Gramma Julie's Coming to Town

She may not be Santa, but I'm sure she'll brighten our Christmas. My hubby's 90-year-old mom will be joining us for Christmas this year. We're going to drive up to Oklahoma to pick her up on Wednesday.

My Dad lives across town, but his wife had back surgery last Tuesday. They aren't quite up for company or car travel, so we won't be seeing them until after New Year's Day. My brother & his family are coming up on January 3rd. We'll get together at that time.

This will be the first time in a few years that we have had "the big meal" at our house! It will be a nice change!

This also may be the last Christmas that we're all in the same country for a while. My daughter & fiancé are planning to go to Germany shortly after they are married this summer. He will be teaching English in German schools for the school year. After she marries, my older son is planning to enlist in the Air Force, so he could be anywhere!

I enjoyed a quiet day today: sleeping late, reading and getting chores done at a leisurely pace. It was nice. Tomorrow I'm going to redeem a 2-year-old gift certificate for a massage. I'm hoping it will help with my back issues.

My back has been much better. I went to yoga on Saturday, and I suffered no ill effects it! We might go again tomorrow night.

We're getting ourselves a Christmas present, with a little help from our kids. It's a nice digital camera. I broke ours the day our youngest was baptized. We'd been having trouble with it, so we weren't too disappointed. The camera probably won't arrive until after Christmas, but that's O.K.

Ready for Christmas Break!

Or, Winter Break, to be politically correct.

It's been a busy time lately, as you can see from my lack of posts. The students have been challenging lately. We had a school rep come & demonstrate how things were to go -- which was much more regimented than I usually do things. Consequently, they have been challenging my authority since then.

I've also had an ongoing battle of wills with my younger son. We're going to try to crack down on him to get him to meet his responsibilities.

I noticed my back hurting after a yoga session two weeks ago. I went to another session two days later, and now my back is worse. My doc gave me some exercises and OK'd yoga, if I go cautiously and skip the parts that hurt.

Just before Thanksgiving, I got my hair cut! I donated the ponytail to Locks of Love. They make wigs for children cancer patients who cannot afford them. The new profile pic is the straightened look. I'll get a pic on later of the curly look. I broke my camera, and Julie has misplaced hers.

The profile pic was taken from a picture of last Sunday's worship team (which explains the shiny things by my head!) With our new worship pastor coming soon, this may have been our last time to lead worship together. We've really enjoyed bonding as a team. When you have a great group of musicians to work with, you just naturally fall into your parts. Thanks to the whole team for allowing me to be a part of such talented servant leadership!

Weighty song

Here's a video for you to enjoy. It really moved me when I heard it on the radio in the car, so I had to look it up at home. Let me know what you think.

I think Julie started something!

Wow! It's been a long time since I posted!

I did go back to yoga, along with my older son. We joined with a family plan that includes my daughter. I really debated because of the cost, but my hubby said that it would be good for my health. He's even coming with us now! We're getting our money's worth, at least, and all benefiting! Since it is done in the heat (90 to 98 degrees, depending on the class), it is helping us acclimate to what will eventually be our home country -- Haiti. Of course, that's quite a ways off, and I'm not sure how long we'll keep the yoga up. And I just ignore the references to "Mother Earth" and praise Father God instead!

The younger son is still struggling with his school work, but they have moved him to a 6th-grade class (still doing 5th-grade work), and he seems to be improving -- slowly! Keep praying for him!

We are still in the process of making some lifestyle changes. Hopefully, before too long we'll get rid of some big bills. We've been counseled to consider replacing our cars with notes with cheap ones, even if we have to get a loan to pay off the difference. I need to go in and talk with the credit union where we have one note to see what could be done. I'm grateful to have friends in my Financial Peace class that are encouraging us in our debt reduction. (Thanks, Norm!)

Everything else is about the same. Hubby's overtime is just about over for the year, which will mean smaller paychecks. The school's afternoon bus driver position is opening again, but I don't know if they would want another full-time driver/teacher aide. That's the only way Mark could take a job there. It would mean a lot less stress and much shorter commute, being about a break-even in pay (without overtime). I just don't know if the school can afford to hire him. If it's God's will, it will work out. If not, I'm sure we're better off where we are.

It's encouraging to run into folks at church or at the school who ask how our journey to be missionaries is progressing. It gets us all fired up again! It is so easy to lapse into complacency in daily life and forget the big goal ahead. Please keep praying for us -- for God's provision and our self-discipline as we work on paying off our debts.

Yoga, anyone?

I attended my first yoga class this morning. (We go to church at night, in case you're wondering!) I'm not sure if yoga is for me. In the first place, my body doesn't bend in the ways they want you to bend. And even if I had the flexibility, there's too much body in the way! I also struggle with the philosophy behind yoga.

