Day 15

Whew! I'm caught up on my posts! You would think with all of the time I had on my hands yesterday I could've posted something, but I was too busy organizing and cleaning up. Today I am thankful for Pinterest! Shallow, maybe, but I just love it. I get so many fun and creative ideas from it, now I just have to start some of the projects I have pinned. Yesterday I started a wreath I have pinned, so when I finish it, I will post the final result! Today, with another free day, I will probably pin some more things and add to the list of projects I want to complete!
Until my next post...

Day 14

Yesterday (and today) I am thankful for a flexible schedule [at this point in my life]. Since I do not have a full time job, I do try to sub as often as possible, but sometimes I don't get a call so I have a free day. On those free days, I TRY to be productive. Yesterday was a productive day. I organized and straightened up our office, which had become a DISASTER! All of my school stuff that will one day go in my classroom crowds Adam's work space. All of my "craft supplies" [that are hardly ever used] and scrapbooking supplies are stored in the office. It was very messy and there was junk everywhere, so yesterday I was able to get in there and clean in up a little. I also got some laundry done [3 loads, I know-you're proud]! So, while I may not have the job of my dreams right now, I am thankful for the blessing of a flexible schedule and having the time to get some things done that would be harder to do if I did have a 'real' job.
Until my next post...

Day 13

Alright, I have to play catch up! Sunday I was thankful my church family. I am thankful for so many people who encourage me each week, whether they know it or not. I am thankful for a pastor who preaches and teaches faithfully [without a salary]. I am thankful for the many godly women who set an example for me as I continue to grow. I love when we can come together and worship through singing and studying God's word.
Until my next post...

Day 12

Today, Saturday, I am thankful for Thirty-One! While it may seem trivial to some, I am very thankful that I have joined this company/sisterhood. Thirty-One provides me with as much [or little] side income as I choose to make. The more I want to make, the more I work the business. It is so easy to do because the products sell themselves. Today, I hosted a Christmas brunch and just enjoyed my time with the ladies who came. No, I am not extremely outgoing or what you would call a "people person", but I enjoy meeting women and getting to know them--we all have something in common--we love purses/bags/accessories! So if all else fails, that's what conversations can be about. But, to me it's more--the name Thirty-One comes from Proverbs 31 where it speaks of the women who is hardworking, diligent, and honest, therefore she is worthy of honor, reward, and praise. Thirty-One believes in the mission of encouraging women, celebrating who they are, and rewarding them! As a christian woman, I completely support that mission in my own life and try to get to know the people around me so that they can see Christ through me. Whether the women in my life are going through the valleys or walking on the mountain tops, I want to be there to encourage them. I want to love them with the love of Christ, no matter who they are, what they look like, or the choices they make. I am thankful that I have joined this business because, through it, God gives me many opportunities.
Until my next post...

Day 11

Forgive me for falling behind on my posts! I don't know what it is about Friday/the weekends--I just fall behind! So (yesterday) was Veterans' Day and I wanted to write about being thankful for those who have served and continue to serve our country. This selfless service takes more courage than I can imagine! I don't think I would ever be brave enough to leave my family, friends, and the comfort of home to go put myself in harms way to protect and serve our country, but I am thankful for those who are. My granddaddy, Ace Parker, is a WWII veteran. Earning a purple heart, he fought [hard] for this country and our freedom. I cannot imagine the bravery and courage it took him to do what he did--I am very grateful. He, like many others, fought so that we could live in freedom--worshiping how we choose, wearing what we choose, saying what we choose, living where we choose...so many freedoms we take for granted-our veterans have made them all possible. Thank you!
Until my next post...

