place Called Blessing


By John Trent with Annette Smith

What a wonderful story of brokenness to blessing! As the story unfolds, Josh and his brothers are growing up in an unsupervised, neglected home. Their parents leave them alone to care for themselves. The boys’ basic needs are unmet. The brothers long for a family that will love and care for them. Then, their parents are killed in an accident. The boys are sent into foster care bouncing from house to house. Just when they seem settled, another tragedy strikes, and the boys are sent back to the children’s home. Shattered dreams haunt Josh as he grows older. Finally at eighteen years of age, Josh sets out to begin a new life for himself. He makes a friend and begins to feel a sense of belonging. Once again, tragedy strikes.

This is an amazing story that vividly displays a picture of grace. It allows the reader to see unconditional love from a precious family given to a total stranger. The story is interesting, yet easy to read. With a few twists and turns of the plot, the author reveals the meaning of grace, and the longing of every person for the “blessing” of their family. This book is Magnificent! It is a book that every parent should read!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

My Story... Part 1

    For the past few months, we've discussed our personal stories.  So this is mine.... at least part 1.

    I was raised in church.  As a child, I was a faithful member of Mission Friends on Wednesday nights at our church.  Yawn!  It never really appealed to me, but I was a "pleaser". I loved my teachers in Mission Friends, but I wasn't a fan.
 
    As I grew older, I advanced to GAs- Girls in Action.  Again, this "program" did not interest me, in fact- it kinda scared me. I vividly remember a particular story about  missionary to some foreign country. (probably Africa) In this story read to me in GAs, a missionary returned to her home or hut or whatever to find a cobra coiled up on her sofa.  Well, that was it for me.  There was no way I would ever be a missionary. I could be a teacher, a nurse, a children's minister, but never a missionary!  Not this girl!

     About this time, a family in our church was called to move to New York City and preach on the street.  I have to admit, this was a little interesting to me. But I didn't tell anybody.  However, I remember when "Brother Scotty Teague" and his precious wife, Linda, and their boys would come home to visit. I was always eager to hear what God was doing in their lives and in the lives of the people who came to the Lord as a result of this ministry.

     When I entered junior high school, I became an Acteen, the "middle school" mission program for girls.  BOORRRIINGGG! Again, I loved my leaders, but I wasn't a fan of the material.  Ugggg. Yuck!  Seriously, who in their right mind would want to be a missionary. Not this chick! NEVER!  

    I completed high school and attended Louisiana Tech University to become an Elementary School teacher.  In 1993, I met Coach Ronnie Coker. We dated for a couple of years and married on July 1, 1995.  (a teacher and a coach- now isn't that sweet?! And this Friday will be 16 years!)
 
  Then, surprise!  Before our first anniversary, we found out we were expecting our first child. One day Tracy, Mrs. Barbara, Mrs. Betty and I were shopping in a bookstore- aka- HEAVEN for a  teacher-!!! I was buying books for "baby" Peyton.  Picking up a book entitled, Miracle in a Shoebox, I noticed the author was Franklin Graham, so I bought it. I mean, if Franklin Graham wrote it, it must be good! 

    Well, you may have guessed it was about Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child project.  I was hooked and have to admit, it was "divine intervention".  Peyton and I began a tradition. We shopped for our "shoebox kids", read the book, Message in a Shoebox, and recorded our "gifts" in the front cover of the book. It was so exciting to shop for a child with my child. And Peyton enjoyed it, too! We were making some special memories...

     But little did I know, that was only the beginning...

Part 2- Coming Soon

Top 10 Reasons I Love the USA

 Top 10 Reasons I Love the USA:

10.   I don’t have to check for black mambas under my bed every night. (I believe the “ecosystem wouldn’t support that” cold-blooded  creature –or at least it was hibernating while we were there.Guys- you can’t scare me that easily!)

