Bed, Bath, & Beyond

Christmas gifting for four teens challenged my finances and creativity this year.  They asked for clothes and shopped for themselves.  Our daily conversations in December were centered on their latest discoveries, and if I would grant permission to purchase.  My oldest helped on Cyber Monday with electronics.  Little sister was happy! 

We intentionally shopped local too.  Visiting from shop to shop blessed me!  There is something to be said about a small town. One merchant reminded me to not to just take up a pew on Sundays, but do something!  I needed her words of wisdom.  While marking items off of my list, I laughed with old friends, new friends, and joyfully spent money here at home with “my people.” 

My dentist practices in Dallas; therefore, I traditionally schedule a morning appointment before Christmas and make a fast dash around the metroplex.  Now, that day shopping wore me slap out!  I made friends standing in line, but the crowds and traffic made me feel more frazzled than peaceful!

With coupon in hand, I ventured into Bed, Bath, and Beyond.  The creative side of my brain inspired me to redecorate my boy’s room.  Sadly, their beds are usually covered with very faded, tattered, and worn cowboy quilts my cousin gave us when we moved in here over ten years ago.  I have tried to replace them!  I purchased camo comforters once.  Before they “broke” them in, one ended up at the deer lease and the other remains in the back of our hall closet. 

Thankfully, I found matching gray bedding for them!  I also bought my nephew his traditional “annoy my brother” gift, a toilet paper gun.  Bed, Bath, and Beyond could easily be called “Random.”  Everything in the store is random if you ask me, but the coupon hooked me, and I nearly bought an Uggs sweater for my dog.

One night before Christmas, I snuck into the boy’s room.  I cleaned and revamped their beds. Everything looked awesome!  I experienced Christmas cheer in giving them an unexpected gift, and hoped my efforts would also encourage them to keep their room cleaner. 

Much to my dismay, the new comforters were stripped off in only a day or two and the old cowboy quilts were back on their beds!  Why?  I washed everything, but it was not enough!  My boys liked the “look “and thanked me for the gift of cleanliness; however, the bedding was not soft enough, worn in enough, and as warm as their antique quilts.  (My plan is to wash, dry, and repeat until their desired softness is achieved, but I have ten plus years of wear and tear to compete with.) 

Our small and insignificant Christmas bedspread dilemma made the think about holding onto stuff, habits, or even relationships that provide comfort.  I asked myself “good or bad?”

 I confess to still wearing an Oxford sweatshirt from England I bought 27 years ago, no clue why I still have it or how it held up?

Hold onto or let go is a very complicated issue.  Psalm 139:23 comes to mind.  It says “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting.” 

This entire chapter in Psalms never ceases to amaze me, but this week it showed up in a different way.  The Word of God always meets us where we are!  If you wonder this week if you should hold on or let go, mediate on this passage and be blessed!

New Year 2019

Tomorrow officially marks the first day of the New Year for me.  January 1^st included black eyed peas, cornbread, and my favorite, cabbage. We also briefly tossed around the idea of resolutions here. However, the first day back to school is when I really see fireworks and think new beginnings!   I assume other educators agree.  We get a generous Christmas vacation that continues on way past the New Year.  Thus, we mentally postpone the idea of transformation.

Now that we have a house full of teens- the late nights, lazy mornings, unscheduled meals, trips to the movies and friends coming and going lasts for what seems like forever!  We do have a revolving door, and I love it! 

Come tomorrow morning at 7:00, it all comes to an abrupt, somewhat screeching, halt for me personally.  I go back to school and for the first time in many years, full-time…prayers appreciated!  I feel like this is the right move.  I love my job and surprisingly have discovered I need the structure of working more in my mid-forties than less. 

My kids scattered this afternoon and vowed to enjoy one more day of freedom tomorrow.  As of Tuesday though, we are all back on schedule!  I probably should get out my pom-poms and make up a chant that includes phrases like get up, get moving, let’s do this, wake up, and no excuses.  It excites me!  We are being handed a new beginning, a new year, a new semester!  Since this is not my first rodeo, I have a few thoughts to share:

Schedule changes, like going back to school after summer or Christmas break, take time and patience for everyone involved.  This week will be trial and error and require some major attitude and priority adjustments.  The chaos and confusion most of us have allowed in our homes must get back to some type of order and structure – but it may take a week or even two.

