FIRST Wild Card Tour: Your Best Life Begins Each Morning

It is time to play a Wild Card! Every now and then, a book that I have chosen to read is going to pop up as a FIRST Wild Card Tour. Get dealt into the game! (Just click the button!) Wild Card Tours feature an author and his/her book's FIRST chapter!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Joel Osteen

and the book:

Your Best Life Begins Each Morning

FaithWords (December 10, 2008)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Joel Osteen is the pastor of the largest church in America with one of the most diverse congregations and over 30,000 members attending every week. He has quickly become a leading voice in a new generation of inspirational leaders and pastors. Under his leadership, Lakewood Church has grown in every area of ministry, more than quadrupling in size in the past five years. In the summer of 2005, the church moved into Houston’s 17,000-seat Compaq Arena and become the new Lakewood International Center. Joel and his wife Victoria live in Houston with their two children.

Visit the author's website.

Product Details:

List Price: $ 13.99
Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: FaithWords (December 10, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446545090
ISBN-13: 978-0446545099

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

YOUR Best Life BEGINS EACH MORNING


Devotions to Start Every New Day of the Year


JOEL OSTEEN



Introduction


The key to living your best life starts with how you approach every new morning, because today is the only day you have. You can’t do anything about the past, and you don’t know what the future holds. But when you wake up in the morning, you can make up your mind to do your best to enjoy your day. You’re not going to allow what does or doesn’t happen to steal your joy and keep you from God’s abundant life.


Don’t start your day off by feeling guilty about yesterday or recalling all the mistakes you made. Rather, when you make mistakes, simply ask God for forgiveness and then move on, confident that the moment you ask, God forgives you. You are ready for a great present and a bright future. Get up every morning and receive God’s love and mercy and the power of His Word for your life.


Start your day with God by saying, “Father, I thank You that this is going to be a great day. I thank You that I have discipline, self-control; that I make good decisions. I may not have done all that I could have yesterday, but that day’s gone. I’m going to get up and do better today.” These devotions are written to inspire ardent love and worship to God. While they are not meant to replace your personal time with God, it is my desire that the readings will be keys you can use to unlock doors leading a fuller life. I hope they will be a springboard to help you draw nearer to God and to help you overcome the obstacles that might keep you from living your best life now.


Your life can be transformed and renewed as you allow God’s Word to refresh and to reshape your thinking, speaking, and daily activities. Allow the Scriptures to speak to you. Be still and listen to what God is saying to you. No matter where you are or what challenges you face, you can start to enjoy your life right now!



J ANUARY 1


For I am about to do something new.

See, I have already begun! Do you

not see it? I will make a pathway

through the wilderness. I will create

rivers in the dry wasteland.

ISAIAH 43:19


Unpack Your Dreams


W HAT DO YOU WANT TO DO with your life?

If you could write your best life story this morning, what would it say? Is your first reaction to see and describe yourself in terms of past experiences or present limitations, more in terms of losing or just surviving rather than fulfilling your dreams?


If you’ve packed away your dreams, dare to unpack them today and ask God to rekindle them in your heart and mind. It’s time to enlarge your vision.

He wants to pour out His far and beyond favor on you (see Ephesians 2:7). He wants to do big things and new things in your life.


J ANUARY 2


“For I know the plans I have for you,”

declares the Lord, “plans to prosper

you and not to harm you, plans to

give you hope and a future.”

JEREMIAH 29:11


We Serve a Great God


Y OU MAY HAVE EXPERIENCED adversity or trials in your past. Perhaps you’ve had more than your share of setbacks and heartaches. But today is a brand-new day. It is time to stretch your faith and pursue the excellence that God has placed in your heart. It is time to break out of the “barely get by” mentality, to become the best you can be, not merely average or ordinary, for the rest of your life.


We serve the Most High God, and His dream for your life is so much bigger and better than you can even imagine. Never settle for a small view of God. Start thinking as God thinks. Think big. Think increase. Think abundance. Think more than enough!


J ANUARY 3


What, then, shall we say in response

to this? If God is for us, who can be

against us? He who did not spare his

own Son, but gave him up for us all—

how will he not also, along with him,

graciously give us all things?

ROMANS 8:31–32



With God on Your Side


GOD IS CONSTANTLY trying to plant new seeds in your heart. He’s trying to fill you with so much hope and expectancy that the seed will grow and bring forth a tremendous harvest. Never allow negative thinking to keep you from God’s best. If you will get in agreement with God, this can be the greatest time of your life.

With God on your side, you cannot possibly lose. He can make a way when it looks as though there is none. He can open doors that no one can shut. He can cause you to be at the right place, at the right time. He can supernaturally turn your dreams into reality.


J ANUARY 4


For therein is the righteousness of God

revealed from faith to faith: as it is

written, The just shall live by faith.

ROMANS 1:17


Stretch Your Faith


PERHAPS WE HAVE A GOAL to break a bad habit, to lose some weight, or to pay off our credit cards. At first, we’re so excited and we go after it! But over time, we get lazy; we get complacent. Maybe we see a little improvement, but then we get comfortable right where we are. Where we are may not be a bad place, but we know it’s not where we’re supposed to be. We’re not stretching our faith. We’re not pursuing the excellence that God has placed in our hearts.

Maybe you’ve been coasting lately, thinking that perhaps you’ve reached your limits. You’re not stretching your faith. You aren’t believing for an increase.

No, don’t stop halfway; go on up to the top of your mountain. Believe God for more.


J ANUARY 5


By faith Abraham, when called

to go to a place he would later

receive as his inheritance, obeyed

and went, even though he did not

know where he was going.

HEBREWS 11:8


Step Out of Your Comfort Zone


PEOPLE WHO SEE THEIR DREAMS come to pass are people who have some resolve, some backbone; people who refuse to settle for somewhere along the way. Abraham, one of the Old Testament heroes of faith, obeyed God and followed Him all the way to the Promised Land of abundance in Canaan. Abraham’s father, however, stopped along the way and settled in Haran (see Genesis 11:31), feeling it was good enough but missing out on God’s best.


Don’t fall into a complacency trap. It doesn’t take any more effort to stay filled with faith than it takes to develop a negative attitude. Dare to step out of your comfort zone today. God has so much more in store. Keep pursuing and keep believing.


Copyright © 2008 by Joel Osteen Publishing

A little update on us....been kinda crazy!

Oh, man, girlies (and boys, too...are there any of you out there??) it has been a wild few days around these parts!

Let's start on Friday....Adam woke up in the middle of the night vomiting. I stayed home because Chris is trying to help transition away from one of his two school assignments and needed to be there to work with the other lady, who is known to complicate things! No problem. I went ahead and took him to the doctor cause Adam doesn't usually seem to be ill until he is REALLY sick. The doctor thought it was just a virus that he had but was concerned about a place on the back of his ear, so went ahead and gave us an antibiotic for that (which helped the supposed virus...he's no longer coughing....go figure).

Saturday we were hit with a surprise snow storm! We were supposed to only get flurries, but it was a full blown storm, at least what we Southerners call a storm! Then it froze over night to ice, so we had a bit of a mess on our hands for several days on the mountain roads that don't get sun. These roads also don't get scraped or salted cause they are so rural, it is too cost prohibitive to do so. (Just letting you know so those of you who don't live in the South won't start heckling me for the small amount of snow we got...yeah, I know it is nothing to you, but that isn't the point of the story! SHEESH!)

Anyway, I digress...Sunday morning and evening we did our Christmas cantatas at church, and they went pretty well, except for what I described a few days ago concerning Adam and the video camera.

