A Good Place...

WOW! What a busy, busy 4 days of school this has been! Adjusting to the new schedule has kicked by butt, however, I'm getting used to it. School starts at 7:15, and I have to be there by 6:45, so that is an adjustment.

I'm in a really good place right now. I'm serving in a ministry that I love in church, I am totally smitten with my kids...they really are SO sweet, life is good. I was talking to some teacher buddies today, and we were commenting on the fact that we hoped our kids weren't plotting to return next week as little devils.

The one area that I could work on is my business goals, and the non-teacher side of Jarvis. I've scheduled some time with myself this weekend to get things in order...with the unexpected extra trip to Mississippi, I had to change some appointments around.

You know how things can be going so well, that you can't help but look over your shoulder and hope it stays this way? That's me. I know that isn't the way I should look at life, but I sure do hope this stays this way....I like it!

I'll take a couple of pics of my classroom to post. It's so cute if I do say so myself!

Hope you guys have a great Friday! So glad it's almost here!

~J

My First Day!

Ok! So today was the first day of school. Millions of students and teachers around the state of Texas eagerly entered the school building excited about a new year. I was no different. School for me starts at 7:15 a.m., so I arrived about 6:20 to get last minute things together. I was so cute this morning, not a hair out of place, make-up laid...you know me, but at the end of it all...it didn't matter a bit! When

I stepped into my classroom, I immediately realized that I HAD NO AIR!!! No big deal, I thought...they'll get it fixed before school starts. Could I be any more wrong? Guys....please close your eyes and feel me on this...a 97 degree classroom for the entire day! My kids were irritable to say the least. I mean, they really tried to make the best of a horrible situation, but bless their hearts, they were miserable.

I was miserable, but I'm the teacher, so I had to put on a happy face! I'm telling you, by 2nd period, my hair was in a ponytail, and I seriously thought I was going to pass out...HORRIBLE!!! I predicted in 2nd period that the air would kick back on at 2:00, and sure enough, at 2:05, we had air...school gets out at 2:30...HA! Overall, the day was good, but I can't wait to see my kids tomorrow, so that I can meet the 'real' them. Here's some funny for you: I have a child named Shampaigne (pronounced Champagne), a white boy named James Earl Jones Jr., and the cherry on top is my little class entertainer named MISTER! YES! I wrote that correctly! Mister is his first name!

What ever will we do when we complete the assignment on the origin of our names...? I'll keep you posted! Goodnight bloggers...I AM BEYOND TIRED!! I can't even think straight...for real guys! Oh, but before I go, here are some pics of my place...



And finally, the reason why I love this baby!...

Unredeemed!

I've sat down for a solid week to begin this post, but I've never gotten past the first sentence.

As most of you know, I went to Mississippi week before last to visit my mother's side of the family. While I was there, my aunt passed away. Even writing those words seems so surreal to me. My aunt? The one who gave me my first sip of wine..shhh, the one who could make me laugh no matter how I was feeling...the one who loved Jesus so deeply, that I just remember wanting to be around her to get a piece of Him....that aunt.

I remember hearing the news that she had suffered an aneurysm, and was unconscious...I remember believing with everything in me that the Lord would pull her through for the sake of my cousins, her daughters, ages 26 and 23. The faith I had in her healing was unshakeable....I knew that with a word, God could save her life...but instead, He called her home.

The pain and sorrow that my family feels is deep, but I know that my aunt Sheila truly loved the Lord, and is in a better place. My aunt was completely wrapped up in Jesus, He was her Saviour!

I covet your prayers for my cousins, Norma and Amber. I can't imagine the questions, grief, and emotions they must be going through...My aunt and uncle raised them to be strong, Christian, independent women, but pain is pain, and this is pain.

Selah is one of my favorite groups, and their new album will be released August 25th! One of their new songs is called Unredeemed, and it has gotten me through many tough nights. They did a live recording for K Love, that I've attached below. I hope you enjoy it, and if you have iTunes, you can pre-order the CD!



Here's the last picture Sheila and I took together. I love her dearly, and I will never forget the lessons she left me...



And this is who I want you to pray for...her two girls, Norma and Amber...the baby is Karmen...you all know who she is!



Thanks for listening, and my next post will be more pictures of my Mississippi trip. Goodnight!

Beauty for Ashes!