This is also a great time to implement new ideas.  I pray I can revamp study time and phone time here.  I know better though than to roll out my plan until I think it through fully.  I need to “up” my parenting game, but not cause a major rebellion.  Likewise, I need to eat better, but not follow a fad.  The library needs my attention, but it will happen one book, one class at a time – not overnight! 

Resolutions fade quickly, but when we seek the Lord daily, He promises to guide and help us with necessary changes.  Jesus says in John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches.  If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.  Apart from me, you can do nothing.”  This verse never gets old to me. My honest desire is to bear good fruit and to do something good every day!  This requires a constant connection to the Lord. 

My pastor today said something that totally summed up my desires for 2019.  He said “Let us be known as a loving church.”

How great is that?  I quickly wrote it down and added a few more lines.

Let me be known as a loving person.

Let us be known as a loving family.

Let us be known as a loving school.

Let us be known as a loving community. 

This is my humble goal and will not be accomplished if I operate in my own flesh.  I must seek Jesus Christ daily. Join me.  If you need a fresh idea for 2019, then borrow “Let me be known as a loving person.” 

Have a blessed week! 

Polar Express 2018

I witness a lot at school.   Trust me, I am not the only one!  Most educators silently dream of writing a book about their daily escapades and retiring early from the earnings on their own bestseller.  Teachers mentally store sentimental stories, silly stories, and outrageous stories that no one outside of education would even begin to fathom.  We file them all deep inside of our minds, but really deep inside of our hearts.   

My funny tales outnumber too many to even recall.  I vividly remember the time a kindergarten student brought her teacher a “scratch-off lottery ticket” and asked if she could cash it in and put the money on her lunch account.   It was a winner!   She got her lunch money. 

A fellow co-worker recently announced over the loud speaker to our precious janitorial helper that we needed a clean-up in the boy’s bathroom.   Her initial request was acceptable, but then she went on to say “There is number 2 all over it, and I know you are busy-but please hurry.”  Only educators can truly appreciate this type of a mess. 

Truthfully, educators often get delirious.  It is not just the kids that are challenging.  It is more often the paperwork, test scores, and meetings that get us.  The best times of my life have been in a hallway when the adults get totally childlike, ecstatic, and just let go.  I’ve seen grown men and women dance, cheer, sing, and totally let loose before ten o’clock in the morning when it will benefit their students.  There is no other profession like education. I love it!

My best times of my life as a teacher have also been quite serious, sad, and somber. A few kids have asked to come and live with me.  One in particular is now in his twenties and sadly still dealing with many of the same challenges he had in third grade.  He knows I love him.  I pray for him.  He loves me too.  

My Mesquite students stay in touch with social media.  They taught me way more than I ever taught them.  I once wanted a counseling degree, but teachers are natural counselors for sure with the help of the LORD. I have humbly been the go-to with big issues like divorce, death, and extreme disappointment. 

Having no money to shop at the book fair or not having a parent present for specials events at school also top my list of counseling experiences.  I will say that hugs are miracle workers.  Let’s all smile for 30 seconds and see what happens is also a wonderful “go-to” that always guarantees laughter and happiness. 

“The Polar Express” reminded me the past two weeks that children are amazing and often will teach adults more than we can teach them.  The library at my elementary school hosts a major, traditional, experience.  It includes an imaginary train ride, lights, decorations, hot chocolate, Christmas cookies, dancing, singing, and much more. Our favorite songs are Rudolf and Jingle Bells.  Everyone gets up and active.  I lost weight because of the extreme cardio. 

What captivated me last week was “HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS.”  I witnessed with class after class the same thing.  Kids instantly joined arms, stood up without prompting, and even requested for me to play that song again. 

My conclusion is of this phenomenon is that even with Amazon, the hustle, bustle, and obvious excitement over the coming of Santa and his reindeer, that Jesus still means the most!

