A Summer Job Haiku

My Summer Job Haiku

Chainsaws are purring

Tree branches tremble and shake

I sit in the truck

Haha! I thought of that while I sat in the truck today! 

Motivation!

I love my new Irma! 

In the spring I discovered Lularoe clothes. They are super cute, but a tad on the pricy side. I bought a pair of the leggings which are so so comfy and just recently bought an Irma tunic. Wow! I could wear that all the time! And I feel so pretty in it! Unfortunately it's a little too humid to be wearing it right now. I wore it on Saturday and did ok while I went shopping, but later it was too hot to have on anymore.

Ha! This makes it look like I
can't walk in a straight line! 

I really want to buy one of the dresses, but I'm kinda in between sizes right now so I don't want to take the chance of getting the wrong size and then there is the cost to consider as well. I have to say though it has caused me to think twice before I buy clothes at other stores. I'll contemplate getting something and then put it back because I'd rather save up for something from Lularoe. So I'm saving up to get a dress sometime this fall. But before I can do that I've told myself that I have to lose a little weight first. None of this in between sizes thing. So, I took some babysitting money I got recently and bought myself a Fitbit. I've been wanting one for a long time. Not a fancy one, just the Fitbit flex. One of the perks of it is that it tracks my exercise. I'm a visual person so seeing how much I walk really encourages me in my exercising. And I love that it tells me when I hit mile markers! When I finished my walk at 2.57 miles the other night I was so excited!! That night I did 3 laps around my usual route and boy was I sweating! It felt so good though! I've lost 3 pound since I got my Fitbit and I'm excited to keep it up!
So between the love of these clothes and the Fitbit I'm hoping this gives me the kick in the pants I need to get in better shape. Next month I'll focus on what I'm eating. Back to the whole30 for me. I took a break this summer because it would be way too hard with my summer job.
Here's to going down a dress size (I can totally do this!)!

Keeping God as the true King

       As I said in my last post, one of the perks of my job is that I have time to sit and read while I'm waiting in the truck for the phone to ring or to head to the next job. Some days I feel guilty about that and other days I remember that that was why I was hired and it is a blessing from the Lord. I've been able to have some great times in Scripture and for that I am extremely thankful. A few weeks ago I finished the Gospel Project study guide that I had been going through and it took me a while to order then next one. Technically it is meant to use with a group, but I do it on my own and I don't really follow the schedule they print in the book. Anyway, I finally got around the ordering the summer study guide (I ordered the fall one too so I'm ready when I finish this one) and it came in the mail this week. 

       Can I just tell you, God's timing is amazing! The first lesson was something I needed to read today. It applied to multiple things I was dealing throughout the week. It jumped right in to 1 Samuel 8 when Israel is demanding to have a king. The elders went to Samuel told him that they wanted a king just like other nations. Samuel didn't hold anything back and told them that is was not going to go the way they wanted it to and Israel still said they wanted a king. 

       Now, I could read this and just gloss over it saying Israel come on that was a stupid decision. I wouldn't have done that! They had God as their King and chose to give someone else that job. I would never do that! 

       Then I was asked the questions: "What are some things that make you feel secure? What are the signs that we are trusting in these things for our security and not in God alone?"

       Oh boy, once I read those questions multiple insecurities came flooding to my mind from this week alone. The day I cried to my mom over the phone about not making enough money. When in reality my bills are getting paid. Or when I was struggling with loneliness while at an event with a bunch of people. I am no better than Israel. 

       "Every life has a "king." A king in your life is whatever you must have in order to be happy and secure. And kings make all of their subjects into servants...You are either submitted to Someone who brings life--God--or you are enslaved to something that brings death."

       "When people who have been redeemed by Christ look to things in this world for protection, security, and validation, they start to look like everyone else. Forgetting their identity and the love that comes from a restored relationship with God, they become bound to a "king" they think will satisfy them. This is not what God intended for His people. This is not what He intends for you. He wants you to know the love and assurance that comes from knowing Christ. He doesn't want you to obsess over things in this world that hold only empty promises."

       I really needed that kick this weekend to get my focus back in the right place and make sure I keep God as my king and not let those other things sneak in there to take His place. 