The class we attended was what they call a "Fire" class. They had the room at 98.6 degrees and 60% humidity to help warm and open your joints and muscles. I did not leave the room during the 90-minute class, but I did have to take some unscheduled breaks to rest.

I bought their trial "10 days for $10". I'm not sure if I'm going to give it another try or not. I guess it wouldn't hurt. Let's see how I feel tomorrow!

Back to the Daily Grind

I enjoyed one day off for Columbus Day, then it was back to work! I like working with the students, but it can be frustrating at times. Our system requires the students to sit still and be quiet most of the day, which is hard for anyone. It's even harder for some -- like students with ADHD. I have a couple of those. I've been moving them around and trying different strategies to keep things under control in the classroom. I'll let you know if I find something that works!

We're trying to make some lifestyle changes to help retire the debts faster. There is only so much you can change, so we'll have to wait and see how quickly the debt diminishes. We thought we could sell our cars to get out from under the loan payments, but we're a bit upside down in both car loans. Our friends at Financial Peace said we should call Dave Ramsey's radio show and ask him what would be the best way to handle the cars. I don't know if we're THAT bold!

My hubby was off all week. It was nice to have him home. He worked very hard, though -- no sitting around (or not much). He cleaned the living room, cooked dinner daily, and painted the exterior of the house, except for the trim. My older son helped with the house painting. I'll be sad to see him go back to work. I'm sure he will be sad, too! But we have to keep the income flowing -- preferably with a bit of overtime added to the check!

We are missionary candidates!

I'm checking in from Florida. Agape Flights has asked us to join their team, and we have accepted! The first stage will be getting rid of our debt, repairing & selling our house, and getting rid of a bunch of junk! They want us to come to Florida for 3-6 months to learn how their operation works. After that, they are planning to send us to the Dominican Republic to work under their missionary in Santo Domingo to learn that end of the work. Then we will go to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to learn the work from the volunteer (a local missionary) who has been in charge of what will be our job. As we learn how to do the work and learn the language, we will begin to take over the work ourselves. It will take a while to get there, but we are really excited! The hard part will be getting rid of debt and stuff to get ready to go. Thank you for your prayers! I'll check in again when we get home!

Breaking news!

Mark & I are going to Venice, Florida, to interview with Agape Flights. They are a mission organization that delivers mail and provides support to the missionaries in the Caribbean (including our missionaries). The position would be that of Field Director. They need someone in Haiti to meet the plane for mail deliveries, organize volunteers to sort mail, interface with customs officials for shipping and receiving, and host short-term teams, hopefully through a guest house the Field Director would run.

Our friends, Ruth and LJ Scott, are going to be joining Agape Flights as Field Directors in Les Cayes, where some of our other missionary friends are. Agape Flights also needs someone in Port au Prince & Cap Haitian.

We have received frequent flier tickets from some friends, so our way is provided. We will be staying in the home of Agape Flights missionaries, who will pick us up at the airport and take care of us for the weekend. The only thing else we need is your prayer support.

Our trip will be from Thursday, October 9, through Sunday, October 12. Our youngest, William, will be going along with us. Please pray for us as we travel and meet with Agape Flights to get to know one another and investigate possibilities for the future.

Yes, I'm still alive!

I haven't fallen off the face of the planet, although sometimes I'd like to! I've been exhausted lately!

This teacher job is taking much more time and energy than I thought. Every night I bring home tests to grade and PAKs to look over to make sure the student is ready for the test. Every night I fall asleep over my grading. At the same time, my hubby has been working lots of overtime hours. We hardly see each other lately! I'm hoping my teacher work will come easier as I get the hang of it. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like my hubby's work is due for a slowdown for quite some time! At least we'll have the blessing of overtime pay!

I made a point of doing as little as possible this weekend, just to make sure I caught up on my rest. It seems to be helping so far. Aside from a trip to Home Depot for my hubby, I've stayed in and relaxed. I played with a troublesome batch of soap (with no better results). I'm going to grate it up and use it for laundry soap, so I'm n0t too worried about it. I really need to make a fresh batch to boost my confidence! Maybe next weekend.

Tomorrow, I'll be back at it. I'm helping in the kitchen for our Mission Meal and Mark is running the sound board. Mission Meal is a meal we cook from scratch and serve after the second morning service and offer for take-out. The proceeds go to help our sister church in Chambellan, Haiti. It's a lot of work, but it's worth it! My hubby & I really enjoy helping with the meal. The Mission Meals have been able to provide a lot of support for our sister church -- everything from a new parsonage to beds to put in it to donkeys and motorcycles.

