Thinking, Reading and Spending Time Alone

There are many things that I enjoy about the amount of time that I’ve spent alone recently. I’ve been able to catch up on some reading. Last Sunday I listened to a Ravi Zacharias’ book entitled "The Grade Weaver." Although there was a bit too much room left for a lack of choice on human shoulders, I found it to be encouraging and rather invigorating! God has a vested interest in our lives, in making sure that we are following after Him. He is patient and diligent in shaping us into His image. It has been my experience that this process is somewhat painful and taxing, yet when I realize the purpose, (His best interest.) my mind focuses on how I can respond to my surroundings to make the best growth in my relationship with God.

Yesterday I received a temporary library card. There is a small/cute library here in Hobe Sound. I found two more books on CD that I have been enjoying. In my car, I’m listening to Max Lucado’s "It’s Not all About Me." This is simply a good reminder to me that God is definitely in the center. I like the example of the sun being the center of the solar system. This book is rather simple, yet I’m enjoying it.

I also got John Eldredge’s book "Waking the Dead." This one is rather interesting and I have definitely found some things that I disagree with, but it is interesting as well. I wish some of you were closer so that we could chat about it. (If you are close and would like to chat….Just give me a call! J)

Another happy book that I picked up was A.W. Tozer’s "The Pursuit of God." This one is a little meatier. It has been absolutely wonderful so far. I’ll have to post some quotes later. Very encouraging!

The last little book that I got with my 5 book limit for a temporary card was "The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle" written by Avi. I read this book repeatedly as a pre-teen. I couldn’t remember all of the intricacies of the story, so I thought I’d try it again. I’m interested to find what was so intriguing to me when I was that age. I’ll have to post later and let you know. It may have impacted me more than I realize.

Well, I said that this is what I’m enjoying about being alone. I haven’t mentioned what I don’t enjoy. That list might be a little too long and depressing. I’m thankful for times of thinking, though and times of being alone.

Jo

Following the Rules

Tonight I heard a delightful talk! Bless the speaker's heart! : ) If we have committed to be connected to a certain organization, group, or cause, it seems to make sense that we should follow the rules of those involved. Sometimes these rules are outlined clearly and other times they are underlying/unwritten rules.
Please understand, I'm not advocating mindless obedience without questions. However, if I have assessed the organization and feel that what it has to offer is valuable enough to join, then I should follow the rules.
When I bust out from under the outlined boundaries, I may be the cause of relational difficulties, negative influences, and many other negative effects.
I think that in such matters relationship usurps my own agenda/wants.
Well I think I've been sufficiently vague in my presentation here. If you have followed these rambling thoughts of a tired teacher on Thursday evening, I'd love to hear what you think.
Jo

Fourth Grade

I have been blessed with a very sweet class! If LaRae is reading this...I wish you could see this group. They look a little more like the video! :)

We wrote in our journals the other day and one of my little guys ended his entry with..."well that's all for now..." So sweet!

The curriculum is pretty daunting in the Fourth Grade. We're very excited about it, though! The students have already started their insect collections. I'm a little nervous about the size of the bugs!!!

My last BLOG had the word 'snakes' in it. In my rush to finish the BLOG, while sitting in my car, I forgot to include the story.

Lucas and I (when he was still here) decided to take a little walk Sunday evening, after church. We were on our way back from the beach and chatting away about I'm not sure what.... All of a sudden, I happened to look down! I could just barely make out the outline of a snake in front of me! Unfortunately, I was already in stepping motion and couldn't stop myself! Behold, I stepped upon the snake a let out quit a large yell while beginning to run. Sadly, I was wearing a long jean skirt. Well, if you run in skits often, you know that they have a tendency to wrap around one's legs. Sure enough my skirt began to do just that. I'm sure you know what I was thinking! Could that snake still be with me?!!! This resulted in more noise, which was ridiculed by the dear, loving brother! Thankfully my trusty heart made it through the episode and I haven't seen another one since! :)

I hope your day is better! :)
Jo

Sharks, Snakes, Surprises and Sayounara Summer

Oh dear...it has been some time since I've posted. I must say though, I think I have some good reasons for not getting to my computer. : )

To catch you all up on life...here are some pictures.

The little house at Mode Camp where I had the opportunity to teach the youngin's!

Fishy windows

After Mode Camp, Lucas and I traveled to Florida. We made a stop in St. Augustine. I was thankful for a chance to see some of the places that I will be teaching about in Florida State History this year! : )



This little "room" was located near a one room school house. I couldn't resist posting this picture! : )

I've been spending quite a bit of time in my classroom over the past few days. Here is how the year will begin.

I'm adjusting to life in Florida. I miss everyone from home! Last Thursday was especially hard since Lucas left on Wednesday evening. Two wonderful teachers came over armed with sparkling grape juice, flowers and a card! Thank you girls! : )

I have been thinking about so many things lately and would like to post some deeper thoughts, but my bed is calling tonight!

More later...Jo