And then came Monday, where *I* got the loveliness of the stomach bug! Thankfully, school was cancelled because of the snow on Saturday. I finally started taking some Immodium since I couldn't stay out of the bathroom, and that started causing horrible gas pains, or so I thought. After a few hours of that I was feeling much better and even had visions of making it to work on Tuesday. (FYI: for those who aren't teachers, it is more trouble than it is worth to be out of school if at all possible. The kids go wild, they don't learn a lot, and life generally is chaotic for days afterwards. No one's fault, just the way things are.)

I didn't sleep well at all that night, and was up with what I thought were gas pains again around three, and again they started around 5.

I'm cutting and pasting the next part from the parenting message board I frequent. Apologizes if that offends! ;)

I woke up this morning around 5 to horrible pain on my right side. I waited til 6 to wake Chris up, and my parents came over to get the boys ready for school and Chris took me to the hospital. I tell ya ladies, I've never been in so much pain in all my life! Not even childbirth with no drugs!

So what was the cause? Oh, they couldn't find anything, of course! *insert eye roll*

They did bloodwork, urine tests, a CT scan, an ultrasound and came back with nothing. Of course I was there for 5 hours before I was given anything for pain or nausea, and honestly thought I'd have to pass out before they'd see how much pain I was in. I think the only reason I got help when I did was because a nurse whose daughter is in my room saw me and came and took over!

She kept apologizing for having to stick me twice to get the IV in, but compared to the pain I was in, two sticks was NOTHING! She finally gave me some pain something (I am still not totally thinking straight) and Phenagren which knocked me totally out. I'm not positive what was said after that cause I was so exhausted from the pain and gave in to the meds.

Chris was not pleased with my treatment; he went and told them several times that I needed pain meds when I was writhing and sweating from it. They thought that it might be my gall bladder. The pain was on my upper right hand side, and I was nauseous.

I got irritated with the doctor... he came in after we'd been there at least 2.5 hours already and was asking me about what I'd eaten, trying to figure out if it was my gall bladder...but he hadn't read/understood my history very well cause when I explained to him that all I'd had to eat was sprite, toast, and applesauce, he asked WHY in a kind of pointed tone. So I answered back in a kind of smart tone, "Uh, cause I had diarrhea!" Then he had the sense to back off. It just irritates me that I was in that much misery and no one seemed to be caring!

So after 5 hours there, I had no diagnosis, and the doctor even forgot to prescribe the antibiotics he said I needed! UGH! AND I was so out of it I didn't have the presence of mind to see what the scripts were for that Chris was filling, so he paid for stuff that I'll probably never use. Another frustration!

I slept a ton yesterday and barely even knew I was in the world except for when the boys were so loud they were irritating. I was on my way to Dreamland for the night when Chris yells at me that Isaac is throwing up and he needed help with him.


****WARNING: TMI! IF YOU GET GROSSED OUT, SKIP THE NEXT PARAGRAPH!****
Oh. my. I have never smelled something so putrid as what came out of my son last night. I kept retching myself while trying to clean it up. He had sat up in his bed and Chris got him from his bed to the bathroom, but he sat down on the toilet instead of preparing for what was coming from the other end, and it went everywhere. All over the clothes that I hadn't gotten washed since I'd been sick, all over the rug, all over the scale, all over him, and I got it all over me trying to clean up. I could start retching again just thinking about it! I don't usually have a weak stomach, but man...that was horrid!

So that decided it...I was staying home with him again today since Chris had had to miss work yesterday when he needed to be there to transition the incoming teacher again. I have the most wonderful coworkers in the world, in case you didn't know that! They had already gotten homework together and sent it with my students yesterday, and said for me not to think another thing about it, that they'd take care of things today as well. Oh, what a blessed relief that is! It will still be chaos, but it will be less painful since I didn't have to go in and SEE the chaos this morning!

So that gets us to today. Isaac has been the easiest patient to deal with in the world. He's entertained himself and let me rest, only asking periodically for something to eat or drink. That's good cause I'm still not very energetic, probably mostly due to the fact that I've only had 1 meal over 3 days' time.

I have an appointment to see a doctor at my regular physicians' office, but unfortunately not my regular doc, on Friday. This is probably just a formality to have her schedule a more conclusive scan. I know that the pain that I was in is NOT normal, and if that was just gas, then good golly I'll live on a liquid diet for the rest of my life to avoid it! Please pray that they can find a cause and that it doesn't happen again, please!

If you read all this, you deserve some kind of reward! Thank you!

Glorious Impossible

What a beautiful Sunday it is! We have snow on the ground and Jesus in our hearts! We had our Christmas Cantata today, and it went well! Well, we did have a couple of mishaps...one lady started falling down, I think she just got too hot or locked her knees. Then apparently my son got tangled up in the video cord and ended up cutting off the music for a few seconds as my husband and brother in law tried to rescue all the equipment!

But other than that, it was marvelous! We sang this song, which is absolutely beautiful, so I thought I'd share it with you!

Flashback Friday--Tennessee Christmas

<img alt="http://christis-blahblahblog.blogspot.com" src="http://tinyurl.com/5zzwl8"/>

Happy December!! Welcome to the Christmas version of Flashback Friday! I remember hearing this song for the first time....with my sisters, in 7th or 8th grade. Then that Christmas Day, Amy Grant was on The Today Show and we sat around the TV singing along with her. Though I have lived in Tennessee, Virginia, and Georgia, I'm a Tennessee fan and a Tennessee girl when I hear this song! And it means what Christmas means to me....home!



What holiday songs do you love? Come share, and don't forget to spread the word!

Busy time of year!

I'm thankful for snow schedules so I can get a tiny bit more sleep! I've had bus duty this week, too, so that is an added hour a day I have to be at work. Our cantata is this weekend, so I've had practice for that for 2 nights, and then my last night of class for the semester was on Tuesday. I'm tired, and it is only gonna keep going, I'm sure!

So just want to update ya as to where I am....around, just busy! I'm sure you are, too!

Curious as a Cat #6

1) What is the most unbelievable thing you have ever witnessed?
I would have to say that it was the experience I had at the Dome Cathedral in Salzburg, Austria. Here is the story!

2) If you could change your identity completely (money no object), what would the new you be like?
I'd be a work at home mom, and have blonde hair. I can't think of other things I'd do differently!

3) What would you do if you saw someone making fun of another person?
Depends on where I was. If I was at work, I'd stop them immediately! Out in public, I don't know...it would depend on the circumstances.

4) If you could go back to the Garden of Eden and talk to Adam and Eve for five minutes, what would you say? DON'T EAT THE APPLE! What was it like to be able to be in full communication with God?

5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.


It looks to me like a church getting ready for Vacation Bible School!

Flashback Friday--Supersonic

<img alt="http://christis-blahblahblog.blogspot.com" src="http://tinyurl.com/5zzwl8"/>

Ahhhh, high school days....I was a cheerleader....skinny....had great friends and guys I was talkin' to in Rossville, Kingsport, and Big Stone Gap....those were the days!

I was also dancing, and as cheerleaders, we danced as well. This was the beginning days of hip hop, when Salt N Pepa had just started, so had TLC and Queen Latifah. The Varsity Cheerleaders did a dance to this song (I was a B-Team Cheerleader) and I LOVED the song! We watched them practice the dance so often I probably, at the time, could have jumped up and done it with 'em!

So I present to you....Supersonic!



So what about you? What takes you back today? What songs are you listening to as you get your Christmas shopping done? Come share with us!

Starting next week, we'll play some holiday music for Flashback Friday....remember some of those songs that New Kids on the Block had on their Christmas album?!

