February

The month of love…

How many times do people say that February is the month of love and single's awareness month?  Something one hears often…

Let us not forget about the other important aspects of this month…

We celebrate Black History Month, Women's Heart Health and that silly St. Valentine. But where does love come from?

This year, I choose to focus on my love for my Savior, Creator, Father, Best Friend and God of the Universe. I desire to do the will of God, for my heart to look like His heart…for those around me to know that they are loved, not only by me, but by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  

Chris Tomlin's "Your Heart" captures it so well…

Does your life reflect Christ's love? Love as Christ loves. 

Do you know?

May God bless you this month, this year, this decade!

Love,

Julie

Oceans by Hillsong United

"Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)"

You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed and You won't start now

So I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior
[x6]

I will call upon Your Name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mine

For a video of this song being sung live...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLqTZ07ja7g

Hobbies

Hobbies....we all have them...these hobbies can bless others.  God gives us talents and hobbies to help lead others to Him.

The senior pastor at my church is always asking us how we are bettering the world and increasing the population of heaven...How can I populate heaven and plunder hell?  I am trying to use my hobbies, knitting, beading and scrapping to help bring joy to others.  I have made 30 minion hats since November, at least 30 other hats, a dozen scarves and multiple other little projects with my hobbies...each time I sell an item, 10 to 20 percent of the profit goes toward populating heaven, through supporting missions or those working in the mission field.  I love seeing the smiles on kid's faces when wearing my hats and the joy of women enjoying my jewelry.  I never expected to have my crafts in so many places and enjoyed by friends, family and strangers.  I love my hobbies.  They are relaxing, fun and help keep my mind agile.  So many of my friends have worn their hats until they are so fluffy and loved that they cannot be worn any longer...others have added to their hat collection with each new style or type of yarn I use...the possibilities!  Cabbage Patch kid hair hats and brain hats are next to tackle...

Music is the other hobby and love.  Through playing many instruments, I have had musical opportunities with many groups, in churches and other places.  Right now, I am enjoying playing flute with the Albuquerque Concert Band.  I will be be auditioning to become a member of the group in a few weeks and look forward to the adventures that will come with the group.  Shrine Band on clarinet was fun.  I miss playing.  I enjoy music...can't wait to teach another music lesson to my students.  This time we will be learning about Aretha Franklin. 

God is so good!  How can you use your talents and hobbies to populate heaven?

Relaxing Weekends

I was talking with my Mom yesterday and she was reminding me that God has asked us to rest on the seventh day.  Today, instead of grading papers, going to the gym and cleaning house, I chose to start my day sitting in my 26 year old LazyBoy chair, reading my Bible and sipping on some delicious tea.  Sunday mornings have become the only morning to relax.  I love being able to spend an entire day at home, if I choose.

May your week be filled with blessings.

Today…
I made a baby gift for a good friend and co-worker, made a necklace for a co-worker, finished three minion hats for another friend, read for fun, made premie hats to give to a friend of mine who is a NICU nurse, finished some other small projects and REALLY enjoyed my relaxing and still productive Sunday.

This week…
My goal is to be more positive.  God gives me the strength to do whatever comes my way in this life.  If I spend time with Him daily, He will lead me.

Praying your week is filled with joy, laughter and many wonderful moments.
Julie

2013 in Recap

Each year, it is always a bit fun to look back and see where the year led…Well here's a bit of a recap…

- I started sponsoring a child in Uganda.  Through friends and my dad, I have pictures of my sponsor child and have been able to share the love of Christ with him through sponsorship and little packages.
- I purchased my first home, after much planning, saving and working with my uncle (real estate agent) and a mortgage lender.  I love my condo and finally it feels like it is mine…in the six months I have had keys and lived here, I have house sat for about 6 weeks, leading the realization that I miss my home when I am away.
- I began working as a part time staff member at my church to help ease the stress of our bookstore head lady.  Through this ministry, I have met TONS of people at church and become blessed each week by my time in the store.
- I went to New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania over the course of two weeks, seeing all of my family in those states. Grandma and I watched Nikki graduate from high school.  Uncle Mark, Matt, Grandma and I went to NYC, exploring and were able to see the great view of the city from Rockefeller Center. The PA family took a river boat cruise where we saw lots of downtown Pittsburgh, including the Steeler's stadium.  Lots of fun adventures!
- I rekindled some friendships from UNM.  It's amazing what happens as people grow and are shaped by their experiences.
- I began my second year of teaching.  This year, I am in fourth grade, at the school I student taught in fourth grade.  I love my fellow staff and the support of having my master teacher next door.  I love my job and love seeing children learn.
- I graduated with a Master's of Education Literacy from Wayland Baptist University Albuquerque. 21 months for a masters.  I am grateful to be done, but miss the routine of school for my own education. I had some awesome instructors, professors and classmates.  That was a great adventure!
- I played six weeks, two gigs with the Shriner Band.

