Just Darling...and various other drivel

*I've been hearing a song on my XM (the Highway channel) lately and am pretty hooked. I've never heard of Sarah Darling before this, but I love her voice. I hope she goes on to do something awesome!

*Today was Day 10 of my Whole30 adventure, and it went much, MUCH better than yesterday. Praise the Lord! I'll catch yall up tomorrow.

*I can safely say that this season of the Bachelorette was my all-time favorite. I didn't know if I'd like Emily at the beginning, but she was fabulous. It was nice to see a Bachelorette with morals, class, and good ol' common sense. I'm so excited she picked One F Jef!

*Yes, I'm also planning on watching Bachelor Pad. Yes, it's trash. No, I don't care :)

*I just finished reading Heaven Is for Real and LOVED it!! I remember the buzz when it came out a couple of years ago, but then I got busy and never got around to reading it. What an incredible story! I absolutely believe that little Colton went to Heaven, and his description made me even more excited about what's in store for us someday! I'm on the waiting list at the library for To Heaven and Back. I saw the author on the Today show the other day and am interested to read her account of her experience. Once I read it, I'll report back!

*My sweet friend Angie mentioned a blog on facebook at the beginning of the summer, and I started reading. And then I got hooked. And then I read four years' worth of posts, starting from his very first post in 2008. Yep. Four years. That's a lot of posts.  Matt Logelin and his wife Liz were excitedly expecting their first baby four years ago, and then Liz very suddenly died. Matt uses the blog as an outlet for his grief, and it was amazing seeing the life he;s made for himself and Madeline in the years since Liz died. He wrote a book not long ago, and it's on my birthday list. Check his blog out if you have several weeks to kill, 'cuz you'll probably be hooked.

*Seeing the Aurora movie theater shooter in court on TV today was a stop-me-in-my-tracks experience. Holy moly. There are some scary, scary people in our world.

*Do you consider 27 the end of the mid twenties or the beginning of the late twenties? I'll be there in a week, so this is need-to-know information. Please advise. Thanks.

Deep thoughts by 50 Cent

Remember Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey? I used to smile when I'd see that pop up during SNL reruns. Some of them are very clever, and are also pretty handy. Now I know what to do if my keys fall in a river of lava. That's need-to-know information, folks!

I saw this clip of an interview with 50 Cent and was taken quite aback, in a good way. I don't often think about 50 Cent, but when I do, I've honestly never seen him as a man of faith. The little I know about him led me to be very surprised when I watched this:

Either pray or worry, but don't do both. How true! This is something I've gotten better at in the past few years, but I have plenty of room for improvement. How about you?

Think what you want about him, but what he said is true. Thanks, Fitty, for the words of wisdom.

Hallelujah!

I saw this over at I Hate Green Beans and watched it four times, so now I'm sharing it here. Absolutely beautiful. I know this song and have liked it for years, but I just adore this version. I also had no idea it was based on the story of David from the Bible...very cool. Apparently these three girls are just friends who like to sing together and wanted to make a video. Pay special attention to about 4:10 on...that's where they really get me.

Note to my friends: I am very sorry I lack the vocal skills to sing with yall and make cool videos like this. I'll be happy to go fix yall something to eat for when you're done singing together; that's about the extent of my talents!

Aren't they great? What a lovely way to wrap up a day...happy Monday, yall!

Heavy, heavy heart

My heart is so heavy and so sad this evening. There's a student at our school and her family who are in desperate need of your prayers tonight, and please keep 'em coming. And then keep 'em coming some more. I know the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away and it's all, eventually, for good. I often just don't understand the purpose of bad things that happen to people. If you're a praying person, please put in a special one for this young lady and her family.

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." Revelation 21:4

Easter, a week later

Funny story (that's not really funny). A few weekends ago, I left my camera cord and charger at the ol' homestead. I asked my mom to mail it to me so that I could upload my pictures from the weekend. She mailed it the next day, and then it fell off the face of the planet. Absolutely disappeared. I have a big trip coming up, and I really needed to be able to charge my camera. I finally acknowledged that my package had been lost in the mail, admitted defeat, and ordered a replacement. $50 later, my new cord and charger shipped. The exact same day, the package from my mom arrived. Just my luck, folks! It took TEN stinkin' days to travel a grand total of 40 miles. As frustrated as I was, I'm just glad to be back in business. And I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of my new charger, because who doesn't need two camera chargers?! Ugh. Anyway, now I'm finally able to share the pictures that have been stuck on my camera.

