I'm Back!

I'm back!!! I've been gone for so long, but the break was SO worth it! I feel refreshed, and centered, and some exciting things have taken place. I need to get away more often....

I kind of don't know where to begin to catch you all up, but when I left, I was headed home to spend time with my Dad, and THE Dad...Jesus! It was awesome....

One of my favorite things to do with my Dad is to sit out in the garage, and talk. We talk about everything and anything...He's really one of my best friends. What can I say, I'm a lucky girl! He headed to Brownwood and I stayed home to hang out. Friday, I met him at my grandparent's farm for our family reunion. I had such a great time...my cousins Lana and Alex just had a brand new baby boy Levi, and he is SO precious. He was really "fresh," just two weeks old, but my grandparents hadn't seen him yet, so they decided to make the visit. I definitely got a little itch, BUT it's gone now....HA! I wish I had a picture of me and the little man, but when I go visit them next month, I'll be sure to get one!

I also got a few goodies from my great-grandmother's collection. She passed away a couple of months ago, and my grandmother had some things of hers for us. I got a crystal vase, and white porcelain bowl, and two crystal angels that I will use as decorations during Christmas. I'll post pictures soon. I also scored a brand new welcome mat from one of my grandmother's many garage sale excursions!

I interrupt this post to say that MICHAEL JACKSON HAS PASSED AWAY!!! Goodness...the memories, the times I spent screaming his lyrics to the top of my lungs, how my parents and I would watch his videos, and the effects he had on millions of people. Regardless of what he has been accused of, he is someone's father, brother, son, and friend, and THE GREATEST ENTERTAINER OF ALL TIME.period! He'll be greatly missed..

So, remember when I told you that I had been praying about how I would serve in my church? Well, I've been chosen to take on the challenge of the Christian Education piece, which basically means I will work with a team to create the curriculum and flow of our worship services, and Bible studies for the youth! I am SO EXCITED!!! There's so much work to be done, but you know me, I never back down from a good challenge, and I love that I get to make an impact on teenagers, and give back. The Lord knows that I had so many people pouring into my life, and that's why I'm here today...HA!

I could type all night, but I'll leave you with this...check out my living room furniture that I've picked out...I'm 99.9% sure that I'll be getting this set! Let me know what you think!

Hiatus!

Hello--
I kind of chuckle as I type this, because I think I have MAYBE 2 faithful readers...HA, but I'm thankful all the same!

I'm going on a blogging break. Tomorrow after church, I'm going to head to Copperas Cove, and reginerate...rest...seek God's face...and hang out with my Dad.

All is well with me, I just need to shut out my need to please myself and man, and focus on pleasing the One who created me!

I'll be back soon with pics and hopefully lots of fun stories....also, scroll down for the post on the details of me landing my new job! Take care!!

P.S. The prayer blog will continue to be updated! I have a request to add tonight, but please e-mail me if you have something you'd like added! I'll be doing a lot of praying over the next couple of days, and I'd love to pray for you. Please head over there and pray for the requests if you feel led to do so!

The Mark!

You know, I wasn't going to post tonight, but someone told me the greatest thing I've heard possible ever in my life!!! Now, I understand that this may sound a little dramatic, but let me explain.

Lately, I've been totally consumed to the point of ridiculousness that God is shown through me, and that He is pleased with me. I mean totally obssessed, almost to the point where I get on my own nerves, and I'm sure sin even more...

Now, to some, this may be a no-brainer...I mean, it's a good thing right, but hear my heart on this. Sometimes, I'm so consumed with making the right choices, that I don't move AT ALL. Because of some past disappointments, and times where I've clearly stepped out on my own, I've allowed fear of failing, falling, and missing the mark to keep me right in the same place because it's comfortable.

So, follow me...this is exactly where I was when I embarked upon a conversation through FB chat tonight. I chatted with an old friend, and she told me that God shows through me!!! Now, to some of you, that may not be a big deal, but to me...the biggest sinner I know, it pretty much made my life!

All I ever want is for God to be shown, and way more often than not, I miss the mark.completely. So, that was really encouraging to me, because believe it or not folks, I am SO hard on myself in that department! In fact, I could begin to talk myself right out of that compliment, but I'll just stop NOW!!!

So, I'm encouraged, and I hope you find a little encouragement too...goodnight~!!

ONE MORE WEEK OF SCHOOL!!!!

P.S. I GOT A JOB!!!!! I'm too tired to post the details, but I will soon!!

1 Down, 2 to go!

So, today was my first interview of 3 with Spring ISD. I have to be honest and tell you that it went REALLY well. I felt very comfortable, everyone I came into contact with was very nice, and I have an overall good feeling about it. Let me not forget to mention that it is 4.8 miles away from my house!!! Praise Him with me now! I was SO EXCITED...However, what God has for me is for me, and it's all in His hands. I have my final two tomorrow, and it will be a well orchestrated event by the time those two are over...I'll do my best though..