Our Thanksgiving journey...and injuries!

Well, the day started off like most others that are not school days. The boys woke me up watching TV while waiting for the appointed hour when they can go play video games and/or computer games. So I dozed on and off and decided to get up and moving around 8. Chris actually slept in til almost 9, and then got up and started cooking. He fixed a squash dish, sweet potato fries, chocolate candy, and Wassail. I got the boys bathed and myself bathed, and we left for my sister Brenda's house around 12:15. We pulled in their driveway and started unloading the food. Isaac and Adam were in front of me and Chris, and one of their dogs was laying in front of the door we were headed towards. Chris has just started telling Isaac to get back, cause it was the dog that can be tempermental.

Unfortunately, he couldn't get the words out before Bugs started pretty much attacking Isaac's leg! Isaac was screaming and crying, and Chris came as fast as he could to get the dog off him, and I was banging on the kitchen window to get my brother-in-law or nephews out there. I got Isaac in the house and started getting cleaned up. He will probably be more sore tomorrow than he was today....he has a puncture wound, some bruising, and some scratches. He calmed down and started playing, and we had a nice time visiting with cousins and my brother-in-law's family, who are LIKE family to us.

Then about 5 or so, Chris started saying we needed to get ready to go to his aunt's house. We got the boys together, and were walking down the hill when who but super clutz (ME) fell flat on my behind in the mud! I'm sure I'm gonna have a good bruise on my rear, and I stove up my wrist and hand pretty good, too!

So we go to the house so I can change clothes and change the dressing on Isaac's bite. Then we headed to Uncle Kent and Aunt Dale's house. We got something to eat and visited a while there. Isaac and Adam had their shoes off (of course) and Isaac was sliding through a sparsely furnished room on his sock feet. I got up and moved a table that I had been sitting (shhhhhhh! Don't tell!) on with Chris' cousin at the computer, and had JUST told Isaac to be careful when what does he do but run smack into the table, and a leg falls off it!

So we apologized profusely and Isaac was super embarrassed and felt badly. Later they told us that it had been glued back together numerous times, so the wonder is that *I* didn't break it down by sitting on it! We headed on home about an hour later before we either ended up buying 'em all new furniture or had to go to the ER!!

All in all, it was a beautiful and relaxing day. We all enjoyed ourselves and ate more than we needed to, and were blessed to spend time with both sides of the family!

And get this! Chris' parents have offered to keep the boys tomorrow night (all night!) so Chris is going to take me out to dinner and to a movie that doesn't involve cartoon or superhero characters! I think we're gonna go see The Changeling!

I hope that you all had a fantastic day, too!

Wordless Wednesday--Katie upside down!

That's my niece performing at a school beauty pageant! She is going to be dancing both the Snow Queen solo and the Arabian pas de deux in The Intercity Ballet's Nutcracker!

Photo courtesy Rindi Perry

I am thankful for....

There are SO many things/people to be thankful for every day, but I'm just gonna list a few that come to mind....

I'm very thankful for a Godly husband who is SO patient, understanding, and loving, and is such a good Daddy. I'm thankful for 2 healthy, smart, sweet, funny, loving sons. I'm thankful for the health of my family and friends, and thankful that technology is such that even if my Daddy has to have open heart surgery, his surgery and recovery can be successful.

I'm thankful for a job that I enjoy and where I can be surrounded by such fantastic coworkers and Christian friends. I am also thankful for my online friends and few loyal friends in real life. I am very blessed to also be friends with my family members, and I thank the Lord for that as well!

I'm thankful that my husband and I can live close to our families in an area that we love.

I'm thankful that I have the opportunity to further my education in something I love, and esp. that my school system is paying for it!

I'm so thankful for the many, many, many blessings that My Lord bestows upon me and my loved ones day after day, hour after hour, minute after minute. I am grateful that He loves me unconditionally, and that I know that I am spending eternity in a blessed place with Him!

If you'd like to join in this meme, visit here!

I also linked this post to 5 Minutes for Mom's Thankful Blog posts!

Not the greatest news today

My oldest nephew played the last game of his high school football career today. The boys lost to Lebanon and will not be traveling on further toward a state championship. They were all very sad and crying. I held it together just fine until I saw Ked...and to see this big 18 year old man crying like he did when he was so little, that I had to cry myself. Logan was all torn up as well, as were most of the seniors. It broke my heart to see their mamas trying to ease their hurt hearts like they used to fix their bumps and bruises.

And we also got bad news last night....Chris' aunt has breast cancer, on both sides. Apparently it is pretty bad, too, because they are giving her a Chemo port before even doing a Masectomy. Please, please pray for Kay and their entire family! Chris' Mamaw was very upset about it when we went up there last night.

So...not the most chipper and uplifting post today. Sorry about that.

Flashback Friday--Broken Wings

<img alt="http://christis-blahblahblog.blogspot.com" src="http://tinyurl.com/5zzwl8"/>

Snow day again for me! And snow days remind me of the 7th grade, as does this song. I had just discovered boys, and talking about them, to them, or thinking about them took up a great deal of my time!

Broken Wings reminds me of that time in my life. I go the Mr. Mister tape (yes, cassette!) for my birthday and LOVED it. I played that thing to death! I remember times that were great and also times that weren't so great, like feeling left out with my good friends. I honestly think that I experienced the first taste of depression in Seventh Grade.

But I didn't pick this song to be down! I still love this song!! Enjoy!



Now it is YOUR turn to join in! What songs take you back? Anything you care to remember today? I'd love to take a peek back with you!

I've got a new site!

With a GIVEAWAY!! Perfect for a Christmas gift....please go check it out and spread the word!


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SNOW DAY

I don't EVER remember missing school this early in the school day, but hey, who am I to argue with Mother Nature?! It must be bad on the other, higher elevation/more mountainous side of the county cause we don't have any snow to speak of. I'm just enjoying my unexpected day off! I still have to go to class tonight, but that is okay, too!

This is why I teach!

I have a student in my reading class who had a real personality conflict with a Kindergarten teacher last year. It finally got to the point that his parents requested that he be reassigned to another teacher. This bothered his parents and J. very much, and left J. being very insecure about his abilities and unsure of how to respond to teachers.

J. has been doing just fine in my class, but his parents still worried that he might have some attention problems. I have known J's parents for years, so we converse often about his progress. J. is a great kid....has a fantastic personality and writes very interesting and detailed stories for his age/time in the school year.

The other day, I was shopping online for books to give for Christmas presents. I came across a book about a middle child, and thought immediately of J. (He has an older and a younger sister.) I just couldn't stand not to buy it for him!

It came in last week and I had J. come down to the room so I could give it to him privately. He didn't really have much to say, so I wasn't sure if he liked it or not. That is until I got the sweetest email from his mother today!

She told me that J. carried the book around with him all weekend! He even took it to a birthday party and to his grandparent's house. She said that he had been reading to everyone. She thanked me for giving him the confidence that he needed to read, and for giving the extra attention that was helping him be successful.

Needless to say, I am thrilled! So often in teaching, we seem to give and give and give, and wonder if anyone even notices. We often don't hear from parents at all unless they have a complaint. To hear that I have made a difference in this child's life, especially after he was not in the best situation last year, brings tears to my eyes!

THIS, my friends, is why I do what I do!

I just got to be part of something wonderful!!

I am part of a great group of women online at My Parent Connection (I've got a button below if you want to visit!) I have 'known' many of these women online for more than 5 years through different message boards. I've met a few in person, but even for the ones I haven't, I feel deep affection and friendship.

