Gearing Down!!

Mrs. Madden (who does not like change normally!) has made a huge change and I give all credit and thanks to God. My good friend who teaches 1st grade talked to me and said she was going to try to get a job in the town she lives in (about 30 minutes away) and not commute anymore....and would I like her position?  Move from 3rd grade to 1st grade! YIKES! Well, hummmmmm....I have taught 5th grade 2 years then moved to 3rd grade and have been there for 18 years....13 or so years in the same room! After much thought and PRAYER, I talked to my principal and he was excited and said sure if she got the job he would move me. She did NOT get the job so I felt like "no biggy...I'll stay where I am...God is in charge and will take care of it."  A couple of days later, my friend called and said that ANOTHER 1st grade teacher wanted to move to 5th which had an opening! Now is that God at work or what....He always has the details and works it out. So I'm moving to be a 1st grade teacher. I'm so excited and ready for a change! (Did I just say that?) Now I get to work with 3 of my great friends in a new position! I've begun to box up "stuff"! Yes....this change is due. I'm purging and cleaning. I truly feel so good and so joyous and so thankful. 

I write this to convey one of my favorite verses....Be still and know that I am God.  Pray about it and then let Him work it out how it should be. In His way....and what is best for me. My faith strengthens every time I see His hand at work. What a comfort to turn it over to Him and not fret and worry about it. 

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

I may just have to take some pics of my room...the chaos, the mess! I have a wedding to get ready for ..... I've got to get busy!

Where Does the Time Go?

Mercy me! I can't seem to find a minute to type a few words! I've been checking your blogs but have not sat down to put anything on "paper". It's that time of year where the schedule around our house (probably like yours) is hectic and busy. We knew that starting in February when the new grandbaby arrived, it would be quite busy for a while. I'm glad my 3 girls spread out their events so we had time in between to recover! Last weekend was prom and this weekend begins Graduation celebrations for us to attend.  We are also in the midst of getting ready for Darbey's graduation party and 18th birthday celebration on the 12th and her graduation on the 13th. Rodney has State Track meet soon after. I honestly take one day at a time. I did not used to be that way. I overwhelmed and overstressed myself trying to mentally absorb everything at once. Age will slow a person down! Age will also teach a person to make notes and write things down. It is not a surprise for me to "WEAR" sticky notes and my class to say, "uhhhhhhh Mrs. Madden, you have some sticky notes on your shirt". 


After May, I will dive head first into July wedding plans. My feet are just wet right now! RSVP's are coming in and we are down to finalizing pictures, caterer, flowers. Haley and I feel in good shape! I also have my dress and my shoes! Hallelujah...I'm ready to get to my seat!


Yard work, gardening, planting flowers, painting, is consuming our evenings but that is my personal favorite thing to do. I have some new raised vegetable beds that I'm trying this year.  I quit when it's dark many nights. I like to tell myself I'm getting exercise as well.


Isn't Spring just the best....God just makes simple things here on Earth the most spectacular! Can you only imagine heaven? Those moments when you feel things can't get any better or you take in a really good experience.....there is still no comparison to what eternity must be. 


 Revelation 21

25 On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there.

26 The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it.

27 Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

 I have not turned the AC on yet...I love the windows open. I love to hear the night birds...the crickets...the frogs I'm trying to get to come to my little fish pond.....the owl that lives in the timber behind us. Once the windows shut....UGH....! I only hear the roar of the AC unit!


So how is your Spring going? Are you lovin' it? Are you outside getting lots done? I love reading blogs that highlight all the projects they are doing!


Here are some prom pictures of a fun weekend. I think they are a lovely little couple!

My 4 girls!

 Darb and Austin (such a handsome gentleman)

 Mommas with their babies!

And whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father by him.  Colossians 3:17