Sooooo, normally my vacations each year include Camp Barnabas and Onething. About two weeks ago my friend from college invited me to Houston to see her. I initially said "no, thanks" but then over time, it was clear I was supposed to go. I'm blogging from Houston now, and am SO VERY GLAD I took this trip. I'm also excited that I still have two full days here. *grin*
I'll admit, I was nervous to fly. I can't explain what has happened this summer in the area of heights, but something has changed. When going up high escalators or stairs, I have frozen three times this summer in separate events. This is new because normally stairs don't bother me at all. This Summer I've really had to pray through it, and have made it every time but I can't say it's been easy. It's actually been challenging, and He has had to guide me through it. That being said, I thought flying may mean another freeze. Thankfully, I was WRONG. *grin*
Yesterday, I boarded my first flight in YEARS. I honestly think it was early 2000's when I flew last. Things have changed a smidge since I flew last time. *grin* I knew that, I watch the news, but relied on Scienceguy to guide me through various aspects of the ticket procedures, as well as what to do upon the day of departure. I'll admit it, I was excited and nervous all at the same time. *grin*
So, upon boarding I chose a window seat. I just felt at peace with it, and put some tunes on. (We had a crying baby on the flight right behind me, so I was thankful for the headphones.) I found myself wanting to look out the window. I thought I'd be nervous, but I wasn't. (Thank You Bethel Music Group!) Once up high, I was amazed at what I saw...
It was a beautiful mix of sun, blue, and white clouds in various shapes. In fact, one cloud looked like someone on a throne. It was pretty amazing. We were moving so fast I didn't get a good pic, but it is etched into my memory. It was amazing.
We touched down in New Orleans before making the final leg of the trip to Houston. I unexpectedly found myself HAPPY that we were flying into sunset. It was BEAUTIFUL. I took a pic, it was SO AMAZING.
It made me ponder how little we are and how big He is in the whole grand scheme of things. I can only imagine how He holds the world in the palm of His hands. Being up high showed me how small we are, and it humbled me more than words can explain. *grin*
I even enjoyed both landings, as I got to see what was once small become real size again.
Talk about something that makes you ponder God... It's right up there with babies being born. You can't explain it in words, but it's beautiful.
While up there, I did ponder the families who have lost loved ones in the past 3 years. We've lost some AMAZING people to Heaven. However, if Heaven is what I think it will be, they got the better end of the deal. *grin* I silently prayed for the families that I know that had lost loved ones as teens. Gosh, life can be a challenge in and of itself, then you add losing offspring and I can't wrap my head around how hard that would be this side of Heaven. I felt peace for those who are in Heaven and prayed for those families to have peace too.
Today we got up and went to the Gulf and sat on the beach. Another moment of feeling small in the big scheme of things, but in a good way.
He makes beautiful bodies of water and sunsets. *grin*
Two days left, and I can't wait to see what He has in store for me here.
Blessed.
Totally.
LIFE IS AWAESOME. *grin*
Friday, July 28, 2017
Saturday, July 22, 2017
Sharing Life, Barnabas Term 7, 2017
I'm back from the Barn-A-Bubble, and miss it already. Yes, I'm starting this post as if we're mid-conversation because if you're reading this, we're friends. *grin* So, I'm back, and it was a really cool week. The older I get, the more I put emphasis on people rather than items. This week was full of some campers I've had before and others that were new to me. My cabin was incredible, and the missionaries rocked it. I also had a dear friend as a roommate for the week. The Barnabas Bubble is a second home for me. Truly.
Arrival to camp was busy, but good. I was sweating like crazy, and we had record heat last week. I was overheated twice, but made it through fine. *grin* Hey, it made for a memory. *giggle*
I stayed below the dining hall and a fellow cabin Mom moved bunks to be near me for the week. It turned out to be an amazing blessing! While we were in separate cabins to serve in, it was clearly where God had us for the week. It was fun to occasionally bump into each other and encourage each other throughout the week. At the end of the week, she gave me her Crazy Creek (it's a chair) so she could buy a new one. It blessed me immensely, and I loved every minute. I hope we serve together again in the future. *grin*
My cabin...gosh, what a GOOD cabin I was in. I was in G3, which proved to be a gift because it made me walk to a far end of camp. I hope to remember how much better I walk when I walk often and a lot. *giggle* It proved to be good for the body. *grin*
I spoke Saturday night to the volunteers and it went pretty well. I am always honored when I'm asked to speak somewhere because I truly believe part of my story is sharing my story. *grin* At the same time, I never ask to speak anywhere. I've felt like He needs to set things up, so I wait until I'm invited. *grin* So, Saturday night went well. I was humbled and honored to help the volunteers as we went into Term 7.
