Jesus Did

 My week in comments (and observations) as said by others and myself:

• Asking who would like to serve our mission field…and witnessing the outpouring.
• Yes, I like seeing a junior so happy she just begins to skip down the hallway. Go, girl, go!
• “Listen. You are sounding like a teenager. You need to stop,” say I to that teenager standing in front of me imitating me!
• “Mrs. Gillmore, you sound happier. You are talking more.”
• What? More? Hummm…not sure that is possible?!
• Victoria Covington’s book is on pre-sale…and I am told I am in it. What?!?
• “Julia and I were talking about you singing in the hallway…and right then you began to sing, and we could hear you through door.” (Speaking of the ?!?)
• “Keep selling that Kool-aid.”
• “Mrs. Gillmore, are you in here singing to yourself?” (No…there’s a kiddo with me who I had just greeted.)
• “How about Gillmore Brownies?” (As part of a reward for scoring high on the ACT in March.) Alright then. Note to self: Buy stock in brownie mix!
• Teachers like to read. But…I read the most!
• “I’ll do that Wal-mart pick up for you.”
• Asking some to bring a dessert…and seeing the table is spread with more than enough. Of course.
• Gathering at the table is important. (Jesus did.)
• Dessert Buffets bring people together.
• “You are all unique. You all have a gift.”
• “He is at a 2.75.” - “But…everyone deserves three strikes.” (I am learning to appreciate a good baseball metaphor…and just maybe this time we will get a homerun…or, at least, make it to base!)
• Singing to Cadence one day and being told she cannot find her singing voice…then, being sung back to from my favorite Cadence in the whole wide world a day later. The music is in there.
• And…as I noted to my two passengers, my favorite part of a funeral is the drive to the burial…as car after car stops and pays that final respect to a life lived here. This one in particular would have been 95 next week and was a World War II veteran and whose family adopted me many years ago, further proving to me that not all family has to be blood related. Glad I shared those sentiments recently to him…for one is not guaranteed tomorrow. Yes, I am very glad I like to talk.

#MusicIsGoodForYou

#OneCanTalkTooMuch?!

#IEnjoyBoth!

Just Plan to Read!

 I began using this chronological Bible reading plan several years ago.  What a blessing this has been in my life...and what a learning experience.

Seriously, I would not know the Bible as much as I do without this guide on the side...and because I purchased a study Bible once upon a time.  Then, another.  Then, maybe a few more...until I also had a chronological study bible to go alont with the above reading plan.

I truly value this hard copy of this reading plan as this reflects that journey over the years, on I so encourage you to begin.  Today, yes, would be a good day!

My One Word: Intentional

Choosing One Word has been such a means to spiritual growth for me.  Oh, the power of One Word!  This word journey I began in 2011, with that list growing and nurturing...

• 2011:  Peace
• 2012:  Quiet
• 2013;  Fit
• 2014:  Smile
• 2015:  Complete
• 2016:  All
• 2017:  Diligent
• 2018:  Less
• 2019:  Birth
• 2020:  Restore
• 2021:  Ponder
• 2022:  Knowledge

This year, I have chosen...or shall I say...a word has chosen me:  intentioal.  With that word in mind, I have decided to, also, use this year to not leave my other words behind.  I am creating a journal (the hard copy kind!) with a doublepage spread for each word and plan to add notes and testimonies for each word throughout 2023.  Why?  Not sure...I just "feel" to do so...yes, that nudging.

May we pause and reflect on 2022's word:  Knowledge

• I knew this was a strange word for me, for, as a teacher, I am always learning (as we all should be).  Learn I have, though, as this year began with all my classes having new curriculums!  Wow!
• Life, also, taught me more lessons, most of which, at the time, I really just did not want to learn!  But...that's life!  In all areas of my life...family, work, and church, yes, I had lessons to learn.
• This I know...raising kids is just so much easier when they are younger.
• This I know...family gatherings are imporant.
• This I know...church can be place where people do not like you.
• This I know...studying the Bible always leads to more knowledge.
• This I know...teaching to students who want to learn needs to be my focus.
• Am I smarter now?  Hummm...still not smart enough.  Just another reason I need a doublepage spread for the word knowledge in My One Word journal.  As a matter of fact, I may need to give each word more than just the two pages!

Looking Ahead:  with intention

• This word grabbed my attention while studying Kristi McLelland's The Gospel on the Ground (learning so much knowledge from her!).  From that point on, no other word would suffice.
• What are my intentions?  At this precise second, I want to focus more on intentionally completing what I find important, for instance, writing here and in my journal (that I have never consistently kept).  I, also, hope to be intentional with completing house work, grading papers, reading books, all of which seem to pile up quickly if I am not careful.
• Be present in the moment by listening more, talking less, being visible where I should and need to be.

I hope you choose One Word...or that you allow One Word to choose you.  Then, watch for that word.  Listen for that word.  This word will find you, shift your thinking, encourage you to grow.

May your One Word Journey begin now.