So we have this one friend I'll call Cathy. Cathy is a wonderful Christian lady and has been a friend to us all over the years. Lately she and her family have had a rough time of it financially. Even so, she has given God credit for them keeping it together and making it through. She has called upon Him and tried to have faith through everything.

Cathy LOVES Third Day. She is a huge fan and has seen them numerous times. (I even got to go to a concert with her!) So when she heard that they were going to be close by, it crushed her cause she knew that she wouldn't be able to go.

Here enters another friend who I'll call Tammy. She contacts Jennifer and asks if she can mail her a check to buy Cathy the tickets to go to the show. Jennifer and Tammy decide to make it a group effort and include Diane and me in the plans.

I just finished a Yahoo Instant Messenger conference with the girls, where we sent Cathy the internet link to how she can get her tickets. We went together and bought them for her. She was THRILLED! She kept saying that we were too much, and asked why we would do this....we did it because she loves us and would do anything for us, so we wanted to give to her. It feels wonderful to know that I have MADE someone's day, month, maybe even year!

If you don't know how good it feels to give something to someone who totally doesn't expect it, and to give it for no other reason than Just Because, then I suggest you find someone to shower with such love soon!

And if you read this, Cathy, Jennifer, Tammy, or Diane, I love you girls!!! How do ya like your pseudonyms?!

My boys won their District playoff game!

That's Logan, #22, getting the tackle in the picture!!

They played like real winners!! The field was muddy, which made it even harder. We won 27-14, with PV getting their second touchdown with only seconds left in the game. The highlights for me were numerous: before the game started, all the senior lined up holding hands behind the captains mid-field during the coin toss. Not only was my nephew out there, but also two boys who were in my first group of first graders, and other boys I've watched grow up as they went to the school where I teach. I couldn't help tearing up!

Ked was 4 for 4 with his field goals, so that rocked, and Logan had several crucial tackles. One was near the end of the game when no one thought that the opponent running could be caught! Logan was unbelievably fast!! I'm so proud of my boys!

Chris has a cold so he and Adam didn't go to the game. I'm so glad that we won, cause I hated the thought of Chris missing Ked's last game. We play next Saturday! Go Big Blue!

Flashback Friday--Bobbie Ann Mason

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It's Rick Trevino!!
Ahhhhh, the memories! Robin and I decided that we just loved this guy one year in college! We watched his videos on CMT and had a little crush on him. We went to see him at Spring Fling in JC one spring, and even stood around til we could get his autograph....after we scared him that we were gonna attack him! We were standing by ourselves where he would have to pass us on the way to the tent where he was going to sign autographs. We actually HEARD him ask his security guards to get on either side of him! Then we went and saw him again at Dollywood, too. I could go on, but I better get to school....so here ya go with the song!



Join in please!! Tell us what brings back memories for YOU this week!!

7 Things....

Erin at School teacher by day, Superhero by night recently did this meme, and I couldn't resist! The gist is that I share seven things about me that relate to the holidays. You read them and agree that my seven items are awesome, then you share yours. Fun, right?

1. Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday. I love it all, except the crowds when shopping! I love it so much that I get down every year after it is over because it means that it is almost time for me to go back to work for the looooooong winter with no break unless it snows!

2. My favorite Christmas movie is "It's a Wonderful Life!" When our family got our very first VCR, we taped it on TV when it came on. I stopped it at a commercial to make sure it was taping, and ended up taping over the swimming pool scene!

3. I love lots of Christmas music, but one of my favorite songs is "Tennessee Christmas" by Amy Grant. Reminds me of my childhood, part of which was spent living in Tennessee! Even if I live across the Virginia state line, part of my will always be a Tennessee girl!

4. Our tradition growing up was to put the Christmas tree up on my sister Brenda's birthday, Dec. 14. I still would rather put the tree up near then, closer to Christmas, and then leave it up through Epiphany. This kills lots of people around here who put it up at Thanksgiving and it comes down the day after Christmas. Such a rebel, I am!

5. My favorite part of Christmas is definitely the Christmas Eve service that we hold at 11 pm at our church. What a wonderful way to bring in the day, by spending it in God's house celebrating His son's birth. It is sometimes made even more special by my Dad being asked to lead the service. When he does this, he usually has his grandkids assist in the service as acolytes. My boys are about to be old enough to get to participate in this, and boy will the tears flow then! I loved helping Dad with this service and did so for quite a few years.

6. Another tradition that I really enjoy is going Christmas caroling. When I was a little girl, we would go as a community to carol in our neighborhood and then have a big party at the Foster's house. That tradition died out as we children grew up and moved away. The Fosters have both relocated to Heaven, but their memory is still alive and well with me.
Now we go as a church group to carol to shut ins and people from our church who are in the nursing home. Sometimes we have a big crowd, but more often than not, it ends up being my family, my parents, and my sisters and their families. This is just fine with us, though I'm sure that others would enjoy it if they took the time.

7. One Christmas when I was very small, my sisters and I all spent the night in one room and thought that we would stay awake to wait for Santa. Though looking back now, I realize that we didn't stay awake all night, but to a young child it felt like it since I'd never been allowed to stay up so late! It is still a fond memory!

So how about you? Please share things about you related to the holidays, and let me know so I can come read all about 'em!

FYI

All the comments I deleted on my last post were from escort services. I'm not sure how they found me, but it makes me sick. So now ya know....

I didn't stay at work today....I either had a touch of the stomach bug or it was an attack of the IBS, not sure. Either way, I was in lots of pain this morning, and then slept the rest of the day!

Hope ya'll are feeling better today than I have!

prayers for a co-worker

We found out today that the nurse coordinator for our county, Debbie, has inoperable liver cancer. They are sending in an experimental drug to try tomorrow, so she'll be in the hospital for a few days. They are researching if there is anywhere else that they can possibly go for treatment.

Debbie is one of the absolutely sweetest ladies I know. She's always positive and friendly. I can't imagine anyone ever being upset with her! She is also a wife and mom to two adult sons. Her son Adam traveled back and forth to class with Chris when they were getting their administrative classes done. They are just a great family!

It is really making me very sad about this....my emotions are just right under the surface, you know? One of my defense mechanisms when I'm upset is just shutting down and sleeping, and that is what I've been fighting all evening. There has just been so much sickness, death, divorce, and sadness in our community lately. I just really hurt for all these people I love so dearly!

Please pray for Debbie and her family, and I'll try to update if I know anything more!

Talents

Got this idea from Get It Write Here!

If you could have one talent that you do not have now, what would it be and how would it change your life?

I would love to have the ability to play the piano well. It would improve my life because I could contribute another talent to the Lord within my church. I would also love to be organized, which I believe to be a talent! Man, that would change my life considerably....my house and classroom, and even my car, would be so much neater!

I've told lots of people that I'm gonna have these talents in Heaven! When Saint Peter needs something organized, he's gonna be calling on me to do it!

I've been tagged!

Pamela over at PKMU tagged me for this fun meme!

Five Things I Was Doing 10 Years Ago
1. Enjoying being a newlywed (July 1998)
2. Living in my mom and dad's retirement home...it was a 70s paradise! LOL
3. Enjoying my 2nd year teaching first grade
4. surfing the net religiously for teaching ideas
5. stressing over my house not being as clean as my sister-in-law's

Five Things On My To Do List
1. Start dinner here in a few
2. Work on laundry
3. Print papers to take to class tomorrow night
4. Get Adam's school picture order ready to send
5. Help Isaac with homework

Five Things I Like To Snack On
1. chocolate of any form
2. ice cream
3. nuts
4. cheese
5. grapes

Five Things I Would Do If I Was A Millionaire
1. move to a bigger house
2. pay off house and our church addition
3. quit work
4. get a manicure! LOL
5. buy some nice clothes

Five Places I Have Lived
1. Weber City, VA
2. Kingsport, TN
3. Big Stone Gap, VA
4. Rossville, GA
5. Emory, VA

Five Jobs I Have Had
1. Summer youth worker
2. retail worker in a stationery store
3. daycare worker
4. visually impaired teacher
5. first grade teacher

Five People I Am Tagging
1. Robin
2. Judy
3. Kami
4. Maricris
5. Tara

Had a good weekend!