9.   I can brush my teeth with tap water, not bottled water. Wooo Hooo!  No ooohhhssss!

8.   Diet Coke & Ice! (Not Coca-Cola Light!)  Diet Coke, the real thing!

7.    Smoother roads.  Surprise!!! Yes, even in Louisiana the roads are smoother. (Another reason to be thankful)

6.     Nickeys, Johnny’s Pizza,  Silver Star, and even the grocery store. (Oh how I truly dislike going to the grocery store, but at least I don’t have to grow my own food to sustain life for my family.  Praise the Lord!)

5.    Fabric Softener- yes, I so enjoy the feel of soft towels, soft sheets, and soft clothes.  And the smell of fabric softener-did I mention the smell? The magnificent smell of Downy Lavender Fabric Softener in the purple bottle is a little bit of heaven on Earth.

4.     Air Conditioner – good ole AC! We didn’t need AC except in the airport, but when it isn’t available you really miss it! (right Brad?)

3.     Food Safety- how often do we give this a second thought?  Eat as you wish because we have food regulations!

2.      Multiple electrical outlets.  We have so many gadgets to recharge that many electrical outlets are a must.

1.       INSIDE TOLIETS!!!!  Hooray for indoor plumbing!  Toilets that flush! Not a hole in the ground. 

Thank you Lord for the “little” things!

With that said, we were gently reminded how our “technology” and gadgets allow us to quickly disconnect from each other and from God.  It is nice to journey back in time to a world where less is truly more.  A place where there are far fewer “distractions” which provides us with an opportunity to actually be still and know who God is…..the Creator of the Universe.  It is evident by watching the sunrise over the savannah, or the giraffe as it nibbles leaves for its breakfast.  There is evidence in the vibrant colors of the hundreds of species of flowers, and the breathtaking aroma of rosemary that grows freely in the wild. Amazing! Who could see these wonders and doubt there is a God?  (So many of us discussed this as we watched the sunrise, and when we observed the animals in their natural habitat on the safari.)   But so often, we are totally consumed with our “technology” that we hardly even notice the quiet, awesomeness of our Creator.  And it’s on display everyday….even in the good ole USA.  

Psalms 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

Book Review: The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

David Ponder is now an older gentleman.  His daughter is grown and has her own family.  David is once again very successful financially, but he is struggling with the death of his precious wife, Ellen.  The feelings of loneliness and heartache are almost too much for David to handle.

Suddenly, Gabriel appears to him. David is ordered to a gathering to help rescue all of humanity from a path of destruction and disaster.  Heroes and heroines from the past join David as they are called upon to discover the solution to getting the world back on track. And the solution is in just two words.

The Final Summit is suspenseful and inspiring.  Once again Andy Andrews uses influential people from the past to assist David Ponder as they work quickly to determine the two word phrase that will hopefully save the world.  King David, Joan of Arc, and President Lincoln are several of the characters that use their life experiences to help decide what message could possibly change the direction of entire world.

This book is interesting, exciting, and suspenseful.  The final message is clear.  Andrews is truly an inspiring writer.  I recommend this book, but suggest reading The Traveler’s Gift prior to reading The Final Summit.  I promise that both books are difficult to put down before the final page.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html>

