They are AWESOME!

I love being a teacher. Sure there are moments when I am in total need of adult conversation and times I don't wish to hear my name for the rest of the day, but I do LOVE being a teacher.

Why?

Moments like this....

Our school has a Battle of the Books competition each year. The students are asked to read books from a "battle list" to compete. This year my class made it to the championship. During the middle of the battle, my class gave an incorrect answer. No one noticed. However, when they realized what they had done, they immediately told the librarian. The two points were taken away and the other team was able to give the correct answer. Telling the truth could have cost them the match!

What a proud moment it was to see my team stand up for what was right.

They were the only ones who knew they had made a mistake.
They knew the two points could cost them the match.
They showed integrity.

As adults, we don't always show integrity. We don't always stand up for what is right. I am thankful for the lesson my students taught me.


And yes, they won the championship!

Summer Bible Study

This summer, I will be completing the Tour of Duty Bible Study online with Wives of Faith.  If you are interested in joining us, CLICK HERE to find out more. 

The Graduate

Jeffrey graduated from seminary last Saturday.   He was also promoted to 1 Lieutenant last week.

I am so proud of all he has accomplished and can't wait to see what God has planned for him.

Bike-a-thon

Our Wednesday night children's group is called Children in Action.  And you know what? That is exactly what they are.

Recently, they decided as a group that they wanted to have a Bike-a-thon to raise money for a student/friend who has cancer.  Their teacher, Mrs. Cindy, organized the event.  The children raised over $500.  Here are some pictures from their Bike-a-thon.

Our children amaze me.  They are loving and caring.  They are the ones who kneel at the alter each Sunday in prayer for others.  We can learn so much from them. Oh, to have the faith of a child.

Housework vs Children

So lately I have been stressed out.

My house is a mess. 

Yes.

A mess.

We are well into baseball season. We are at the park either practicing or having a game about 3 days per week.  We are at church 2 days a week. And I have after school meetings 2-3 days a week. Sometimes all of these happen on the same day! 

On the days we have nothing to do, we usually find something to get into.  Playing in the yard. Riding the four wheeler. Hitting up Sam's Club.

Needless to say that housework gets put on the back burner.

The other day Colin said, "Mama, I am so mad at you." Why? He couldn't find any clean socks.  I proceeded to inform him that they were clean and in the rocking chair.  Then Carson proceeds to tell me that I never do laundry or was dishes anymore. They were really letting me have it.

So, with my feelings hurt, I told them I would start staying home from their ballgames and we could even quit all after school activities altogether and spend all of our free time cleaning.

That one didn't fly too well.

Moving on to the next day....

One of our baseball players said his mom was home napping (missing another game) because she was so tired from working and doing housework.

So, what is my point?

My family comes first.

I find my joy in being with my children. I don't want to miss out on their lives. I want to be a part of everything they do.

Dirty clothes will always be there.

Dishes will continue to fill the sink.

My babies, however, are growing and changing everyday.  I am not promised tomorrow with them, so I must make the most of today.

Oh, Don't Post Those!

I love my pictures.  They are things that I treasure.  Here are some out of focus, crazy faces picsI still like.

Book Review: Miracles & Moments of Grace

Our military is a very important part of our country. Our service men and women, as well as their families, make sacrifices daily. A part of the military that, honestly, I had never heard of until my husband felt a calling to it is the chaplaincy.  My students and many adults ask me, "What is a chaplain?" My simple answer is "a preacher for the military." However, after reading the book Miracles and Moments of Grace: Inspiring Stories from Military Chaplains by Nancy B. Kennedy, even I am reminded that our chaplains are much more than preachers for the military. They are a reminder of God's love, mercy, and grace.

This book compiles true stories, real experiences from our military chaplains of yesterday and today.  In each story, I saw God at work, whether it was through healing or comfort.

Some of the stories remind us that sometimes it is the little things that make a difference in a soldier's life.  Chaplain Lewis told of one thing he missed most....his "real" fork.  Most of us probably wouldn't give our eating utensils a second thought, but to him it was a big deal. Chaplain Lewis longed to have a metal fork for his meals.  Something as simple as a fork can give comfort to a soldier.

For some soldiers, physical activity can bring relief from some of the stress endured from being in a war zone. Chaplain Sifferd told of how the game of golf drove soldiers to higher morale. Not only did Chaplain Sifferd get involved in ministering to his fellow soldiers through the game but people, businesses, and world famous golfers got involved too.  God not only used golf for soldiers, but also used it bring healing to one soldier's mom after the death of his father.

Some of the stories are simple and fun like these, but others are more serious and heartwrenching.  Take for instance the story of Chaplain Martindale who sat at the bedside of a dying soldier writing letters to his wife and children for him. There are the stories of those that served at Ground Zero and off the coast of tsunami stricken lands. I feel compelled to retell each story, but my words can't do them justice. 

Chaplains serve in such a vast capacity. They are more than preachers of God's word.  They are symbols of His love and mercy. Our chaplains remind those they serve with of the hope found only in Jesus.

Miracles and Moments of Grace is a wonderful book that is sure to touch the hearts of those who read it.



I was given a copy of Miracles and Moments of Grace  by Nancy B. Kennedy by Leafwood Publishers for the purpose of review. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to review this book. 

My Oldest Son

He melts my heart. 

He shows me how I should live.

He brightens my day.

He has a burdened heart.....
He prays for peace.

He prays for salvation.

He prays for his best friend's daddy.

He prays for the tornado victims.

He prays for soldiers to come home safely.

He prays for the gas prices to go down.

 He's the best big brother ever.

He is just like his daddy.

My oldest son, Colin.

What a very special young man he is.  I am so blessed to be his mama!