Brave--Camp, Song, and Re-Entry

Wow! Life has been so busy lately I haven't made time to blog about some amazing things I've been experiencing and learning lately. School is in full mode again, and life is moving along pretty fast. I want to stop and reflect on things before I head into next week, which will be full of new experiences that change my life too. *grin*

So, one week ago Thursday I left home for Brave Gal Camp. It was my church's women's retreat, and I was nervous and excited all at the same time. It was just outside of Joplin, in Quapaw, Oklahoma at a retreat center that is a camp-like setting. Before we left they talked about cabins and such, so I wasn't sure how much we would be roughing it. *grin* Come to find out, we didn't rough it at all. We were in rooms that were dorm-style, and I was pretty much blown away by the whole setup of the place.

It reminded me so much of camp, but I was a camper. *giggle* Obviously, it wasn't Barnabas, but it was fun to go and be ministered to for a couple days. I didn't have ANY responsibilities, and it was fun to laugh, worship, and play games with some amazing women of God. I didn't get close to any one gal, but I got to know several of the women's life stories, which meant the world to me.

It was one of those weekends where words can't describe the things I thought and felt. I can say I feel closer to God than I've felt in a while. For that, I feel differently then I did before September 8. *grin* That meant more to me than you will ever know.

The song, "You Make Me Brave" by Amanda Cook, has kind of been my theme song for the past year, so it was an amazingly impactful weekend for me. It was so amazing that the retreat theme was Brave during a season when I needed just that. Fear has been a constant for me in my life, so to gain knowledge and perspective on being brave daily made me grin. So good. *grin*

Do. It. Scared.
My favorite new phrase that I gained from the weekend. *grin*

They talked about re-entry on Saturday morning, and how it can be rough. This is so true because every time I've had an amazing mountain-top experience, I've had some challenges coming back. However, we prayed over it several times, and I had the best re-entry ever.

When I walked in my classroom this week, one of the little guys I serve ran up to me and put his arms around me. He held on, I won't ever forget that, how he held on when he hugged me. For me, that was a reminder that even though this school year is hard, I'm supposed to be there. I didn't doubt that, but sometimes God gives me those nudges to encourage me. That's what that hug meant.

The week was full of other events, good and bad. However, it was smoother because of the weekend at Brave Gal Camp. This coming weekend I have a conference at my friend's church in Springfield. Truthfully, it's hard to miss work, but it will be worth it.

Totally.

*grin*

Thank You, God.
Life.
Is.
Awesome.

Labor Day Weekend Highlights

I realize we have one more day of the weekend, and I LOVE THAT!

Truly.

I adore my students, and feel incredibly blessed to have the job that I do. At that same time, this weekend I have done a lot of relaxing and I wanted to take a moment tonight and share a few thoughts.

First off, I am hosting a YWAM family for the week. They are here for the conference held here in KC. We have mutual friends who got us in touch with one another, and I am so glad they're here! It's a married couple with three little girls. Oh my gosh, Jay loves the girls! Totally! It is so cute!

There is a two year old that Jay lets do just about anything to him. I have to laugh, as I love kids anyway and you add my dog, and it's so fun.

When I moved here, I wanted to host like this, but over time I have hosted less and less. I prayed over this family, as I was a little nervous, but not too nervous. I knew it would be fine, and it is a blessing to have them here. Truly.

I also REALLY enjoyed church today. I didn't teach, which I did miss, but I enjoyed both Sunday School and service as an adult. The sermon today was exceptionally good, and made me proud to go to church there. Truly.

I also came home and napped. The family was out and about, and I just rested for a while. It was nice. Extremely nice. This will be a busy week, so the rest is wonderful.

Finally, I have just been in deep thought this weekend about some young people that went to Heaven in the past few months. I also think of my second cousin a lot who is also in Heaven. I don't know, I think as the seasons change, I am more in thought about the fragility of life. So many young people went home before I would have chosen them to do so. At the same time, I know He called them there. It simply doesn't make it easier for those of us here. I'm not sure what emotion is in my head, but I just know I've been thinking a lot about them. Those young people may be gone, but they're certainly not forgotten.

Okay, time to take Jay and my book to bed. This whole early bedtime thing is still an adjustment for me. Not bad, just an adjustment. :-)

One more day off. What can I say?

LIFE.
IS.
AWESOME.

Thoughts From One Tired Gal

Wow, it's hard to believe it's taken so long to blog. Life got busy again when I arrived home from Barnabas, and this is the first time I've sat down to blog. I have several small thoughts, and I'm tired, so this will be an interesting post.

School started and I've been running from the moment I'm up until it's time to sleep. I don't mind working hard, that's normal for this time of year. This year has had some ups and downs, but I can't even tell you how happy I am this year to have the amount of support that I do from the staff I'm on. No matter what happens, I know I have amazing support. I am blessed. *grin*

I am amazed at what He's called me to this semester. I have never thought of myself as a teacher of students with Behavioral Challenges. I am typically a teacher that serves students who struggle with reading, writing, and math. Yes, there are behaviors here and there, but this semester I feel like I'm in the advanced class with behaviors. He has given me words and wisdom at times, and crises have been decreased. I have moments where I want more help, truly, but He is giving me what I need to walk out each day. He even gave me a radio to ask for help, if needed. I've used it from time to time, but I KNOW that God has given me each of those students. So the tiredness, and hard work are worth it. Daily.

I have some new kids who have stolen my heart. I love that each year brings returners and new kids. I love how God makes each of us different, yet perfectly crafted in His eyes. So good.

One week ago tonight I attended a concert with my brother. We took a stroll down memory lane, as several artists from our teen years were present. It was a lot of fun, even if I didn't always show it. We were both exhausted from the work week, but it was fun.

The ride home was one I won't forget, as we were under a flood warning. It took me over an hour to get home (normally it's about 25 minutes) and I turned around more than once due to high water. I will NEVER AGAIN take it for granted when I make it home without trouble. Never. I take so much for granted. Truly.

I'm still adjusting to work hours, but I'm getting there. This whole early morning stuff is for the birds, but I love what I do, so it's a bittersweet thing. *grin*

We have a three-day weekend, and we all have earned it. Totally.

I plan to read.

Sleep.

Relax.

And yes, schoolwork somewhere in there.

Tonight though, I think I'll sleep until I wake up in the morning. *grin*

Life.
Is.
Awesome.