Heart Choices: 2015-01-04 -->

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Five Minute Friday: Welcome


It's Five Minute Friday when I link up with Kate Motaung. We are given a one word writing prompt each week and then we write for five minutes flat. Our word for this week is: WELCOME.

GO

It can be all too easy to stay with the familiar. My comfort zone is what I know, whether it's a place or people. I know what's expected and I've learned how to do it. The people, quirks and all, are what I know. I've learned to adjust. But what happens when it's time to venture out into the unfamiliar?

Will I feel welcome?

I recently changed jobs within the same organization. A new class was beginning in my school and I was asked to be the teacher for the youngest children; the 2.75 to three year olds. It would be the beginning of their school career and they would be starting as Mini-Mustangs. A change for them and a change for their teacher.

After the announcement was made, I felt so welcomed by the other preschool teachers. They called me out of my room to officially welcome me into their group. Many offered help and materials. And they presented me with a beautiful lanyard.


The first morning with my new students I wanted them to feel welcome. I remembered how one of our Music teachers always seemed to have the ability to bring out a smile on each child the first day. She greeted each child by name and shook their hand.  As she said their name, she smiled and shook fast. They laughed. She held up a bumble bee and they giggled.

And so I took my queue from Miss Storme. I sang a hello song to each one of my new students and smiled and shook their hand. They laughed and appeared to feel welcome.

Sometimes it's just a little gesture or a smile that can change the atmosphere into one of welcome.

STOP

Blessings and love,

QuickEdit

Peaceful Sleep


Do you sleep peacefully? My husband Greg took this photo of me the other night. He tends to stay up later than me. He often tells me how peaceful I look when I'm sleeping. Of course, there are nights when I'm probably drooling as the evidence is on my pillow. And very rarely, there might be a snore or two coming out of me. But ...not very often! :)

Well, Greg suggested I post this photo on Facebook. I was hesitant as I'm cautious about what I post on any social media. But I went ahead and posted it. I had to laugh as the 'likes' and comments came in very quickly! My friend Linda immediately pointed out that I was praying. Others commented that I looked peaceful and comfortable. And one friend wrote that she was waiting for a photo that I would take of Greg sleeping. Payback! :)

Well, this morning I was doing my Bible reading during my early morning quiet time. I'm using an app on my Kindle from YouVersion. There are many reading plans available but this year I'm doing Bible in One Year. So far, I'm loving this one!

One of the readings for today was Psalm 4.
I love when this happens! As I read this verse, I also read the accompanying devotion. True joy and peace are found in relationship with God. God alone is the true source of joy and peace. Prosperity and material abundance doesn't necessarily lead to a peaceful sleep. I can attest to that. Been there and done that! Only in God's will can we truly 'dwell in safety'. 

When I'm ready to go to sleep, I say my prayers. As you can tell from this picture, I often do fall asleep praying. Giving my burdens to the Lord helps me to sleep peacefully. 

Will you give it a try? How do you sleep? And should I post a photo of Greg sleeping?

Blessings and love,
QuickEdit
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