09/08/10

Isn't this calming?

It is Jordan Pond in Maine.

I had always wanted to photograph fog in such a way that was like this. I couldn't get over how "giddy" I felt when I arrived and saw it.
To all my bloggy friends that I normally comment on their blogs... I am so far behind. I really will catch up. As you saw from yesterday... I'm in a crazy mode of life right now.

Some days I try to be "Super Woman" and I hate those days. I don't like when life is so hectic that I can't be still before the Lord. My still time is shorter because if I try to sit too long I fall asleep and there are no prayers but in my dreams!

I know the Lord understands... he realizes we are human and "but dust."

I just wish I could be more like Mary some days in this "Martha World." Expectations from others and things you know you have to do can crowd your days so that you have nothing left of yourself at days end.

These days continue to help me realize how much I can't do without Him giving me what I need to do it....

09/07/10

I am finally (and slowly) working on more of my Maine pics.

This was taken the morning we were supposed to go on a whale watch tour, but it was extremely foggy off the coast (shocking....) and the trip was cancelled. I saw these on our walk back to the van to figure out what we were going to do instead.... I would have stayed there and photographed a lot longer if the other family members had let me... ha!

Who knew that floats for lobster cages could be so stinking festive!?

Today has been one of those days.

It has been one of those overwhelming days.

It has been one of those days I have met myself on the road.... almost literally.

We were off yesterday for Labor Day which was great.

BUT.. I walk into school this morning and have yesterday's work and today's work to do... all before I leave for my doctor's appointment (checkup... no biggy) at 8:45.

I sped through teaching... the poor children looked like a mack truck had hit them I had to hit the high and leave the low. No getting up out of our seats acting crazy today! I did NOT like teaching like that.

Sped across the country (it felt like) to my doctor's appointment. If I didn't love the woman so much I would not drive 40 minutes one way to see her.

Sped back across the country just in time for my last reading group. I felt like I was spinning wheels.

Sped through lunch.

Sped through learning about California and a place in Spain.

Sped through stapling papers and gathering ones I had taken up for a grade.

Sped through a math speed drill.

Sped through showing pictures of beavers and spider webs that I had photographed for my "chil'ren."

Sped through clean up.

Sped through recess duty.

Sped upstairs to grab my things to go get Wesley and Mikayla.

Sped to another doctor's appointment (again, a check up).

Sped there just to wait almost an hour to be seen.

Sped out of there to the bank.

Sped by McDonald's first just so I could get a Mocha Frappe' because after all of that speeding today I wanted one!

Sped home.

Can you see why I was a bit overwhelmed today?

Let's hope and pray tomorrow is a little less speedy.

09/06/10

What a beautiful weekend around here.....

Been working on projects for school with the kids.

Been working on a project I will present at school.

Been working on photo shoot pictures from last Friday night.

Will be working on the next photo shoot (that I leave for in a few minutes) when I get back home tonight.

Have loved this time off to recoup from the "crud."

Am thankful for the beauty God showed me again this morning.... a black butterfly. He wouldn't land long enough for me to photograph him, but it was sure fun watching him.

What has brought you joy today?

09/05/10

Isaiah 40:8
The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

09/03/10

I forgot to mention in yesterday's post that the picture I posted was that of barnacles in between rocks at Acadia in Maine.

Here is another shot of the sea plants that grow in the low areas of the rocks. They have just enough water covering them until the waves crash upon the shore again.
I did not take before/after photos of the teacher workroom/bathroom makeover. I know you can't believe it... BUT.. it is because I didn't actually start the makeover from scratch. There were some things done this summer to it that didn't allow me to show the full effect of the transformation. Let me tell you.... it is a great area now and much nicer than how it was before!! I was thankful the Lord gave me what I needed to transform the area. :)

Here is a cute thing I heard three kindergartners say on the steps today after playtime.

First girl to middle girl: "Hey you want to be friends!?"

Middle girl: "Sure!"

Third girl behind middle girl: "Hey, I want to be friends, too!"

Middle girl: "You can't unless you have bugs at your house!"

Since I have ants at my house I think I could be her friend!

Hope it made you chuckle. Have a great weekend!

09/02/10

I have been working on re-doing the teacher workroom in our building at school. It has needed an update for a long time... the border in the room and bathroom area were around 16 years old. Get the picture?

Well, it has been fun creating something new for the teachers to enjoy. I wanted an "oasis" for the moments we get to go use the bathroom... if we actually GET to use the bathroom. ha!

Today was the day the pictures were going to be hung on the walls and the cabinet hung in the bathroom. I knew I had a lot to do today but my time was not so much. ha!

As I was in the bathroom getting ready this morning I began to get a bit restless over all I had to do. I heard a "still small voice" tell me "Talk to Me about it!" So I began to pray and ask the Lord to multiply my time today.

I know I shouldn't be surprised when He did.

But I was....

My day flowed extremely well and even though I had lots to do, I got everything accomplished except for one little project with my students that I can do tomorrow. I kept looking at the clock and finding I had extra time all day.

I am thankful God helped me in that little thing I needed.

I was reminded how I need to remember to take EVERYTHING to Him in prayer.

09/01/10

I saw this on a friend's blog and it was great so I thought I'd share here. I am so guilty in my life of trying to be the "Super Mom" but in the last year the Lord has been teaching me how to be an "Abiding Mom." It has been FREEING.

Are you a Super Mom

or

An Abiding Mom?

Super Mom Does
An Abiding Mom Is (Psalm 46:10)

Super Mom Tries to impress others
Abiding Mom pleases the Lord (Eph. 5:10,Proverbs 29:25)

Super Mom Is controlled by an agenda(curriculum, schedule, etc)
Abiding Mom is controlled by the Holy Spirit: (Gal. 5:22-26) (Uses curriculum & schedules as tools for orderliness so she's more free to follow the spirit)

Super Mom's self worth is found in her accomplishments (clean house, perfect kids, the perfect bulletin boards, etc.)
Abiding Mom's self worth is found in an accurate view of who she is in Christ Jesus (Eph 2:10)

Super Mom Her peace is found in the “perfect” environment
Abiding Mom Her peace is found in Jesus in the midst of any storm (Is 26:3)

Super Mom is discouraged by failure
Abiding Mom's failure reminds her that God's strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Cor. 12:9-10)

Super Mom expects perfection from herself and others
Abiding Mom practices grace with herself and others (Eph 4:32)

Super Mom teaches her kids to be good
Abiding Mom teaches her kids to be Godly (Proverbs 22:6)

Super Mom is frustrated with her lack of spiritual fruit
Abiding Mom abides in Christ and bears much fruit (John 15:5)

Super Mom does things with her children
Abiding Mom builds a relationship with her children (Deut 6:6-7)

Super Mom 's perspective is based on what is seen
Abiding Mom's perspective is based on what is unseen (Col 3:2)

Super Mom chooses quantity of activities
Abiding Momchooses the most excellent Way (I Cor 13)

(Thanks to Erica @ Confessions of a Homeschooler for this information!)