Please pray for Haiti. They are really suffering after the devastation of hurricanes Gustav & Hanna. Their gardens have been destroyed and they have lost many animals. Lives have been lost as well, although not in our sister church or the satellite churches in the district.

Speaking of hurricanes, I finally contacted my brother and sister-in-law. They had minimal damage -- just a few shingles blown off. However, they are still without power in their neighborhood. They are using her mother's generator to power a few things. Fortunately, they never lost water and their stove is gas. We have not called my other brother, my aunt, or Mark's brother, all of whom are in the Houston area.

I guess I'd better head for bed. Tomorrow is an early morning! Plus, I'm falling asleep at the computer.

Whew!

I tried to think up some catchy phrase to sum up the last couple of weeks. I don't think I have enough brain cells!

School is started and going pretty well. After two weeks, I think we're getting a routine down. I'm getting to know the students and their individual personalities. There's something I like in every one of them -- even those with "attitudes".

The main challenge of my day is what we call Goal Check. I make my way around the room, stopping at each student's desk to check that they met yesterday's goals and to help them in setting today's goals. And all the record keeping that goes with that! The secondary challenge is to keep the ADD kids/talkers to stay focused on their work rather than chatting and getting attention.

My prayer daily is that I would be shown how best to meet the individual needs of each student, especially those with struggles -- academic, emotional or physical. I still have a few I haven't figured out yet or don't always like as much, but I care for them all. Some of the ones I feared working with the most are the ones I find myself enjoying working with. That's what I get for prejudging!

Last Sunday, on one of my regular opportunities to serve on a worship team, I was asked to lead on a song. Being a "backup singer" doing the harmony part, it seemed really strange to carry the melody and having others harmonizing with me! I never considered myself as having a solo voice, but I have sung solos from time to time. It was fun, scary and challenging to have the opportunity to do so again.

What meant even more to me than the fact that I was spotlighted was the fact that all three vocalists took a turn leading songs. I love it when we mix it up and let people step into new roles for them. As much as I love the very talented people who usual take solos, it is good to see others step into that role from time to time -- even if they aren't as talented as the "regulars". Our pastor summed it up for me when he said in his sermon that we (those leading the service) aren't here to perform but to serve and hopefully have an impact on others.

Countdown!

The countdown is continuing on beginning my new teaching career. I'm excited and scared. I'm worried I'll do something stupid or blow things on the first day. Actually, I don't know why I'm worried. I'm SURE I'll do something stupid! I usually do! ;-)

I'm excited about getting involved in the lives of teens. I'm looking forward to getting to know the new teachers and renewing friendships with the returning ones. I'm having trouble letting go of the secretary job. I want to help my replacement get established so badly! But that's not my job now, so I'll try to keep my hands off.

Well, I guess Monday will show whether I launch to new heights or blow up on the launching pad! No matter what happens, I hope I'll be a light for Jesus in the lives of the students and their families.

Time's up!

That was a short vacation! Oh, well! Two days are better than none!

Due to unforeseen circumstances, they needed me back at work. The good news -- I get paid extra for the secretarial work I put in! That will be a real blessing to the family.

So much for all those projects around the house!

Vacation!!

Guess what? I get a paid vacation!!

Only thing is:
1. I wasn't expecting it.
2. I don't have the funds to go anywhere or do anything.
3. I'll probably spend it cleaning house, prepping for teaching, and working on a class I'm taking.

But I do have the next week and a half off from secretary duty. Tomorrow is my last day as TEC secretary. I'll start new teacher training on the 14th.

Don't worry. I'll mix some fun and relaxation in there, too!

Catching the train(ing)

I started my teacher training today. It is at the lovely Ruthe Jackson Center in Grand Prairie. It really is a beautiful facility. Training involves sitting at round tables in a ballroom, listening to a speaker, interspersed with occasional group activities. It hasn't been boring, but I did have trouble staying awake at one point after lunch!

While reading through Colossians a couple of days ago, I ran across a verse that has stuck with me:

Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving... -- Colossians 4:2

Convicting & encouraging.

Old Friends

Yesterday I spent the day with an old friend. Sorry, I have to say "old" friend because we've known each other about 20 years! And she still likes me!

It's wonderful to spend time with those you love and have a history with. You come with no agenda, talk for hours, never run out of topics, and the time flies away! It's so refreshing!

We both have "split families". She has two grown children who are 1-1/2 and 3-1/2 years older than my oldest. When our older children were young, we used to come over for visits and let the kids play while we had "mom time". Shared toys and a lunch of grilled cheese and tomato soup would go a long way in entertainment value.