Term 7 campers have Autism, Down Syndrome, and various other challenges. Campers range from ages 7-17. Typically it is my most draining week physically and emotionally. However, God changed things up this year. For that, I am blessed beyond words. The heat was the hottest I can remember out there, so in that respect I was given a challenge, but the dome provided shade and it wasn't as bad there. *grin*
My cabin was full of volunteers from all over the country. Term 7 has several returners, so that makes it especially fun. I was also with a staffer that I've worked with before. *grin* When I initially found that out, I thought my cabin would be super hard, but it turned out our challenges were different than what I anticipated. We had moments, but not full days of challenge, which made the week really fun. As always, the campers were my main highlight. I think the CP provides an opening for me to speak into their lives. *grin*
We had Claire, who has CP too. I tell ya, she had my heart from the moment I met her. She had a walker but not a wheelchair. She has a limp, but seems more challenged than I am. (Just to give a point of reference, not to seem I'm better than she is or anything) So, when we started our way down to the dining hall for dinner, she was crying and one of my staffers asked me to go get a wheelchair. I did it, and she LOVED the chair. It was a gift from God. Throughout the week she had ups and downs, but my favorite moment with her was swinging on the swing with her outside shirt making. We had so much fun, and it's something I will never forget. *grin* The last night before cross carry, she did my nails. I tell ya, I have one-of-a-kind fingernails. *giggle*
My favorite Claire quote came after Cross Carry, when we were pretending to call Heaven and she held her invisible phone in her hand and said, "Wait, I forgot my password..." I turned around and laughed because I didn't want her to think I was laughing at her. It's another quote I won't forget. *giggle*
I had several returners that I've had in a cabin before, Taylor, Jaylen, and Anika. They made me laugh at various parts of the week, and my goal was to reach Jaylen.
Jaylen is a younger version of me in so many ways. She isn't girly, enjoys sports, and gives off the impression she can't be reached emotionally. In all honesty, I think she loved my attention. Early in the week Jaylen told me she was a YouTuber and had a million followers. I've come to learn that with kids, sometimes the crazy things turn out to be true so I asked during family time that night if it was legit. A few kids said they go to school with her and she really does have a Youtube channel. So, the next day I asked if I could subscribe to her channel. She said no, that only fans that give her gifts can subscribe. *giggle* In reality, I knew that I could follow her without her permission, but I thought it would be a fun thing to get her consent. I also shared with her that I only subscribe to like 5 youtube channels, and she said that was enough. *giggle* I would drop it when I knew she didn't want me to bug her about it. So, Thursday night I gave her a water bottle (I had brought extras in case people lost theirs) and a journal with a basketball on it. She gave me the water bottle back, as she said she already had one. Later on that day, she asked me (out of nowhere) how I knew she liked basketball. I told her someone told me she played basketball in Special Olympics. She smiled. Day made for both of us, I think. *grin*
Emmy....gosh, Emmy I had had before, but I don't remember much about her because when we were in the same cabin before we had campers who required my help more than she did. So, this week was pretty cool. I made a point to spend time with her and we had fun. Emmy taught me a lot, as she is a woman of few words but is always worth hearing when she does speak. She made me a bracelet with string, and I posted a pic right away. That proved to really bless Emmy, and I knew in the moment how special it was for us. *grin*
Sarah was a gem, and it wasn't until closing day that I realized how much fun she can be. She is wheelchair bound, and didn't want to do much, but she was funny in that occasional joke way. I liked her. On the last morning of camp I always go around the dining hall and take selfies. I do my cabin first, and then do random friends from there. Apparently Sarah was laughing while I did it. She told me later when we were waiting for parents to arrive that she thought I was funny. I smiled inside and out. Sarah is a gem, and I truly hope we're in a cabin together again. *grin*
Alyssa is a camper I have had a couple times in a cabin, and I adore her. She wasn't in my cabin this Term, but every time she saw me, we cuddled. I adore that girl. At one point my legs were numb because of how Alyssa was laying on me, and her staffer asked if I was okay and wanted to give her up. I told her that my legs were numb, but one week from then I'd be missing it. It took less than a week, I miss her already. *grin*
The teens in my cabin that volunteered were some of the best I've ever seen. It is my prayer that some of them go on to be staffers. They were THAT good. Not once did I think that someone was slacking, which was fun. I loved each and every one of them, and was thankful that He gave each of them to us because everyone was perfectly matched. So. Good.