Just some of the big events of the year…amazing what can happen in 365 days.  I look forward to many new adventures this year.  A few things I hope to do are: play with the Albuquerque Concert Band, find more ways to help in my community or church, put tile in my kitchen and bathrooms, become a more well prepared teacher and focus on my areas in need of growth, complete my Dossier for level two in the teaching field, read the Action Bible, and grow closer to family, friends and my Lord and Savior.

May 2014 be filled with blessings!
Julie

First Week of my Second Year Teaching

Four days with students down...137 left.  Okay...so I don't really keep track, cause it's too much work, but that is the countdown for the time being.  I get my students for 181 days.  The first week of school came with its challenges, as students tested some of my procedures and were learning the rules of the room.  The one rule I need to go over Monday is sitting in my red chair without permission, as I have a few girls who are trying to seat 3 in my chair...not sure I can deal with that.  I have 24 students right now and would love to stay right there.  It's a good number in a portable classroom.  I had prepared myself for 30 students and was relieved when I didn't get 30.  Without having pull-outs (music, P.E., library and computer) the first week, students were quickly restless and very tired by the end of the day.  Teachers were even more tired!  Each day, I left school between 3 and 4pm, feeling completely worn out.  I was grateful to not have to come home to homework for my last graduate class as I started the school year.  I am excited about this school year and look forward to all of the adventures that come with school.  I will post some classroom pictures soon, just need to take them. :)

As for the end of summer...
Well summer is always fun, but as a person who likes routine, I am ready for the schedule that school brings.  I have kept my 4.0 GPA in graduate school and have one class left!  Graduation in November 15th.  I am starting that countdown.  My last class starts tomorrow.  I am nervous, but know that I will do just fine, since I love learning and am motivated to keep that 4.0.  I have my textbooks, notebook and folder ready to start my last three months of graduate school.  It's amazing how quickly time flies.  21 months to have my Master's in Educational Literacy!  I still have many people asking..."will you do a doctorate?"...well No.  I have no need to have a PHD to teach elementary school children.  It's not completely out of the cards, but for the time being I cannot wait to not be in school for myself.  In the spring, I hope to find another volunteer band to play in and maybe take a few art classes next summer at the community college.  Who knows! The possibilities are endless!

Craft fair season is around the corner...that also means Christmas is not too far away...I know...Christmas in August! Happy to make special orders for those loved ones and friends!  Hats, scarves, blankets, jewelry...I am one of many trades. 

I have loved reconnecting with old friends as the summer progressed...I have missed some of my UNM music peeps. Grateful that God puts people in our lives for a purpose....sometimes that purpose is clearly seen, other times it takes a while to see.  Trumpet duets brought me back to one friend, while Facebook reconnected a friend from elementary school who now lives in England, lots of friends getting engaged (my bestie from high school-Love you!), married(way too many of you!) and having kids(friends and co-workers)...where does time go?  Congrats to those who have had mile stones and exciting events happen in their lives this summer!  

Much love!
Remember...make someone smile every day...you never know when you will be the sunshine for someone else's day.
Blessings!
Julie

Back to School

August is half over and school is about to begin...last Tuesday, teachers started their professional development and classroom days.  Students come this Tuesday.  Summer is over, but so many great adventures came with the summer...

I purchased my first home.

This is the living/dining room.  The condo is starting to feel like home and I am enjoying using all of my fun dishes with friends.

Kitchen before my first Ladies Potluck

Silverware and Plates.

The table before lunch with Kristina.

Then came the New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania adventures with Grandma.  Shortly after returning from that trip I had my first Ladies Potluck with some friends from the Young Adult group at church.  We had a blast!  I am enjoying having friends, old and new, come over for lunch, dinner and just to hang out. 

The big back to school fun was the Retro Rockabilly night with the YABS.

Retro Rockabilly Julie

The first few days of teacher training were good...I look forward to students this week and getting started with another school year.  Life is good. God is great.

May your back to school season be filled with blessings!
Julie