distress as an opportunity?

Distress is a word that conjures up visions of a sinking ship in my mind.  SOS

What if my ship is my life - yikes.  Not my entire life - just part of it. 

My responsibilities at work are overwhelming this year - more like my first year teaching...like the 12 years experience when right out the dang window.  I'm not sure why it is like that.  I feel like I'm muddling through...working harder not smarter.  Boo Hiss (as my Aunt Robbie used to say).  My fear is that I will "figure it out" and the year will be over!

As I sit and sip my coffee, and surfing Facebook, a friend from high school posted this bible verse:  With God's help we can claim more than mere survival-we can claim victory! Look for ways God can use your distress as an opportunity to show his mighty power. Psalm 108:13

My relationship with God is getting better these days.  After my divorce I kinda pushed aside that part of my life - and my Bible has dust to prove it. 

I want to do more than just survive - I want to be victorious!  I want to not fly by the seat of my pants at school - I want to leave at the end of the day feeling like I really taught my students something.  My distress should be an opportunity for me to step aside and let God lead me...

Cheers

Pay it forward...is not just a sad Kevin Spacey film

My quiet coffee time today was spent in a reflective haze that was induced by too much stuffing, too much pomegranate punch (with a kick), and just-plain-insomnia.  It was NOT because of all the Black Friday ads, commercials, Facebook posts etc.  I choose to do my Christmas shopping from my laptop...but I digress.

My insomnia came at a precious price...God was speaking to me.  In order to fully appreciate this fact I must back up some.  About 2 months ago, feeling very overwhelmed with my responsibilities: work, kids, bills, soccer practice, his weekend, my weekend, thanksgiving/Christmas plan requests (in September....really?)...I was approached by a colleague...who said God had spoken to her...about me!  I was a little taken aback, and flattered in a way...then I felt very bad.  HE knew I needed the kind words of a friend.  What kind of shape was I in for God to reach out to a friend for me.  He knows me best...and knows that I needlessly carry the weight of the world on my shoulders sometimes. 

So last night, God spoke to me...he told me to reach out to an old friend.  Which I did...and I spent my quiet coffee time this morning wondering if I would hear from her.  When she did contact me this morning, we both recognized that it was God's will.

That is God - helping me to pay it forward!

Cheers

Just me and my thoughts

In this busy-ness called "life", I rarely find myself with time to sit and sip my coffee.  So when I do, I make it count.  It occurred to me that some of my thoughts are notable and I needed a spot to record them...hence the new blog. 

Cheers