How 'bout you? Friday night my friend Robin and I went out to eat. Unfortunately, my stomach started bothering me and I was hit with nausea as we were leaving the restaurant, so that cut our evening short. Which reminds me, I can take my leftovers for lunch tomorrow....sweet! LOL

Saturday I went to Curves for the first time in a LONG time with mom. My stomach started bothering me again while there, so I took it easy after getting the boys lunch. Chris went to prepare his BBQ chicken for our church BBQ Cookoff Fundraiser. We also had a talent show, kids games, hayrides, and a country store! It was a good time of fellowship and we raised some money for our building fund, too! The boys got up and danced to Cupid Shuffle for the talent show....they're cute even if I do say so myself!

Today was Sunday School and church, a nice nap, and then I finished my third paper that is due Tuesday and folded and put away a ton of laundry. I really feel like I accomplished something around here for the first time in a while! Boy, does that feel good!

Hope your weekend went well, too!

Flashback Friday--Patience

<img alt="http://christis-blahblahblog.blogspot.com" src="http://tinyurl.com/5zzwl8"/>

This song doesn't always bring back great memories, but it has been long enough now that they aren't painful. I first heard this song with my dear friend Amy when I was visiting her over Christmas break in December/ January 1988. The song got to be popular that spring. It was the same spring that I spent a month in a rehabilitation hospital when I was first diagnosed with depression. Yeah, good times! LOL It really was an enlightening time, truly. I'm thankful for it, for I am thankful that we figured out what I was dealing with so young (I was 16).

So what I remember is a fellow patient or 10 walking around singing this song off key all the time! For a long time I HATED the song cause they had run it in the ground!

Those not so great memories...we still need to remember them, cause they helped to make us who were are today!

Here it is....Patience by Guns N Roses!



I later dated a huge GNR fan and saw them in concert...16 rows back on the floor! Now THAT was a good time!!

What are you remembering today? Please join in the fun!

So how ya doin'?

Thought I'd give a little medical update. The rash DID come back about 2 weeks ago, and I took myself off the Diclofenac that I was taking for pain. The rash went away! So I'm pretty sure that is what I am allergic to. I started having trouble about the same time that the look of the pills changed, so I'll bet I'm allergic to something in that specific company's makeup. Either way, it is GONE! I saw my GNP today and she said put me on Tramadol, so we'll see how that goes. I also asked her to up my prescription for Zoloft. I have been fighting depression, and since I typically have to up the meds every 5 years or so, it must be time. So I'm hoping that things start looking up some more for me now!

I didn't realize how much the Diclofenac was helping with the pain until I wasn't taking it. By midday without it, my feet and legs were hurting quite a bit. I was also having trouble sleeping, so I'd say it was affecting that as well.

So there's an update on lil oh me!

Wordless Wednesday--Number 22

That's my boy doin' his job on the field!

The fall festival, she is over!

Let's see....I left for work at 20 til 7 this morning. I came home for about an hour, and went back to work. Just got home again. LONG day, but it is OVER until next year!

And thankfully we have tomorrow off for election day! I 'just' need to clean the house and write 3 papers!

Let's see if that happens! HA!

Easy like Sunday Morning

Hello, folks! I'm feeling better enough now to smile and be positive. An extra hour of sleep will help ya out like that!

I went to a good conference yesterday. It was a reading conference, and lasted til 1 and then I came home and took a nap! Do you notice a trend here, that sleep matters in my life?! It is my favorite hobby! LOL

Today we have the regular activities. I've got to get lesson plans done. I don't have class this week or have school on Tuesday so I can work on the three papers I need to have done by NEXT Tuesday then.

Tomorrow we have school and then our Fall Festival. I just love how our PTO is supposedly doing this, but it really is the teachers that run the games. I'm a parent, but I can't volunteer to help out my son's teacher with her game since I'll be running my own. We'll be there from 5-9. Yeah. Good times. I don't mean to sound cynical, but we have had SO many days we had to stay after school for something, that I'm just worn out. We do get time toward the extra 20 days we have to work each year, but we don't get one MINUTE over what we were actually there, and half the time we don't get as much as we were truly there. Maybe it wouldn't irritate me so much if other schools were treated the same way, but they aren't. I'm over it.

OK, well, I need to get into a church state of mind here, so I'll quit griping. Have a great Sunday!

Flashback Friday--Justify My Love

<img alt="http://christis-blahblahblog.blogspot.com" src="http://tinyurl.com/5zzwl8"/>

Today I'm taking you back to my college days! Robin and I would listen to this CD while we got ready for class. The video was pretty racy for the day, and who can forget the spoof they did of it on Wayne's World?! Hilarious!!

So here is some old school Madonna for you! Justify My Love!



So what about you? What memory are you thinking of today? Please share!

Wordless Wednesday--My Little Pirate

Hard to believe its been 5 years since Isaac was that little!

Ahhhh, the joys of teaching elementary school!

Current joy: Bronchitis! Yes, the lovely cold I've been trying to treat all weekend finally forced me to the after hours clinic this afternoon. It is bronchitis. I've got an antibiotic and two cough medicines: one for day and a narcotic syrup for night. So at least I'll sleep well, right?

I also have laryngitis, so I had already decided not to try to work AND go to class tomorrow. Wednesday will remain to be seen. The doctor gave me an excuse for Wed. too if I need it...not that I usually give doctor's notes to work, but hey, if anyone asks, right? This is a stinky week to be gone from school, but it just can't be helped!

I slept much of Saturday, most of Sunday, and then drug myself through the day today. Sleeping as much as possible tomorrow is planned up until time to get ready for class!

Flashback Friday--We Are Family

<img alt="http://christis-blahblahblog.blogspot.com" src="http://tinyurl.com/5zzwl8"/>

TGIF! This song is one that you just can't be in a bad mood and listen to! It reminds me of my sisters! I had a K-Tel record called Hot Nights, City Lights that had this song on it. I adored my sisters (still do) and they were absolutely the people I wanted to be with if given a choice. So let this song take you back a decade or three and remember those disco days!



What about you? What are you flashing back to today? Share with us!

Wordless Wednesday--Logan

My 15 year old nephew who gets lots of playing time each week! Also known as Ked's little brother!

Photo by Rindi Perry.

The Potter's Hand

We sang this as an anthem this morning, and it is just such a beautiful song! I thought I'd share it with you!

Just for fun! Are you a witch??!

You Are 45% Witch

It's unlikely that you're a witch. At least, no one thinks you are. You may still be interested in witchcraft, but you're by no means a stereotypical witch. While you don't seem all that witchy, people may think you're a bit weird. You're definitely a little offbeat. No one really knows what to make of you sometimes.

Are You a Witch?

Flashback Friday--Give It Up

<img alt="http://christis-blahblahblog.blogspot.com" src="http://tinyurl.com/5zzwl8"/>

Tonight is a big football game against one of our biggest rivals! There was a time, years ago, when I was a fan of the opposing team! We lived there for 4 years and I was an avid Viking fan at the time! This song takes me back to the first year we lived in the town, when I was in fifth grade. It really was one of the greatest times of my life, and I made some lifelong friends there.

