Snow and Even More Snow Days

Since I've last posted, we've had a big weather front move through Tennessee that started in the Mid-Western states. The bad weather was projected to hit us last Friday. I was told in advance that school was to be cancelled for Friday, and since I had planned to go visit Ryan, Kristin, and Kinsey that weekend anyway, I packed in a hurry and headed out Thursday evening to their house.

I stayed with them Thursday night through Monday afternoon. It was a wonderful visit! It was nice to be able to hang out at their house, play with Kinsey, enjoy the snow and some down time. It was great!

I said earlier that I had planned to visit them that weekend anyway. Part of the reason for that was because Ryan was to be installed as a deacon at his church that Sunday. With the weather such as it was, it was uncertain that they would do it that Sunday or if we'd even be able to go to church. As it turned out many churches did cancel their Sunday services, so you know this was a serious winter storm!

But, we were able to go to church Sunday and it turned out that all of the deacon-elects were there, so they did the installation. It was a brief ceremony at the end of service, and the new deacons and their families assembled in the lobby so the congregation could congratulate them. It seemed to me to be a surreal experience, seeing my "big little brother" become a deacon. Part of me still thinks, "Really? He's too young for that. We're still just kids, right??" Not that he wouldn't do a great job, it just seems like such a grown-up responsibility. And then I remind myself that he is indeed a grown up, with a great family of his own and a good job. I love you Ryan and I'm proud you are my brother! May God bless you and guide you as you take on this new leadership role.

In an earlier post I had made a reference to some good news, thought it was not yet time to share it. I can share it with you now although this good news has slipped away from us. Kristin and Ryan were expecting again, and as they did with Kinsey, they told me first because they knew I could keep it quiet. : ) Sadly though, Kristin miscarried a few weeks ago. I am sad for Kristin and Ryan, and it is sad for all of us. But for some reason it was not meant to be at this time. It is sad to let go the possibility and the hope of what could have been, but in the end we trust God and believe in His plan. Kristin and Ryan, you're in my thoughts and prayers daily. I love you guys.

More Snow Days and a Gulf Coast Getaway!

After 4 consecutive snow days with a weekend in between, I was most definitely ready to get out of town! Luckily the Gulf Coast Getaway weekend was coming up the next weekend and I was fortunate enough to get to get to go. It is a young adult's Winterfest particularly catered to the college-age crowd. It was a wonderful event! I was very uplifted by the worship, speakers, and mission/service focus of the event. Randy Harris and Earl Lavender spoke and they did a phenominal job. Thank the Lord for the gifts they have been given!

This week has been my first five day week of the new year so far! Ugh, I'm tired! It's Saturday morning and I've enjoyed sleeping late and today I imagine I'll catch up on some things around here and have a semi-lazy Saturday. It's going to be a good day!

Next week will most likely be a busy week. I have tests to prepare for and no doubt other surprises will pop up too. But it will also be a good week. I hope complete my 3ooth workout at Curves, Lord willing! Just 3 more to go! : ) And, next weekend, I hope to go to Clarksville and get some quality Kinsey time and visit with my favorite brother and sis-in-law!

Snow Days Welcome Here

This has been one of those weeks that I didn't anticipate happening when I became a school counselor. By Wednesday, Christmas break seemed like it happened a lifetime ago. Everyday was hard fought, stressful, and demanding. Little by little, working all the while, I could see a small light at the end of that proverbial tunnel. There is still work to do but it is not going anywhere. All the while I've tried to smile, be appreciative of my co-workers' help, and try to return the favor whenever possible. By Thursday there was snow in the forecast and, about 12:30, we were sent home. Friday also turned into a snow day. I have enjoyed resting, reading, reflecting, and movie watching!

Holiday Wrap-Up

This being the beginning of 2010, I have made some New Year's resolutions. One of them is to blog once a week, even if nothing exciting is going on. It can at least be a way to journal what's going on in my life. I've had a great Christmas break with family and friends. I will be posting some pictures soon. As for now, it's back to the ol' grindstone.

Today went okay. It was good to see people, but it seemed almost immediately I was back in the semi-frantic mode of trying to get too many things done at once. It's hard for me to manage being able to stop, smile, and help people without wanting to them to feel they've interrupted me. Is that awful? Sometimes I think so. After all, if I didn't want to help people I wouldn't be doing this job. Another resolution I've been thinking on came to me Sunday in the form of my church's motto for 2010: Being God's Hands for the World. This accurately describes the philosophy I want to have each day at my job, and everywhere I go really.

Today I got some other good news, but that will have to wait. But it clear that God already showing his blessings in 2010! I am so thankful!

Good News!

I am so thankful! Today I was offered a counseling position. I am relieved and I thank God. I know I will be overwhelmed at times, but I know the Lord is with me always. I pray that God will bless others through this work, and me.

Changes, They are a Comin'

Seems like there is so much going on right now. Summer is nearly over. You know that summer is almost over when two things happen: 1) the calendar says it is the end of July, and 2) it is almost time for Shark Week on the Discovery Channel. I'm not a fan of either. For a teacher every summer flies by, and this one has been no exception.

I have gotten to do some fun things- went to Florida with co-workers, Franklin on a Civil War tour, and even a whirlwind trip to the Chicago area. I of course also spent a fair amount of time visiting family in other parts of the state. And I cannot forget to say how GREAT it is not be taking classes this summer! The freedom has been wonderful. It's been nice to read a few books. For fun!

This is the start of what I believe to be an eventful and good week. ( And hopefully a slow one too, since we go back to work next Monday!!) I surely hope to know where I will be working very soon. I am in prayer and believe that God's will be done in the matter.

There's are people in urgent situations in need of prayer. There are 2 people on my mind right now, and I ask if you are reading this, to lift them up. One is confidential at this time, but the other is my grandmother Margaret. She was recently diagnosed with uterine cancer. She will have a hysterectomy soon. We hope to have a surgery date set soon. Hopefully the surgery will take away all the cancer, but this is major surgery for an 84 year old woman. Your prayers would be greatly appreciated. My prayer for both of them is that God heal them and restore them to their former health.