Summer Job

Well, my summer job is fully underway. This job is totally and completely different than anything I've ever done. I'm a secretary. A secretary who works out of a Dodge Ram. Not every secretary can say that! I answer the phone, write out estimate forms and receipts, make deposits at the bank, shop at Fleet Farm, drive the truck which is usually pulling an aerial lift, rake leaves (sometimes), buy blueberries (when my boss is having a craving) and sit in the truck. Most of the time I'm sitting in the truck. The only way that this relates to teaching is that some of the guys I work with act like junior highers.
There have been some jobs we've been at that I've had nothing to do but sit and wait for the phone to ring. That can get boring. So I've started taking my devotions with me. I've been going through the Gospel Project workbook. I'm totally behind, but still really like it. I've really enjoyed the time doing this at work. Sure there are times when I have to stop to move the truck or answer the phone, but that's ok. Here are a few things that stood out to me today.

"Sometimes we desire to escape difficult circumstances when God desires for us to interpret them and learn from them. God's plan is not just to bring relief but also to bring about growth in His people. Holiness is more important than absence of pain. If holiness truly becomes our greatest desire, then there is even profit from pain because we know God uses our trials to shape and equip us."

"No matter how inadequate we may feel, God sees us and says "Mighty Warriors!"

"The point of the story of Gideon and the fleece is to reveal God's patience with us when we find it hard to trust Him. God is willing to stoop down and reassure us when we are afraid."

"In response to God's grace, we are to answer God's call to service and trust in Him to empower our obedience."

May Goals

I've been feeling inspired by my friend Jen over at The Accidental Domestic. Every month she posts what her goals are for the month and recaps on her goals from the previous month. I have issues following through with my goals, but maybe posting about them monthly will help me keep them fresh in my mind. So here goes nothing!

Health I've been following the Whole30 food plan since April 11th. I've adjusted it some because it is hard to follow it when I at someone else's house. But when I am on my own and can control it I'm following the Whole30. I want to make it through the month of May.

Financial Not long ago I mentioned that I'm saving money for a trip to Europe. Following a budget is something I struggle with big time! I make a budget and follow it for a few weeks and then forget about it (not sure if the forgetting is intentional or not). I want to follow my budget for the entire month. No ifs, ands, or buts.

School Plain and simple I want to be consist in grading papers. I teach 1st and 2nd grade and only have 11 students. It shouldn't take me that long to correct one day's worth of papers. But I save them all to the end of the week to correct which leaves me with a mountain of papers. If I spend 20-30 minutes a day before I leave school I could have almost all (if not all) of it done by Friday.

Home "Exceptional Housekeeper" is a title I could NEVER be given. Baby steps people. This month I'd like to go to bed with no dirty dishes in the sink. Like I said, baby steps. Don't worry I'll be cleaning my house still, but trying to build good cleaning habits.

Me Less tv time. I watch way too much tv. Half the time I'm just searching for something to watch and settle on something I don't really care about. Talk about a waste of time! This month I'm going to take away the channel surfing and only watch the shows I know I want to watch. And in the time I'm not watching tv I have projects to work on, books to read, and tons of music to listen to while I do it!

Happy!

MY MOM IS COMING IN 25 DAYS!!!!! 

I'm just a little excited! Oh the fun we will have! 