Easter is hands-down my favorite holiday. I love having such a lovely day of celebration after the somberness of Lent. Going to church on Easter Sunday always lifts my spirits, makes me smile, and makes me glad to be alive. There's such hope and promise, the music is lovely, and everyone seems to be in a celebratory mood. What a glorious day indeed!

This year, I was blessed to spend the whole weekend with my family. Saturday was spent planting "the farm"...aka, the little garden we've got big hopes for this year.

{cantaloupe, okra, jalapenos, cucumbers, scary hot peppers)

{Atkinson and Sweet Million tomatoes, and two black & white farmhands...our tomatoes have been "blighted" the last few years, so we're trying them in pots this year. We'll see!}

We also dyed Easter eggs Saturday. I don't think you ever get too old to dye eggs, and we look forward to it every year. This year, we decided to use Kool-Aid...thank you, Pinterest. It worked really well. Just mix a packet of Kool-Aid with one cup of water; no vinegar needed. Our eggs turned out a bit speckled when they dried, but overall they looked great. We think we've started a new tradition!

{It's cool to not wear makeup when you dye eggs. Did you know?}

{We dyed a few eggs using a kit, just for kicks and giggles. Those are the shiny ones, and the rest are our Kool-Aid eggs.}

Easter Sunday was spent going to church, cooking a lovely lunch, and enjoying time with family. I'm very thankful that Uncle Robert was able to join us. He and Mimi were in a storytelling mood, and I loved hearing them recall funny moments from their childhood. They seemed to have quite an assortment of weirdo relatives; they had us all in stitches with their stories.

Happy Easter! He is risen!

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for...

• the grace of the good Lord and the patience He has with me
• Holy Week and a chance to reflect
• my family and friends
• my health, and the health of my loved ones
• my job, my coworkers, our lovely building, and the little people I get to spend my days with
• the bang-UP job my students have been doing with their testing practice...they are going to ROCK that test next week! I can just feel it!
• enough money to cover my needs and (sometimes) my wants
• food in my fridge, shoes on my feet, clothes in my closet, clean running water whenever I want it, a fabulous bed, a sweet little car that gets ridonkulous gas mileage
• electricty and hot showers
• the births of Laura Kate Conerly and Cole Bryant Hopper this week...gorgeous, healthy little blessings!
• getting to hold Cole at the hospital yesterday...such a handsome, snuggly lovemuffin :)
• plans to see Titanic with some lovely friends and a sweet friend-to-be...excited you want to join in on the fun, Angie!
• the news that Neeley is safe and sound after the tornadoes in Dallas this week...I hate tornadoes
• 30 Rock
• starting to find my place in this big ol' world...maybe kinda sorta :)
• several fun trips to look forward to...a change of scenery every now and then is good for the soul
• Pinterest
• strong legs and arms that do what I need them to do
• a mind that remembers most of the junk I cram in it
• eyes that see and ears that hear
• some exciting new changes in our math instruction next year...a bit overwhelming, but exciting nonetheless
• very respectful behavior from our 5th graders during our presentation this morning
• an absolutely spectacular weekend last weekend (birthday lunch! Cousin Jerry! China Grove! Blue Angels!), and a lovely Easter weekend coming up
• chirpy birds
• the fact that the USPS brought me a crack-you-up funny card from the 'rents today (thanks, Maw & Paw) even though the aforementioned postal service managed to drop my camera cord (left behind last weekend and mailed to me by my precious mama) in a black hole this week...if I never recover the cord, I'll just draw yall some sketches of the Blue Angels flying. Same thing, right?
• frozen cherries...new favorite snack
• the way the Lord is movin' and shakin' in the Johnson family...so excited about their new adventure!
• peace and contentment
• a nice little rain today...I love the sunshine, but cloudy days are a nice change of pace
• the fact that the rain cooled things off and it actually feels like...dare I say it?...springtime outside. No more springsummer for now!
• the knowledge that the good Lord loves us so much that He chose to die...just to save us. Unspeakably incredible.

Happy weekend, yall, and HAPPY EASTER!

