The Caring Tongue

I don't usually post introspective thoughts, but I felt compelled to share this with you. Many of you don't know that Peter and I left our former church and are now attending a new church. As our new pastor was preaching weeks ago he mentioned a book he had read entitled "The Family Blessing" by Rolf Garborg. I love to read and during the service I jotted this title down thinking I may get this book one day. Well, that day came and I purchased it (on half.com for $4.00 if you're interested). I received the book in the mail and it literally lay beside my bed for weeks unopened. I didn't know why I hadn't started reading it because usually I dive right into them, but this time I didn't. Weeks go by and I found myself with a little time on my hands which is unusual. I had picked up Isabella from mom's house and she took a nap right when I got home. That left me with a little free time to find something to do. (wash clothes, do dishes, clean up my bedroom, etc.) Among all those things to do I picked a few and realized she was still asleep when I got done! So, since I rarely have extra time left over I thought this would be a good time to sit down and spend some time with Jesus. I don't why I didn't first, but I guess it doesn't matter now. I absolutely love my study/prayer time with Jesus once I'm settled enough in His presence. With me it's taken a long time to "be still" before the Lord and hear His voice, but I'm trying to do better. So, I had no idea what to read in His word. I just flip through the proverbs and came across a title on the side bar "The Caring Tongue". It listed scriptures about how Christians ought to speak. As I've learned many times before "The tongue can bring life or death, and you will eat the fruit thereof." Proverbs 18:21. I wrote down the Scriptures that pertained to things we should speak.

• Proverbs 10:32 The godly speak words that are helpful....
• Proverbs 12:18 ..the words of the wise bring healing
• Proverbs 12:25 ..an encouraging word cheers a person up
• Proverbs 15:23 Everyone enjoys a fitting reply, It is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time.
• Proverbs 16:24 Kind words are like honey..sweet to the soul and healthy to the body.
• Proverbs 25:15 Soft speech can crush strong opposition.
• Proverbs 27:9 The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume & incense.

I couldn't help myself but to think "Why do I say the things I say, good or bad?" "What am I speaking that brings life into other people?" "Am I harming them by my words, or am I speaking things that are positive and helpful into their life or situation?"

Why do we say the things we say? Is it because of stress, thoughtless chatter, anger, frustration, or just selfishness? After all, we're only human.

Amanda and I have actually had this conversation before last year. Do we speak just to be heard or do we really carefully plan our words and make them count? I've never forgotten that conversation. She really made me stop and think about this in my own life. Thanks sis, I needed your words of wisdom that day!

So, back to the book I purchased. As I was studying the Word, the Lord reminded me of that book. I went and got it and lo and behold it was all about speaking blessings over your family and your children's life! What perfect timing God has to work everything out for our good.

I realized not only did I want to speak words that are meaningful and helpful to others, but I also wanted to use my words to bless Isabella and her life. The book talks about not just thinking about words, but actually speaking them into existence. Once spoken, as Galborg puts it, the words have a life of their own. (for good or evil) I hope Peter and I will learn how to bless Isabella every night with spoken blessings. I know those blessings spoken over her will show up in her own character and personality one day. The blessings can never be retracted. Once spoken, that's it. I want my words to count in my life. God never fails us. May He bless your family too!

Fun times w/ Tessa

I'm so glad mom keeps Isabella. Let me rephrase that, I'm so blessed and so very thankful that mom keeps Isabella! One of the highlights I get to hear about is how she and Tessa get to play together all the time. At Amanda's shower for Harrison they both wanted in the double stroller. All they wanted to do was ride around in circles in the house. Isabella was ready for bed as you can tell. They are so cute playing together. One follows the other and then they take turns who's the leader. Usually Isabella follows Tessa everywhere. I'm so glad they're close in age. I know they'll be best buddies as they get bigger.

While mom kept her yesterday she got to eat oreos. One of my favorite cookies! Peter and I both love them. I guess she's a chocolate lover like me. Here's a before and after picture before mom had to give her a nice long bath and wash all the cookie off her. Thanks mom for taking such good care of my baby! I love you!

So Busy!!

As most of you know I teach Kindergarten. So, the reason I haven't posted in a while is I'm back to work! Oh how busy I've been. You can't even imagine how much work goes into preparing my classroom, meeting the little ones, and beginning a new year with Kindergartners. I feel like I haven't been able to think straight lately. I knew this was coming though. I told Peter as soon as I started back to work my mind would constantly be on overdrive until next May. And I really meant it! :) I love my job though. Since I do have to work I couldn't think of a better job to have than the one I'm doing. It took me a while and a lot of student loans to get here, but I did. Those kids are so precious. Even the ones that I have to fine tune during the year, figuratively speaking. They usually end up teaching me something through their sweet personalities. I meet some awesome parents too. I still have great friendships with parents whose children I had 3 years ago. It's just been such a great experience these last three years. This year I'm finally tenure! No more observations for a while. Yay! Anyway, while I was working last week Peter brought Isabella to my classroom after my kids left. She had fun playing in my loft and walking around the room. Here's some pictures of that:

You can see her and Peter peeking through the wood of the loft. There's a kitchen in there with pots and pans. She could have played in there all day.