I really don't have much to report. My life is pretty much counting down these last few days of school! YAY! I have to say that I will miss some of my kids so much, and I'm looking for ideas to keep me busy during the summer....I'm sure I'll find something!

Have a great night, and tonight, I'm thankful for God's timing, it really is perfect!

Today and Finally, Date Night!

I just have to share my excitement over what's happening on the prayer blog. I'm so thrilled about the requests I've been getting, and I can't wait to get the answers/praises to these requests to post.

As I was praying for all of the women on the list this morning, I truly felt honored to go before the Lord on their behalf. God is so faithful, and I know that He cares about every single concern, request, and issue we have. We just have to let go so that He can do His work! And believe me, I know that's a lot easier said than done!!!

OK--so you want to hear about my date night?! It didn't happen last night...long story for another time! So today, I woke up, and I have to admit that I was a little down. I miss my family today, and I had no plans, so I had a moment, but I quickly snapped out of it.

Deep down, I'd still like to have had the perfect day in the life I hope to have one day, but being the reality of the situation, I can only live the life that I am given TODAY, so I got to it.

I started to morning at a women's prayer brunch that was awesome, then in true Houston fashion, it rained HARD for about an hour which delayed my trip to the outdoor outlet with my friend and college buddy Kim...(who is starting a blog by the way...YAY!)

Date night still hasn't started yet....went shopping with Kim, after grabbing a quick bite to eat, then came back and hung out with her and her roommates. By the way...I bought a really cute black shirt from The Gap for $5...regularly $27!!! Steal of the day for sure!

DATE NIGHT: So afterwards, I told myself that instead of going home, I would go see a townhouse that I really want to rent. It's beautiful...according to the pics, but a little out of my price range. So, if you can pray with me that the owner decides to bring it down a couple hundred...that would be nice....I think I'll had that to the PB! I then went for a drive around town, just drove with my thoughts, and had some good "me time conversation," and decided to head to Barnes and Noble! I could stay in that store for hours....literally, but I limited myself.

I've started just going there to "look" for books, and then I come home and order them off of Amazon.com! I buy books way to often to pay full price...believe that! However, today, I did buy a pretty new planner because my current one is about to run out. I used my handy dandy educator's discount, and walked away a happy camper! Check it out!



After B&N, I headed over to Jason's Deli for some take-out, and then to Ben & Jerry's for dessert that is chilling in the freezer as we speak. I hope I don't forget that I have a huge scoop of Strawberry and Cheesecake ice cream waiting for me...yummy! So, while I'm sure I could have done a ton more eventful things for myself today, it was a great date nevertheless....



Oh yeah, and you know how I wanted to buy a new bible? Well, I found one. I have too many bibles for one person, but I wanted a new one to stick in my purse, work bag, etc. I found this really cute black and pink one....it's the perfect size, and I love it....here it is:



I realize this has been a LONG post, and if you're still with me...you're bored...HA! But until next time...~Jarvis

Oh the places you'll go!

I know, I know...I've been a little MIA, but I have a couple of things to share. First of all, I'll be updating the prayer blog tonight, so e-mail me your requests, and I'll be sure to post them.

OK, so here's some news. Many of you know that I drive anywhere from 1 hr and 15 minutes to 1 and a half hours EACH way to work EVERYDAY, AND I spend roughly $300 a month on GAS!!! Needless to say, it's a lot, so I've been praying for months on what God would have me to do next year. I LOVE MY SCHOOL! I love my kids...most days, so I really didn't want to leave, but I refuse to move. I have my reasons, and if you scroll back, you can read them!!! So, I made my requests known to God, and put it into His hands.

I'm happy to report that I have three interviews next week in Spring ISD. Now, this scares me because if I get the job, I'll have to resign and....oh the stress!!! BUT, I do believe that this is the best move for me right now. I don't need to be on the road like that, and I desire to work in the community in which I live! So, it seems as though I may have the pick of the litter when it comes to schools, so say a prayer for me that God will lead me in the right direction. Also, that the resignation process will go smoothly.

Don't get me wrong, I'm excited, just nervous and anxious, but I'm reminded who's in control.

In other news, school will be out in 9 days!!! PTL!!! I can't wait to wave goodbye to the little sweethearts! I need a break, and it's time to send them home to their parents! LOL!

Well, I'll be back this weekend. I'm taking myself on a date tomorrow night...finalizing the details as we speak. For sure I'm going to get my nails done, and after that, I'm pretty clueless...any ideas?

I promise to post pics next time..maybe even a video if you're lucky! HA! Goodnight! Don't forget to check out the prayer blog... www.healtheirland.blogspot.com

New Prayer Blog Launch!

Hello!!! I am so excited...I'be been wanting to start a prayer blog for a while now, and I did it tonight! The address is: www.healtheirland.blogspot.com, and I would love for you to visit, and leave your prayer requests in the comments section so that we, the readers, can pray for you!

I can't imagine where this will end up going...I'm totally psyched about it!!! I hope you will be as well!

That's really my good news for tonight!!! I think I'm actually going to go to bed early tonight!

Sleep tight! ~J