Gratitude Friday

Good morning, friends! Grab a big mug of hot Starbucks coffee and join me in Gratitude Friday. I will be doing most of the listening in our conversation today because I have a very non existent voice! I taught Kindergarten yesterday and between the full day of talking with kids & the allergy problem there's zero voice. I'll share on here, though, what I'm thankful for this week!

1. cousins coming to town! They actually arrive this weekend so we're scrambling around the house, making it guest ready. Jean and Geoff are from the Vancouver, BC area and we had so much fun the last time they were with us. I have wonderful memories with my cousins growing up! Glad they are visiting again so soon.

2. time off from teaching to walk the Beagle Boys. It's not my favorite thing to do, to have time off from work because it means no paycheck. But since I didn't have many jobs this week, I was able to take the dogs on very long walks, benefitting all of us. You can see pictures of our last walk if you scroll back a day or two! The weather has been so nice that it's been great to be outside.

3. stories in the Bible that remind me that everything is going to be okay! Getting older, I'm getting more in tuned with my body and that includes those dreaded monthly periods. I finally went to the dr about a month ago and I got checked out to see if I have fibroids because things have just been horrible for me each month. I started on a new medicine to help with the cycle and boy, has it messed with my system! I am starting to relate to the lady who bled for 12 years. If I just had faith to touch the hem of His garment! Time to make sure I spend time with the Great Physician, plus call the regular dr to see what we can do to make things go a tad bit smoother. Ever try to teach when you need the restroom about every hour?!

4. this morning, I'm thankful for my cup of coffee! It means I get to spend time with Company Girls, seeing what's new in their lives this week. It's also very frosty and foggy on this Friday so the coffee mug is warming up my hands.

5. the opportunity to go back to Whitworth University yesterday and share about my experiences as a guest (aka substitute) teacher! I think the neatest thing was to be able to remind them that teaching is our mission field, whether we get to share Jesus directly or not. But it's our actions and love that we show the kids which also shows Jesus' love. I reminded the soon to be graduates of the Evening Teaching Certification program that my motto is "If I give the best of me, that becomes my legacy!", no matter which class or school or school district I'm teaching in. I also shared that I pray for my students when I'm putting their chairs down or washing their tables off. It makes a world of difference to take Jesus into the classroom with me!

Time to get ready to teach Kindergarten again today! Remember, I have no voice so it should be quite interesting. Would you just say a prayer that the day goes smoothly? thanks!! be sure to leave your gratitude list so we can rejoice over your blessings, too.