So in honor of the GC/PV ballgame, here's KC and the Sunshine Band--Give it Up!



So what about you? What takes you back to the glory days today? Please share with us!!

We interrupt your regularly scheduled blogging....

due to a stinky stomach bug! I stayed home yesterday to take cupcakes to Adam's preschool class. That ended up being the only time all day I left the couch! I took every drug I thought might get me through class and made it through, but I laid down as soon as I got home. Then I was up and down all night running to the bathroom. Lovely! I called my principal early this morning. I'm sure my classroom is an absolute wreck after me being gone for 2 days, but it couldn't be helped. This house is a wreck, too, and my family is coming over tomorrow evening for a little birthday celebration for Adam. Glad they're understanding! LOL

So no wordless Wed. today....I've got about an hour and a half before the boys get home so I'm gonna take my last nap. We have to have portraits done tonight for our church directory, so I'm gonna have to muster up enough energy to find clothes for all of us and try to make myself look presentable! Wish me luck on that one!

Hope that this doesn't invade my computer and come through to you, cause it has been a hum-dinger!

Happy birthday, little bit!

My, how you've grown! This was your first Halloween, the last with Papaw. I'm so blessed by you being in our family, Adam, and am so proud to call you my son! I look forward to watching you grow even more!

I love you, sweetheart!!

Curious as a Cat #5!

1) What would you do if (or What will you do because) your workplace was (is) closed today and you could (can) do anything you wanted?
I would try to sleep late if the boys would let me, and spend time just vegging out and enjoying my family. I might go out to lunch and take the boys somewhere to play!

2) Have you ever been emotionally attached to someone in a way that was detrimental to you?
Hmmmm.....I'd say I have, like to ex-boyfriends and such!

3) What is the most beautiful word you know, in any language?
mommy

4) What one thing limits your freedom the most?
Having to go to work! LOL

5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one. (It is a picture of a tree on a beach)
Reminds me of our cruise this past June!

Come join in at Curious as a Cat!

Cafe Chat: Gossip

Without sharing names and using specific details, please share a time when gossip reared its ugly head in your life, and what was the outcome (whether you were the one who gossiped, or the gossip was about you).

Oh my...my tongue is my worst enemy sometimes. I know of two specific times that I have spoken without knowing all the facts about something, and was called on it. It was very humbling, but I admitted that I was in the wrong and apologized. It was quite painful. The second time took quite a while to heal, and was particularly difficult since we were in the same circles and ran into each other often.

There have been times that I have been the subject of gossip as well. Several years ago, a parent came to me and wanted her child taken out of my classroom because she had heard that I was 'hard-nosed'. Though in a way, I felt good because I do expect a lot out of my students, the fact that parents of students I had taught were dissatisfied and talked out in the community about it stung. The same parent came back later and apologized with tears in her eyes, and other teachers have since been told that I was the 'best thing that ever happened' to her daughter.

Gossip hurts. It is something that I have to guard myself against. I enjoy talking and having the latest news, but I have to ask the Lord to keep me from doing so.

Do you have experience with this that you'd like to share? Come join in Cafe Chat at the Internet Cafe Devotions site!

Feeling much better today

Thank you for your kind comments. I had my pity party last night, complete with panic attack on the way to Chris' Mamaw's house, where I made him bring me back home. I just could not face trying to converse and act like everything was okay when it WASN'T. I would have upset Mamaw, too, and I hated to do that. So I stayed here, watched Miss Congeniality and worked through some work-related emails, and fell asleep early. I know that Chris was worried about me. In 10 years of marriage, he had never seen me in such a state.

To answer some questions, this is not a hivey rash, it is more of a flat, dotty rash. I have been fighting this since mid-July. I have been told it was shingles (and took a round of Valtrex, I might add), taken one shot of steroids, taken two rounds of oral steroids, had a skin biopsy, been told I was allergic to Prilosec and then also all other class of acid blockers as well. ALL to come back to the fact I broke out AGAIN. It has been very trying, especially as I deal with my husband, almost 5 year old and 7 year old, church issues, starting back to full time first grade teaching, starting into a graduate program, and dealing with issues at work. So do ya see why I was pretty down last night??

But after some alone time and some intense prayer (read: begging the Lord), I feel much better today. I have put my big girl panties on and am dealing with it. Not that I'm not still discouraged, but I'm claiming healing in Jesus' name. I am asking everyone that I know to pray, and if I flare up again, I'm going to ask my dad to pray a prayer of healing over me. This is quite bold for a United Methodist born and bred girl to say all this, cause it just isn't usually our way, but I know that the Lord has Power over all, and I know He doesn't want me to suffer. If I have to start coming off my medications, then suffer it will be. I really fear for my mental health if it comes to that.

Will you please join me in this? Will you please pray that the Lord will take this rash from me, and that it will never flare again? I would so appreciate it, and will sing His praises when it happens!

You may read these same words on my other blog and if you frequent the same sites I do, may see it there too. Please forgive me for not restating this at every site. I thank you for your prayers again, and know that Jesus will be the conqueror in this!!

extremely discouraged and frustrated...yes the rash

I just got back from the dermatologist where we looked at the results of the allergy tests they started on Monday. Guess what turned up??


A big fat NOTHING!

It was all I could do to keep from bursting into tears right then and there in front of the doctor, nurse, and Isaac. Will this rash never end??? Yeah, we keep seeming to get it under control, but then go a few weeks and it is back! Right now, I'm using an antihistamine cream, but will it just come back when I stop using it?

If it does come back, then he suggests stopping taking the Diclofenac. That helps control the fibro pain and the IBS. The other things that I take are for the anxiety and depression. So basically, I'm screwed if it comes back. I could be having to change meds for quite a while.

I just want to shout I give up! I want to crawl in bed and sleep for about 2 months. I've HAD it. I haven't even gone to get Adam at daycare yet cause I just don't want to see anyone. I need to go to the drugstore and pick up a refill....again, don't wanna do it.

Please pray, cause I'm just.....argh. I can't even put it into words anymore.

I feel like a traitor

I'm wearing a Virginia Tech t-shirt to school today.

Which may not seem like a big deal to you, but being that I am a lifelong Tennessee fan living on the Tennessee/Virginia border, I take a lot of ribbing, especially given this years' lackluster season. But I do have a good reason to wear the shirt!

Today Jonas Houseright, a Gate City native and a former student of our school, is coming to read to our students as part of a program that Frank Beamer has started.

So I'm showing the team spirit. Now, I do have a bit of rebel in me.


I'm wearing Tennessee socks!

Some rebel and traitor I am, huh??!

Flashback Friday--Eye of the Tiger

<img alt="http://christis-blahblahblog.blogspot.com" src="http://tinyurl.com/5zzwl8"/>

I still get thrilled at this movie! My sister Brenda LOVED this movie. I don't even remember how many times she saw it in the theater! I saw it twice in the theater myself! Who didn't get pumped up by Rocky beating up Mr. T? I always had trouble liking him after that, too! I could use pumping up today, so I present to you...Eye of the Tiger!



Share a song that takes YOU back!! And have a great weekend, too!

Wordless Wednesday--Soccer boys

Isaac


Adam
Photos courtesy Rindi Perry. Happy Wordless Wednesday!

And the rash saga continues....

