Heart Choices: 2012-07-29 -->

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Back to School Time


It's that time of year again.  It's back to school time.

I had a good summer spent moving and getting settled in our condo. I also had the opportunity to visit family and to rest.  I'm ready to get going and have a wonderful school year with our classroom of three year old children.

I had a special blessing yesterday during our church service.  Pastor Dan asked all of the teachers, teachers aides, and anyone who works with children's education to come up to the front of the sanctuary.  He included the home school moms too.  He thanked us for our dedication and commissioned us for service.  He then prayed for us.  What a blessing!

I am fortunate to work with a wonderful teacher.  The two of us enjoy each other and work so well together.  This will be our third school year together in the three's.  Both of us want to remain positive throughout the year.

I captured this photo of Heidi in our classroom.  She was actually talking to a prospective parent.  And no, we don't get to wear shorts. It was during a week of preparing our classroom.  The words written are from Heidi's Facebook page and I just happened to add them to this photo.  I think it's a great way to keep her accountable, don't you?


I had to share this cute wreath I found on Pinterest (of course).  Isn't it the cutest?


And I had to add this saying that I found on Pinterest.  This is what all of the children in our class learn to recite.  When we pass out scissors and they get green instead of yellow, the little ones say "you get what you get and you don't throw a fit."  It works!

I'm still continuing to count those every day blessings.

#467 Finally getting settled in our condo
#468 The opportunity to work with 17 new students who are three years old
#469 Being prayed for by my pastor
#470 Having a summer off (this never happened when I worked as a nurse)
#471 Having access to my treadmill since Greg unpacked all of the boxes that were in that space
#472 My rotator cuff is feeling better after working with my Physical Therapist
#473 Having lunch with my good friend Helen
#474 My mother-in-law finally got to see the renovation we've done at the condo
#475 Home cooked meals
#476 A kitchen that is workable

I'm linking up with Ann of A Holy Experience for Multitudes on Monday.



Blessings and love,



Photo Credit: Freebiespot.net
QuickEdit

Come and Rest


Come and rest here.  It sounds like a plan.  I welcome a place where I can rest.



I'm ready to pack my bags.  So, where are we going?  I ask this question so I can be ready and prepared.


Will I be going to a beautiful peaceful island?  I would love to sit quietly and feel the cool ocean breeze, smell the salt air and simply ...rest.

Although a vacation on a paradise island would be lovely, it doesn't last. Eventually, I have to return home.

I wrote a short post for Five Minute Friday on the word HERE.  I wrote how I want to be available to God.  To not be so busy and preoccupied.  To listen for His voice as I spend time in His Word.

As I listened to the words of Kari Jobe's song Here, it reminded me of something very important.  Listen for yourself and ...be blessed.



"Here"

Come and rest here
Come and lay your

burdens down
Come and rest here
There is refuge for you now

[Pre-Chorus:]
You'll find His peace
And know you're not alone anymore
He is near
You'll find His healing
You're heart isn't shattered anymore
He is here

[Chorus:]
Breathe in
Breathe out
You will
You will find Him here

[Bridge:]
I will rest in You

[Outro:]
You will find Him
You will find Him here
You will find Him
You will find Him here

The best place to find true rest is spending time with the Lord.


Here I find peace and healing.


Here I lay my burdens down.

Breathe in, breathe out.

There are times when a vacation on a remote island sounds awesome.

But I realize that for now HERE is where I need to be. He gives me what I need for each new day.  And I'm so very thankful.


I'm linking up with Charlotte for Spiritual Sundays.

Blessings and love,

QuickEdit

Five Minute Friday: HERE



It's Five Minute Friday when I write for five minutes flat on a word given to us by Lisa-Jo of Gypsy Mama.  Our word for today is ...HERE.


GO


Here I am.  But the question in my mind is am I ready and available when He calls me to His Kingdom business?  Or am I too preoccupied with my own agenda and to-do list?

Here I am.  My heart's desire to do His will each day.  But then I get caught up in the distractions of life.  The urgent replaces the most important.  I miss some of the opportunities to touch a life that is hurting.  Instead I hurry on to the next appointment of my day.

Here I am.  As I think about the obedient ones listed in the Bible, I want to be one of those who heard His call and obeyed.  I know it may be a call within my own family or my neighbor.  Or it may be to lend a listening ear to a friend who is hurting.  Or to give a hug to someone in need.  Or to visit an elderly person who is so very lonely.

Will I make the time to listen and ...obey.

Here I am.  Do I even hear the Spirit's prompting?

Keep me close Lord.  I am here.  I want to be able to listen.  I want to be available.

STOP

Blessings and love,

QuickEdit
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