Aftermath

I spent the weekend in my lovely hometown of Tuscaloosa attending a wedding with a dear friend and celebrating Grandad's birthday. It was a joyful weekend, but a cloud was hanging over my head the whole time. You see, I've been to visit several times since the tornado hit on April 27th, but I'd only seen bits and pieces of the damage. The National Guard was out in full force the last few times I was there, and rightfully so. Now that life is moving on, the most heavily damaged areas are back open.

Daddy very kindly agreed to be my driver so I could take pictures. We set out just after sunrise yesterday, and my life changed. Such intense sadness. I hated every second of seeing my hometown this way. I don't think it sunk in until last night, and I tossed and turned for over an hour thinking about all that we'd seen. I'm so glad my Daddy was with me.

As we drove through Alberta City, which is mostly leveled, this song (which we both love) came on my XM radio and it seemed like a movie score playing during the scene from a movie. Such a surreal moment in time. Click to play the song and then keep scrolling.



Picture-laden post...just so ya know.

{Forest Lake}

{Daniel and Olivia were right across the street from this at her apartment when the tornado came through.}

{H&W Drugs...we used to sell yearbook ads to them when I was on the yearbook staff in high school}

{Cedar Crest off of 15th St...Daniel lived here two years ago.}

{Two houses down...Daniel's friend Russ sat in the bathtub with his dog and made it out alive.}

{Rosedale Courts housing project}

{what's left of Full Moon Barbecue, Chuck E. Cheese, and Tuesday Morning}

{Mimi and Grandad's church in Alberta...the church Grandad grew up in...the church Daddy grew up in}

{neighborhood in Alberta}

{the ruins of Alberta Elementary School...empty of schoolbabies thanks to an early dismissal}

{twisted steel on Crescent Ridge Road}

{in Alberta...by the grace of God, indeed}

{I love a sense of humor, especially in ugly times.}

I still can hardly wrap my brain around this. My goal isn't to be depressing; I just don't want people to forget. The news teams have moved on, the charities will soon follow, but the work won't be done. It won't be done for a long, long time. Please say a prayer every now and then for those all over the Southeast dealing with this. I promise they won't go unnoticed.

PS--After hearing about the tornado that tore through Joplin, MO yesterday, I came up with an idea. I'm going to found The Society for People Who Hate Tornadoes and Want Them to Go Away Forever. You in?

Camp Carrie

I've never been a gigantic fan of Carrie Underwood. I think she's beautiful and have always thought she was talented, but I've only loved a few of her songs. I've been a lukewarm fan...until now. I've officially set my tent up at Camp Carrie. My work friends have been passing this video around like crazy on facebook, so I thank them for introducing me to one of the most spectacular vocal performances I've ever been fortunate enough to witness. Holy heavens...you can't tell me her voice is not a gift from God. Amazing. I love how Vince Gill (who is just splendid in his own right) steps back and lets Carrie shine.

Our ESL teacher Cindy said this morning, "I want this sung at my funeral, just like this. And I want Carrie to be there to sing it." Let me know if you're as wowed as we are!

Easter rundown

What. A. Weekend.

I actually had a 3-day weekend, but it sure doesn't feel like it! I needed to go back to work today to catch my breath. This weekend was a complete whirlwind but was filled with family, food, and faith. I loved it.

*1...the number of Easter pictures I took, and it wasn't even of a living creature. Sigh. Maybe next year.

*3:30...the time our Easter meal was served. Sidetrack with me for just a second, okay? Tell me this. What would you call a meal that starts at 3:30? Since it's between lunch and supper, we came up with lupper and (my personal favorite) slunch. Yes, I think I'll go forward with slunch.

*14...the number of attendees at the Easter Slunch 2011. I love all of them greatly.

*2...the number of significant others making their first appearance at Easter Slunch. Our big ol' family may be getting even bigger someday...hint hint, wink wink...

*1...the number of weenie dogs in attendance

*10...pounds of potatoes for potato salad. I'm not kidding. Ten whole pounds. Daddy boils, Mom peels and chops, I mix it up. We're like a machine. And we love potato salad like it's a family member.

*13,471...the number of times I used my NetiPot in order to get through this pollen-filled weekend. This is morphing into an addiction. NetiPot is my life.

