Christmas. You know that time of year that we are supposed to be celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ who came as fully God and fully man in order to make a bridge between us and God so that we might reach Him? Oh wait...I wouldn't know that by looking in the stores or in many people's homes. Instead I see big fat guys in red suits that are supposed to magically know when you are bad and good and only bring you gifts if you are good (this totally goes against the meaning of a gift by the way), tons of presents under the tree, sometimes people even going in debt to get the presents, and lots of hoopla about how you need more stuff this Christmas. Now I am not against presents and I think if you want to do Santa that's fine. But I am finding more and more that all of this commercialism is taking away from the real meaning of Christmas. I will be honest to say I am sick and tired of Santa and the fact that people are trying to find fulfillment in things makes me so sad. We did Santa when I was growing up and I loved it when I was little. But when I found out the truth, I was like what's the point? Why are we telling our kids they have to be good in order to get gifts from Santa? You know most people are going to give their kids the gifts anyway. I don't know about you, but I was taught that a gift was something I was given regardless of how I acted. Rewards were things given for a job well done. And God gave us the greatest gift ever that one night long ago in the form of a babe, His own son Jesus Christ. We definitely didn't deserve this gift and yet it was freely offered to us anyway. Because when we get down to it, none of us would ever really be "good" enough to ever get gifts from Santa anyway. We are selfish, we lie, we cheat, and we have this awful sin nature. And yet the greatest thing is that God gave us Jesus anyway. This is what I want to celebrate at Christmas time. Not Santa. Not the collection of things. Not going into debt getting gifts. Just Jesus. Because He is enough for me. So I have a lot of thoughts and questions about what I will do with my own kids and family one day. And here's what I have come up with so far....
1) Tell my kids the truth about Santa and how there was a real man named St. Nicholas who gave gifts to children in an orphanage and this is how the legend of Santa was born. We may decide to do "Santa" but the kids will really know it's gifts from their parents and it's just a sort of game we play.
2) Have Christmas be all about Jesus, because without Him there really wouldn't be Christmas. Share the Christmas story with my kids every chance I get and make it fun for them. Make a birthday cake for Jesus. Put up a nativity etc.
3) Do not do the elf on the shelf. The true concept behind it is just weird and I think they are just creepy. Instead hide the wise men in different places around the house as they are making their way to see Jesus and have them find the wise men every morning.
4) Instead of doing stockings, give my kids a pair of new slippers each year filled with treats and little toys. Talk about how this is because the wise men brought gifts to Jesus and they had to travel far to find Him.
5) When my kids are old enough have them write on a slip of paper what they want to give to Jesus that year and put it in a wrapped box with a slit on the top. They can give Him more time, maybe surrender their prideful attitude etc. This teaches that not only does Christ give us so much, but we are to give of ourselves back to Him.
6) Participate in Operation Christmas Child and have each of my children pack a shoebox for a child around the world that otherwise wouldn't get anything for Christmas.
Those are just some of my ideas for Christmas. I hope my future husband will agree with me on some of them, because I think they would be super fun and a neat way to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Why I WANT to be a stay at home mom
I am 23 years old . I am not married yet and I don't have kids. However, I know that when I do have kids I want to make the most of every moment I have with them. And that is one of the reasons why I want to be a stay at home mother. I received my Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, because I love to work with kids and people tell me I am good with them. My main goal in getting my degree was for me to home-school my children in the future. When I tell people this, a lot of them look at me like I am crazy and wonder why I would want to waste my degree. To which I reply, I am not wasting my degree...I will be using it for the people I love most in my life. I will have a great task to not only mold my children through home life, but to mold their minds and help encourage them to explore and learn. Sure, some days will be tough and I may want to pull out my hair, but does this mean I give up? Heavens, no. The Lord will give me strength to get through it and I will probably learn as much, if not more, than my kids through the whole process.
In a world that is continuing to grow more and more hostile to stay at home mothers, especially those that home-school, I would like to take a stand. I don't want the government to decide what my children will learn in school; they will be my children not the government's. And I am sick and tired of this common core stuff. Because let's be honest, common core math is stupid, stupid, STUPID!!! That's putting it lightly, ha! I want the freedom to choose my own curriculum and bring my children up righteously in a very hostile world to righteousness. No I am not going to stuff my children in a closet and yes they will get socialization.And by the way, children aren't supposed to go to school to socialize anyway. They are supposed to learn and I plan on them learning a lot and by leaps and bounds more than they could in a public school. I can't wait to do hands on learning experiences with them, take field trips whenever we want and not have to fill out a form, be flexible with our school schedule, and have lots of fun while learning. My kids will still get social interaction, because they will interact with others at church and hopefully with co-ops. And a lot of people I have met that were home-schooled were way smarter than any person who went to a public school. They seem to just be better well rounded individuals and that's got to say something.
