let them be little

One of my 1 1/2 year olds from last semester. This sweet girl woke up early from nap so we had a little extra one-on-one time.

I’m back in Tennessee and it’s the first day of classes. Hello spring semester of junior year! I genuinely love the start of new semesters and I’m especially excited for this one because my classes are all education courses. Sweetness. It energizes me to learn from professors passionate about teaching and alongside girls (and an occasional guy) that long to be in the classroom already as much as I do.

New semesters also mean a new classroom at work for this girl. I work at the early learning center on my campus and it has been one of the best pasts of my college experience. I’ve had challenging afternoons (I mean I’m working with preschoolers…). I’ve had frustrating moments. I’ve asked so many questions about behavior management and learned a great deal on my feet. BUT I’ve also had some of the best afternoons. These kids have made me laugh and smile over and over again. They’ve opened up my heart more and more.

I’ve been placed in the infants classroom this semester which is completely new ground for me. I’ve primarily worked with the “older” (2 1/2 – 3 year olds) kids with the exception of last semester where I had the toddlers (1 1/2 – 2) year olds). So I’m really looking forward to spending time loving on the babies.

One of the the things that I’ve learned working at a preschool and as a future teacher is just how much parents LOVE their babies. That seems so incredibly obvious that you’re probably wondering where I’m going with this. Well, it has really highlighted the hugeness of my responsibility of taking care of their children. They bring their babies into our classrooms every morning and leave trusting that they will be cared and loved well by us teachers. It’s our job and responsibility to create and maintain safe, fun, and joy-filled environments for their kids. What a responsibility and privilege that is!

I’m also constantly reminded to let them be little. They are learning and growing and developing. They are learning as I model how to correctly share for the 100th time. They are developing as they learn how to say more words or make sentences. They are little and I’m there to hopefully protect that innocence. I want them to have joy in discovering the world and learning something they didn’t know before. I know this probably seems pretty obvious too, but sometimes I place expectations on them that are way beyond their age. Then I’ll get frustrated with myself. So my goal is to let them be little. I’m just really thankful for the opportunity to have a job that I love as I work toward being an elementary school teacher.

{via}

P. S. Can I just take a minute to appreciate the cheesy sweetness of school/staff pictures? This is from last October and I kind of love that I have a future with lots of teacher pictures in it. I always loved when my mom would bring home her teacher picture every year and now I’m following in her footsteps. :)

Have a sweet day, friends!

back to school {hello junior year!}

Well, classes are back in full swing which is slightly exciting and overwhelming. I’m starting to fill my planner up with due dates and I can tell it’s going to be a busy few months. I also started back working at the early learning center on Thursday. I’m with the younger toddlers (1 1/2 – 2 yr. olds) this semester. It was the sweetest getting to see my older kids from last semester outside on the playground. They came running up to me to give big hugs. Two of my girls even ran back to get “one more hug and kiss on the cheek.” Talk about melting my heart.

Friday night was sweet. I went with my roomie and a couple of our friends to get frozen yogurt at our favorite spot for dinner and we just sat around chatting. Afterward, we decided to head over to Panera to get bagels for our “dessert”…we’re super healthy like that. Oh my. The cinnamon crunch bagel with cheesecake cream cheese is to die for (so good!). We came back to watch You’ve Got Mail (always a favorite).

I’m just feeling extra thankful for this new season. I can’t wait to share this semester’s adventures with y’all!

mid-week randoms

I’m linking up with Megan today.

{one}

Classes start today. I kind of love the beginning of new semesters.

{two}

I’m still going through Kelly Minter’s Ruth study with Eleanor. On Sunday I read ahead slightly and was stopped by Ruth 4:14…”Then the women said to Naomi, ‘Blessed is the Lord who has not left you without a redeemer today...’” Wow! What a needed reminder that was!

{three}

Ben Rector has a new album out. Go buy it! I’m going to see him in Atlanta over my fall break and he’s seriously one of my favorites.

{four}

Getting to have dinner and hang out with my roomies from last year was the best.

Trying to get a group photo is harder than it looks…

We’re fun. Be our friends? ;)

Happy Wednesday, friends.

Finals

I have my first of four finals at 8am this morning. So in “honor” of finals week I wanted to give you a glimpse into what this time looks like at my apartment… :)

Late nights and make-up free faces.