We both ended up moving to new locations in the metroplex and still visited periodically. Thirteen years ago, she moved to California & I moved to our current home. Afterwards, we each had a third child -- this time mine is about three years older than hers.

A few years back, she moved back to the metroplex. We've resumed our periodic visits, this time with the younger ones playing while the moms chat.

Having children slightly older than mine, she's been a mentor and a friend. She photographed my children for their high school graduation pictures. Last summer, both of her older children married. Also, her son is in the navy. Once again she's a step ahead of me in the directions life is taking our family.

We come from such different backgrounds. But God has put us together and given us much in common. And, no matter what, she accepts me and loves me for who I am.

I am truly blessed!

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. -- Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Happy 90th Birthday, Mom!

My mother-in-law turned 90 years young on July 5! We went up to her home town in Oklahoma to attend her party. My husband's brother came from the Houston area with his wife & daughter. My husband's sister came from the Stillwater area with her husband, and several of her children were able to attend. There was a family gathering for the first two hours, then friends from her church came to honor her. It was a lot of fun! Plus, it was wonderful to see family again!

We finished summer school. My younger son officially passed 4th grade! (And I didn't kill him in the process!) It's been nice not to have to hound him every second to do school work. It's also been nice to have an even slower pace at work -- and NO INTERRUPTIONS! I am trying to get the school records in order. I'd also like to expand the database I created. I'm still praying for that future secretary that they have yet to hire!

The tall son decided not to press charges against his "friend". He felt like the friend was suffering enough with the loss of the friendship. Even though I am a signer on the account, I felt it should be my son's decision and am supporting him. He did provide information to the bank on his friend (as a suspect) when filing a claim for the charges to his account. I am not sure what will be done with that information.

The tall son has also decided to wait on enlisting in the Air Force until after his sister's wedding next July. He wants to make sure he'll be able to attend. He's applying at NCTC (community college) to take some of his college basics. He'll be working part time as well.

I'll be starting my teacher training on July 17, taking general teaching classes over a two-week period. I'll have to drive to Grand Prairie every day. I'm not looking forward to paying for gas those weeks! Especially with a smaller paycheck due to days off for the classes. Please pray for God's provision and wise budgeting on our part.

Wounds of a Friend?

Faithful are the wounds of a friend,
But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.
-- Proverbs 27:6

What about the wounds of one you thought was a friend?

My son had his wallet lifted. It was later found where he first missed it. However, in the meantime, two charges were made on his debit card. Due to various events, my son traced the loss back to a friend he has known several years and led to the Lord. Or at least we hope he did. Right now, the fruit we can inspect isn't smelling very sweet. The friend is still denying having anything to do with the lost wallet. Evidence strongly suggests otherwise.

The bank can reverse the charges, so the loss will be temporary. The wallet was recovered, so identity theft is unlikely. Important documents don't have to be replaced. That is a blessing.

How would you handle a situation like this? This young man committed fraud against my son and refuses to acknowledge his guilt. Would you report him to the police? Give him one last chance to repent? Let it slide? There is the desire for retribution or justice to be done. But aside from that, what will help this young man the most? Getting away with it? Getting caught? No matter what, it's bound to be messy.

Please pray for our family to have wisdom in how to deal with this. And please pray for this young man. More than anything, we'd like to see him confess, seek the Father's forgiveness, and choose to follow Christ.

Relaxing!

After an intense last week of school, summer school has begun and things are slowing down. Yes, I'm still working as secretary. As a matter of fact, the first couple of days of summer school had us running around like crazy, looking for all the things the teachers were supposed to have left for their students. Things like Paks (the curriculum), score keys (for the Paks), tests, and test keys. But we've gotten it pretty much under control, and the first week (of three) is under our belts. I've even begun putting together a database of next year's students. It's amazing what I can get done when I don't have to worry about lunch (and all the record-keeping that went with it)!

My work hours for summer are shorter. Plus, I get Fridays off. It's nice getting home earlier and being able to get more done around the house. My house definitely needed the attention. I just hope we can make it on the reduced paycheck.

I restarted my diet and am trying my hardest to only eat allowable foods. I hope I see some progress so that I will get some motivation to stick with it. I think the first few days are the hardest.

How do you motivate a guy who doesn't want to be motivated? I've tried praying, bribing, threatening, intimidating, coercing, breaking goals into smaller pieces, painting the big picture -- you name it. Three weeks isn't a very long time. I guess we'll see if he gets motivated to finish his work, or if he will repeat fourth grade. Suggestions welcome!

I passed!