Disney World vs. Real World

     Disney World was awesome!  Even Ronnie couldn't believe his eyes!!! We saw Snow White, Mickey Mouse, Alice in Wonderland, some princesses and princes! There were parades, and life was truly magical.  Walking down Main Street with "We're All in this Together!" blasting, I just wanted to run up to Peyton, grab his hand, and start dancing like we did when he was 4 or 5 in the living room.  But I didn't!  I grabbed Nate instead! But I didn't embarrass him- much!
      The rides I rode 29 years ago were just as wonderful as they were back then.  Oh, there were new rides, and new tunes, and new princesses, and new characters and all were absolutely fantastic. Parades that made Ronnie stop and take note. And Cinderella's Castle was still standing tall. (Now who wouldn't want to live in such a magnificent castle?) From the opening act as the Magic Kingdom welcomed us into the gates, until the fireworks ended the day, life was magical.  And everyone lived happily ever after...
       But then news came. And all too soon the magic was gone.   
       Another grieving family. A child taken too soon. Ugggg. And it was a blast into reality. 
       Oh, Disney World is great! A wonderful escape. A place to be a kid again. But we live in the real world. And Cinderella's castle isn't really a castle at all.  It appears to be on the outside, but she doesn't live there with her prince happily ever after.  And neither do we.
      The truth is we live in the real world.  The fallen real world.  A place where accidents happen, and people get sick.  Even children.  Families suffer. Hearts break. Tears fall- often. I don't like it!  It stinks!
      What about my favorite verse- Jer. 29:11? It states, "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans for a hope and a future". How does that work when our hearts hurt so deeply? What about the plans we had?  So much loss......
      Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;  in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."  I've never been "crazy" about those verses.  Maybe because I like things to go "my" way.  Maybe, I think that my way is best. 
      But it's not.  I don't understand why the Lord allows things to happen the way He does. But those verses say two things. First, trust in the Lord. Now that's not easy especially when it hurts so deeply.  Then, it says Lean not on your understanding.  In other words, God is saying to me: "Dawn, You have no idea what I'm up to- and your little human mind wouldn't understand." And He is right. Always.
      I don't like it. I don't understand. I want answers. But He says "trust". "Trust in me- I promise I'm still in control."
      And so we go on with our lives in the real world. No real castles, no real princess and prince, and many days of no happily ever after. 
     But I can continue to teach my fourth grade girls that "I can trust God no matter what".  Because we can. Even when we don't feel like it. He's not going to let us go.  Romans 8:39 reminds us, "nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
      Charles Stanley writes, "God is more interested in our character than our comfort". Yikes! (see http://www.intouch.org/resources/sermon-outlines/content/topic/the_valley_experiences_in_our_life_outline)  There is so much more that I need to learn!
       Disney World is magical. But it's not real. Real life is difficult. Very.  But God is real and never changes! So, I know that I can trust God no matter what.  And one day soon, I will live in a Castle (aka-mansion) with the King of Kings forever.

Magic Kingdom

Having a blast with my family!!! We saw the Salute to the Presidents- amazing! I wish all of my students could see the big screen journey of our country's history! Yes, we are nerds!!!
Space Mountain, Peter Pan's Adventure, the Tea Cups, & It's a Small World are still my favorites. But I did enjoy beating all of the boys- yes, ALL of them in Buzz Lightyear's Space
Spin! I am a First Class Ranger! Thank you very much.
And who doesn't love a parade? Ok 2 parades? And heading out to see another! Got to run! More fun tonight! Heading to the castle....again.

Great is Your Faithfulness

  While singing a song in church this morning the words really hit me.  They were so appropriate for me, but reminded me of a special friend going through a rough time.  I remember thinking that I've got to find those lyrics so I can put them in an email for her to read.  They were so appropriate. So perfect.
    After searching for them tonight, I found a site http://www.radicalexperiment.org/lyrics/148/great-is-your-faithfulness.html and clicked on it.  Sure enough, those were the lyrics to the song. Even cooler, the lyrics were on a "Radical" sight- yes, Radical, the book by David Platt. I saw the names of the two men who wrote the song.  One said: Jim Watkins.  Humm? I thought to myself....Is that the same Jim Watkins that grew up with me? Always sang at church....always making fun of my really BIG hair....the same Jim that Amy Cox babysat? The same one who sang at my wedding?  He does live in Alabama now....Birmingham, I believe.......naw! Couldn't be.
    I quickly inboxed Mrs. Sandra and Mr. Royce, Jim's parents- as Jim doesn't have a Facebook account- or at least he hasn't "requested" to be my friend. LOL! Before I could wait for their response, I visited the Church at Brook Hills website. (Not too hard when you visit as often as I do) I searched Jim Watkins. His biography popped up, I read it. Yep! It's him!!!
    Now, how cool is that? Not only do our worship leaders truly know first-hand of God's Faithfulness and sing about it, but I know who helped write the song!! And his family knows all about God's Faithfulness and  New Mercies Every Morning!!!  This isn't just words they sing, it's words they live by~ it's "Their Story"!
    Doc has started a new series entitled, "My Story". I believe that song was the perfect way to begin that series.  The words to that song are the story for so many of us.  I guess it's just really cool when God allows me to know that the singers and the songwriters are on the same page. Great is your faithfulness always oh Lord to me; morning by morning new mercies still I see; and though my heart may fail you will my portion be- Great is your faithfulness to me!