I went back to the dermatologist yesterday to start the allergy testing. It was interesting...a nurse put a bunch of little circle patches on my back and drew a grid to show were each one was located. She then taped it all to my upper back. It is a strange feeling! It has been on for about 24 hours now, and is starting to feel itchy. They will take the tape and patches off tomorrow, and I go back to the doctor on Friday to see what the results are. Part of me is afraid I'm gonna be allergic to stuff I can't get away from or don't WANT to give up, like milk or cats. I guess whatever shows up, I'll remove it and reintroduce stuff to see what has been causing the rash/itch!

I'm just ready for this to be O*V*E*R!

I don't have class this week cause our professor is at a conference in Mexico. Tough for him, huh?! I feel like I've been given a gift of an evening at home!

Hope ya'll are having a great week!

Curious as a Cat #4

1) Why do we give people hugs?
To show them affection and comfort.

2) When have you most shocked yourself?
When I've done some crazy things that I didn't think I had 'in me'....right, Robin?! LOL

3) Where would you consider constructing a small altar in your house or yard?
In the back yard in a shady spot near a grove of trees

4) If you could change one thing about your typical day, what would you change?
The gettin' up time til about 8!

5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one. (it was a picture of an electrical outlet)
It reminds me of when the boys were babies and we had to keep all the outlets covered!

C'mon....join in the fun! Click here

prayer for today

Lord, help me not to be irritated at my husband and others today. Help me not unsaid things into the things that are said. Help me take people and their actions at face value. Help me not to be resentful. Help us to pick up this house so that we can enjoy tomorrow. Thank you, Lord, for helping this itch to subside. Please continue to heal me, and if it be Your will, Lord, help us to figure out what is causing this. Help me greet others with Your love and grace and to be genuine and loving instead of sarcastic.

I'm really struggling right now, Lord. I am feeling inadequate in much that I do and say. Please help me to focus on what I am doing and do whatever task is at hand to the best of my ability.

Help me to continue to fight urges toward foods that I don't need to eat. I know that my body is to be Your temple, and that I need to work toward being the best me I can be, as far as my health goes.

Thank you again for the opportunities that you have placed before me concerning teaching and leading children. Help me to speak with kind and encouraging words, even when I don't feel well. Help me to be an example of how to rise above my shortcomings. Help me to be effective.

Just wrap your arms around me, Lord. I'm not feeling like ME today, and I need Your help.

Flashback Friday--Bang on the Drum

<img alt="http://christis-blahblahblog.blogspot.com" src="http://tinyurl.com/5zzwl8"/>

I think I heard this song on KZ106 in Chattanooga every morning of high school as I was getting ready for school. It set the right mood for such things as pep rallies and ballgames, and the weekend in general! So to set your weekend up right....here it is!!



So what is on your mind this fall Friday?? We wanna know!

Went back to to the doctor

...now they are thinking it is some type of contact dermatitis. So I've got a cream to treat the current outbreak, and I go back 3 times next week to have an allergy patch test. Though I hate having to go through that, something has got to give! Thank you for your prayers...please keep sending them up! I am feeling them!!

It is back.

The dreaded stinkin' never ending rash, that is. It is so very depressing. It may just be the major contributing factor to the huge funk I've been in this week. I am breaking down and calling the dermatologist office again tomorrow. And asking if I need to be referred to an allergist or what. I soooooooo don't want to go back on the steroids. I'm so over this, and over feeling blah, and over not being appreciated at certain places that I frequent. I don't feel like going into that right now, but please, please say a prayer or two or hundred?? I could really use 'em!

Wordless Wednesday--Homecoming

This week is Homecoming Week! I need to take pics of me and Isaac as we dress up for the spirit days...yesterday was Hillbilly/Camo Day, today is Sports Team/Book Character/Nerd Day, tomorrow is Twins/Mismatch Day. One of my nieces is on the Homecoming Court as a Freshman Attendant! I'm so proud of her and excited!!

Curious as a Cat #3

1) What is the single most important ingredient for a spiritual life?
prayer, hands down

2) Who is the person you know with the freest spirit?
Milly is who comes to mind first!


3) How does it make you feel when you hear people argue?
tense

4) What one thing would you give to each of your ex-lovers?
a headache. Just like they gave me! LOL

5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.
(It is a knife and fork) Reminds me of a fancy restaurant!

Haven't been very bloggish lately....sorry, ya'll! I had a paper due today and I've been procrastinating and stressing about it! I promise I'll do better!

Then Sings My Soul Saturday--Voice of Truth

As you have probably noticed, music speaks to me. I can often find songs that can say so eloquently the groanings of my heart. Tonight as I was driving home from my Girls Night Out, I listened to this song and was overwhelmed with gratefulness. I am so glad that almost 20 years ago when I attempted to take my own life, that the Voice of Truth was the One that I heard and listened to. I am so glad that the Lord saw fit to fight the Devil for me! And so I thought this would be as good a time as any to share this song with you. God is SO good and is always faithful...He never changes. I am so glad of that! Enjoy this song and video, and know that He loves you as well!!



For more Speak to my Soul entries, visit Signs, Miracles, and Wonders!

Flashback Friday--Can't Let Go

<img alt="http://christis-blahblahblog.blogspot.com" src="http://tinyurl.com/5zzwl8"/>

I heard this song last night on my way home and boy, did it take me back! It reminded me so much of the unrequited love that I felt in college. The fella was my friend and sometimes the person I argued the most vehemently with. I certainly don't mind that I didn't end up with him, but boy, at the time, did it hurt!

I'm feeling a bit melancholy this week as we have had the 6th death of a family member of someone on our faculty since August. This time it was the 51 year old husband of one of our Special Ed. teachers. Very sad. If you could remember her and her two teenage sons in your prayers, I'd appreciate it!

The video can't be embedded, but click on the link to go see it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLkwbUPfk3g

Now what about you? What is taking you back today? Please share!!

Wordless Wednesday--Record Breaker

Photo by Rindi Perry

She was able to capture the record breaking kick! 49 yards, ya'll! He rocks!

Let me tell you about what I wore today

A friend of mine brought me 6 huge trashbags of clothing that she was no longer able to wear back in May. I got quite a few things out of them, and so did another coworker. When we were finished, B just said I could donate the rest to the yard sale we were getting ready to have at our church. Somehow one small bag of stuff didn't get taken to the sale and ended up in our den. I pulled it out the other day to see if there was anything else in there I would wear. To my surprise, I found a great pair of pants! Now, if I had not picked out the pants before, that meant that they had not fit very well. So I tried 'em on again since I've been dieting for 2 weeks....and they fit wonderfully!

So I wore them today!! Success feels awesome! The scale says I've lost about 5 lbs, but until today I was still on the steroids. I hoping more falls off now that I'm off of those! I have lost inches, for sure, esp. in my belly. And the great thing is if I don't eat lots of carbs, I am not hungry! Not to say I wasn't tempted today by 'breakfast for lunch' at school, but I resisted well! Chris has even created a homeade salad dressing that I really like on salads...so much so that I actually ASKED for one tonight, which is so usually not like me!

So keep encouraging ladies! I can do this, I AM doing this, and it feels good!

Curious as a Cat #2

1) If you had to exchange souls with someone you know for one day, who would you pick?

Hmmmm, that is a tough one! I think I'd like to exchange souls with one of my children, cause their souls are still pure...but I'm not sure I'd want them seeing my soul. Can it be a one way exchange??

2) When were you happiest to come home?

after any long trip, I'm pretty happy to come home. I was always happy to come home after a week of camp with Visually Impaired children....now THAT was hard work!

3) What is your favorite part of the yesterday?

nap time!! LOL Otherwise, Sunday School.

4) What has been your greatest accomplishment in life so far?

Giving birth to my children.

5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.