Good news! I got the unofficial results of my math teaching test. The range of possible scores was 100-300. Passing was 240. I got a 260! The test pointed out to myself that there is a lot that I would need to brush up on for teaching anything higher than Algebra II. But at least I passed, and now we can move on to the rest of my teacher training. In July, I'll be going for 7 days of training over a two-week period.

Allergies are better, but I've still got a cough and occasional asthma symptoms.

My hubby contacted Agape Flights, and they are beginning to contact our references. After they get back information from some of our references, they will schedule a time for us to come to Florida for an interview. They also will run a background check on us. I've led too sheltered a life to find much of interest, I'm sure. My hubby was in the military with a high level of security clearance. I think he'll pass.

The bride has a dress and a venue. As long as the venue is available, she has a date. They have decided our humble church is not such a bad place after all. It's not your traditional-looking church building, but our multi-use auditorium can get pretty snazzed up! The church has decorations we can use. And we have lots of people who will be able to help us out at low costs or as volunteers. We are truly blessed to be at Crossroads!

What's a derivative?

Wow! It's been a busy month!

Today I took my content test that proves (if I pass) that I'm "highly qualified" to teach high school math. Right now, I feel like someone sucked out my brains! I don't feel highly qualified to do anything! But I survived the testing process. I should have results in a week or so. If I have to do this again, at least I know what I need to be studying! I think I will need a crash course in calculus and linear algebra. I'm amazed by how much I have forgotten!

I've been fighting allergies, along with most North Texans, this year. It's been REALLY bad! For me, that also means asthma. I went to see a pulmonologist (lung doc) on Friday. He put me on steroids and some more herbs (he believes in those). He wants me to do a sleep study, since I snore. If my lungs don't clear up soon, he wants to "put me in the hospital and clean them out." I hope it doesn't come to that. I really can't afford it. Especially when I'll be faced with substantially reduced income over the summer. Which is a whole 'nother topic.

We found out through some friends that Agape Flights has our application and has been waiting for us to call them. And here we were, trying to be patient and wait for them to contact us! Our friends have been accepted to Agape to go to Les Cayes, Haiti, to set up a guest house and mail services. They are hoping to be able to go in three to four months. Right now, they are sharing their vision and waiting for God's provision. Agape Flights is close to replacing their airplane that they lost at Christmas last year.

Pray for the Russia Team. They are currently in Tula and will be coming home on Sunday. I have not heard from my son or anyone else on the team. A friend said their daughter contacted them, and all are well.

Well, that's all my sucked-out brain can come up with for now!

Happy Administrative Professional Day!

(I had this ready to post yesterday, but Blogger would not upload. Then we had a power failure! So, here's a second try, a day late!)

Or, for the less politically correct, happy Secretary's Day!

I was overwhelmed yesterday when I walked into the school to discover gifts and cards covering my desk! Just as I finished opening them all and oohing and aahing appreciatively, I had a class of first graders come into my tiny office to present me with a banner that they had all signed. I said my thank yous, hung the banner, and turned around to find the third graders in my office with their banner! There was also a poster in the cafeteria available for all to sign. Then a bit after lunch, my superintendent dropped by with a bouquet. I haven't felt this appreciated in a long while!

Although it's wonderful to be honored and appreciated, I was even more glad that the students had an opportunity to show appreciation for someone who serves them. So often these days, children learn to take, take, take and never give back in return.

Next year, there will be another secretary at the desk. I've signed up for my content test (over math & some teaching) at the end of May. Passing the content test demonstrates that I am "highly qualified" to teach Math 8-12 grade. In July, I'll be doing my training with the alternative certification program. In August, I'll start teaching on a probational certification. I'll probably teach high school, or possibly midschool. I'll be teaching every subject, due to the nature of our school. It is more like "group homeschooling". The students work mostly independently using PAKs, or worktexts. I'm there for assistance, motivation, and encouragement -- as well as classroom management and discipline.

I called my former boss to inform him of my career direction change. He wished me well, but I know he was disappointed that I wouldn't be available to help his company. They have a bid on a contract, but without the contract they cannot hire someone in the position he wanted me to fill. He is still uncertain when that position will even open up. Even if that was the right direction for me, I couldn't wait around for a job that might come to be.

I've been tutoring some high school students in math in preparation for their TAKS exams next week. I've really enjoyed interacting with them. I'm looking forward to teaching next year!

News!

Gosh, it's hard to believe it's been a MONTH!

First, I have to share my good news! Our daughter came back from a spring break ski trip with a ring! Yes, she is getting married, probably in July 2009. The date has not been finalized at this point, but we're working on it. So many dreams, so little money! That's the hard part. But we are adjusting our expectations and trying to embrace the decisions which might not have been our first choice in a perfect world (with unlimited funds!). No matter what, it will be a very special and memorable event!