Jesse Tree

If you find yourself in need of a conversation starter during this holiday season and lack the necessary creative juices to come up with one - just roll with “What are your holiday traditions?”  This question always opens up a can of worms! 

It brings to mind what customs we grew up with, what we do now, and what we would love to do with our people in the future.  I personally always liked the idea of hiding a pickle in the tree.  Whoever finds the pickle ornament gets a prize.  I have no clue where I even heard this and never have managed to implement it.  Perhaps next year? 

Years ago, a dear woman in town introduced many of us to the “Jesse Tree.”  I am forever grateful that she did.  When my kids were younger and life was crazy, “Jesse Tree” devotionals and ornaments kept us focused on Jesus during the hustle and bustle of Christmas.

So, what are our traditions now?  We gather on Christmas Eve to dip pretzels and cookies in white chocolate.  We then adorn them with colorful, sugary sprinkles and usually consume most instantly.

On Christmas Day, we bake a cake and sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus after the real food and dishes are finished.  The chaos here has calmed way down over the years.  There are no toys to assemble.  Nevertheless, Santa continues to enjoy our cookies and milk.  There are still six stockings proudly hanging and waiting for him to arrive and stuff full of treats. 

Our pastor asked me to do the children’s message this week. My topic was Christmas and what I love about it.  Some of my favorites were planned from my Bible, but some were totally spontaneous. 

I was caught off guard when a precious family lit the Second Advent candle.  The baby of the bunch was ready to protest.  She was absolutely beautiful in her red dress, but appeared bored and agitated with  the shenanigans.  Her dad eloquently delivered his message about the candle and big sister helped him light it.  Big brother watched.  

I wondered what was next.  I have never been “THE” family lighting the advent candle, but I have been in the spotlight often and outnumbered by children.  Baby girl began to fuss, squirm, and let her presence be known!  

The most amazing thing happened though right in front of our eyes. When her mom stepped up to the mic holding her and began to pray, she was suddenly silent and totally content.  I know from experience that the Word of God is life and death.  It can transform any situation- but I saw it today again with this family in a real way. 

I did peek during the prayer to see if someone had shoved a bottle into her mouth.  Nope, The Word calmed her.  It was a beautiful and unexpected testimony of Christmas and the power of Jesus.  I referenced this “phenomenon” in the children’s message.   

The choir then sang “Blessings” by Laura Story right in the middle of the traditional Christmas cantata.  The lyrics include this “What if your blessings come through raindrops, What if your healing comes through tears, what if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near.  What if trials of this life are your mercies in disguise?”

I absolutely loved this part of our worship.  It was unexpected, but very fitting for what we all deal with in real life.

Likewise, Luke 2:10 also includes us all.  It says “Do not be afraid, I bring good news that will be for all of the people.”  All of the people?  That includes you.  That includes me.  Claim and live in the Good News this week. 

Christmas 2018

If you find yourself in need of a conversation starter during this holiday season and lack the necessary creative juices to come up with one - just roll with “What are your holiday traditions?”  This question typically opens up a whole can of worms! 

It brings to mind what customs we grew up with, what we do now, and what we would love to do in our own homes and circles in the future.  I personally have always liked the idea of hiding a pickle in the tree.  Whoever finds the pickle ornament gets a prize.  I honestly have no clue where I even heard this one and never have managed to implement it.  Perhaps next year? 

Years ago, a dear woman in town introduced many of us to the “Jesse Tree” experience.  I am forever grateful that she shared it.  When my kids were younger and life here was absolutely crazy, our “Jesse Tree” devotionals and daily ornaments kept us grounded and focused on Jesus Christ during the hustle and bustle of Christmas.

So, what are our traditions?  We gather here on Christmas Eve afternoon to dip pretzels and sugar cookies in white chocolate and adorn them with an abundance of colorful, sugary sprinkles.  

On Christmas Day, we bake a cake or find something to put a candle in and sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus.  The chaos here has calmed way down over the years.  There are no toys to assemble.  Nevertheless, Santa continues to enjoy our cookies and milk.  There are still six stockings proudly hanging and waiting for him to arrive and stuff full of treats. 