Song Lyrics


Great is Your Faithfulness by Josh Poore and Jim Watkins

great is Your faithfulness

Your mercies never end

with each new day

they come again



Your endless love is strong

sure as the coming dawn

Your faithfulness

will be my song



as You have been

forever You will be



great is Your faithfulness

always oh Lord to me

morning by morning

new mercies still I see

and though my heart may fail

You will my portion be

great is Your faithfulness to me



great is my sinfulness

no good I have to give

but by Your grace

now I can live



You are my righteousness

the pardon for my sin

Your presence here

my King and Friend



Your promise stands forever

we will declare together

Your name alone is great

and greatly to be praised

New! Free ebook

I recently downloaded a free version of Dr. Charles Lowery's new ebook "Comic Belief". It's funny! I even laughed out loud while I was reading it. I bet you will too.




Charles is not only funny, he's one of the most encouraging speakers I've ever heard. He's a master storyteller and he knows how to get you laughing at real life situations that are common to all of us. Then, in the midst of humor, he speaks to the heart through his insightful teaching and practical life principles. Very powerful.



There is a brief video where you can hear Charles now on the free ebook site. I highly recommend it! Encouragement

Take Heart- Part 2

   Our school family has experienced a tough week. Probably the roughest ever! But what I've been learning about  "trouble" is that it draws us to the Father.  I was listening to David Platt on my jog this morning as he talked about the devastation from the tornadoes in Alabama.  We have no answers.  We also know that as long as there is sin in the world, there will be devastation, disease, disaster.  Not easy to swallow. 
   In my quiet time while reading from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young the first line says, "If you learn to trust me- really trust me -with your whole being then nothing can separate you from my peace. Everything you endure can be put to good use by allowing it to train you in trusting me.This is how you foil the works of evil..." The author goes on to remind me of Joseph when he says to his brothers, "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good." Gen. 50:20
   Our school family has proved this to be true.  As problems mount, it continues to draw us to Him.  We have prayed more together this last week than ever before!! The families of our students are praying.  Prayer requests are sent to staff members & parents by text and email - 24/7.  We gather before and after school to pray.  Verses are shared.  Personal testimonies are given! Victories, defeats, love, pain, tears, smiles, even laughter. All of this in the middle of turmoil.  I can trace God's hand at work.
     My God is sovereign and the great I AM.  Perhaps this was so clearly testified by my heart-broken friend, Theresa on Friday afternoon, at the graveside service for her precious, oldest son. She said she would shout it from the rooftop- she could not walk this road without her Lord.  She proclaimed to a large group that God was the only way she was making it.  She explained that over the past few days (and days to come- for sure) that she was empty and could not have made it without people "standing in the gap" for her and her family and praying them through it.  She continued to explain that it was not easy or OK, but with God's grace and the prayers that others were lifting on their behalf, she would make it!  And she will. With God's help. One day at a time.  (Don't think that's the outcome the the enemy wanted.)
     It's not going to be easy.  How could it be? But God is faithful, and always does what He says he will do!!  Deut. 31:6 says,"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
     My favorite verse is Jer. 29:11. "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans for a hope and a future."  But the older I get, I keep coming back to John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” 
    Yep! We've have trouble with a capital "T".  Just like the people in Alabama. and Japan. The list is endless! But, Take heart!!! Take Heart!!! He will wipe every tear from our eye.  2 Corinthians 4:18 says, "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary (our circumstances), but what is unseen is eternal.(God's presence)"  WOO HOO!!! It's not gonna be this way forever!! My Deliverer is coming!! And I think it's gonna be soon...
     Our school family still needs to be lifted in prayer. The Wards and KC need our unceasing prayers!  It's not going to be easy.  But with God's grace- we will make it -one day at a time.  And the result of these trials- we are being drawn to the Father. (again, probably not the outcome the enemy wanted)  Take Heart- the enemy is defeated!  NOTHING can separate us from the Father's love! 