As fabulous as all of this was, my favorite part of Easter, always and forever, is spending time reflecting on why we actually celebrate. Because Jesus gave himself as a sacrifice, we no longer have to fear death. We no longer have to worry every moment about securing a spot in Heaven. He took care of all of that for us. What a gift. What a reason to celebrate, on Easter and every other day of the year!

Enjoy your week, friends!

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PS---My "followers" section is driving me crazy. Sometimes it shows up, sometimes it doesn't. I've noticed that on some other blogs, their followers don't show up either. What's going on? I want it back in my life and on my blog. Any ideas? If you help me fix it, I'll give you a virtual high five. Woohoo...you know you want one!

Big ol' footprints

I have a wonderful devotional book that I love because it makes me think. Yesterday morning's reading really struck a chord with me:

"In our faith we follow in someone's steps. A parent, a teacher, a hero---none of us are the first to walk the trail. All of us have someone we follow. In our faith we leave footprints to guide others. A child, a friend, a recent convert. None should be left to walk the trail alone." (p.190)

photo source

It struck me how many people I think about in both my everyday and monumentous, life-changing decisions. Family members, former teachers, friends, coworkers, students. I think about what those I know have done in similar situations, what they would do if they were in my shoes. I think about speeches I've been given and experiences I've had. I think about examples and non-examples I've seen. The footprints I'm stepping in are tremendous.

I talked to both grandparents and both parents tonight. I realize how truly blessed I am that they're all in my life, and I'm thankful to them for the examples of faith and good living they've given me. I don't make many decisions without thinking about what any one of them would do first. They inspire me and provide me with more guidance than they know.

This passage also makes me wonder about the footprints I'm leaving for those who will come behind me. Will I be an example of what to do or what not to do? This makes me want to try harder to have a positive influence on those around me, particularly my impressionable little fifth graders. I pray that God will help me make good decisions and leave perfectly placed footsteps for those around me.

In whose footprints are you stepping? Do you ever think about the footprints you're leaving behind you?
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I thought this song by one of my faves, Eric Church, fit this theme nicely. (I celebrated my latest birthday "with" Eric Church...you can read all about the sweatiest night of my life here.)

Know what I love?

Bradford pear trees. More specifically, Bradford pear trees when their tiny, beautiful white flowers start blooming. Even more specifically, Bradford pear trees when their tiny, beautiful white flowers stick around while the bright green leaves, excited to meet the world, push their way through.

I had to stop and take this picture before I left for work the other morning. I had a feeling this torrential monsoon we're in the midst of would wash away the blooms, and I was right. I'm glad I made myself stop for two minutes to marvel at this gorgeous creation.

Absolute spring-y perfection. That creamy white and brand-spankin'-new green are two of God's most glorious colors, don't ya think? If we get something this pretty to look at here, I can't begin to imagine what sort of goodies we've got waiting on us in Heaven.

I think I'll spend some time reflecting on this picture tomorrow when the temperature refuses to rise above 45. You know, 'cause it's wintertime again. Those lovely Bradford pear trees remind me that winter can't last forever!

Blessed

I spent this wonderful Sunday afternoon with my parents, grandparents, and great-uncle, and there's no other way I would have rather spent it. We missed Daniel and Olivia, but I'm thankful that they have jobs. We had a big, delicious after-church lunch and spent hours laughing and talking . . . and pigging out. Pork chops, mashed potatoes, green beans, cornbread, pavlova. Oh yum. Mimi and Grandad had me over to their house later to look at some old pictures and visit some more. This whole day made my heart so happy; it's nice to be loved and to have family nearby.

These are good days. I am so blessed. Happy new week to everyone!

Do you think Heaven is sunny with a high of 65?

I do. My word, what a lovely Saturday. Sunny. Breezy. Warm. Blue skies. Birds chirping.

Perfection.

A God thing

I'm getting a new student tomorrow. At least I have a day's notice! We usually learn about new students when they arrive at our classrooms. All of my students have a number, and I always put new kids at the end of the number list, even if their last name starts with a "B". Just makes my life easier. The new student was going to be #28 regardless of his name. However, he's a "Y", making him the LEGITIMATE #28 in our classroom. He fits right in already, and we've never even met him. I deem this both a God thing and a good omen. Don't ya think? We're excited to welcome him into our crazy bunch! (Fred is going to be #28's special buddy tomorrow. This will be fun to watch.)

