Monday Blessings
Counting my blessings changes my perspective. Instead of focusing on problems and disappointments, I'm able to recognize God's blessings in my everyday life.
This past week was the beginning of the new school year at Rancho Solano. It was exciting to see many of the children from our last year's class. Some of them were in our summer camp. But it had been several months since I'd seen many of them and they seemed to have grown during that time. I had missed them.
We had a classroom of 19 three year old children who were saying goodbye to their mommies for the first time. Oh there were many tears!
And did I mention that now all of the children at the school wear uniforms; even the Pre-K kids? They looked too cute! But they still got to wear their own choice of shoes.
#127 A brand new batch of three year olds to love
#128 Hugs and love from last year's students who are now in the Pre-K 4 classes.
#129 The excitement and smiles of Rachel and Kambria who were so excited to be in the same class
#130 Ishan's smile; he can melt any girl's heart!
Our new class had their first PE class. It was a bit challenging to teach them how to pass a ball to one another. But I think they had fun, despite some frustration on the teacher's part.
#128 Three year olds learning to work together
And it was frustrating for a few of the students too. As you can see, Ava wanted to keep the ball to herself.
I got to attend church with my friend Helen and her family. We used to go to the same church in central Phoenix but she moved to the northwestern area of town several years ago. It had been a long time since I had the chance to worship together with her.
#129 Meeting my friend Helen and her husband John and grandson Joseph for church
#130 My mother-in-love was discharged from the Rehab facility after her hip surgery.
My father's cousin in Norway sent me an email with a copy of an article his granddaughter wrote after experiencing the terror on the island of Utoya. She was hiding in a latrine for two hours during the shootings.
#131 Relief that Kristine is safe and able to talk about her difficult experience of losing many friends
#132 Grateful for Google Translate since it is so helpful to communicate with relatives in Norway
I'm linking up with Ann of A Holy Experience as I continue to count my blessings.
Blessings and love,
Hi Debbie,
ReplyDeleteWhat precious children.....It's almost time for my grandson to go to 1st grade and the other two back to play school a couple of days a week...and I have to tell you I am not ready....I have had such a good time with them this summer that I cannot believe it's almost over.
I am so sorry about your family over in Norway....I pray God will comfort all those families who are hurting...including yours.
You are so right about the thanksgiving giving us such a different out look....God really does use our praises as a gift right back to us......
I pray your new year will start off joyfully and I know God is going to give you a wonderful group of kids to love on.....
Hugs and blessings,
Nancy
Hi Debbie,
ReplyDeletePrecious pictures; how exciting for you to begin a new school year! :) (My grandson can hardly wait to start 4th grade next week)
The love and trust of a small child is so precious and can have such an effect in softening and keeping our hearts full of joy. :)
Continued prayers for your family in Norway.....
Have a blessed week,
Denise
Precious friend,
ReplyDeleteBOY OH BOY DO I MISS YOU! We need a phone chat girlfriend when your time and my time permit before the year is up!
First, looks like you have your hands pleasantly full with 19, 3 year old's! Oh my...I had to pause on that and smile. You are so gifted in what you do...I know that the love and compassion you extend to those children is PRICELESS! What an impact you are having on their lives.
Secondly, I'm so sorry about all that Kristine is facing and I'm sure many others. My heart of prayers is with them.
I thank God your mother-in-love was released. I pray a full recovering for her.
Love the photo of your friends...it's always a blessing to worship the Lord with friends!
I pray an awesome school year for you! Much love!
Love the shoes! Personality still shines through. :-) I’m glad these three-year-olds have you to love on them!
ReplyDeleteAs always, your list of blessings are so encouraging! Thanks for sharing. And, how exciting to be beginning a new school year with "new children to love"!
ReplyDeleteLiving for Him, Joan
What a blessing to get to pour into these beautiful lives this year.
ReplyDeleteI am praying for your family in Norway!
Love & Blessings!
So honored to be #129 on your thankful list. Loved sitting next to you in church.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week with the kids. As you know, they will get better about separating from mommy.