Faith and Hope

My preacher taught us today about "Hope". He talked of how in the Bible it was not used in the same way that we now use it today. When we use the word today, most of the time it is for short term, frivolous wishes. For example: "I hope it rains this week" or "I hope I have a chance to see the new Adam Sandler comedy". There is a sense of uncertainty and lack of actually being deeply concerned with the outcome of what we are hoping for.

In the Bible, however, hope is tied closely with faith. As in, hoping for what we have faith will truly happen. My preacher, who explained this much better than I can, said "Hope is faith in action." Meaning, I presume, that we must have faith that what is hoped for will be fulfilled.

Another of my favorite things that my preacher says is this: "Faith is not the lack of reason, it's the lack of sight."

For such simple words, there is certainly much to ponder about both. I don't know if this is in the rule book, but I pray each night for stronger faith in that which is unseen and the ability to "Hope"(used as a verb) with certainty.

Taking time to enjoy answered prayers...

Looking over my previous posts, I tend to reflect on milestones. You know, the BIG moments in life. For example: getting the job, getting married, getting the house, getting the dog...lots of "getting". All of these things are great, wonderful, and fabulous. I wouldn't change a thing about where I am, what I'm doing, and who's in my life right now. However, I don't want to be that person who's always searching for "the next big thing". I recognize my unyielding obsession with what my in-laws refer to as "my list" and because I am the way I am, I purposly make a conscience effort to STOP and look around and soak in all the wonderful blessings in my life.

In my defense, I think we all who we are because of life experiences. All of these milestones I have "checked off" have been hoped for and dreamed of for a big part of my life. Make no mistake, when I lay down at night in my own home, next to my best friend, with the cute dog curled in her bed a the foot of ours...I sigh contently and thank God for all I have been given.

...Reminding myself every day to take time to enjoy an be thankful for answered prayers <3

Back to square one?

Terminating Contract...seemed absolutely just peachy when I was signing in back in September... I was just thrilled to have a job. Now, it is the end of my first year teaching and while celebrating a successful and joyful year, I can't help but think: "I am back to square one". Then, I wonder..."What does that phrase mean and where did the phrase originate?".
According to freedictionary.com it means:

"If you are back to square one, you have to start working on a plan from the beginning because your previous attempts failed and the progress you made is now wasted"

Geeze, kind of harsh?

Turns out, it is speculated that the phrase comes from board games like "Snakes and Ladders" (or "Chutes and Ladders"). Or, hop scotch. Get it? Square one, as in the first square of the game! Excellent...if life were a board game, I would be losing.

However, I must admit that the wait was worth it this year. I found a wonderful home at Endy for my first year of teaching and I spent it with the most fabulous fifth graders I can imagine. So, perhaps "back to square one" simply means that I am at the beginning of another exciting journey...I'm ready, I think!

The week ahead...

I can't believe that my first year of teaching is almost over. Granted, I started 5 weeks in to the year, but it still went by so quickly! Never in a million years did I see myself as a fifth grade math and science teacher...but I fell in love. First of all, fifth graders are funny. They are truly a joy to teach and can have "grown up" conversations, but have not yet gotten the "middle school" attitude. They have all become an interesting part of my life and it will be bittersweet to see them go to sixth grade. I know they're ready, but they still look and act so much different than the current sixth grade class. Is it possible that my group will be "big middleschoolers" this time next year? Will they be, GASP, too cool and will have forgotten about Mrs. Pickler? Dear 5th grade class of Endy 09-10...you will always be my first class-thanks for all that YOU have taught me!

This week they take the TEST. oOooooOooo VERY scary? Not so much. They are smart group and I know they have the ability to rock this test. I hope that this year I have taught them more than how to take a test. I hope they've learned to think. I hope they've learned to consider and evaluate. Mostly-I hope I have taught them things that they will use their whole lives AND I hope they've had fun. After all, they are 10 and 11-FUN is important!

6 month anniversary trip?

The song "Toes in the water, Ars in the sand" came on this morning on my way to school and I almost cried...Ahhh, I miss honeymooning. I mean, it was VERY short week, but I felt like we slid into the role of "Honeymooners" with great ease. Nothing to it! Wake up at 6 am to a beautiful sunrise. Breakfast in bed. Nap by the pool. Lunch. Nap by the Ocean. Get "spruced up". Romantic date night with NO dishes afterward. Can't wait to go back....

Top of her class!

Josie, though we may be a little biased, is the cutest, smartest, and most well behaved doggy in her obedience class. It's funny to me how proud we are of her when she does what she is suppose to or demonstrates a new trick perfectly. We even have ourselves convinced that she is the instructors favorite.

One thing's for sure, she's a wonderful fit for Sean and I. She truly is a member of the family. When we eat, she eats. When she plays, she makes SURE we play. When we sleep, she...wants to sleep in our bed, but sleeps nicely in her cozy crate.

What a great addition the "furbaby" was to our little family <3

Josie Pickler

Sean and I have adopted a beautiful boston mix. She is a year old which is perfect! She's still a puppy, but already house broken. She already has a little routine in our house : )

More pics to come soon, but here is one of her in Sean's lap...he loves her : )