Still

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I just don’t like that in our culture we are such busy people.  We feel like we need to justify or explain if we had a nap, or went for a walk in the sunshine, or read a book all day.  I don’t like the word busy – it has such negative connotations.  “Ugh, I’m SO busy,” or “You just seem like such a busy person,” or “Oh, she’s busy.  She probably can’t come.”  Last fall I chose the word full when I had a lot on my plate.  They were all such great things, and I wouldn’t want to have left any one of them out.  It bothered me to have to tell people that I was loving all the things I was doing – that I didn’t want to change that.  But I enjoy the still moments just as much as the full ones.  And I’m not going to defend them.  I love naps.  I love staying home in track pants.

Sometimes I’m not very good at the still moments, though.  I sit down to watch a movie and I have my laptop on my lap, or I pause it halfway through to call a friend, or I start texting someone…I just can’t sit still, or do the same thing for very long.  How come I don’t know how to do that?  Take right now, for example - I’m watching a Friends episode, writing a blog, chatting with Amz on FB chat, and doing laundry.  Multitasking is a talent to be desired.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy to be doing all of those things (especially when the chat with Amz is long overdue)!  But I need to have more still time.

I’m a worrier, too.  This is an ongoing battle of mine.  I need more still time.  Time with God.  Sometimes I am really good at this, and other times not as good.  But I always want it.

I can’t write this post without thinking of this song:

I’m gonna be better at this.

No Sleep for You

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The play is over!!  I have to say that I am thrilled to be able to come home after school and resume my life again…and it is so great ending on such a high note.  The students are thrilled with how they did, I’m thrilled with how they did, we had a great turn-out (sold out 4 out of 5 shows), and great responses.  It’s great ending with a “We could probably do one more!” instead of a “Thank goodness it’s over.”  So congrats again to all my awesome students – you were tremendous!  It sure was worth all the effort.

It was super great to be back at small group again tonight.  We made stew (for Out of the Cold), and played Hoopla, much to Josh and Matt’s chagrin (although…Josh came around in the end).  I LOVE this game…it is going on my Christmas list.

I’m so excited for a visit from Hayley this weekend – STRAW as we call it (Soucian Totally Ridiculous Adventure Weekend).  This weekend will involve shopping, eating potato skins, movie watching, and laughter until we weep.  I cannot wait.

I’m so proud of my friend, Cait, for finishing up her first placement and second year of midwifery school!  I admire and look up to her for so many things.  Pips, you will never know how much you inspire me and how much I learn from you.  I’d hit the deck for you anyday.

Today I officially received my Christian School Teaching Certificate, after completing a course that I took over the summer.  This means an additional qualification for me, and a step up on the pay grid.  I am very happy about this.

I wrote an independent study on remixes for my Grade 12 music students today.  I can’t wait to show them on Friday!

My dear friend, Lor, is in Ghana for the next 10 days.  I miss her a LOT.

I like the feeling of anticipation.

I miss Aotearoa.  I had a great chat with Amanda last night about her recent trip back to the Land of the Long White Cloud, and how I wish I could just snap my fingers and be there!

I’m having major trouble sleeping these days.  Some have suggested Melatonin…thoughts?  I can’t figure out why I’m not sleeping.  I just can’t seem to turn my brain off, and I am totally exhausted.  I’m still reliving the play, I think.  My body needs to remember that I can rest now!  But it is still driving me bonkers.

I really want to see The Lucky One.

Because God is the best

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Come, let’s shout praises to God, raise the roof for the Rock who saved us!    Let’s march into his presence singing praises, lifting the rafters with our hymns!  And why? Because God is the best, High King over all the gods.  In one hand he holds deep caves and caverns, in the other hand grasps the high mountains.  He made Ocean—he owns it!   His hands sculpted Earth!  So come, let us worship: bow before him, on your knees before God, who made us!  Oh yes, he’s our God, and we’re the people he pastures, the flock he feeds.  (Psalm 95, The Message)

You’re Blessed

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When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:

 

“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

“You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.

“You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.

“You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.

“You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

“You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.

“You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.”

From Matthew 5 (The Message)