A Thousand Years Part 2 Extended Montage - Christina Perri ft. Steve Kazee

Happy Monday!

Yes, it's Monday and of course, it has to start out full force.  After such a wonderful week-end the trials started flying our way before 6 am.  Hubby's transmission started acting up, I feel like bronchitis is kicking in once again...but all in all, God is good!!

My husband and I went to see The Hobbit this week-end for our date day. Something we try to do at least twice a month.  After the holidays and quite a bit of family drama, I really needed some nice down time and he was able to give me that this week-end.  I've learned that sometimes I just need to stop and forget everything else going on, put work aside, and take care of me.  So much harder to do than it is to say.

School is back in full swing.  I am so thrilled to be back with my kiddo's!!!

I spoke with a very dear friend of mine today that I haven't really had the opportunity to catch up with much lately.  Beth Moore is coming to Greensboro in April and we always go together.  We both need a break from the world and Beth Moore is such an amazing teacher.  If you want a God moment.....oh, you need to go to one of her conferences.  God is more present than ever!! I can't wait to catch up during that week-end.

I hope to catch up this week-end on posting some Christmas crafts.  I made over 80 ornaments this year!

I pray everyone has a blessed week!

2013 Siesta Scripture Memory Team: Verse 1!

2013 Siesta Scripture Memory Team: Verse 1!

So it's time to dig into God's Word!!! My first verse to memorize for the year is below.

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12NIV

 

Kristen Day: Twas' the Night Before Christmas - A song for Sand...

 Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38,

when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.

Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.

They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.

They were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.......

They remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.

"Where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.

"This is heaven." declared a small boy.

"We're spending Christmas at God's house."

When what to their wondering eyes did appear,

but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.

He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.

Then He opened His arms and He called them by name.

And in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring.

Those children all flew into the arms of their King.

And as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,

one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.

And as if He could read all the questions she had,

He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."

Then He looked down on earth, the world far below

He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe.

Then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,

"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"

"May this country be delivered from the hands of fools"

"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"

Then He and the children stood up without a sound;

"Come now my children, let me show you around."

Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran;

All displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.

And I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,

"In the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA

Dr. Phil and Robin Read a Very Special Poem

We Have A New Student! Except, She is an Elf!

I am so excited about doing the Elf on the Shelf this year with my kiddo's!! Since my children aren't young anymore, this helps me create more fun memories.  Today, we started back to school after Thanksgiving break and there was a letter waiting from Santa! It was very encouraging and he has asked the children to help teach his little helper all about the love of Jesus and how to listen well in school. 

So, our next step was naming our elf.  Because I have an overwhelming number of boys, I purchased a girl elf.  The children picked six names to vote on.  They came up with Lollipop, Lucy, Jet Ski, Flower, Whisper and Glitter.  Now wouldn't you know that the boys voted overwhelming for JET SKI!!! Oh well.....it's their elf.  Hehe

So our next task was to spot Jet Ski.  Wouldn't you know she was hanging out in the reading loft with a good book.  She had helped herself to our "Kiss Your Brain" jar and grabbed her a pack of Skittles to snack on!

Oh I can't wait to see what she does tomorrow!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Days 19-25

Day 19 - I am thankful for my step-son Johnathan and my step-daughter Paige.  Even though they have been kept away from us, they are still a big part of our lives.  Their photo's hang on our walls just as all the other children we have.  Their ornaments hang on our tree......their birthday's remember.  I know that God is bigger than any situation and that He will move and reunite my husband with his children.  I have no doubt and I have placed all my faith in Him.

Day 20: Today I am thankful for all my facebook friends.....those whom I've known the majority of my life, former classmates, Farmville and Sims friends. You all make my mornings much better and my days bright! So thankful to have you as friends.

Day 21: Today I am thankful for those few days that I have to myself. That alone time. Time in which I can use to relax, focus on God's Word and do a little heartfelt crafting. It's a time to replenish myself.
  
Day 22: Today I am thankful for the food we have to eat. So many in our own country are dreaming of a slice of bread or a warm bowl of soup. Today as we feast on all the wonderful things we will be sharing with our families, may we remember to pray for those less fortunate. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!

Day 23: Today I am thankful for the joy and excitement of Black Friday! Having the chance to help others fulfill their Christmas wish list is such an adrenaline rush!! I might feel as though a tank has driven over me but it was all worth it!!!

Day 24:  Today I am thankful for CHOCOLATE!!! Oh lord, how would I live without it???
 
Day 25: Today I am thankful for music. It soothes my soul and makes my world such a better place! Whether it's encouraging music from artist such as Third Day or Mandisa, preschool songs such as 5 Little Monkeys or outstanding soundtrack music from hit movies it makes my heart merry and bright! I wouldn't be who I am without music. It's a very big part of ME!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Days 15-18

Day 15 - I am thankful the entertainment and The Twilight Saga!!! Yes, the crazy vampire/wolf movie.  Stephanie Meyer did such a wonderful job with the books and the books were super as well.  Today, I am spending 12 hours with friends watching all the Saga movies and the premiere of Breaking Dawn Part 2! I can't contain my excitement!!!

Day 16 - I am thankful for coffee!!! Without it, I would not have been able to go to work today after only 4 hours sleep.  Breaking Dawn was epic!!! (I'll have to make a separate post on it!!) I have never been a morning person and I depend on my coffee to get me going in the mornings.  Thank you lord for that wonderful bean full of caffeine!!

Day 17 - I am thankful for my grandparents, those that have passed and my Mamaw that is still with us.  They have been a huge part of my life.  My second and third set of parents.  Some don't have the privilege to know such joy.....I have been very blessed and I am thankful that God continues to allow them to watch over me.

Day 18 - I am thankful for God's saving grace! Without His grace, we would be nothing!!! He loves us even when we know we are unworthy of his love.  The greatest give I've ever been given, besides my children, is the love of God and his grace and mercy. 

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 14

Today, I am thankful for my sister, Robyn.  We are six years apart so growing up, we weren't really that close.  During the past 7 or 8 years though we have finally gotten that close sisterly bond.  She has been through struggles just as I have and we have always had each others back.  She is one of my best friends.

My grandmother use to always tell me the story of how when Robyn was first brought home from the hospital I knelt by her bassinet and prayed to God thanking him for blessing me with a sister.  It's funny that I can remember them sneaking me in the hospital to see her......back in those days you had to be at least 12 to visit anyone.

So, I am thankful that God blessed me with such a true gift....the gift of a sister.

Day 13: 30 Days of Thankfulness

Today I am thankful for my cricut! Yes, my cricut!!! It's the best gift my parents ever gave me.  It has given me so much enjoyment and been so useful in my classroom, as well as keeping me busy with holiday projects.  I love the art of scrapbooking.  Check out some of my creations at my other blog:  Heartfelt Creations by Rhonda