Study breaks to take goofy pictures with the roomie. (Hi Becky!)

Late dinner breaks at 9pm to go get Mexican food. Yum!

Excessive amounts of snapchats  with my other roomie.

Hope your Thursday is filled with joy!

Weekend Recap {Conference}

Happy Monday, friends! This past weekend I had the opportunity to travel to Kentucky to attend an educational leadership conference with three fellow education students. We had the best time! We left Friday afternoon and drove through Tennessee and most of Kentucky and one thing is certain…I LOVE the mountains. There were mountains all around and tons of rolling hills once we reached Kentucky. I can’t get enough of the beauty of this region. Anyway, we arrived Friday evening and rushed right over to the university. We had dinner and then enjoyed a traditional bluegrass concert All so fun!

We woke up early Saturday morning to head back to the university for a full day of sessions. I’m so thankful I get opportunities to grow as a future teacher and be surrounded by other college students who share my passion for being in the classroom. I definitely learned a few new tools I can implement in my future classroom by being at this conference. I was just so “in my element” this weekend and it reminded me again that I’m passionate about pursuing this calling to teach.

Here are a few photos from this weekend…

Arriving at the hotel…I was just a little bit excited to start learning. :)

Even though it’s out of focus we were excited to begin the day!

I was anxious to start the first session. Wahoo!

We were a little tired by mid-afternoon if you can’t tell from my lifeless smile.

No worries though…I quickly perked back up. Ha!

And one thing I’ve learned is that teaching conferences will always have drawing at some point without fail. Always.

Hope your week starts out with a bang! I only have two weeks left until summer. Yay!

Two years in…

Working at the booth of the education club I’m involved in…trying to catch those future teachers as they walked by .

This weekend my school, Lee University, put on the biggest recruiting event of the school year for prospective students. As high school seniors flooded the campus with their parents, it brought a smile to my face. I’ve come so far since the first time I stepped on campus two years ago. I left my hometown of Tallahassee, Florida to move to a small town in southeast Tennessee where I didn’t know a soul. There were abundance of unknowns. There were many new faces I had yet to meet and many adventures yet to be taken. I was excited. Nervous. Anxious. Curious. Receptive.

Now, I’m almost half-way through college. I have sweet friendships that I cherish. I have a job that stretches and grows me daily. I’m pursuing what I’m passionate about. I have the sweetest intimacy with my Savior.

I couldn’t have imagined all that was to come when I was a prospective student just like the ones I watched explore campus today. This season that I’m in right now is one that I’ll never get back and I want to live it with purpose. With the busyness that comes with being a student, I can easily forget how special this time is. The exams, quizzes, group projects, presentations, and papers pile up and suddenly my thankfulness becomes swallowed up by stress. But even in the midst of that I’m so privileged to be able to pursue an education.  I’m thankful for where I am today.

Lately…

I’ve been back at school for a week and I can truly say that this semester is in full swing. My planner is marked with a multitude of due dates, meetings, and work schedules. So far I’m enjoying my classes with my favorites being The Exceptional Child and Japanese Language and Culture (as I predicted!). With the busyness of the semester gaining momentum, I’ve hardly geared any of my attention toward blogging. I’ll be back more regularly after I establish more of a routine.

In the meantime, my days can pretty much be summed up with two pictures…

You know you work at a preschool when goodies like these are often in your tote. :)

Homework and then some more homework.

Hoping your day is filled with sunshine and joy! After a week of constant rain, we’re supposed to get a little snow in East Tennessee today. YAY!

New Semester, New Beginnings

{Embracing a new semester with this same enthusiasm….source unknown}

After a wonderful month off for Christmas break, I’m now back in my small college town in Tennessee. Classes start this morning and I’m about to dash off to my 8am class. This semester holds a another full schedule of classes and work, but I’m ready for it. I have lots of expectancy springing up in my heart.

I’m excited to work (and love on) my babies at the daycare. I’m with the 2 1/2 to 3 year olds this semester…definitely a challenging but FUN age!

I’m excited for new classes and the privilege I have of attending college. If you’re wondering, the classes I’m most looking forward to are Japanese Language and Culture and The Exceptional Child.