There were some amazing barnstormers that worked hard too. I am always in awe of the kids that come and clean camp for us, among other responsibilities. Several took time to talk to me, since I spoke Saturday night. It made for some neat friendships. I'm glad I got pics with them, as I don't want to forget them. *grin*
My staffers were amazing. One is going to change the world of Special Education, and the other will be a rock star SPED teacher because she has such a passion for students with disabilities. While I realize this was probably their last full session there, it was so amazing to serve alongside them. Their future students are blessed by the hearts they have for people. *grin*
Perhaps the most impacting moment for me came from a camper that wasn't even in my cabin named Lauren. Due to some circumstances that were shared with me, I knew that the camper (Lauren) wasn't relating to her missionary. So, God gave me a heart for her. She was at the table next to mine, and she is non-verbal. However, she clearly knows sign language, and when I started signing with her, we connected. She smiled big and made me grin too. While she never spoke a word, we had several "chats" through our physical communication. At one point I was mirroring what she was doing and she thought that was the neatest thing. I'll admit, the non-verbal campers always teach me the most, and Lauren definitely taught me a lot in our short "chats". I also got a pic with her too. Gosh, Barnabas isn't just for the campers, it impacts ALL of us for the better. *grin*
A different Lauren, a friend of several years, was at camp this week, which shocked me. She's a Term 4 gal, and I didn't expect to see her. As it turned out, she was interning for two weeks. So, every chance I had, I went over and said "Hi" to her. Perhaps my favorite moment was Saturday night when she saw me at training. I could hear her before I could see her, and my heart was so HAPPY. While I never feel as if I have had enough time with Lauren, the moments with her were priceless to me. Totally. *grin*
Each night at family time (after the campers go to bed, we talk about various things outside sitting in a circle) we shared our highs, lows, and what showed us the love of God that day. It was called, "Junk, Joy, Jesus". I loved the phrase, and think I'll use it in my classroom this year. *grin* Well, not the Jesus part (public school and all), but the Junk and Joy part. *grin*
I wish I could take everyone I know out there. It is an amazing place where EVERYONE (not just THE campers) are treated the way we should be treated this side of Heaven. People jump in and help without even being asked. It's amazing to be in that bubble. *grin* Leaving the bubble is a little hard, but I know that we're to go out of that place and carry on what we did there. After all, we are all called to be living proof of a loving God to a watching world. *grin*
On my drive home I saw Ronni. Ronni did the lake this year so she didn't come Term 7. I'll admit, I missed her tons. It was a visit that lasted about an hour, and it was perfect. I love that young lady. Totally.
On my way North I stopped and chatted with a friend for a few hours too. To me, that was a perfect ending to the trip, as that chat is something that you can't put money on. I love pondering life, love, and Jesus with people. Truly.
I think that's my biggest take away this Summer. People mean more to me than items, and each and every conversation was priceless. Every one of them.
Sometimes experiences are hard to describe, but, I can tell you that the love in that camp changes everyone.
I'm blessed to be a part of that Barnabas family.
*grin*
LIFE.
IS.
AWESOME.
Arrival to camp was busy, but good. I was sweating like crazy, and we had record heat last week. I was overheated twice, but made it through fine. *grin* Hey, it made for a memory. *giggle*
I stayed below the dining hall and a fellow cabin Mom moved bunks to be near me for the week. It turned out to be an amazing blessing! While we were in separate cabins to serve in, it was clearly where God had us for the week. It was fun to occasionally bump into each other and encourage each other throughout the week. At the end of the week, she gave me her Crazy Creek (it's a chair) so she could buy a new one. It blessed me immensely, and I loved every minute. I hope we serve together again in the future. *grin*
My cabin...gosh, what a GOOD cabin I was in. I was in G3, which proved to be a gift because it made me walk to a far end of camp. I hope to remember how much better I walk when I walk often and a lot. *giggle* It proved to be good for the body. *grin*
I spoke Saturday night to the volunteers and it went pretty well. I am always honored when I'm asked to speak somewhere because I truly believe part of my story is sharing my story. *grin* At the same time, I never ask to speak anywhere. I've felt like He needs to set things up, so I wait until I'm invited. *grin* So, Saturday night went well. I was humbled and honored to help the volunteers as we went into Term 7.