Our Pastor asked me to do the children’s message today. My topic was Christmas and what I love about it.  Some of my favorites were planned, but some were totally spontaneous. 

I was caught off guard right before my turn when a precious family lit the Second Advent candle.  The baby of the bunch was ready to protest.  She was absolutely beautiful in her red dress, but appeared bored and agitated with all of the shenanigans.  Her Dad delivered his message about the candle.  Then, big sister helped him light it, while big brother looked on quietly.  I wondered what was next.  I have never been “THE” family lighting the advent candle, but I have been in the spotlight many times and outnumbered by children.  Baby girl began to fuss, squirm, and let her presence be known!  

The most amazing thing happened though right in front of all of our eyes. When her Mom stepped up to the mic with her on her hip and began to pray, she was silent and totally content.  I know that the Word of God is life and death.  It can transform any situation- but I saw it today again.  I peeked during the prayer to see if they had shoved a bottle or pacifier into her mouth.  There was nothing!  The Word of God calmed and made her totally content.  It was a beautiful testimony of Christmas and Jesus.  It caught me off guard; therefore, I referenced it in the children’s message. 

The choir sang “Blessings” by Laura Story.  The lyrics include this “What if Your healing comes through tears, what if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near.  What is if trials of this life are your mercies in desquise.

What now?

This is the last afternoon of our wonderful Thanksgiving break at home.  Actually, that is a lie.  Every minute of life here is not wonderful!   I cannot say we really fight, but we spat, stress each other out, and sometimes spontaneously leave the room to escape to find our own peace.

Even with the ups and downs that come naturally with family dynamics, I have enjoyed my time at home. Thankfully too, our house is decorated for Christmas.  My laundry is nearly finished, and we have left-overs in the fridge to get us by until Wednesday.  I like being here to casually entertain whoever shows up.  I stress the word casually, because nothing here is fancy.  My expectations of “home” sure have changed over the years. 

When we only had two kids and lived in Dallas, I was a slave to my home.  I still am, but in a very different way.  Back in the day, my floors were spotless!  My pillows were fluffed and furniture was dusted.  Sadly though, I wasted time trying to make stuff look good, marking everything off of my to-do list, and being busy!  Currently, I just cook whatever I can find and line up paper plates on the bar for kids to eat and enjoy. 

If there is one thing I regret as an older mother, it is not spending enough time with my kids when they were younger. My priorities were a mess!   I wanted a perfect home!    Dishes in the sink and toys not picked up sent me over the edge. 

In an odd way and addressing the topic again, cancer was good for me.  It taught me that life boils down to people.  When I take my last breath, I will not think…are the beds made?  I will ask…who is here with me and who is going to meet me one day in heaven?

Why such a serious topic this week?  I could have chosen leaves falling or thankfulness; however, a season has ended for us, another one begins tomorrow. 

Thanksgiving Break will abruptly come to an end at 6:30 in the morning when my alarm clock goes off.  We need to get back on task with schoolwork, working out, eating well, and going to bed at a decent time.  I also have one or two topics I need to address specifically with my kids.  I need to “reel” them back in – and myself!   The past two weeks have been nothing but Eagle football, holiday festivities, and fun.

I love football and specifically my boys playing football.  Thursday and Friday nights since late August have been consumed by it.  So many of “my people” are involved.  I love our band, they are the heartbeat of Friday nights.  I love the cheerleaders, parents, grandparents, my elementary principal showing up, our coaches, their families, the volunteers who make sure the flags are flying in town and that the hot dogs are ready.

Friday was the last game of our season.  It left me with the thought:  What now?  It forced me to think… what needs to happen next with me personally and with my family?  Before I could think forwardly, I looked back.  That took me to back to the old days of trying to keep my house perfect and sweating the small stuff, like I mentioned.  I thank God that is over! 

What is next?  Psalm 37 is one of my favs.  It says “Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.  Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart.”  I am starting there this week. Join me please. 

2013- Eagle football!