Day 10

Today, especially after the events that took place tonight, I am very thankful for my daddy. (No worries, it was just a little scare!) He is and has always been there for me. I can call him no matter what time it is and he will stop what he's doing, answer and talk to me about whatever it is that I need. When I'm scared that someone may be at my house (whether I hear strange noises or see weird things) I call him and he calms me down. He reassures me that everything will be fine --I am a little paranoid for those who don't know me very well.-- When I have good news to share, I call him and he shows his support and happiness for me. When I want to talk about what's happening during a football game, I call him (well normally text because we are both watching the game and it's just easier to do that!). When I don't know what to do in a situation, I call him. He shares his opinions, but always encourages me to make my own decisions. When I do something I think he would be proud of, I call and tell him. No matter why I call or when I call, he is always there for me, offering advice, comfort, and encouragement. Sometimes I think I got the best daddy in the world! He has always told me how proud he is of me, how beautiful I am, and how much he loves me. He has always encouraged me to think for myself, form my own opinions about things, and embrace my individuality. I have always been "daddy's little girl" and I always will be! I have never doubted his love for me, and that's not something every girl in this world can say. I am very blessed to have such a great daddy! What are you thankful for?
Until my next post....

Thankful Day 9

After a kinda hard day yesterday, I woke up this morning very thankful for a new day! I am thankful that today I have a new start. The things that happened yesterday are left there. Today is a new day to walk with the Lord and I'm excited about what he is going to show me today!
Until my next post....

Thankful Day 8

Today I am thankful that the Lord is always with me. Today was a rough day... I felt really lonely and just down about certain circumstances in my life. Seeing my kindergarteners today made me extremely happy, but at the same time, reminded me of all the sadness and uncertainty that came with leaving them......time out, let me catch some of you up.......So I had a long term sub in K and about 2 weeks ago, the teacher returned to her position. The week I returned to school and found all of this out was the day after I got back from the women's retreat our church took. On that retreat I made a commitment to God, that I was gonna follow Him no matter what trials come. If I'm being honest, I didn't want to follow Him closely before because I know that trials come to those who walk closely with Him--some time ago, I stopped walking and growing in Him and just stayed where I was-- I didn't wanna be a part those storms and trials. I feel like this happened for a few reasons, the main one being because I have seen how Satan attacks people who are living for Christ and how he can bring them down. I figured if I wasn't close with God then Satan would see no need to attack me. And he didn't. I didn't have any "trials" or "storms"- nothing major anyway. Rather than living in freedom and growing in the Lord, I stayed stuck where I was in my Christian walk, satisfied with mediocrity. Being tired of living how I was, I decided what I was hanging on to wasn't worth what I was missing out on in Christ. I decided I was going to again start walking closely with God, no matter what. So, I get to school on Monday and basically find out I will be jobless by the end of the week. Ok, God, you really wanna test my faith this quick?! I couldn't understand why this was happening. Didn't God know that I love these kids? Doesnt he know I what to teach more than anything. This is my passion. This is my calling. Why did I have to leave this class? They were mine-- I had taught them since day 1. At open house, I was there to meet them all. I have realized over the past 2 weeks just how much I love them! I have invested all day, every day my time, energy, and love into these sweet little children. And I wasn't ready to leave. Not 3 months into school...it wasn't the end of the year, I shouldn't have to tell them bye yet. However, I continued to trust God and I sought Him (and continue to seek him eah day). I had forgotten this was not my room and this was not my class--God has something better!
Thats one thing that sometimes causes me to feel lonely. See when you sub, it's not your class, it's "Mrs. __________'s class". For the past 3 months I have been filling in someone else's shoes for someone else's class. It's not a great feeling when you only get to be a teacher when a school needs you to be because someone is out. It's not a great feeling to go by someone else's name. When you walk down the halls and other teachers ask, "Who are you today?" .... But God has something better for me. He has a room that will be mine. He has many classes of children that will be mine. The name outside the door will say Mrs. Schulze. When I sign things or send emails, it will be under my own name! Through all of the loneliness and feeling scared, I know that God is with me. He carries me in his hand each day. He is with me and he has it all planned out. He knows the desires of my heart, he put them there! I just have to try to be patient in waiting for him. So, if you pray, please remember me in your prayers. God has taken care of me so far and he will continue to do so.
Until my next post....

Thanksgiving Day 7

Obviously today is November 8th, so yes, I missed a day! :( today I'll post twice. This is the first one. (Yesterday) I was thankful for the opportunity to sub. Since I don't have a full time position right now, I try to sub as much as I can. Not only for the money, but because I love children. I love getting to know so many kids and helping them learn. So until I have a classroom of my own, that's what I'll continue to do.
Until my next post...which will be later on today!