Term 7 campers have Autism, Down Syndrome, and various other challenges. Campers range from ages 7-17. Typically it is my most draining week physically and emotionally. However, God changed things up this year. For that, I am blessed beyond words. The heat was the hottest I can remember out there, so in that respect I was given a challenge, but the dome provided shade and it wasn't as bad there. *grin*
My cabin was full of volunteers from all over the country. Term 7 has several returners, so that makes it especially fun. I was also with a staffer that I've worked with before. *grin* When I initially found that out, I thought my cabin would be super hard, but it turned out our challenges were different than what I anticipated. We had moments, but not full days of challenge, which made the week really fun. As always, the campers were my main highlight. I think the CP provides an opening for me to speak into their lives. *grin*
We had Claire, who has CP too. I tell ya, she had my heart from the moment I met her. She had a walker but not a wheelchair. She has a limp, but seems more challenged than I am. (Just to give a point of reference, not to seem I'm better than she is or anything) So, when we started our way down to the dining hall for dinner, she was crying and one of my staffers asked me to go get a wheelchair. I did it, and she LOVED the chair. It was a gift from God. Throughout the week she had ups and downs, but my favorite moment with her was swinging on the swing with her outside shirt making. We had so much fun, and it's something I will never forget. *grin* The last night before cross carry, she did my nails. I tell ya, I have one-of-a-kind fingernails. *giggle*
My favorite Claire quote came after Cross Carry, when we were pretending to call Heaven and she held her invisible phone in her hand and said, "Wait, I forgot my password..." I turned around and laughed because I didn't want her to think I was laughing at her. It's another quote I won't forget. *giggle*
I had several returners that I've had in a cabin before, Taylor, Jaylen, and Anika. They made me laugh at various parts of the week, and my goal was to reach Jaylen.
Jaylen is a younger version of me in so many ways. She isn't girly, enjoys sports, and gives off the impression she can't be reached emotionally. In all honesty, I think she loved my attention. Early in the week Jaylen told me she was a YouTuber and had a million followers. I've come to learn that with kids, sometimes the crazy things turn out to be true so I asked during family time that night if it was legit. A few kids said they go to school with her and she really does have a Youtube channel. So, the next day I asked if I could subscribe to her channel. She said no, that only fans that give her gifts can subscribe. *giggle* In reality, I knew that I could follow her without her permission, but I thought it would be a fun thing to get her consent. I also shared with her that I only subscribe to like 5 youtube channels, and she said that was enough. *giggle* I would drop it when I knew she didn't want me to bug her about it. So, Thursday night I gave her a water bottle (I had brought extras in case people lost theirs) and a journal with a basketball on it. She gave me the water bottle back, as she said she already had one. Later on that day, she asked me (out of nowhere) how I knew she liked basketball. I told her someone told me she played basketball in Special Olympics. She smiled. Day made for both of us, I think. *grin*
Emmy....gosh, Emmy I had had before, but I don't remember much about her because when we were in the same cabin before we had campers who required my help more than she did. So, this week was pretty cool. I made a point to spend time with her and we had fun. Emmy taught me a lot, as she is a woman of few words but is always worth hearing when she does speak. She made me a bracelet with string, and I posted a pic right away. That proved to really bless Emmy, and I knew in the moment how special it was for us. *grin*
Sarah was a gem, and it wasn't until closing day that I realized how much fun she can be. She is wheelchair bound, and didn't want to do much, but she was funny in that occasional joke way. I liked her. On the last morning of camp I always go around the dining hall and take selfies. I do my cabin first, and then do random friends from there. Apparently Sarah was laughing while I did it. She told me later when we were waiting for parents to arrive that she thought I was funny. I smiled inside and out. Sarah is a gem, and I truly hope we're in a cabin together again. *grin*
Alyssa is a camper I have had a couple times in a cabin, and I adore her. She wasn't in my cabin this Term, but every time she saw me, we cuddled. I adore that girl. At one point my legs were numb because of how Alyssa was laying on me, and her staffer asked if I was okay and wanted to give her up. I told her that my legs were numb, but one week from then I'd be missing it. It took less than a week, I miss her already. *grin*
The teens in my cabin that volunteered were some of the best I've ever seen. It is my prayer that some of them go on to be staffers. They were THAT good. Not once did I think that someone was slacking, which was fun. I loved each and every one of them, and was thankful that He gave each of them to us because everyone was perfectly matched. So. Good.
