Monday, November 26, 2007

Oh, the Mind of a Six Year Old!

Over the last few days I have taken a walk down memory lane by re-reading my past posts. One thing I noticed is that last spring I posted several more school stories than I have this year. So, the following is just a handful of the cute things I've heard so far this school year! Enjoy!

"I lost my first tooth! You know, I was brave! I thought I would cry, but I really didn't!!!"

"Ms Lowery, (long, exasperated sigh) I'm starting to get ear wax again."

Student: "Do you have a son?"
Me: "What?
S: "Do you have a son?"
Me: "No I'm not married. I don't have children."
Another student: "Is that why you have this job?"

Student: "My leg hurts."
Me: "It's growing pains."
S: "Does your leg hurt when you grow?"
Me: "Well, I'm not growing anymore; but when I was, yes my leg hurt."
S: (In shocked voice) "You're not getting any taller?"
Me: "No"
S: (Very confused look on her face) "Does your birthday still come around?"
Me: "Yes...I'm getting older, but I'm not getting taller."
Every face looking at me has a puzzled expression. HA!

It's moments like these that keep me going! I hope you enjoyed these smiles as much as I did!

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Winter Reading

Hi all! Months ago I promised book recommendations in order to live up to my "Curl Up and Read" blog title. Well, I've been reading and reading; but I have failed to post any recommendations before now. So, grab a pen if you want to jot down any fascinating titles and get ready for my recommendations for your winter reading!

1) Sacred Rhythms by Ruth Haley Barton-This book has been one of the single most life-changing books I have read. Sacred Rhythms is a book on spiritual disciplines but unlike any spiritual disciplines book you've ever read. Barton explores the disciplines of solitude, silence, sabbath, and healthy living just to name a few. This book has challenged my thinking and my way of living in ways I've never been challenged before. It's definitely a thought-provoking read, but it's well worth the time!

2) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling-I LOVE Harry Potter. Rowling's books are full of spiritual allegories and the kind of good vs. evil that all of us love to delve into. This book held up to all of the expectations I now have of Rowling. The ending was amazing, wonderful, yet so unpredictable. If you are a fan and you haven't read this one yet...what are you waiting for?

3) Divine by Karen Kingsbury-In the author's note at the beginning of this book, Kingsbury explains that Mary Magdalene is one of her favorite Biblical characters. In an effort to bridge the centuries, Kingsbury takes this Biblical story of rescue and weaves it into a modern story of redemption and healing. It is amazing. Yes, in some ways it is a heart-breaking read, but it is a powerful story. For fans of Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers, this one may touch similar parts of your heart!

4) The Red Tent by Anita Diamant-A strangely, fascinating read. When I first starting reading this book, I told my mother that I wasn't sure what I thought of it, but I could not put it down! Diamant weaves a fascinating story of life for women during the time of Jacob and Esau. A time when women spent three days a month in seclusion together due to physical impurity. The story takes place in and around the happenings of the red tent. Like I said it is strangely, fascinating!

5) The Baxter Family Dramas by Karen Kingsbury-I'm currently doing something I've never done before. I'm reading a drama series backwards. I didn't mean to...once I had started it was too late to look back. Kingsbury has written two series based on a family named the Baxters, and she is currently in the middle of a third series about the same family. The first series is the Redemption series, the second is the Firstborn series, and the third is the Sunrise series. I have read the first book in the third series, and then I am currently working through the Firstborn series. So, yes, I am working backwards; but they are fabulous anyway! I love getting caught up in characters, and I love it when an author can continue weaving a story that spans a great amount of time all the while keeping it real and believable. Kingsbury is a master!

6) Like Dandelion Dust by Karen Kingsbury-Obviously, I'm in a little bit of an author rut. But, I just cannot get enough of her books! Like Dandelion Dust is the sweetest story surrounding an education center for adults with Down Syndrome. This story will make you laugh and cry just from the sheer sweetness of it all! It's a must read!

7) Pelican Brief by John Grisham-Many people are at the "been there, done that" point with John Grisham, but I'm still slowly working through his books. I have seen this movie several times, but the book provides so much more background. It was suspenseful and intriguing. I loved every minute of it!

I think I am missing a few that I've read over the last few months, but this will do for now. If you are like me, then you are looking forward to cold winter days when you can curl up with a fleece blanket, hot chocolate, and a good book. Maybe one of my recommendations will strike your fancy! I wish you a cozy winter and happy reading!

