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...