Dependence on God

       Last week I started taking a Proverbs31 Online Bible Study. It's on a book called 5 Habits of a Woman Who Doesn't Quit. So far I'm failing because I haven't been keeping up with it. This is an area I struggle with so much. I get myself all pumped about a new Bible study or devotional book and then I get so busy that by the time I get home I'm drained and sit on the couch and veg, ignoring what I should be doing. Just by the title of this study I know I need it...badly. So tonight I've been looking over the blog posts from this first week of the study. This quote really stood out to me. And it reminds me that I really do need to read the chapters in the book because I think I'll really benefit from them.
       I'm thankful that in my life the desperate situations have caused me to turn to God.  I haven't had a lot of huge desperate situations, but I've had a fair share of small ones. I'm not sure if I'm making sense. I feel like you can have a desperate situation that isn't life altering, but still causes you to feel desperate and need help. Something that you realize you can't do on your own, sometimes it makes you panic, you feel hopeless, and so confused about what is going on.
       The problem I have in one desperate situation in particular is that I'll struggle and struggle with it for a period of time, I'll seek the Lord and feel comforted, get my focus on Him and soon after I'll forget about it. And then a few months later it will pop up again. I'll depend on God so much during that time and then I'll go back to doing it my way, depending on myself or flat out ignoring the problem I have.
      Clearly that does not work well.
       I wish ignoring it would make it go away. Life would be so much better. I know, I know, but then I wouldn't be depending on God. Which is what He wants me to do.
       So, the only solution I can come up with is to depend on God. I need to be in His Word continually. I need to be praying regularly about this issue that keeps coming up. I need accountability to get through this. Someone to check to see how I'm doing so that I don't just ignore the issue and hope it doesn't come up again.
       The chorus to one of my favorite worship songs comes to mind. "Lord, I need You. Oh, I need You. Every hour I need You." It's true I really can't make it through this crazy life on my own.

Reading Challenge Update #3

Can it be? Have I really read 8 books so far in 2016?

This week I've been trying to make a point to turn off the tv and read more. It's amazing how you can get sucked into a story and feel like you are there with the characters. Last night I only got a few hours of sleep because I couldn't put Unspoken down. At the moment I'm regretting that as I've practically falling asleep sitting at my desk. 

Anyway, here are books 7 and 8! 

 #7 The Siege of Macindaw, by Jon Flanagan - I've really enjoyed reading the Ranger's Apprentice series. Good adventure books and I really like the characters you follow throughout the series.  Not sure how many books there are, but I'm sure I'll pick up book 7 soon. 

 #8 Unspoken, by Dee Henderson - The O'Malley Series by Dee Henderson is one of my series to read. I'm ready to read them for a second time. This book connects to those a little, but it does not compare. It was a pretty long book and I almost gave up on it multiple times, but I made myself keep reading. About halfway through I was hooked. It took me about 200 pages to really get hooked on the book. I can't believe I made it that far! Once I got to the halfway point I didn't want to put it down. She does such a good job at writing about suspense, but there was way too much leading up to it in this book. After looking at goodreads reviews I can see I'm not the only one to feel this way. Bummer. 

Dreaming Big

       The other day I was randomly looking at my 40x40 list. Every once in a while I look at it and cross off things that I've finished. It was nice to cross off the cookbook I've been working on of my Grandma's recipes. But as I was scrolling through the list I realized how much I have left to do. It's true I have just over 7 years to finish it, but 40 things is a lot! I've only crossed off 16 things. That means I need to do 3.4 things on my list over the next 7 years. So, all that to say, it's time I start figuring out how I'm going to finish up this list. 

       This week I've decided to plan a big trip! My goal is to go on a trip to Europe next summer. I don't know who I'm going with or exactly where I'm going but I'm going to do it. 

       Really I was inspired by my sister. She said they were saving up for a trip and I started asking myself what am I waiting for? I love traveling and never do because I don't have the money. Well, it's time to start saving. And I have a goal in mind and I'm feeling determined! It definitely makes me think twice before I spend money.  

My Dad

 I love that my dad loves leading worship. His joy in music has really made a huge impact on my life. He was the music pastor at my church when I was little, but I don't remember that a whole lot. I do remember him always being involved in the music at my church. He would fill in here and there and play guitar with the worship team. But over the last 5(ish) years it has been so fun to see my dad lead worship in his church. He stepped into the role and I feel that he is doing such a wonderful job. It's true that I'm not living in the same state, but the times I've visited over the last few years I've really loved seeing his commitment to leading others in worship to the Lord. His passion for music and praising the Lord really encourages me in my worship and love for music. I'm so thankful for the godly example of my father. 

Spring Break with Family

I LOVE THIS PICTURE! 

Seriously, my spring break was so fantastic! The best one I can remember. 

I wouldn't trade the time with my family for anything. It's true I spent some time with friends and loved it, but the time with my family was the most precious. 