Over the spring break week, I spent a lot of time thinking about the job decision. I even investigated doing medical transcription again. After obsessing over it for several days, God convicted me that I wasn't trusting Him with the matter. I prayed again that he would give me clear direction and tried my best to not think about it.

Several days after I went back to school, I started getting a "feeling". Now, I don't recommend you base major decisions on feelings, but sometimes I get them, and I can't help feeling they are from God. This one reminded me of the feeling I got about my husband after our first date the second time around. I actually was inspired to write a song, the gist of which was that God told me that I was going to love him (that guy I just went out with) for the rest of my life. Of course, then my reaction was, "You don't mean HIM, do you God?" Well, I guess he did! I had a friend sing the song at our wedding, and we just celebrated 26 years of marriage.

Back to my "feeling". The feeling this time was that I was going to end up teaching. And the more time that has passed, the more right this seems. I also found out that the school will pay all my certification fees if I contract to teach for two years, so that's definitely an answer to prayer!

Interestingly, about the time I decide that the teaching position is the way to go, my old boss calls me. I haven't called him back yet. I was at work and not in a position to talk, so I told him I'd call him back. They have bid on a contract that would give them the customer base to bring someone on -- IF they get the contract. If not, it will be months before they have the business to support someone in the position for which he was wanting me. And then what happens if they lose business? I don't know that this job would be worth the wait -- or the gamble. And several loving friends have counseled me that it would be wise not to take this job.

This week, I applied with Texas Teachers, an alternative certification program, and had my university send them a transcript. The training would be on-site over two weeks this summer, plus an additional national trainers session. My campus director was very glad to hear this! I know they will have a position for me at the school. They are trying to open a new campus in the Aubrey-Pilot Point area, which would be much closer for our current high school teacher. They have not gotten state approval to the amendments to the charter yet. Even if they don't, our midschool teacher has stated she will not be back this year, so I would be able to teach that level as I will be certified for Math 8-12. Our midschool is only 7th and 8th grades.

Throughout this decision process, I was reminded by others of several things:

• Philippians 4:6-7 clearly shows that obsession is not demonstrating faith:Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

• God cares more about who we are than what we do. Many times he leaves that choice of what we do totally up to us. However, he wants us to show Christ to others by doing what we choose in the best way we possibly can.

On the missions front, we did complete our application for Agape Flights and mail it in. We have not heard back from them yet. Our friends that have applied with them said that they will check out all our references first. Even if we end up getting accepted with them or another organization, it usually takes two years to raise the necessary funds to go on the field. Bottom line, we're in God's hands and on God's timing!

Thanks for your prayers, all my friends!

New Possibilities?

Last week was both interesting and difficult.

For the difficult part, I received some information that I was doing a couple of things wrong on my job. In a perfectionist like me who strives to always be found favorable, this was disappointing. Even though some of it may have been based on mistaken information given to me, I still got bummed. I was also told not to work overtime without approval. I hadn't intentionally been working overtime. I was just trying to get the job done, and that was how long it took. All this information was received when I was in the throes of trying to get report cards out -- a process that took a bit of overtime to make happen.

Now the interesting part. The same letter advising me not to work overtime included an offer for me to pursue a teaching position at the school where I work. Being a charter school, I would not be required to have a teaching certificate. I would only need a bachelor's degree and to prove competency in my subject area through a test given by the TEA (Texas Education Agency).

You've heard me discussing a position my old project manager hoped to offer me at a start-up firm dealing with computers. It would require a commute and more time that my younger son would be on his own in the afternoons.

Right now, my younger son and I "do school together" in the sense that it is an activity we share. I'm seeing some improvements in his behavior (at times), and I'm having more time for character-building instruction and interaction. A friend reminded me of the importance of keeping son-time as a priority. Not that I disagree or hold another view, but sometimes we need reminding. It is easy to get sidetracked by the urgent things in life -- like paying the bills. Even if the other job would provide more financially, would I be sacrificing my son in the process.

I'm not sure if I want to be a teacher forever, or even if I feel it is a calling. At one point, it was the career I was pursuing with my educational preparation. I mainly changed my direction due to marriage. I still got my degree. However, I didn't pursue teaching as I felt it was a career, not a short-term job until I began a family.

And how does missions fit in? Would making more money get me to that goal faster? But at what cost? Would being a teacher make me a more attractive missionary candidate? Is that what I'd want to do? So many variables!!

At this point, I'm seriously considering pursuing the teaching position. However, I feel I'd be short-changing myself by not pursuing certification. There are alternative programs that let you teach as you train and will deduct your program fees/tuition from your teaching paycheck. There is an upfront fee/down payment to get started, and I would have to pay for the state testing separately.

