I am blessed.....

Happy Monday to all!  It's hard to believe that in two weeks I will be back to work.  It's amazing how when August 1st rolls around, my brain automatically switches to school mode - even when I lay awake at night.  :)  I think that's a good indicator that I am in the right profession....I still care.  (hee, hee)

It's funny, because this year I actually want to go in early.  I am feeling a renewed vigor and desire to be prepared for my kiddos.  I know that I have some new challenges ahead of me, so I am thankful for the time to prepare myself.

God is good.  He is providing me so many opportunities to serve Him and really enjoy what I have - even though I regularly fail to be faithful to Him.  I have long had a desire to minister to those who are sick and I have been privileged to attend appointments and pray with people in the last few weeks who are dealing with different stages of cancer.  I have long had a desire to share my teaching experiences with college students and I have been asked to speak at NW College next week.

I adore my family - immediate and "extended" - and have had the privilege to spend a lot of time with them lately and absorb/give out a lot of love.  I have also asked God to work in my heart and mind and He has gifted me with some vision and sense of just how much I want to be home with Him someday.

All of these things and their fullness came after I surrendered an area of my life that I had been hoarding for a long time, knowing deep down inside that it was wrong.  So I am thankful that God is forgiving and gracious, and is the God of 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th,.....infinity chances!

Funny/something to think about:  It is a joy to watch my nieces and nephews grow and develop.  Each of them has a unique personality.  My youngest nephew, Daniel, will most likely be a leader some day, as he boldly tells people what he wants and needs in his own cute way.  The other night, our whole crew was at DQ, and grandpa (who he lovingly calls, "Pinka") was pushing the alert button/horn on his van remote to trick the boys.  Daniel looked at him and boldly said, "Pinka!  Don't do dat!"  I think he is going to be a leader.  :)