Anyone who says they have the best family ever is wrong. I have the best family! We are not perfect at all. We have moments of frustration and getting on each other's nerves, but we love each other. Some days are harder to live far away from them, but the distance definitely made the week home extra special. There was laughter, singing, tickling, lunches, kite flying, egg dying, crafting, laughing, Jerry Lewis movies, did I mention laughing? It was such a great time! 

Just trust

Being real with you, this afternoon/evening was a struggle for me. 

Lots of anxiety and over-thinking going on. So here I am vegging on my couch watching DWTS and surfing the net. (Do people still say that? Am I old?) 

I've calmed down some, but still have a certain situation on my mind and I came across this on Lysa Terkurst's Facebook page. 

Sometimes God has to lean in close to my heart full of questions and gently whisper, “You don’t have to have all of the answers, Lysa. You just need to trust.”
Maybe your heart needs that reminder tonight too.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9

Thankful for people willing to be used by God to encourage others and direct them to Him. I needed it tonight.  And thankful that God knows me and knows my heart. He provides what I need to hear when I need to hear it. 

Spring Break with Friends

Last week I was home in CA on my spring break. It was such a wonderful week! I was desperately in need of relaxing and visiting with friends and family. And I returned feeling so renewed and rejuvenated to finish up the school year. 

I'm reminded over and over again how much God has blessed me with good friends. No matter where I have lived God has given me great friends who I can laugh with (lots of laughing), relax with, and grow in my walk with Christ with. It was so wonderful to visit with these dear friends last week. I'm already thinking about my next visit and all the fun we will have! 

Whole30 - Take 2!

It's amazing how you really crave a certain kind of food when you can't eat it.

Like when you are fasting in the morning so you can get blood drawn.
Breakfast is usually a meal you skip, but because you can't have it you want it! I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one like this. Come on, let's see a show of hands.

Glad I don't really look like the Hulk! 

Well, today I'm starting the Whole30 again. I liked the result so much the last time that I'm going for it again. But do you know how much I WANT sugar right now? I'm usually not a huge sugar person, but today I want it so badly. I'm imagining the Hulk ripping through town in that Pepsi or Coke (can't remember which one) commercial. That's kinda how I'm feeling about sugar at the moment.

Look out people!

Pray more, talk less

Having to remind myself today that I need to pray about it (the situation that is bothering me) more than I talk to others about it.
Some frustrating things going on around me. And it is easy to vent to others about it and get myself worked up more and more. But really the one who can help with the problem the most is the Lord.
I need to be on my knees

Reading Challenge Update #2

It's been a while since I've posted. And I've been having fun reading! I'm kinda going half and half between books I'm reading at school and ones I'm reading on my own.

3. What is the Statue of Liberty? by Joan Holub
I read this "bobble-head" book (as my friend Jen so affectionately calls them) to my class last month. I'm always surprised by how engaged my students are with non-fiction books. I don't know why I underestimate them. I had to explain things as I read this book to them. But they really liked it. After each chapter we talked about and wrote down information we learned. These books are so fun. I'm going to read another one with them sometime this year. Probably one about a president.
4. Sparky byBeverly Gherman
I've been wanting to read this book for a while. When I taught in California my favorite field trip was to take my class to the Schulz museum. It was fun to live in the same town where Charles Schulz lived. I love driving around my home town and seeing random Snoopys and Charlie Browns. So all that to say, when this book was available to borrow as a Ebook I jumped at it. I'm pretty sure it is a children's biography, but I don't care. I still liked it.
5. Meet Addy by Connie Rose Porter
I actually had this book set as a kid. Unfortunately I didn't like reading as a kid. How sad is that?! I missed out on a lot of reading as a kid. Anyway, I just finished reading this book to my class. This book brought on some fantastic discussions with my 1st and 2nd graders! Addy is a slave who is planning on running away to go North with her mother. As we read the book my class and I had several talks about slavery and how people were treated, are treated, and should be treated. They wanted to me to continue in the series they liked this book that much. I really hope I can instill in my students a love for reading that I didn't have at their age.
6. Enna Burning by Shannon Hale
This is the book after The Goose Girl. I really liked this one. It took me a while to read this one because my Ebook had expired and I had to wait for a few people to be done with it first. I finally just checked out the actual book at the library. I think I'll look for the next one in the series in the near future.