PS--Day 6 with no sugar up in my bod. I'm feeling less and less like my world is caving in around me. This is progress, no?

Lullaby Carol

The choir sang a beautiful song at church yesterday and I loved it so much that I wanted to share it here. It's called "Lullaby Carol" and it's written by Molly James. It may be old news to other people, but I'd never heard it before. It really made me stop and think about that sweet little baby Jesus (literally) carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders from the night he was born. How awesome.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaO8TnlaipQ

Lullaby Carol by Molly James
Lullaby baby, now reclining, hush, do not wake the infant King,
Angels are watching, stars are shining over the place where Jesus lies.

Lullaby baby, now a'sleeping, hush, do not wake the infant King,
Soon will come sorrow with the morning, soon will come grief and bitter tears.

Lullaby baby, now a'dozing, hush, do not wake the infant King,
Soon comes the cross, the nails, the piercing, then in the grave at last repose.

Lullaby baby, now a'waking, hush, do not stir the infant King,
Dreaming of glory, gladsome morning, conquering death, its bondage free!

Light at the end of the tunnel

The Raleys were on my mind until I finally went to sleep last night, and they were the first thing I thought of when I woke up this morning. I opened up my devotional book before I got out of bed and had to smile when I saw this morning's reading: no worries in heaven. "God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death, sadness, crying, or pain."...Revelation 21:4. The reading was so good and so applicable today. It talks all about how the things that worry us and grieve us in this life won't even be on the radar screen in heaven. It makes me feel better to know that, no matter how bad things get, we won't have any worries or concerns in heaven. There is total, complete peace and joy on the horizon for all of us...makes me happy to think about :) Thanks again for your prayers...keep 'em coming.

Prayers so desperately needed

I've been thinking about this all day and can't get it off my mind. I even got back out of bed to write this because I was too busy thinking to go to sleep. A family in my school community needs all the prayers they can get right now. If you read this and are a praying person, please please please pray for the Raley family. Their 13-year-old passed away this evening due to really tragic circumstances and I can't imagine the horror the family is feeling. Pray for everyone who is hurting over this. Pray for all these sweet kiddos who are far too young to be mourning the loss of their brother and friend and classmate and teammate. Pray for those of us guiding those sweet kiddos through this. Just pray pray pray pray pray...

God's navy

I read this a while back in my devotional book and thought about it again today. This is one of the readings that really, really stood out to me, and I'd like to share it with anyone who reads this little blog of mine.
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We are many, but in Christ we are all one body. Each one is a part of that body. Romans 12:5

"God has enlisted us in his navy and placed us on his ship. The boat has one purpose - to carry us safely to the other shore. This is no cruise ship; it's a battleship. We aren't called to a life of leisure; we are called to a life of service. Each of us has a different task. Some, concerned with those who are drowning, are snatching people from the water. Others are occupied with the enemy, so they man the cannons of prayer and worship. Still others devote themselves to the crew, feeding and training the crew members. Though different, we are the same. Each can tell of a personal encounter with the captain, for each has received a personal call..." Max Lucado, Grace for the Moment, p. 578.

I loved this devotion. I absolutely see myself as a "crew keeper". Not much makes me happier than taking care of other people so that they are equipped to fulfill their role, whatever it is. It's been interesting to keep family members and friends in mind when I re-read this. It's fun to try to figure out who fits in each role in God's navy.

Sometimes

Sometimes, something happens that takes your breath away and changes the track your "life train" was traveling on. Sometimes, you're left wondering why. Sometimes, you're reminded in a not-so-subtle way how short life is and how thankful you should be for each moment.

Uncle Mack was too young to go and we didn't expect this at all. If anyone reads this, please pray for Uncle Mack's wife Tammy and his kids Jerry, Sarah, Abby, Spencer, Leannan, and Maggie. Please pray for Mimi and Grandad. Please pray for DennyJ and Aunt Dianne. Please pray that all the rest of us know how to help in the best ways possible. I don't even know what to do or think right now. Please pray.

Must-read

A friend sent this link to me and it's too good to keep to myself. It's a fabulous story about accepting and embracing whatever God has planned for your life. I'm not a huge crier, but I very nearly sobbed reading this. Go grab a handful (heck, a roll) of toilet paper and get to readin'. You won't be sorry!

http://www.kellehampton.com/2010/01/nella-cordelia-birth-story.html