There were some amazing barnstormers that worked hard too. I am always in awe of the kids that come and clean camp for us, among other responsibilities. Several took time to talk to me, since I spoke Saturday night. It made for some neat friendships. I'm glad I got pics with them, as I don't want to forget them. *grin*
My staffers were amazing. One is going to change the world of Special Education, and the other will be a rock star SPED teacher because she has such a passion for students with disabilities. While I realize this was probably their last full session there, it was so amazing to serve alongside them. Their future students are blessed by the hearts they have for people. *grin*
Perhaps the most impacting moment for me came from a camper that wasn't even in my cabin named Lauren. Due to some circumstances that were shared with me, I knew that the camper (Lauren) wasn't relating to her missionary. So, God gave me a heart for her. She was at the table next to mine, and she is non-verbal. However, she clearly knows sign language, and when I started signing with her, we connected. She smiled big and made me grin too. While she never spoke a word, we had several "chats" through our physical communication. At one point I was mirroring what she was doing and she thought that was the neatest thing. I'll admit, the non-verbal campers always teach me the most, and Lauren definitely taught me a lot in our short "chats". I also got a pic with her too. Gosh, Barnabas isn't just for the campers, it impacts ALL of us for the better. *grin*
A different Lauren, a friend of several years, was at camp this week, which shocked me. She's a Term 4 gal, and I didn't expect to see her. As it turned out, she was interning for two weeks. So, every chance I had, I went over and said "Hi" to her. Perhaps my favorite moment was Saturday night when she saw me at training. I could hear her before I could see her, and my heart was so HAPPY. While I never feel as if I have had enough time with Lauren, the moments with her were priceless to me. Totally. *grin*
Each night at family time (after the campers go to bed, we talk about various things outside sitting in a circle) we shared our highs, lows, and what showed us the love of God that day. It was called, "Junk, Joy, Jesus". I loved the phrase, and think I'll use it in my classroom this year. *grin* Well, not the Jesus part (public school and all), but the Junk and Joy part. *grin*
I wish I could take everyone I know out there. It is an amazing place where EVERYONE (not just THE campers) are treated the way we should be treated this side of Heaven. People jump in and help without even being asked. It's amazing to be in that bubble. *grin* Leaving the bubble is a little hard, but I know that we're to go out of that place and carry on what we did there. After all, we are all called to be living proof of a loving God to a watching world. *grin*
On my drive home I saw Ronni. Ronni did the lake this year so she didn't come Term 7. I'll admit, I missed her tons. It was a visit that lasted about an hour, and it was perfect. I love that young lady. Totally.
On my way North I stopped and chatted with a friend for a few hours too. To me, that was a perfect ending to the trip, as that chat is something that you can't put money on. I love pondering life, love, and Jesus with people. Truly.
I think that's my biggest take away this Summer. People mean more to me than items, and each and every conversation was priceless. Every one of them.
Sometimes experiences are hard to describe, but, I can tell you that the love in that camp changes everyone.
I'm blessed to be a part of that Barnabas family.
*grin*
LIFE.
IS.
AWESOME.
Monday, July 03, 2017
Random Thoughts from Me *giggle*
I've been pondering a post for a few days, and have decided to combine several posts into one. As usual, this is more for me than for you. My blog is turning into my online journal, but if you want to continue to read it, that makes me smile. I mean, I'm just a schoolteacher living in the KC Metro, so if you take five minutes to read this, well, I smile. *grin*
On Friday I took an hour drive to spend the afternoon with my college roommate and her two adorable kids. It was a blast to the past as some things just don't change: her amazing laugh, her smile, and her amount of love in her heart. She now has two beautiful little people, and I smile when I think of them now. I remember sitting in a dorm room with her as she shared her deepest dreams of a family of her own. I just smile when I think of our afternoon, because I'm genuinely happy for her. It's hard to put into words how much joy I have in my heart for her and her girls. Last time we got together was right after I moved here, I think. *grin* I hope it's not that long in between visits again. *grin* She's an incredible Mom to her girls, and I'm so blessed to have her as a friend, twenty years later. *grin* Of course, I sit here and think, 20 years? Where did time go? *giggle*
Yesterday I sat at church and found myself amazed (once again, this happens regularly) at my church family. *grin* We celebrated the fourth of July, in an unusual style for us, but I LOVED IT. We prayed over so many things, and I was blown away by my pastor's leadership. I also loved our worship teams mix of all of the standard patriotic songs. My church doesn't do anything half way and I think about that more than I can every explain in words. *grin* I am blessed. Totally. After church I was able to talk to various friends, and I just smiled inside. While I'm single, I'm far from alone, and for that I am blessed.