   

I Am Poetry

My students are writing "I Am" poems, and they are so creative.  Oh, I did this in high school.  My mom even found my "I Am" poem and gave it to me when I was teaching poetry a few years ago.  Amazing how "I Became" my "I Am" poem!~ LOL!!  Almost, anyway!  Well, I did "misplace" that one so I decided to try it again.... Here's my latest attempt...

 I AM

I am forty and funny~

I wonder why we hurt so much?

I hear the brush of angels’ wings protecting me from unseen danger~

I see the signs- the rapture is soon!

I want my boys to make wise choices!

I am forty and funny~

I pretend I am a long-legged fast runner!

I feel like an Olympic champion as I cross the finish line-

I touch the future, daily.

I worry our children will never understand the sacrifices made by our country's forefathers!

I cry when others hurt so much-

I am forty and funny~

I understand that God is sovereign and in control.

I say “I can trust God no matter what”!

I dream my boys will be missionaries?

I try to put others first-

I hope my students will learn to love to read, but mostly that God has a wonderful plan for their lives-

I am forty and funny!

Your turn! Looks easier than it is!!!!

Palm Sunday

   " I don't think I'll ever think of Palm Sunday the same way again!" Those were my thoughts as I reflected on what this day means in my life.  But let me back up a bit....

     You see, there is a couple (that I don't know very well), but this precious couple provides a home to children who don't have  a place to call home.  They are foster parents.  It is my understanding that they are parents, grandparents, and now foster parents.  They provide a  home, a safe refuge, to some kids that know more and have seen more evil than most of us can possibly imagine.  That job doesn't sound like it could be alot of fun.  The fact is - it probably isn't.  This couple probably doesn't receive many high-fives, pats on the back, or thank you notes, but I believe they realize their reward will come later.  

    There are two things I do know about this remarkable couple:

      1. Their "family" attends church regularly!!!

      2. They take their "family" fishing.  And they LOVE it!!

(Now, this wouldn't be that different for many of our children.  They've been in church since birth, and they know I enjoy taking them fishing.) But for these kids, church and fishing are a real treat. Many have never been to church before, and most have never been fishing!   I am certain that this couple is impacting their world (mine, too) because I have evidence....... it's in their writing!

      About two and a half months ago, I assigned my students a writing topic about a Magic Carpet Ride.  I had given them a "Rock Star" Writers Checklist reminding them to include figurative language, vivid vocabulary, and a few other elements. Imagine my surprise as I began reading one particular student's writing about visiting Sarah Palin's  Alaska on his magic carpet.  Very creative!! And, it was pretty awesome that he was interested in Sarah Palin's Alaska, as this wasn't your typical republican. He used personification as he mentioned the evergreen trees smiling as he tried to land his magic carpet.  But it's the next part that really got me.  He used figured language and explained how he felt like "Jesus riding the donkey through the streets on Palm Sunday" with all the people singing, "Hosanna!" and welcoming him to Alaska.  I couldn't believe my eyes!  First Sarah, now Jesus?  And he knew the story, and used it in his creative writing!  I was so shocked that I ran down the hall to another teacher on his "team", had her read the paper, and we cried! And laughed! And read it over and over!!! 

     Later, we asked him about it.  He told us all about Jesus on Palm Sunday and Sarah Palin. I'll never forget that conversation!