I’m excited about continuing to connect with all of YOU and growing as a blogger.

I’m excited about the girls in my life and the sweet friendships that I have with each of them.

I’m excited that I’m one semester closer to being an official teacher. Slowly but surely…

I’m most excited about the intimacy I have with Christ and how that transforms every aspect of my life.

Wishing all of you the sweetest of Wednesday and new beginnings as well!

Done, done, done.

{So much joy because I’m done, done, done!}

Good afternoon, girls! I am hours away from heading home for Christmas break. I’ve checked out of my apartment and have an hour to kill before going to work. So I’m sitting in the corner at Starbucks taking in the busyness of the coffee shop. By 5:30 I’ll officially be done with this semester. Woohoo! This semester has been challenging and rewarding all wrapped up in a wonderful way, but I’m definitely ready to embrace Christmas break.

I did a little happy dance earlier for finishing this semester. If only you could have joined me! I hope to blog frequently over the break about all my adventures. :)

Lessons & A Grateful Heart

 

I want to take a moment to flashback to this summer when I wrote about needing a job. As summer came to a close the pressure steadily rose to find a part-time job in my little college town. I applied eight different places and nothing happened. Even the store that I was almost certain I would be granted an opportunity at never called me back.
So I was completely surprised when I received an email from the director of the preschool at my university about submitting a resume/application. I had emailed her in late July, but when she never replied I thought surely that door had been closed! As soon as I saw her reply, I filled out all that I needed and went to turn it in in-person. I had a deep assurance that God would provide a job, but everything within me wanted to work at this preschool. I wanted this job; it seemed like a perfect fit for me. The following day I received an email from the director and you may or may not remember when I talked about getting the job. I was ecstatic and so very thankful!
However, when I went to the staff meeting I discovered that they did not need anymore classroom teachers at the time, but they did need a “cleaning lady.” They needed someone to come in each day to mop the classrooms, vacuum, and such. It wasn’t exactly what I had in mind. The director said that she had been very impressed with my resume and that she wanted me to be a part of the team, but there just weren’t any hours available in a classroom at the time. She asked if I would be the cleaning lady for the time being. It was a way for me to get my foot in the door. I reluctantly agreed.
I walked home from the meeting with my shoulders hung low. My thoughts were along the lines of this…”Lord, I’m truly thankful for a job, but a cleaning lady??”…”This is going to be the l-o-n-g-e-s-t semester”…”How am I going to get enough hours?”…”I just want to be in a classroom like the other girls!”
After an evening consumed with toxic thoughts, I decided that I HAD to change my attitude. I turned to the wisdom of a woman I deeply admire…from that moment on I decided that I was going to be thankful for the job I had been given.
"This job has been given to me to do. Therefore, it is a gift. Therefore, it is a privilege. Therefore, it is an offering I may make to God. Therefore, it is to be done gladly, if it is done for Him. Here, not somewhere else, I may learn God’s way. In this job, not in some other, God looks for faithfulness.” –Elisabeth Elliot
As I reflect on the semester, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. God used this job to teach me and humble me in so many ways. He used this job that I never even expected to be given. I went in every afternoon and while I cleaned I had the privilege of seeing every child at the center. I got to know who their parents were as they were picked up each afternoon. I was able to have many conversations with my director. I got to interact with her in a way that I wouldn’t have if I had solely been in a classroom. I was able to pick up several extra hours by subbing in classrooms.
Most of all, I came away with an even deeper appreciation for custodians. When I have my own classroom (just 2 1/2 more years!) I’m going to make sure the custodians at my school know how much I appreciate and value them. I’m going to make sure I always let them know how genuinely grateful I am that they’re a part of our school team. I’ve also stopped to thank the cleaning ladies in my apartment when I see them in the halls.
I haven’t had to clean the past two weeks because the preschool was able to hire professional cleaners. I’ve been working solely in the three year olds classroom, and I love it. I’m so thankful I get to spend time with these kids, but I’m also so thankful for my semester as a “cleaning lady.”
God is faithful in even the smallest of ways. Even when it’s not what we expect He provides. And I’m learning that His way is the best way.

