Amen

I had heard the phrase "God comes through...even in the 11th hour." I'm sure that I have experienced this, but it's not easy to remember that when you are in the "valley." JP and I have truly learned to depend on Christ, and one another, this year. God is so good and He is faithful. He worked out every detail....and I will be teaching 3rd grade the rest of the year in a wonderful district! I have no idea how these wrinkles got ironed out, but I know who did it!

THANK YOU, JESUS!

Busy

JP has been gone this weekend, on a guys trip to see Alabama vs LSU football. While he was enjoying himself, I surprisingly not only kept myself busy, but had a great weekend of ME time. It's not to be selfish for a little while.

Friday- spent the night at my grandparents. Got my grandma her Steak and Shake strawberry shake (we have that love in common). My cousins and aunt and uncle were there as well. God has obviously placed me at the school in Schaumburg at the right time. I'm able to stop and spend time with family, with absolute convenience. Grandma and I watched "The Proposal." I love hearing her laugh.

Saturday- Grandma and I made homemade Cavatelli (gnoochi). It was rather easy, yet time consuming. I very much appreciated my grandma taking her time and energy to do this with me. I have a high appreciation for those who used to homemake their own pasta, like my Grandma. Grandpa slept most of my visit. He sleeps a lot right now. Although this makes me sad, I know it's better to be asleep than to constantly struggle with his pain.

Later on Saturday, I went for a beautiful run in the nature center. It was great to clear my head! Then I went to a movie with my mom and mother-in-law. It's a blessing that these two enjoy each other's company and we have JP and I in common. The movie, "Couples' Retreat," was not so great.

Sunday- today's agenda included sleeping in, runnning with my sister, grocery shopping, and working on report cards.

This has been a ME weekend. Is that a terrible thing?

Taste of Heaven

I'm spending the night with my grandparents tomorrow night. I can't get enough time with my grandpa, knowing I don't know how much is left. I have been praying for any opportunity to talk to him about Jesus. When I think about the idea of him in heaven, it makes me smile. The promise of heaven itself makes me smile....and I want to make sure that those I love, are there with me. (That includes you, Pipa).

Pipa,
I pray the Lord opens doors for me to introduce you to this amazing God. You introduced me to tastes of Italy,now I pray that I can plant the seed that gives you a taste(and promise) of an eternity in heaven!

Love,
your Precious

Ahhhhhhhhhh.......

Why does home feel so nice when you aren't feeling well?

I can get through my day just thinking about cuddling up with a movie, hot cocoa, a blanket, and JP.

It sounds like the perfect way to make me feel better when I'm under the weather.

Only time will tell

My Grandpa is not doing well. His doctor's are not saying much. He's beginning to talk about waking in the middle of the night with fear...complaining he is sick and when I ask how, he replies "my mind." It's so sad. I spoke quickly and reminded him that fear is not from God. I so want him to know and accept Christ, to live the time he has, in peace. We talked about taking things a day at a time, that God goes a step ahead of us. "When you are scared," I replied, "Read those scriptures verses we posted on your dresser. I pray they bring you peace and rest at night.
Not more than 10 minutes later, he and I discussed my job situation. I proceeded to honestly tell him I'm not sure what will happen in two weeks when I hand my classroom back to the lead teacher. He could sense the worry (and fear) in my eyes. He said, "remember....no worries. Right?" Although he went on to reassure me further, discussing housing options with him, and sharing his pride in my hard work, that phrase, "no worries, right?" followed me all night. He was right. I had just shared a devotion on taking things one day at a time, and fear not being from God, and here, that's how I have been operating. I'm glad, my Grandpa, who I am trying to lead to Christ, led me back to these reminders, and this truth, with that 3 word phrase, "no worries, right?"

Organizado

Following the last post about my closet, I've decided I need to remain on the topic of organization...therefore, my goal being organization. I'm an "outside" organizer. The kind that is obsessive (at times) about things on the outside being organized. I pick and choose what I will be obsessive about, whether that be an edge being straight or decorative pillows all showing the same angle. But....I'd call myself a "Monica" because if you were to open cabinets, closets, files, folders, or a fridge, you would never guess that I knew the meaning of the word "organized." I need to be true to the term, truly making life easier on both the counter tops AND inside the cabinets. This may be a lifelong goal, more than a resolution. It could require a change in my lifestyle. With all of life's daily surprises popping up, especially as a teacher, it feels that this may be difficult to achieve.

Hang it up

Some day, my closet with resemble this paradise (even if that means using an extra bedroom as the clothing storage haven). Until then, I'll have to organize the space I have.

I spent this Columbus Day discovering the bottom of my closet. I wish I could say that it was merely scratching an itch to clean, but fact is, it was my husband's complaining about the slow creeping of my clothes into the 1/8 of the closet he has left. (that and the several times my closet has literally torn the bolts out of the wall). After 3 hours of sifting and sweating through sweaters, shirts, slacks, and shoes, I managed to organize the mess.
While in the process I had trouble throwing out and sorting those things that I truly do not wear. There are so many things that I have saved, but forgotten why: bridesmaid dresses I will never wear again, purses that I have never used, shirts that I don't remember buying, and old letters from junior high friends.
I'm thinking it's about time to get rid of some of these miscellaneous items, if I can't recall why I still save them. So, my one beautiful sister who threw my bridesmaid dress out, won't mind if I decide to get rid of hers after 5 years, right?

What crazy thing have you found amongst your possessions, that you have been saving but can't remember its significance?