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Thanksgiving

Bright and early tomorrow morning I am hitting the road to join the rest of my family in Searcy, AR. The next few days will be full of food, conversation, and relaxation. Just what I am in need of at this point in the year! But, see, there is more to the next few days than just food, conversation, and relaxation. There is a reason why we call it "Thanksgiving," right?

I was walking Rori yesterday and once again praying for the Lord to take away the pain in my heart. As I'm praying, I was overcome with the thought that I needed to spend some time thinking about what I have to be thankful for. Hmmm...okay, God, I think you might be trying to give me some perspective! So, I am thankful for...

  • Health
  • Godly parents with whom I now I have a wonderful friendship/mentorship type relationship
  • A wonderful 1st grade class this year
  • An excellent school
  • An amazing teaching team including two very strong Christians to share and pray with
  • Food
  • Water
  • A nice apartment
  • A very playful, loving puppy
  • Authentic, Christ-like friendships
  • Other people's children who ease my "baby bug" for the time being
  • Clothes
  • Sunshine
  • Rainbows
  • Butterflies
  • Singing on the praise team
  • Being a part of a wonderful congregation
  • My sister
  • My grandparents
  • Holiday breaks from school
  • And I could go on and on and on and on
There is so much to be thankful for. Yes, I am in a season of pain and healing. But, the Lord will continue to shower me with blessings...sometimes I just have to be reminded to open my eyes and see them! Happy Thanksgiving to all!!

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in ALL circumstances, for this is God's will in Christ Jesus."
1 Thess. 5:17

Sunday, November 18, 2007

God is God

As I was taking a shower this morning, the following verse came into my mind:

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

For those of you who are familiar with this verse, you know that it usually brings with it a lot of hope. This morning, however, I didn't want to think about this verse. Why? Because my heart is broken and I don't understand how that fits with "not to harm you." Why, God, did I guard my heart and pray for so long and so hard about giving it away? Why, God, did You give me a peace about taking the risk to love again, only to take it away from me?

At church this morning, we sang a song entitled Blessed Be Your Name. The song talks about how even in the highs and lows blessed be the name of the Lord. He gives and He takes away, but blessed be His name. Lord, I believe it, but my heart still hurts.

You see, I know that He has plans for me. I know that He will cause me to prosper and He will not harm me. I know He plans to give me a hope and a future. I just don't know why it hurts. But, it does, and I guess that's okay because God is God and I am not. And, yes, I am preaching to myself as I type in this post. Because deep down inside I am working to convince myself that it really will all be okay. The pain will go away again. There will yet again be inexpressible joy at the end of this yucky journey. Because that is the cycle of life here on earth.

God is God, and I am not. His ways are not my ways and His thoughts are not my thoughts. God is God, and I am not. I think I'll just keep repeating that to myself over and over again until this miserable pain is gone. God is God and I am not. God is God and I am not. Blessed be His name.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
Psalm 34:18

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Lamp Unto My Feet

God's Word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.

Schedule-driven, responsible
Rule-follower, list-maker
Never restless
But, restless I have become.

The Lord is moving me
Deeply, internally moving me towards something new.
He has not revealed the details,
But continues simply to light my feet.

My passion for children and teaching slowly creeps out of the classroom
And more intimately into children's lives.
A student needs to know the love of Jesus,
Regardless of what I am "allowed" to say.
Lord, use me.

Families of children in hospitals long for someone to come play
For someone to come hold them
For someone to be Jesus with skin.
Lord, use me.

He is moving me, but where?
All of this feels like preparation for something else.
I am never restless,
But, restless I have become.

The Lord is moving me
Deeply, internally moving me towards something new.
He has not revealed the details,
But continues simply to light my feet.

"My [daughter], if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding,
and if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
and if you look for it as silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowlege of God."
Proverbs 2:1-5



Friday, November 2, 2007

Aren't I So Cute???



My little Rori is now 7 1/2 months old and getting more grown up every day. I took her to the groomer last week, and she returned all decked out for Halloween in a purple and orange bow and matching pumpkin bandana! Isn't she adorable?!?!




Rori's new favorite things to do these days include: chewing the dining room table, taking walks with mom, climbing on mom's shoulder to take the ponytail holder out of her hair, dumping the water out of her water bowl so she can play with the bowl, and playing ball with mom while she's in the bathtub.

She is so much fun, and a joy to have in my life. I will confess though to being many times ready for the puppy stage to be past and my little girl to find her inner lap dog. We've still got a few more months to go!!! Have a blessed day!