    It made me realize not just the sacrifice, but the influence of  that precious couple on the children that come into their home. Their commitment to the Lord and those children who, for whatever reason are not living at home, is selfless and remarkable.  They are making a difference!!!  And those kids are "getting" it!! 

    As David Platt says,"Radical Sacrifice equals Radical Reward"! 

   For the record, I will never think of Palm Sunday without thinking of Sarah Palin and her evergreens singing "Hosanna" to the King.  And a precious couple who could be quietly enjoying their "golden" years, but instead choose to love a stranger's kids and point them to the Savior~ so one day these children will be Fishers of Men!!! Can I get a "HOSANNA!"?!

 

 

My Favorite Things...

My Favorite Things

(Princess Lucy Version)

Gummie Lifesavers and ebooks for my kindle,

Chocolate chip pancakes just off of the griddle,

Grandma’s purple irises, a splashing fish on my string,

These are a few of my favorite things-

Days by the pool and fun hats to wear,

Training for a race with a friend there to share.

Pink Gerber Daisies that were made by my King,

These are a few of my favorite things-

When I'm cranky-

During LEAP test week,

When I'm feeling sad-

I simply remember my favorite things,

 and then I don’t feel so bad!

(Verse 2 :)

Jars of Peter Pan Smooth Reduced Fat Peanut Butter,

Crashing waves on white beaches, monarch butterflies aflutter,

York peppermint patties and bright kites on a string,

These are a few of my favorite things....

Top 10 Things I learned the Week before LEAP Testing

10.  I need to do a better job teaching geography- perhaps after the pledge and Legacy Expectations, we should recite the state, country, and continent on which we live. hummmmmm.......

9.  4th Graders can understand "satire" - we read the book, Testing Miss Malarkey! They loved it!!! I think they quickly identified with the main character and perhaps they think Miss Malarkey and Mrs. Coker share a few characteristics also.

8.  They continued to understand "satire" as we read Dr. Seuss's last work- one he never finished, but Jack Preletsky and Lane Smith did.  Hooray for Diffendoofer Day! celebrates creative students and their crazy teacher Miss Bonkers, who taught them how to think.  Again, the students must take a test, but using their creative minds, they passed with flying colors.

7.  New students do arrive the week before testing. Thank you Lord, she's sweet!

6.  Testing AFTER Spring Break is tooooo late!!! They have peaked!!! Scary!

5.  Fourth graders are thrilled beyond belief about a week of no homework - they keep asking, "We won't have ANY homework?"

4.  Fourth graders are focused - not on LEAP- but on field day! of course!!

3.  I am optimistic that most can respond to a reading and responding question that indicates "use details from the story".  Perhaps that's wishful thinking... LOL!

2. I can consume an entire large jar of Peter Pan Reduced Fat Smooth Peanut Butter in 6 days! YIKES!!!! Has to be a record.

1.   The same virus from which my four fever blisters originated is also responsible for shingles.  Google it!! It's for real!!! 

It was a very interesting week, but I believe Phil. 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me."
I can not do it on my own, but with His help I can do anything.  BRING. IT. ON.

Pray for all of our kiddos that will be testing this week.  Pray for their teachers and administrators. I'll keep you posted.  I'm sure something interesting will happen. It usually does!!!

Fun Times with Friends

Wolf Creek 2011

  

   Spring Break 2011 at Wolf Creek, Colorado has been a blast!  One more day to slip and slide and sometimes ski the slopes.  It's always fun to vacation with friends.  New friends and old friends, where would we be without our friends?

    Proverbs 18:24 (American King James Version) says,  "A man that has friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother." I am so thankful for my friends. I am making some lasting memories with my family and friends here in Pagosa Springs, but I'm staying "tuned in" to what my friends from FBB and my Peruvian friends are doing this week.  If I could only be two places at one time! LOL!

Kids at Wolf Creek

     Some of the girls!

FBB friends & Peruvian friends