I'm excited that I've already finished 6 books on my reading challenge for 2016! And I'm already half way through with my next book! Yay for reading!

Looking Up

       This snowman in my yard started melting the other day. It almost hit 40 degrees so everything was melting. I laughed when I saw it. It is looking perfectly up to the sky. 

       Is it possible that a snowman could be an example of how we should be living? It is so easy to be constantly looking all around us when we really need to be looking up. The world influences us in so many ways. I don't know about you, but I get sucked into those influences very easily. 

       Like my snowman we need to look up. Look to Christ. He is the best influence we could ever have. Look up. Watch for His return. 

       Are you eagerly waiting for Christ to return or are you focused on what is around you? 

Whole30: Day 30!

       Woohoo! I did it!! I've made it through 30 days of eating healthy.
       Over the weekend I was majorly craving bread and chocolate. But we all know there are certain times when women crave those things more than usual.
       I'm still not sure how I'm going to continue.
       Do I stay hardcore?
       Do I continue doing the whole30 part time?
       Do I stop altogether?
       I don't think stopping altogether is a good idea. Even though it was hard at times I feel like it has been a good eating plan for me. I know for sure that I'll eat whatever (within reason) when I get invited to someone's house. That was probably the most uncomfortable part. Some people I just declined going to their house for a meal. The others I sat there feeling so guilty that they were worried about finding food for me. It was not a good feeling.
       Maybe the best thing would be to continue while I'm at home with an occasional treat like popcorn, bread, or dessert. And then when I'm out eat what is served within reason. The key is to not overeat the "bad" stuff. I can do it! I know I can!!

The Best Yes: Mondays

       On Sunday mornings my ladies Sunday school class is watching a DVD series on The Best Yes by Lisa Terkurst. I'm really enjoying it. It's a book that I've been wanting to read, but I have a stack of books that I've started recently that I want to finish first. So for now the DVD series will have to do.
Yesterday she talked about how she has reserved her Mondays as her family time. Anything different that comes up on a Monday she says no to. She has made Monday as a priority to her family and opening her home up to friends as well.
       I really liked this idea. I have a tendency to agree to do anything that someone throws my way. Last week was so busy that I was exhausted by the time Friday came around. I hardly did anything with people over the weekend (other than church). I even stayed home alone during the Super Bowl! I had a very introverted weekend. There's nothing wrong with that, but I don't want to make that a habit. I really enjoy being around friends and don't want to miss out on time with friends that will be moving away this summer.
       So I've decided that I need to make Monday nights a priority to stay at home. I need a "me day." That sounds very selfish when I say it, but I don't think I'll make it if I'm not home at least one night a week. I'll lose my mind!
       I'm going to spend my Monday evenings making sure my house is picked up and working on craft projects. I'm the queen of starting projects and not finishing them. A while back I opened up an Etsy shop to sell some of my art/craft projects. It would be a good way to make a little extra cash and I find crafting relaxing. So I'm making a list of projects I can work on and I'm going to get my Etsy shop open by the end of the month. If I work on something every Monday then I should be able to keep my Etsy shop full of things to sell.

40x40 - Snowmobiling!

       I'm crossing another thing off of my 40x40 list! I went snowmobiling today! I was nervous and totally a chicken about how fast I went, but it was SO MUCH FUN!! My co-worker's husband, who is a distant cousin, took me this afternoon. He knew it was something on my bucket list and wanted to make sure I got to do it. He even got up early to clear the trails for me and got new licenses for the snowmobiles so that we could go on the state trails. So sweet! I only got stuck briefly but got out by myself. I know it may not seem like a big deal to most people, but I get really excited when I try something new. Especially if it is something that scares me. 5+ years ago I never would have dreamed of trying this! It was such a beautiful day. The trees were filled with snow and part of the trail was a canopy of trees. 

       So since moving to Wisconsin I want to purchase a kayak, a small camper (to have by the lake), and a snowmobile. I need to find a rich person who will add me to their will.