Peter and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary at the Titans pre-season game. Peter also sent roses to the school and it was a total surprise for me. I loved them. It was nice to get out for a while with him and my sis. She and Greg were celebrating their 9th wedding anniversary too. The night was so beautiful and the game was fun. We took some silly pictures of each other and then some normal ones. We had a good time. Happy 7 years together honey! I love you! What goobers we are.

Last Saturday was our step-niece's birthday party. Alyssa turned 5. She had a fun swim party at mom's. All the kids had a great time in the pool and eating cake. Happy Birthday Alyssa!

Here's a few pictures of Isabella in the nursery. She looked too cute sitting at the table, so I had to take a few pictures of her with her friends. Revin (Lori & Ben Sugg's son)was her buddy in class that day. He was so cute with her.

Today was Amanda's baby shower for Harrison! He'll be here in at least 5 1/2 weeks. She's already having a lot of braxton hicks contractions. She's doing really well though. We had the shower in baby blue and khaki. It looks so different with blue everywhere. We're so used to our girlie girls. Amanda got a lot of great gifts for him. Tessa and Isabella had fun playing together as usual. Isabella was very whiny off and on the whole shower. But you'd never guess it by some of these faces. Teeth coming maybe? Never know. She talks ALL the time, I just sometimes wish I could understand her especially when she's not acting herself. It's hard when you don't know what's wrong with your baby. But she ended up having a better time as the night carried on. Amanda, you look so beautiful! I can't wait to meet my precious nephew! Love you!

Licking the Bowl & Elmo

I hadn't make brownies in a while so I decided to make some the other night. Usually Peter licks the bowl, but looks like Isabella beat him to it. Actually, he was at work and I just figured she'd enjoy it. I was right! She actually stuck her whole head in the bowl to try and lick it. She went straight in the tub after this messy dessert!

Today was Brock's 1st birthday party. Shannon had an Elmo birthday part for him. It was so cute. She even had a fish bowl on the table for the kids to look at. Except Isabella had never seen a goldfish in a tank so close to her with no lid! She tried really heard to get both hands in the fish bowl. We quickly moved to the floor instead or that fish would of had a short life. Here are some pics from the day.

Living Above the Line

Well, today marks my official last day off for the summer. Tomorrow I head back to MCE and get ready for a new school year. I went to an inservice today entitled "Quantum Learning". It was all about how to understand our brain and how children learn best based on brain research. I guess I have to admit I wasn't thrilled to be at an inservice on my last day of summer vacation, however, as the morning went on until lunch I realized there was more here than just learning about the brain. I sat and listened to this woman talk about living "above" the line. She took some time talking about this and how we as adults can use them in our own personal life as well as the classroom. Above the line meant joy, power, and freedom. Below the line was denial, justifying inappropriate actions, and having a don't care attitude. The line itself represented "choice". We choose how to respond to life, either with a bad attitude, or a realization that even if we don't like the situation we're in, this was it, and we are to make the very most of every opportunity, even if we don't agree or like it. Or even if it is hard. We accept it, we choose to have a good attitude, we choose to not go around and talk negative to others or about others. I could literally feel my heart beating and an anxious feeling come over me. I knew the Holy Spirit was speaking to me. I began to realize this whole Quantum Learning idea was Jesus. He is our example of how to live "above" the line. I turned to my friend and co-worker and said this is all about HIM, without the speaker actually saying it because we're in a public school system. There was much more to this inservice than what I've just shared and I am so very glad I went to it. I know I will be blessed this year because the Lord has gone before me and prepared my way for a great year. Regardless of how difficult it may be at times, I have to take ownership of my attitude and my actions and not blame it on anyone or anything else. And most of all I have to make sure I resemble living "above" the line for my students and my family as Jesus did for us.

Be Aware!

Last year I was leaving K-mart parking lot and this man urged me to listen to his sob story. It went like this: "I'm so sorry, but I cannot get a hold of my wife on my cell phone and I am completely out of gas. I've never done this before and I am so embarrassed. Would you please give me a couple of dollars so I can make it home? I am really sorry, I can't believe this. I am so very embarrassed to ask you for money." He acted really sad, so I think I had a dollar or two on me and I gave them to him. Well, quite coincidentally, I had the very same guy do the exact same to me today at Target in Rivergate! (This is a year later!) He was driving a different car (blue or gray mini van) and he gave the exact same spill! I just looked at him and said "Have you ever done this before because that is the exact same story I heard not too long ago!?" When I quickly pulled off I realized it was the exact same guy! He has dark brown hair, dark complected, white guy who looks slim. I got home and called Target security and they said he probably goes around to different parking lots and that's how he makes his living. Just be on the lookout for this guy or anyone else that has a story like this. Security said he will more than likely only target young females. So, be on the lookout, please!

Children's Consignment Sale

For anyone that may be interested or just likes to check out consignment sales, my friend Alison's sister, Brea, owns the Encores and More North Children's Consignment coming next weekend. It will be located in Rivergate this time. I went to the spring sale this past year in Hendersonville and it was extremely huge! If you're a new mom, child under 18 mo., you can go to the pre-sale next Friday night at 8:00pm. Leshia and I will be meeting up there if anyone else wants to meet us. For more info., go to Encores and More North website.