The school has offered to pay for the competency testing, which is also one of the requirements of the alternative programs. I have asked my Campus Director to find out what, if any, financial assistance is available for the certificaiton program.

Although we have not finished our applications yet, Mark is still wanting to pursue applying with Agape Flights. I have not heard anything new on a replacement airplane for their ministry.

By the way, we survived the first round of TAKS testing. Overall, it went rather smoothly. Next week I will begin tutoring high school math students in preparing for the math TAKS test in April. I'm hoping these tutoring sessions will give me an indication of whether teaching would be a good fit for me. I figure it will either whet my appetite or drive me crazy!!

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

He knows the plans, but we don't! Please pray for me (and my hubby) to have wisdom in our decision-making process.

TAKS woes

I hate TAKS! No, I don't mean tacks, although you could probably make some valid "points" of comparison. Or taxes, even though I'm not fond of them, either! I mean Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills.

Back in the day, when I was a blissfully ignorant homeschooler, I didn't know just how much TAKS drives the day-to-day events of public schools. At first it was just a benchmark (practice test) here and there. Now, closer to the dates of the actual TAKS testings, the benchmarks get harder and closer together. This week we will have to start additional tutoring for those who did not have passing grades on their benchmarks so that they will have a better chance of passing the TAKS. I'm even going to do some high school math tutoring. (My Campus Director thinks I should get my teaching certification.)

Those who criticize schools for just teaching to the TAKS tests do not realize the pressure schools are under because of the TAKS. Mind you, I don't like teaching to the TAKS either. However, schools and teachers are evaluated based on the percentages of passing students. If the school does not get an acceptable rating, the state can put a full-time monitor into the school (that the school has to pay for) and possibly close the school if improvements are not made.

Sometimes I wish I were a blissfully ignorant homeschooler again!

As for the rest of life: I'm feeling quite a bit better. Hopefully my throat will hold out tomorrow as I sing at church. No more news on the job front. And I haven't made soap yet. The diet is going o.k., but I am cheating more frequently (just in small ways). The mission application is still in progress. No news from Agape Flights on replacing their plane. Lunch still pretty much dominates my day at the school. And we have not made any progress on our online class.

I guess I'm just taking life one day at a time. Which isn't a bad perspective.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

-- Matthew 6:33-34 NLT

Surrender!

I thought it was going to be "Retreat!" but it ended up being "Surrender!"

The Women's Retreat was this weekend. I was really looking forward to it and had a couple of service opportunities that I was looking forward to. Plus, our new pastor's wife was our speaker. However, Thursday night I started feeling bad. By Friday morning, I knew I wouldn't be able to go. I even took off early from work -- as soon as I got my lunch duties finished! Oh, well. God knows best, and I'm sure there's a good reason why I needed to be home this weekend.

Mark & I worked on "cleaning" the fat today -- boiling in water the tallow we had rendered in order to get rid of more impurities. Someday it will be soap! I've also been checking out recipes and techniques online. As a side benefit of salvaging the scraps from mission meal, we also got several pounds of very fatty ground beef. We're going to mix it with some leaner ground beef we have or cook it and rinse it for use in spaghetti sauce or soup. Overall, our salvage was a blessing!

I got a call from my old project manager earlier this week. It looks like the end of the school year will work out better for his company to bring me on. He's still working on justifying my position. But he says he still wants to hire me. That would be good for me, since I don't know how much I'll work at the school over the summer. And if I'm not working, I'm not getting paid!

I'm getting tired of my weird diet, but I am losing weight. I think that generally I'm feeling better as well. Fortunately, I like the things I am allowed to eat. I have cheated a little, but I really try not to.

I got a very touching letter from my hubby for Valentines Day! I know it was a labor of love, as writing does not come easy for him. For me, it's not the pricey presents that count!

Sometimes I feel like I'm just spinning my wheels and not making much progress getting anywhere in life. But I know God is working in me and my family in subtle ways I can't always see. And when the time is right for a change of direction, He will make it apparent.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. -- Psalm 23:2-3a

Updates

Lunch only takes up 3/4 of my day now! Occasionally I get caught up. Frequently I get interrupted! Oh, the life of a school secretary.

I haven't heard from my previous project manager. Some days I'd take that job in a heartbeat. Others, I'm glad I'm at the school. I love the folks I work with -- at least most of them!

We're slowly making progress on the finances. Hopefully, March will be a little better. I'm also reading through a book a friend loaned me -- "Total Money Makeover" by Dave Ramsey.