Gray hair. Sheesh, did this post change mood or what? *giggle* I am getting older, but feel blessed by that. I could do an entire post on young people that went home too soon, in my opinion, so I don't take life for granted. Ever. I have increasing gray hair daily, and am looking forward to my appointment Wednesday for cut and highlights. Gray hair, I will admit it, I've wondered why God allows us to lose the ability to keep our hair color. However, I am thankful to be alive in a time when highlights and such are available. *giggle*
Camp is around the corner again! I have so many bittersweet feelings this year. The camper I adore that typically comes the same week I do, has switched to the lake this summer. I'm happy for her, truly, and will miss her this year. Totally. *giggle* I also have mixed emotions because Summer is flying by. I'm already praying into my next school year, but I am REALLY enjoying this Summer Break. Last school year was character-building in various ways, so I have worked at relaxing this Summer. Yes, to a gal who works from 8:30am-9-ish in the evening, nine months out of the year, relaxing is actually hard. *giggle* That being said, I am looking forward to another week in the Barn-A-Bubble, to be recharged for the upcoming school year. It's hard to explain how that happens, but it does. Totally. *grin* I've been praying for the upcoming week for quite a while. It's gonna be good. *grin*
Jay hates my phone, laptop, or anything else that may take attention away from him. It's cute, really, because when I put my electronics down he's immediately in my lap. He's a smart little guy, as he got his leash caught this morning on something, and he knew to go back and walk around it to get lose. He's so smart it's crazy. I love the little guy, totally. *grin*
I'm currently getting caught up on some shows. I love the show Born This Way, and it's so fun to follow these adults with disabilities on T.V. They are so funny, trying to figure things out. It's been fun.
I also started watching (from the beginning) Night Shift. I didn't expect to like it as much as I do, so it's fun to have a new show to watch. I watched around ten episodes yesterday and stopped it. I think I needed a break, but do enjoy the show. I've always liked medical shows, and realize they lack the real life aspect in them. I kinda like that too. I mean, I couldn't watch it otherwise. *grin* I am a little squeamish. *giggle*
Sonya and I have plans for later this week, and that makes me happy. We are tentatively scheduled to do Worlds of Fun again. We both bought passes on the condition that we would actually use them. *giggle* We've gone twice, and it's been so fun having a friend who also likes roller coasters. I'll admit it, the older I get, the more nervous I am at high heights. However, singing Jesus Loves the Little Children as we climb the tall hills is helpful. *giggle*
So, it's already July 3rd. I used to really enjoy the fourth as a kid. My family would go to a friend's house and we would play with the other kids. My brother and his friend LOVED fireworks, so they shot most of them off. It was tons of fun, and I looked forward to it when I was a kid. Now, not so much... I now have Jay, and the loud booms catch him off-guard. He has done okay this year, but, when the LOUD booms hit and we both jump, he moves to my lap. It's cute and annoying all at the same time.
Finally, I'm really into Words with Friends this Summer. I have always enjoyed it, but this Summer I have gotten a smudge better at it. I still lose more than I win, but, I enjoy playing. So, if you wanna play me, send me a request. I have even played more than I've read books (gasp!) but it's been fun. *giggle*
So, Summer 2017 is really good. I plan to enjoy this last month, as August is around the corner. I do miss the students, more than I'll ever tell them, and will be ready in August. For now, I'm going to close my laptop and get caught up on my Words with Friends games. *giggle*
There's a firework celebration I'm invited to later, but I am leaning toward staying home with Jay. Tonight and tomorrow night are our least favorite days of the year.
LIFE.
IS.
