Proverbs 17:17

Lately, I have been reminded of true friendship. I think we often get wrapped up in our own lives to stop and truly value and appreciate our friends. I have been blessed from various things, such as girl-talking all day by the pool, a wedding for my much-deserving 308B college roommate, a spontaneous errand-running day with my partner-in-crime, and standing outside until midnight chatting about life with the neighbors. Completely surrounded by wonderful friends! It is so amazing to me about we learn such different lessons from different friends. Have different unique bonds. Know that they each were put into our lives for a special reason. Some we have to take in small doses. And those that we just can't get enough of. I am so thankful for each. My prayer is that I will be able to touch others' lives and have even more of an impact on the people in my life each day.

Lately...

Lately, I have been bombarded with millions of emotions - good and bad! Feeling down with lots of discouragement from many causing ridiculous tears.....complete happiness for special friends (my old roommate) and family (little brother) getting engaged! Sweet friends having precious little babies and other getting that great news that they are expecting! Watching celebrations of little ones with birthdays! Irritations from work - students, parents, coworkers, whoever! I'm just getting to the point where I need a major retreat! One tiny light is shining at the end of one tunnel - SPRING BREAK! I just need a break from life in general. Lately, I have been feeling like I am on a conveyor belt and my choices have been taken from me unwillingly. A friend recently mentioned how she wanted to savor each and every day! I want that so badly, but I can't seem to find the "pause" button in life. How can I slow down this train to enjoy the simple things in life?

Oh, What a Wonderful Feeling!

As I sit here, I'm all snugged up in my new SNUGGIE, watching a good old Matlock re-run after I just got out of bed at 10:00. Not a care in the world! THIS is the life! It's MID-WINTER BREAK! What a wonderful feeling to know that I am not going to be responsible for answering 5.7 million questions today. Every now and then, our brains need a little recharge, and today is that day for me! Don't get me wrong...I love teaching and all of my precious 19 little darlings, but it is all of the other overloaded stress that sometimes dims out the joy of teaching.
It is a constant struggle to keep the important things in my life in perspective as my mind often get crowded with those stresses. Today, I am not letting one single stress or negative thing enter my mind! Oh, What a Wonderful Feeling!

"I think I'll move to Australia!"

I woke up this morning freezing to death, because I didn't leave the door to the upstairs in my parents' house open for the heat to be shared. There was no hot water, so I was forced to set off on my day without a fresh warm start. I am trying to eat healthy right now, so I skipped out on breakfast to avoid unnecessary calories. I am starting to get a sore throat, and we ran out the door without getting even one sip of drink. My throat is on fire as we are about to set off for our day's journey to LA. I have a turtleneck sweater on, and I realize that the temperature outside does not allow for that. I go BACK upstairs to change into a cooler shirt....as I change, I get lipstick on my white shirt. I change BACK to my way-too-warm turtleneck sweater, because I now do not have the option to change. The day is fine until we are trekking back home. I begin to get carsick. The parentals and I stop for supper at a not-so-healthy-place (sorry to disappoint, Jess! I deserved it after my stinky day!). This burger place is the best in the state of Mississippi! It is definitely my fave, and I just knew this would be a great end to my day. They completely messed up my order, so I was completely bummed again. After all of my stinky little stop signs and disappointing moments in my day, I read such an amazing reminder from my girl, Jess, on Holding Down the Fort. Thank you, my sweet friend, for reminding me that I am way too blessed to even consider moving to Australia!

Love,
Alexander

Much Needed Priority Check

As I went to the youth group worship service tonight, all of the self-consciousness from HS came flooding back. Immediately, I noticed the groups/cliques gathering as they usually do. I almost felt like a fish watching the world outside of my fishbowl. I watched as the teens buzzed around to visit with each other wearing their name-brand clothes and carrying their designer purses. As the worship music started, we all started singing. Then there it was, I begin to hear a timid middle-schooler singing his heart out behind me. Yes--he was off key--his voice was obviously cracking, but it was the sweetest sound that i have heard in a while! This young guy was such an inspiration to me! He did not even have a clue that i was soaking up every single word that he sang as he praised our amazing God! As he sat in the back of the room....completely alone...his complete focus was where it was supposed to be! I just closed my eyes as tears slowly welled up as I thought about how so many other things/stresses/worries were flooding my mind. I just prayed that I could have the heart of that timid middle-schooler with no care in the world but giving his full focus, love, and attention to our precious God.

Thumbs Up!

Do you know what I love??? DAILY QUOTES! i kinda got a little carried away with the whole "add a gadget" thing, but i simply didn't have any self-control.

Just thinking...

"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say, "I used everything you gave me."
Erma Bombeck