Thankful Day 6

Today I am thankful that I can go to church and worship freely without fear of persecution. I am thankful for the freedom to pray in public and talk about God whenever I want. Today it's a simple thing that I sometimes take for granted that I am thankful for!
Until my next post...

Thanksgiving Day 5

Today I am thankful for hair color! Since probably 9th grade, I have been going grey and
it
is
BAD.
So that's when it all started, dying my hair every now and then to cover up the silver. Well, it's that time again. I just got a box at Walmart (don't tell Jessica) and I can't wait to get rid of my greys!!!
Hope yall are having a great weekend.
Until my next post...

Thanksgiving Day 4

Today I am thankful for a warm house and warm showers. So many times I take for granted these two small things--heat and warm water, but many go without this daily! Thank you Lord for the small things you bless me with!

Until my next post...

Thanksgiving Day 3

Today I am thankful for my health. As I sit on the couch and type this post, my legs are sore and feet are aching from the Combat class I did tonight. I am thankful for the ability to walk, run, and exercise. I am thankful for 2 arms, hands, legs, and feet---Which make exercising easier and are things a lot of us take for granted. Sometimes the hardest part is getting out the door, but I always feel better once I go. I have gotten back in the habit of "gyming" and have been going for about a month now. The body is an amazing thing and how far I am able to push myself sometimes amazes me. I am no body builder, that's for sure, but I do enjoy exercising (well, the way it makes me feel). I am thankful for the body and health to be able to exercise.

What are you thankful for?
Until my next post....

Thanksgiving Day 2

Today I will share another thing I am thankful for: my sweet, sweet husband. Where should I even start? I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to have such a thoughtful, caring, generous man who loves me and puts up with me (those of you who know me at all know that can sometimes be difficult)! Sometimes I think about how completely opposite we are and how grateful I am for that. He teaches me to be more generous and loving. He shows me that it's okay to joke around and not be so serious all the time. I am thankful that he is a hard worker and provides for us. I am thankful that he washes and irons his own clothes :) I am thankful that he cleans the house (sometimes more than me). I am thankful that he is a good ole country boy who can fix/do pretty much anything! I am thankful that he is just a generally happy person, who is always trying to make people laugh, which as you know-if you know me, is not something that comes naturally for me. I am more quiet, reserved, and keep to myself. I can't just carry on a conversation with a random person, but Adam never meets a stranger! He doesn't get angry easily and he is very patient (especially with me)! I am thankful that he is amazing with kids and can't wait to have some of his own one day (some guys can't stand kids and don't want any of their own). I see how he is with Maddi, Micah, Gage, Brayden, and Madison and I know one day he will be a great daddy! I could go on and on about all of the reasons why I am thankful for him, but theres no telling how long I would be here :) Of course we all have our faults and he is human but I am very thankful that the Lord brought us together and that He gave me such an amazing guy! I love you boo :)
What are you thankful for? We all have plenty of things that we could list.
Until my next post...

30 Days of Thankfulness

I was inspired today to take a "challenge". Every day in the month of November, I am going to list one thing I am thankful for. Rather than just posting it on Facebook, I decided to give myself a "blog challenge". Since I have not been doing very well posting, I have challenged myself to post [at least] once each day about the things I am thankful for. So, since today is November 1st, I will go ahead and post the first thing I am thankful for! Here we go.....

Day 1: I am thankful for God's grace, mercy, and love

I figured I would think of the most general thing I am thankful for, and this is what I came up with. I am thankful for God's grace in my life because He is sufficient; He is enough for me, no matter my circumstances. I am thankful for God's mercy, in that, He sent His son for ME [and the world] knowing I am a sinner, knowing I would have a rebellious heart and knowing that I would need a Savior. He has forgiven me for all that I have done and will do and I can live freely because of that. I am thankful for His love because He gives it to me freely. His love isn't based on conditions or my actions. He doesn't love me more or less than He does any of His other children. He loves me more than I can imagine. He loves me so much that he formed me in my Mama's tummy and He knows how many [gray] hairs are on my head.
For all of these things I am thankful! Don't expect for each day of thankfulness to be serious, deep, or lengthy--some days may be light hearted, shallow, and short! Maybe you will be inspired to start thinking about some things you are thankful for--we all have way more than 30 things we could think of! :)

Until my next post...