Today I had the MOST amazing day ever! NO, I did not go on a dream date, with a dream guy. NO, I did not indulge myself in shopping, finding the latest fashions. NO, I didn't win a million dollars; but TODAY, I witnessed 80 youth crowded around the throne of Jesus, broken, hungry, and truly authentic in their worship for God.

IT. WAS. AMAZING. Refreshing, encouraging, and really the most beautiful thing I have ever seen in my life!

Allow me to back up. This week is Youth Week at the church, and we kicked off the celebrations with a trip to Splashtown! I had so much fun. I totally acted like a big kid, and rode just about every ride. It didn't help that I worked on my tan! HA!

After the water park, the plan was to bring the kids back to the church, feed them, and prepare them for Wednesday night Bible study. Tonight's activity: a talent show that we never got the privilege of experiencing. You see, the Greatest Performer orchestrated the most beautiful talent show where kids brought their broken lives, and exchanged them for His will! Kids were at the altar, praying for one another, encouraging one another, and just laying at the feet of Jesus. I'm sure heaven paused for a minute to catch this scene.

I so wish that I could truly capture the beauty of the night. I wish I could tell you the stories that were cried out on my shoulder. Lots of tears and snot! Gotta love it...smile! I will tell you this, this current generation is considered to be lost, but tonight, about 80 youth left our church ready to spread Jesus' love and story across the world!

I am so encouraged, and what a feeling to know you are walking in the will of God! It's an amazing feeling!

P.S. I get my furniture tomorrow, so I'll be sure to post pictures! I'm SO excited!

Home Sweet Home and a Recipe!!!

These past few weeks have been a whirlwind! For starters, I moved into my new apartment, and my Dad came to visit for 4 days, I hung out with my family, went to the Jamie Foxx concert, am now back home to do laundry, unpack, and pack again for my trip to Dallas, Texas for Mary Kay Seminar!!!!

When I return, I have a weeklong training, while entertaining my Godmother, the Power of Life celebration with the youth at church, and then a week long stint in Mississippi!!! However will I survive this crazy schedule?

I'm sure you're dying to see the new place, and I'm dying to show it to you, but it will have to be room-by-room because my brand new living room furniture hasn't come in yet!

I went ahead and ordered the pieces that I showed you here! I can't wait to see them in my pad!! I've had such a great time decorating, and I still have a few more things to get before I consider the place 'complete.' A funny story was in the midst of moving, I looked at my Dad and told him that I wasn't moving again until I got married...he of course thought that was such a drastic statement, and that I could move as many times as I needed to! Some things never change...lol!

I have to admit, I was very apprehensive, and a little frightened about living alone, but I love it! And, it doesn't hurt that my neighbor across the hall is also my BFF!! LOL!

I took some pics of my dining room so that you can see. The bowl on the table came from Hobby Lobby, 50% off...you'll notice this trend here! HA! The table, my Dad got me as a housewarming gift from The Dump! It was our labor of love putting that sucker together, but I'm so happy with the way it turned out! It actually has a piece that folds into the center to extend the length! It ROCKS!



It's almost finished, I just have to flank the "believe" picture with two sconces I got from Southern Living for the house a while back.



The rest of the pics are just my wall hangings, and my little bar area! Enjoy!

I found this gem at Target today!




I got this cross at Hobby Lobby! Their crosses are 50% off right now, and I racked up!



I got this plaque at Waco's Junior League Holiday Market before I moved to Houston...actually, before I was even in the League! This is one of my most fave scriptures EVER!



The first frame on my bar is of my Dad and I on graduation day! The next plaque is an ithcus, Christian fish, and the pink, brown, and green frame I got from Hobby Lobby for 50% off! I love me some Hobby Lobby! I frequent it often!



I'll post more pictures later of the rest of my life, but I did want you to see how things are coming along! Goodnight!

P.S. I'm participating in my very first blog hop, and I've decided to leave you with my cherry pie recipe that I have! It's super simple, and the longest part of the preparation is pitting the cherries, but it's super simple with a cherry pitter!



Here's the recipe:
1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie
4 tablespoons quick cooking tapioca
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup white sugar
4 cups pitted cherries
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 tablespoons butter

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place bottom crust in piepan. Set top crust aside, covered.

In a large mixing bowl combine tapioca, salt, sugar, cherries and extracts. Let stand for 15 minutes. Turn out into bottom crust and dot with butter. Cover withtop crust, flute edges and cut vents in top. Place pie on a foil lined cookie sheet--in case of drips!