(It was a picture of a little black dress and a suit beside it)

It reminds me of the fact that we don't ever have any events to get that dressed up for! LOL

Priceless

Winning a ballgame 44-0

Breaking your own field goal record by 3 yards

Making 8 points in a game

Doing it all on your 18th birthday= PRICELESS

What a difference a week makes!!

Happy birthday, Ked.....you sure do make me proud!

Flashback Friday--Kiss

<img alt="http://christis-blahblahblog.blogspot.com" src="http://tinyurl.com/5zzwl8"/>

OK, internets, this is the ULTIMATE Flashback song for me and my friend Robin! I could say so much about this song...from back in 7th grade when it came out and the fun we had in Mr. Fields' Pre-Algebra class to the fact that Chris was arranging the purchase of my engagement ring on the day Robin and I went to see Prince in concert, but all I really need to say is what Prince says in the song....

You don't have to be cool to rule my world.

And if we don't have to be cool for Prince, then just forget being cool for everyone else!! This was our college mantra...we sometimes seemed to be on the fringe of coolness, but you know what? I've decided I like it there, cause there are more interesting people on the fringes!

So remember this on this Friday and know that if you read my blog, you're cool enough for me!!



Don't forget to share your Flashback!!

Wordless Wednesday--We start 'em early!

Can't believe this was taken almost 5 years ago! Where has my baby gone??

Curious as a Cat

I just got in from teaching/meeting/PTO, and I'm too brain dead to be creative, so I thought I'd try out this meme!

1) Are you a leader or a follower?
Most of the time, a leader, but sometimes I LIKE to be a follower!

2) Who is the person you are most candid with?
Chris, and Robin

3) What one thing in your life would be easiest to change, but you’ve never gotten around to it?
My habit of sleeping with the tv on!

4) If you could convince any single person to change his or her mind about one thing, who would you pick and what topic would you work on?
If I could be sure that I have convinced one non-believer to follow Christ, I'd be sure to do it, and would be so happy that I did!

5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one. (it was a picture of an owl)
This picture reminds me of the Brookside Owls, where I attended Kindergarten from November-June! Actually, the Kindergarten was housed in the basement of my church since Sullivan County schools were way overcrowded at that point, and stayed so until they built Sullivan North. We would ride a bus to Brookside each day for lunch. That was the only time I attended Brookside; I attended Cedar Grove from first grade through fourth since it was the actually school I was zoned to attend.

That was fun! C'mon and join in!

Sick on Saturday....

Yuck Yuck Yuck! As I was telling my sister a while ago, I was berating myself this morning over feeling down in the dumps still over how everything went down last night. Then after needing to lay down after the boys soccer game, I woke up feeling nauseous. So I figured out that I wasn't moping, I have a touch of something!

I saw K this morning, and he seemed to be in good spirits. Ah, to be 17 and have my life ahead of me! He has a much better attitude about it all than we adults do. I guess it is cause we take it more personally because these are adults that we work with and trust, whereas it is just 'coach' and 'how things are' with them.

I don't know that they are BAD coaches, they are just rough, and we've known that, but to see it first hand makes me want to knee 'em in the crotch! But that wouldn't be very ladylike of me, would it??!

Hope everyone else is feeling better today than me! My Vols won, too, so it is a good mood day in the S. house, at least! LOL

When does a win not feel like one?

When you hear all about how a coach chewed out both of your nephews, and made one of them cry. Yeah, some kicks were missed, but nobody's perfect. We still won by 2 touchdowns. It isn't worth psyching out your kicker. And I've never seen someone give as much as L. does on the field.

I know I'm biased, but man...in some ways I pray my boys don't play football because of situations like this. It just stinks. Have some consideration, especially with kids you know are giving it their all.

Flashback Friday--Queen of the Night

<img alt="http://christis-blahblahblog.blogspot.com" src="http://tinyurl.com/5zzwl8"/>

How about a flashback from college?! I remember having to drive to a town 30 minutes from our campus to see a movie....yes, we were out in the boondocks and the students there now don't know how lucky they are to have more conveniences closer by! I saw "The Bodyguard" with my friend Robin and her then fella and two other guys that were friends. Oh, how I cried at the end! I loved the whole soundtrack of the movie, but this one was a good one to which I could dance around the dorm room! I also remember going to a dance and flipping around like wild women with some of my sorority sisters to this song as well!

So, ladies, are YOU a Queen of the Night today/tonight?! Sure you are! Flaunt it baby!

Can't think of a witty title!

Not feeling very witty tonight, but I am thankful for some friends of ours. I teach with L, Chris used to teach with her husband S, and Isaac is best friends with their son D. We're working on how to matchmake their daughter with Adam!

L's grandmother passed away. I hate it so for her. I remember the pain I felt when I lost my Mawmaw, and she's had 15 or so more years with her Granny than I did with Mawmaw. It made me feel so good when S told me that D was okay with coming back to school on Wed. when he found out he could come to my classroom and hang out with Isaac. I am just so so thankful that the Lord brought them into our life, and especially that Isaac has such a fantastic friend in D. If I had hand picked a friend for him, I couldn't have done a better job. Of course I couldn't....cause GOD picked him, and HE is perfect!!

So if you still have your grandparents, hug 'em extra close tonight. And cherish your friends, and the parents of your kids' good friends. They are more precious than gold!

Wordless Wednesday--Adam and Papaw

I'm a bit nostalgic today thinking about my friend losing her grandmother. This was taken 2 weeks after Adam was born, with Chris' grandfather. I'll have to post about Papaw one day...he was a special man!!

This was taken on Halloween...Adam was dressed up like a ghost!

I promise I'm not gonna do this every day!

But I need to remind myself...I ate carbs this evening. I had class, had to get something to eat and got fish, which was good, but it came with rice and hush puppies, which were not. So I'm hungry now! Craving anything carby! I ate a snack of sugar free jello, but it hasn't registered to the brain yet. I may try some protein here in a few if the cravings don't pass.

Class was good....but it ran over and then we got into a conversation in the parking lot, so I didn't get home til after 9:30. Now I gotta 'come down' enough to sleep!

Please keep my friend Leanne and her family in your prayers. Her grandmother passed away this morning. Leanne is my coworker and also my friend, and her son and Isaac are best buddies. This is hitting Leanne and her son Drew pretty hard!

Til later....

Diet Day #1

Chris and I have taken the diet plunge! Both of us need to lose some weight. I decided a few weeks ago that I was going to do the South Beach Diet because though I haven't done the exact diet before, I have done one similar and had success. The Curves Diet is based on South Beach, and I lost about 10 lbs. without much trouble a couple of years ago. The first two weeks are the hardest because all sugar (well, most! :D) bread, pasta, and fruit are eliminated.

I was really proud of myself for NOT giving into temptation today! Twice I was presented with candy and didn't eat any! First, bags were placed in our boxes from a local realtor full of candy. Put it on my desk without opening. Second, I attended a workshop on Educational Law and the sweet friends of mine had candy on the table for us...and I didn't eat any! So yay, me on that!

I've had to go to the bathroom lots more today, and I can't really figure that out. I haven't drunk more, but have much more urgency to go! I may have to look this up on some of the South Beach message boards out there!

So wish me luck! I am not brave enough to put 'out there' how much I weigh, but I'd be happy to lose 10+ pounds. I really NEED to lose 20, but I'm trying for 10 first. Baby steps, right?

30 books in 30 days

Yes, that is right....30 books being GIVEN AWAY in 30 days! How awesome is that? Check out A Peek at My Bookshelf and how she's giving away a book a day during the month of September!

I love it! I'm sure you will, too, so go! Go! Go!