AWESOME. *grin*
On Friday I took an hour drive to spend the afternoon with my college roommate and her two adorable kids. It was a blast to the past as some things just don't change: her amazing laugh, her smile, and her amount of love in her heart. She now has two beautiful little people, and I smile when I think of them now. I remember sitting in a dorm room with her as she shared her deepest dreams of a family of her own. I just smile when I think of our afternoon, because I'm genuinely happy for her. It's hard to put into words how much joy I have in my heart for her and her girls. Last time we got together was right after I moved here, I think. *grin* I hope it's not that long in between visits again. *grin* She's an incredible Mom to her girls, and I'm so blessed to have her as a friend, twenty years later. *grin* Of course, I sit here and think, 20 years? Where did time go? *giggle*
Yesterday I sat at church and found myself amazed (once again, this happens regularly) at my church family. *grin* We celebrated the fourth of July, in an unusual style for us, but I LOVED IT. We prayed over so many things, and I was blown away by my pastor's leadership. I also loved our worship teams mix of all of the standard patriotic songs. My church doesn't do anything half way and I think about that more than I can every explain in words. *grin* I am blessed. Totally. After church I was able to talk to various friends, and I just smiled inside. While I'm single, I'm far from alone, and for that I am blessed.
Gray hair. Sheesh, did this post change mood or what? *giggle* I am getting older, but feel blessed by that. I could do an entire post on young people that went home too soon, in my opinion, so I don't take life for granted. Ever. I have increasing gray hair daily, and am looking forward to my appointment Wednesday for cut and highlights. Gray hair, I will admit it, I've wondered why God allows us to lose the ability to keep our hair color. However, I am thankful to be alive in a time when highlights and such are available. *giggle*
Camp is around the corner again! I have so many bittersweet feelings this year. The camper I adore that typically comes the same week I do, has switched to the lake this summer. I'm happy for her, truly, and will miss her this year. Totally. *giggle* I also have mixed emotions because Summer is flying by. I'm already praying into my next school year, but I am REALLY enjoying this Summer Break. Last school year was character-building in various ways, so I have worked at relaxing this Summer. Yes, to a gal who works from 8:30am-9-ish in the evening, nine months out of the year, relaxing is actually hard. *giggle* That being said, I am looking forward to another week in the Barn-A-Bubble, to be recharged for the upcoming school year. It's hard to explain how that happens, but it does. Totally. *grin* I've been praying for the upcoming week for quite a while. It's gonna be good. *grin*
Jay hates my phone, laptop, or anything else that may take attention away from him. It's cute, really, because when I put my electronics down he's immediately in my lap. He's a smart little guy, as he got his leash caught this morning on something, and he knew to go back and walk around it to get lose. He's so smart it's crazy. I love the little guy, totally. *grin*
I'm currently getting caught up on some shows. I love the show Born This Way, and it's so fun to follow these adults with disabilities on T.V. They are so funny, trying to figure things out. It's been fun.
I also started watching (from the beginning) Night Shift. I didn't expect to like it as much as I do, so it's fun to have a new show to watch. I watched around ten episodes yesterday and stopped it. I think I needed a break, but do enjoy the show. I've always liked medical shows, and realize they lack the real life aspect in them. I kinda like that too. I mean, I couldn't watch it otherwise. *grin* I am a little squeamish. *giggle*
Sonya and I have plans for later this week, and that makes me happy. We are tentatively scheduled to do Worlds of Fun again. We both bought passes on the condition that we would actually use them. *giggle* We've gone twice, and it's been so fun having a friend who also likes roller coasters. I'll admit it, the older I get, the more nervous I am at high heights. However, singing Jesus Loves the Little Children as we climb the tall hills is helpful. *giggle*
So, it's already July 3rd. I used to really enjoy the fourth as a kid. My family would go to a friend's house and we would play with the other kids. My brother and his friend LOVED fireworks, so they shot most of them off. It was tons of fun, and I looked forward to it when I was a kid. Now, not so much... I now have Jay, and the loud booms catch him off-guard. He has done okay this year, but, when the LOUD booms hit and we both jump, he moves to my lap. It's cute and annoying all at the same time.
Finally, I'm really into Words with Friends this Summer. I have always enjoyed it, but this Summer I have gotten a smudge better at it. I still lose more than I win, but, I enjoy playing. So, if you wanna play me, send me a request. I have even played more than I've read books (gasp!) but it's been fun. *giggle*
So, Summer 2017 is really good. I plan to enjoy this last month, as August is around the corner. I do miss the students, more than I'll ever tell them, and will be ready in August. For now, I'm going to close my laptop and get caught up on my Words with Friends games. *giggle*
There's a firework celebration I'm invited to later, but I am leaning toward staying home with Jay. Tonight and tomorrow night are our least favorite days of the year.
LIFE.
IS.
AWESOME. *grin*
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
