Blogger Awards

Thank you to sweet friends who have nominated me for blogger awards. Oh--if you only knew how little I know about blogging! I can't even publicly thank you for the nominations because I can't do anything on the computer beyond the simple posts :-(

My daughter graciously "redecorates" my blog each season. I wouldn't even know where to start.

I love reading all of your blogs and find myself filled to the brim with good thoughts, recipes, pics of your adorable little ones...

So, all this to say ~~ Thank You!! You encourage my day to day life :-)

Am I "Chicken"?

I applied for a second term with Americorps this week. I spent hours completing the paperwork, organzing my schedule and then making the all important visit to the school site where I will be serving. Oh my...things have changed in the two years since I served at this Middle School site.
I witnessed a general combative/apathetic mood from the students. I noticed a more agitated/on guard stance from the teachers and administrators. So, I had to ask myself~~Is this where God is calling me? Is this where I can make a difference or be brought down?
For the Fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace...you know this verse.
I might be crazy but I am willing to choose Love, Joy and Peace. I know we need the money, BUT...God can over rule this.
I can hear you all now. God can use me in this situation. Believe me, I know this first hand.
Two years ago when I served, God used me to spread His plan. Now I know He wants me to protect His Loved Ones.
Please pray with me.

Paperwork

I applied today for my second (and final) term with Americorps. There is an abundance of paperwork involved.

There are oaths, disclaimers, tax forms, citizenship declarations, references...I think I could run for office after this process!

It's all good ~ because Americorps volunteers in our county work with children in their school settings. It is all grass roots stuff in our county.
The Americorps motto is "Make A Difference"

That's my goal.

Bends in the Road

Sometimes when you set out on a journey you face a bend in the road.

Each turn offers opportunity. One may be the more scenic route. The other offers

challenges that you weren't seeking but ~~ lessons can be learned.

Well, today I set out in obedience to apply for a job. In the midst of applications, I came upon an opportunity to serve a second term with Americorps.

Aha, just the thing I have been searching for! I served a term two years ago. I split my time between Lakeport Elementary as a reading tutor and Terrace Middle School as an Algebra tutor.

It seems the program has an opening for a tutor at the middle school. I would have to really pour on the effort to complete 450 hours by the end of the school term. If I fall short I can serve in Summer Session.

Please pray with me as I consider this. If it were up to me I would volunteer for the rest of my life but ~~ it doesn't pay the mortgage :-(

Homemade Goodness

The past couple of days have brought bad news. If you are a homeowner in the United States, I think you will understand.

So...to counteract the bad~~I made chicken and dumplings :-)

Anyone hungry?? I long to serve.

Baby Blessings

Thank you dear friend for coming into my life. We study Scripture together, discuss family values, love our husbands and children, grieve over lost ones...yes our hearts are tied with the strings that make the wings of angels. I love you. So this is why I spend time creating a soft blanket and lovey bear for your long awaited son ~~ soon to arrive in March. Welcome Little One

New Starts

There is something exciting about a new project. I have the new mixed in with the finished and the "almost done" in my knitting basket. Starting something new seems to recharge me!
And so it is with the new year. I don't make lists of resolutions but I do sit down with my Bible and pray about one or two specific goals for the year to come.
In 2008 I prayed "Let me not seek a life of ease" and "Help me to be a blessing to others".
I had one of the toughest years because of these two goals but ~~ one of the most blessed years also.
This year ~ 2009 ~ my goals are to develop a spirit of servant hood and to spend time pondering God's Word and what He is teaching me. This might entail memorizing portions of scripture or just being quiet and listening more. I checked on the definition of ponder and found its roots in the word "weigh" (not one of my favorite words!) The premise being to weigh carefully in the mind with thoroughness and care. To think quietly, soberly and deeply.
Hmm...I think I will actually have to sit still for this one!
I am curious to see what God brings about this year.