Therapeutic Tuesday

{I spent my Saturday morning tackling a few assignments}

Good morning, girls! After a weekend filled with assignments and an overwhelming Monday, I wanted to share with you today a few of the ways that I relax when life starts to get hectic. As the semester starts to pick up and more “to-dos” are added to my planner daily, I wanted to write this as a little reminder to myself to slow down sometimes. Here are a few ways I do that...

 

{one}

 

I write in my journal. I’ve kept a journal consistently for the past three years and I treasure them. It’s my place to freely write anything and everything. I write lists, quotes, prayers, stories, and so much more. I can write without the hindrance of knowing that somebody will read my thoughts.

 

{two}

 

 {How cute is my mom?! And yes I know how much I favor her... :) }
 

I call my mom. I talk to my mom everyday, but there is something calming about talking to her when I’m overwhelmed. She always knows just what to say.

 

{three}

 

 

I read teacher blogs. I know this sounds crazy, so let me explain! As a future teacher, I love seeing what teachers are doing in their classrooms and teacher blogs provide bucket loads of inspiration and creativity. When I’m overwhelmed by school work, it helps for me to look through teacher blogs to remind myself what I’m working toward.

{four}

I drink hot tea. There's something calming about having a warm cup of tea in my hands.

 

{five}

 

I go out by myself. Usually, I end up at Starbucks where I order a white mocha americano. While I’m there I like to watch as all sorts of people come and go. I love hearing the variety of drinks ordered and the banter of the baristas while they work.

 

{six}

 

{Friday night}

 

I go out with friends for frozen yogurt. There’s a local shop near campus that I visit every single week. We went Friday and Saturday night this past weekend. It’s just so good.

 

{seven}

 

I quote scripture out loud. It calms my heart when I speak truth over my anxious or overwhelmed heart…”when I’m overwhelmed lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” {Psalm 62:1}

 

{eight}

 

Like many others, I listen to music. I especially love Brooke Fraser and Ben Howard. Also, I’m loving Noah Gundersen. I don’t even know how to describe his music because it’s that good. The video below is of him and his family and I encourage you to listen to it…

 

A Little Update

Good morning, girls! I wanted to give you a little update before I head out to my 8 am Theology class. I moved in on Saturday and my apartment is huge! Well, at least compared to my dorm room last year. It isn’t anything extravagant, but it feels cozy to me. I have a gorgeous tree right outside the window by my desk and I’m excited to see it when the fall colors are in all their splendor.

I’ve spent the last few days running errands around town and campus. As I drove through campus for the first time since last year, I was reminded how much I like being here. I thanked God right there in my car for planting me here at this time. It just gets me so excited to know that I get to be here while I pursue my dream of being a teacher.

Now, to my favorite update of all! I GOT A JOB. I’m going to be working at the Early Learning Center on campus. Since I applied late in the summer, the positions available were extremely limited. For right now, I’m going to be wearing an assortment of hats. My main job will be cleaning the place in the afternoon and I’ll also sub for others when need be. Next semester I should be able to have a set amount of hours in a classroom each week. I’m excited to have my foot in the door and work toward a goal. I keep reminding myself that “he who is faithful in the little things…”

I’ll be back tomorrow with a post about the United Arab Emirates and an interview with a precious friend! Are you intrigued? Come back tomorrow and find out what I’m talking about…

{Walked around campus at dusk}

{Morning coffee…yum!}

{Giving thanks in my new apartment. :) }

Practicalities and Promises

Last night a thunderstorm swept through my area. As evening closed in the rain steadily started to pour. The lightening lit up the sky and the thunder seemed to shake the earth. I grabbed a throw blanket and went out to sit in one of the rocking chairs on the front porch to listen to the rain. It was dark (well, in between lightening strikes) and chilly.

As I sat there, my mind started to race with anxiousness. I go back to school in two weeks and I need a job. I've started to fill out applications and I’ve let my worries trample my faith. It’s difficult enough finding a job in this economy, let alone in a college town. I’ve spent too much time this week worrying about if I’ll be able to land a job. I realize how trivial this is compared to what other people are facing and I’m so thankful that I don’t have a husband or children dependent on me. I have very supportive parents, but the fact is I need a job and this waiting period is hard.

I decided to spend time in the Word and I opened up to the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:38-44).

“Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. “Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is bad odor, for he has been there four days.” Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”

Jesus commanded that the stone covering the tomb entrance be removed…Jesus had no doubt that He would raise Lazarus from the dead. What stuck out to me was Martha’s response to the Lord. Instead of doing what He said, she rambled on about how rotten the tomb must smell. After all, Lazarus had been dead for four days already! Her response seemed logical, but she had forgotten what the Lord had promised. I was struck with this thought:

I diminish God’s promises when I become consumed with practicalities…believe in faith.

I’ve been doubting His promises by focusing on logistics! Some of my thoughts this week have been similar to these…”I won’t get hired anywhere.” “Why would they hire a young college girl without any experience?” “I won’t find a job that I enjoy.” “There are so many others seeking a job and I won’t stand out.”

Instead of trusting that God will provide, I’ve allowed practicalities to fill my mind with doubts. I don’t want to diminish His promises, so I’m changing my attitude from here on out. I refuse to let these toxic thoughts consume me!

I'm not sure what you're facing today, but I want to encourage you to have faith in His promises. Don't let the practicalities of how it will work out cloud your mind.

You’re Gonna Make It After All

{source}

It was this time a year ago that the reality of my moving away to college started to become a reality. I started to get emails from my school about confirming enrollment and housing assignments. I spent way too much money at Target and Walmart. I was slowly starting to pack up my room. My emotions were similar to many other college freshmen…a mixture of anxiousness and excitement. However, I wasn't staying in the comfort of my hometown, but moving to a small town in Tennessee where I didn't know a soul. I was going to Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee. Most people had never heard of this place where I would spend the next four years. But, I knew that God had called me to Lee and I was secure in that.

As summer began to wind down, my excitement nearly doubled, but so did my nervousness. I didn't know what to expect as I transitioned from the familiarity of Tallahassee to the unknown of Cleveland. The morning came when it was time to leave. My bedroom was stripped and every square inch of my car was packed. My mom was a teacher and couldn’t come because move-in weekend coincided with orientation and the first day of school in our county (she couldn’t miss those). It nearly ripped my heart to leave without her. I was thankful my dad and I were in separate cars on the way up because I cried for the first 15 miles. Slowly, the tears were replaced by a smile. I was overwhelmed with joy for my journey...God was with me.

We arrived at school and parked our cars in order to get in the line to check in at my residence hall. There were dozens of girls in line with their parents and we all empathized with each other. It was in that moment, that I felt a part of a community. Time passed so quickly that day and surely enough I had to say another “goodbye.” This time I kissed my dad on the cheek as tears welled in his eyes and told him I’d call him the next day. I felt my heart beat faster as I watched his car pull out of the parking lot…I was officially on my own.

The few days before classes started were filled with adjusting to campus life and getting to know the girls on my hall. Although, those days were overflowing with life, I wasn’t quite at home in my new place. Here’s an excerpt from my journal…

{August 23, 2011}

“Homesickness is hitting me hard tonight. I miss being in a place that is familiar and where I’m known in a sense. I just feel out of place right now. When I called mom tonight I just broke down…the tears started to pour out. Oh Lord, You brought me to Lee and You will be faithful to provide a “place” for me. But, it’s hard not knowing while I wait…”So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. {Hebrews 10:35}”

I can't help but smile when I think about how faithful the Lord has been over the past year. Many of the expectations I had were surpassed, some unfulfilled, and others transpired differently. I can truthfully say that I've grown to love this school and I can see His hand on every part.  Here's one of my journal excerpts from the end of the year...

{April 14, 2012}

“I have so many words I want to fill this page with. I’m sitting in Alumni Park on this gorgeous afternoon. It’s Lee Day weekend and prospective students and parents have taken the campus over. You have been so faithful over this past year. I remember crying the first week here because I felt so out of place. You have provided and far exceeded my expectations. The people You have placed in my life and the passions You have stirred in my heart are astounding…Your love for me is beyond my comprehension.”

Once again I'm filled with emotions as I get ready to go back in a few weeks. But, my feelings are different this year. There isn't an ounce of nervousness in me. I'm just eager and excited for this second year. I know that I'm going to make it after all.

Side note: I listened to this song and this song on repeat while I wrote this post. They both make me get up and dance before the Lord with so much joy in my soul. {2 Samuel 6:14} Just wanted to share so you could dance too!