Mark is making progress on his Agape Flights application. In his defense, it is lengthy. I also saw online that another organization, Baptist Haiti Mission, needs a computer tech. Hmm...

We did the precooking today for Mission Meal today. The proceeds will go toward the Russia Team, who are providing most of the labor as well. The menu is barbecue brisket, baked beans, cole slaw and chocolate cake. Yummy!

BTW, the Russia Team is going to visit a sister church in Tula, about 100 miles south of Moscow. They will be doing a marriage conference, English classes, VBS for kids, computer classes and visiting in church member homes. My daughter is on the team. My hubby and I were, too, but we had to drop off due to work conflicts.

We brought home a bunch of fat trimmed off the brisket they are cooking for tomorrow's meal. My hubby is cutting off any meat and rendering the fat so we can use it to make soap. I've thought about making soap for a long time but just haven't done it yet. Our next step is to obtain a source for lye! Then we get to try our hand at it!

Let's do lunch! All day!

Lunch is dominating my life at work! Our charter school just opened a cafeteria and is serving a boxed breakfast and hot lunches. Guess who gets to handle all the accompanying paperwork and money flow? That would be me, the entire administrative staff at the school! By the end of the week, I actually got to where I could spend a few minutes on things not lunch-related. But I was glad to have an entire day to get out report cards on Friday! It was a teacher workday, totally devoted to report cards. That, coupled with 10 hours of overtime on Wednesday and Thursday nights, got our report cards out on time!

I had a visit with my former project manager. I was impressed that he started the conversation with an apology for how he treated me at the end of our time together at the former workplace. I was interested in what they were doing at this new company and wouldn't mind being a part of it. It is much more "start-up" than I expected. After a follow-up call, it sounds like he will pitch the idea of hiring me to the higher ups. Even if an offer comes around, I still will give it a lot of prayer and thought. Please pray for wisdom and discernment for me! And if I do leave the school before the year is out, I will make sure their transition will be as painless as possible. I would want them to hire a replacement and let me assist in training that person thoroughly. (Then they can un-train them when I leave!) It may be that I will finish out the school year and make a change, or stay with the school for years to come!

We have not submitted our applications to Agape Flights yet. Mark is still finishing up his. I just noticed information on their website about the loss of their plane. You can read about it here.

If you read my daughter's blog, you know this has been a challenging month for us. Sometimes it takes the challenges for us to be dependent on God for His provision. God revealed his provision through an unexpected gift that taught my daughter the humility of allowing others to bless you in your need. Yes, we have made mistakes and poor choices and will have to face the consequences thereof. But I do not regret that our children have had to learn that at times we must wait for things and make choices between needs and wants. Hopefully, they will be better prepared for life because of this.

A New (Year) Start

Today was my first day back to school as school secretary. It was a zoo! We enrolled 4 new students and had several calls inquiring about openings. If they all come, we'll be maxed out on enrollment!

It was hard getting back in the swing of things. I felt like I couldn't complete a task before getting interrupted. But it was good to see the teachers, the students, and my campus director again.

I had something unexpected happen today. My project manager from my previous employer called me to try to woo me to the new company where he is working. I'm not sure what to think. This is a company that was started by a very respected coworker at my previous place of employment. However, the guy that called is the same guy that, for all practical purposes, fired me a year and a half ago. I was a temp, so I wasn't really fired -- just "no longer needed". But since he bantered around words like "insubordination", it makes me wonder why he's after me now.

As I look back on that time, we were both put under a lot of stress by those above us. And it was a weird situation, as far as chain of command goes. He was my project manager but not my supervisor, and it was unclear who I actually supposed to report to. (If he's not your supervisor, is it insubordination?) He pushed me to cut corners, which I felt compromised the procedure, if not the product as well. I questioned him one too many times. However, before those last few months, we actually worked well together, and he elevated me to positions that stretched me and challenged me.

I'm also reminded of an old adage with a twist: Fire me once, shame on you; fire me twice, shame on me.

From another angle, the money was good, and the family made the best progress in recent years of retiring our debts. Since I lost that job, we have made negative progress in that regard. Money isn't everything, but it has been keeping us back from possibly pursuing missions.

Another important aspect is how this would impact the family. William is in school now. They have after school care for a very reasonable price, but we'd also have to work out getting him there every day at an acceptable time for all. I've also been spending lots of time working with him to get him to do his schoolwork in a timely fashion. Would I have that time at another job? It also has helped for me to be on campus and chatting with his teacher on a regular basis.

This phone call was so out of the blue that I know I need to mull it over a bit before I decide anything. And just because I investigate this new company doesn't mean I'll accept an offer. But this is one time that I wouldn't mind if God dropped down a billboard with directions!