Bake for 50 minutes in the preheated oven until golden brown!!!

Cover Me!

It's July 4th!!! Independence Day! I'm not really a huge 4th of July person, but I can recall great times with my family bar-b-quing, and launching fireworks...!!

This year, I'll spend with friends, and I'm looking forward to having a great time!



I must admit, that this post will be all over the place because my mind has many things it wants to write about. I spent a little time looking back over my previous posts, and I've realized a few things, 1) I'm nearing post 100, and 2) I've become so much more transparent through the years. Both excite me. Transparency is something that I'm not that good at. If you know me, I mean really know me, then I'll tell you anything, but it is extremely difficult for me to be transparent with others.

I am a very reserved, cautious, easy-going person who really doesn't like to 'lose control' by showing tons of emotion. Most of my friends cry so easily, and really know how to be in the moment....that is a struggle for me, but I secretly wish I could be just like them...shhh! I try, really I do, and I've gotten better. Hang in there with me....you never know what God has in store for me!

I've been reading Proverbs, and it has always been one of my favorite books. It contains so much wisdom, and causes you to 'check yourself,' constantly! I LOVE THAT! Often times we think it's other people, and it's the man in the mirror...sorry shameless plug! I can't wait to see what God has for me at the end of the book. I know what I want Him to do for me, but we'll see!

Oh yeah, I had a late lunch at Cheesecake Factory today, and I tried a new flavor today.... Upside Down Pineapple... oh.my.goodness!!! Heaven on a plate...craziness, just GOOOODDDD!!! I hope they never get rid of this flavor...it's definitely a keeper! I'm already planning my return trip...LOL!

I'll leave you with two things. My theme scripture, and a song that I just love! I love what the psalmist says in Psalm because really does want to talk to us. He wants to show us our purpose (more on that later), and have communion with us.

Psalm 27:8 "my heart has heard you say, 'come and talk with me.' And my heart responds, 'Lord, I am coming.'" This is the NLT version if you're wondering...I posted a few months back, and I was reminded tonight when He calls, and we answer, all is well...

The video: "Cover Me," by 21:03 in collaboration with Smokie Norful, J Moss, and my fave Fred Hammond!!! I LOVE THIS SONG!!!



Happy 4th!

The Best of Intentions!

Tonight will be a random post! I baked a homemade cherry pie tonight! The cherries came from the fruits and veggies I got from my last co-op trip. I'm quite proud of it, and it is delish! The crust was a little tricky, and I have to perfect the pinching action, but all in all, it's a great first attempt! Go ME! I'm becoming quite the domestic diva...designer edition of course!!! LOL!



I mentioned the co-op earlier...it's going great! Here's a pic of the last batch of goodies I got...all for $10 mind you! I was so HAPPY and impressed with the variety we got this time around.



OK-- I'm warning you now that I'm about to take a seat on my soap box! I won't be on here long, but consider yourself warned! HA!

So a couple of days ago, I was having a perfectly innocent conversation with my mother, and we of course stumbled upon the topic of me and dating, or the lack thereof. The conversation started when I told her about a friend who joined eHarmony, and how she was in her mid thirties, no man, no kids...you know the rest!

Let me give you a little background...my mother WANTS GRANDCHILDREN...NOW, and since I'm her only chance, all eyes are on ME!!! LOL! Her twin's son, my cousin Jeff has a little boy, and she forever tells me about the pics she gets of little Jackson. You can hear the longing in her voice. But what can I do? I mean, I want a family one day as well, but you know the song...first comes love, then comes marriage, THEN.....

I tell you, between my mother, and my grandmother, I'm catching it from all sides! OH, and did I mention that my dad has also joined forces for Operation GTGM (get this girl married)! OK--maybe I'm overreacting, but trust me people...I'm feeling the pressure. I don't know when, I don't know who, but I do know that I have to wait on God, and that I want Him to be the center of it all. END OF DISCUSSION!!

So, while I'm sure they have the best of intentions, really...what do they want me to do? UGH! So, if you too are on this bandwagon...send up a prayer...don't tell me..I have no control over this!

Goodnight--
J

P.S. I survived the family reunion without too many conversations about the above conversation...my favorite quote of the day was, "I just don't get it...you're beautiful...why aren't you dating?" REALLY PEOPLE?! While I agree, I can't answer that question...HA!