My Delights...

Psalm 1:1-3

Blessed is the one
    who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
    or sit in the company of mockers, 

 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and who meditates on his law day and night. 
 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
    which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
    whatever they do prospers.

Today in Sunday School (also called Bible Fellowship), we read through some of the Psalms.  

One of the questions posed to us was "What delights you?"

My children immediately came to mind.

They can frustrate me to no end.  But they also delight me with their giggles, their stories, their hugs, their zeal.

Next to mind- my job.  I really do love it. It is a challenge some days (not so much with the kids but with the other parts) but my students delight me.  Watching them think, talk, learn, grow...it brings joy to my heart.

And of course, my husband.  He delights me.  His love, his humor, his hard work, his hugs, his encouragement...just seeing him delights my heart.

Oh, and my God.  The God who loves me in spite of myself.  Who forgives me for everything I do.  Who blesses me daily beyond what I can fathom.  

What else delights me?

• sunsets...beautiful sunsets with bright colors dancing across the sky
• waterfalls
• dark chocolate
• a Sunday nap
• hiking in the woods with my family
• Saturdays with no plans
• dinner with my family
• my little furry pup (currently curled up on my feet)
• a warm shower
• the music on my ipod
• a good workout
• a clean kitchen
• empty laundry baskets
• summer vacation
• a walk on the beach
• homemade bread
• e-mails from friends and family
• hearing from former students
• freshly cut grass
• butterflies and ladybugs
• sunshine
• answered prayer
• time with my parents/sister
• dinner out (a rare treat)
• shaved ice...Hog Wild, of course
• new recipes (that work)
• jeans and tennis shoes
• a hike in the woods

Well, that is just my short list. :)

What delights you?

Reba

Five Minute Friday: Jump

I was just reading my friend Bonnie's blog.  She has just started participating in something called Five Minute Friday. 

I used to love to write.  Still do. But I often find myself pushing it (as in blogging in these times) to the side to do things like cook, clean, exercise.

Yet I always have thoughts in my head. I "write" blog posts there all of the time.

So when I read about Five Minute Friday, I thought it sounded perfect. I can write for five minutes.  Maybe not interrupted in this family but for five minutes, surely I can.

This week's theme:  Jump.

When I hear the word, after I get the Van Halen song out of my head, I remember how when our kids were little.  They would be standing on something.  They would call to Daddy, close their eyes, and jump.  Not a care in the world.  They knew.  They knew he would catch them.

And that is what we need to do.

Some days life seems more stressful than I ever imagined it could be. 

My kids' behavior. 

Bills.  Bills.  More bills.

Work stress.

Illness and death.

That strange sound the van makes when it is idling.

Our crazy schedule.

On those days, I want to crawl into bed.  Pull the covers over my head.  Go back to sleep.

But instead, I need to be like my children.

I need to stand there, on the edge.  I need to close my eyes, take a deep breath, and jump.  Jump into the arms of my Father.

And I need to know He will catch me and hold me tight.

More soon,
Reba

Thankful Thursday, Once Again...

I really need to finish up my Easter posts.

But today is Thankful Thursday.

And even in this midst of testing, rain, and extreme fatigue, I have a lot to be thankful for...

(That being said, I fell asleep before I could post. Maybe I should start trying to post Thankful Thursday on Tuesdays so that it might actually post by Thursday :)

Anyway, what am I thankful for this week?  (Ironically it has NOT been a fun day today so I am really going to have to test my memory from the week...)

•  One week of testing down, though next week is the MAJOR testing week.  (My students don't actually test but last week I was pulled out to small group test and this week our schedule will be completely different due to testing).
• A very happy Easter
• Shaved ice (my hubby made a special trip to bring it home to me :)
• Hearing from a child's teacher about how much they have matured this year
• Listening to my youngest child read books to me
• Finding storage containers for sugar and flour at a discounted price
• Finding the salad/cereal bowls I use (and am short of) at a store just down the road
• Warmer weather...finally!
• Sunshine and outdoor recess (most of the week)
• A husband who helps (as his schedule allows) pick up and transport kids after school on my Zumba day
• Zumba with my co-workers...fun and exercise all in one!
• Brownie cupcakes with peanut butter frosting. Yum.
• Attending my first "CAP" conference (for my almost freshman son)
• The last volleyball tournament of the season.  It has been fun but now that the weather is nice, I want weekends OUTSIDE.
• My parents have returned from their vacation. I am always nervous they won't. :)
• Watching my students just blossom academically
• Hugs from my former students (mostly the first graders)
• Sweet snuggles from my fluffy pup
• Tax refunds
• Less pain in my tooth (and less sensitivity too)
• Conversations with my kids
• Watching my girls slowly become friends
• My determined third grader who went out to run the track the other day...she ran a 5K. Just because she could.
• A cold Coke after a long day 
• Sushi dates with the hubby
• Having our Swim Ranch dates/times secure
• A friend who helped transport my kids so I could secure those Swim Ranch dates
• A friend who helped transport child 3 to a community service event this morning
• Afternoon naps

What are you thankful for this week?

Reba