No I won't get paid for teaching my kids and staying at home with them. At least I won't get paid in monetary form. However, the time I spend with them will be more precious than all the money in the world. My rewards will be in things money can't buy and can't take away. I will get to grow a special bond with my children and I won't look back on things later in life and say I wish I had spent more time with my kids, because I will have spent that time with them. It's a decision I have made and I am tired of those who look at me like I have grown a third eye when I tell them what I want to do. I know no other job that is more demanding than being a mother. However, I know no job that is more rewarding either. If you are a stay at home mom, kudos to you. Despite what the world may try to tell you, you are doing the hardest job there is to do. And it's a God- job. God has given you those children to bring up and love and you chose to go at that task with all of your heart. This is not to put down those mothers who have chosen to work outside the home or who need to work outside the home. Being a stay at home mom isn't for everyone, but it is for me. God has called me to it and some days may be extremely hard, but I will press on with the Lord as my pillar of strength. I won't give up, because my calling to be the best mother I can be is the greatest calling in the world. And I won't back down from that.
In a world that is continuing to grow more and more hostile to stay at home mothers, especially those that home-school, I would like to take a stand. I don't want the government to decide what my children will learn in school; they will be my children not the government's. And I am sick and tired of this common core stuff. Because let's be honest, common core math is stupid, stupid, STUPID!!! That's putting it lightly, ha! I want the freedom to choose my own curriculum and bring my children up righteously in a very hostile world to righteousness. No I am not going to stuff my children in a closet and yes they will get socialization.And by the way, children aren't supposed to go to school to socialize anyway. They are supposed to learn and I plan on them learning a lot and by leaps and bounds more than they could in a public school. I can't wait to do hands on learning experiences with them, take field trips whenever we want and not have to fill out a form, be flexible with our school schedule, and have lots of fun while learning. My kids will still get social interaction, because they will interact with others at church and hopefully with co-ops. And a lot of people I have met that were home-schooled were way smarter than any person who went to a public school. They seem to just be better well rounded individuals and that's got to say something.
No I won't get paid for teaching my kids and staying at home with them. At least I won't get paid in monetary form. However, the time I spend with them will be more precious than all the money in the world. My rewards will be in things money can't buy and can't take away. I will get to grow a special bond with my children and I won't look back on things later in life and say I wish I had spent more time with my kids, because I will have spent that time with them. It's a decision I have made and I am tired of those who look at me like I have grown a third eye when I tell them what I want to do. I know no other job that is more demanding than being a mother. However, I know no job that is more rewarding either. If you are a stay at home mom, kudos to you. Despite what the world may try to tell you, you are doing the hardest job there is to do. And it's a God- job. God has given you those children to bring up and love and you chose to go at that task with all of your heart. This is not to put down those mothers who have chosen to work outside the home or who need to work outside the home. Being a stay at home mom isn't for everyone, but it is for me. God has called me to it and some days may be extremely hard, but I will press on with the Lord as my pillar of strength. I won't give up, because my calling to be the best mother I can be is the greatest calling in the world. And I won't back down from that.
Monday, September 29, 2014
There is a God....
Believe it or not, there is a God. I know this because the Bible, the Word of Truth, declares it is so. I know this, because I can look all around me and see His handiwork in creation. But most of all I know this, because I have seen how He works in a life. And most importantly...I have seen how He works in my life. And that blows me away. You may or may not believe in God, but that's ok. You don't have to believe in the truth in order for it to be true. It's just true, whether you believe it or not. But let me tell you why I believe there is a God and how I have seen Him work in my life.
My parents got divorced when I was about 10. As a single parent raising two kids, my mom struggled. My Nana and Poppy helped out when they could, but things were still tight. My mom did her best and got a job, but the bills still kept stacking up and there were times when we couldn't pay them all. Our church helped out a lot and for that I am truly thankful. I know God used people to reveal Himself to us during those days. And sometimes we didn't know who it was. I remember having very little food in the house and being very creative with what we had. I can still take almost anything and whip something together today. There wasn't much money for groceries. One day my mom came home to a bag full of groceries on the front door. No note, no letter. Just a bag of groceries. We have no idea who gave it to us. Another time someone anonymously gave us money in an envelope to use for groceries. These people were the hands of God and it's because of these acts, I know there is a God. He was showing Himself to us through these selfless acts of others. It was when we were at an all-time low that the Lord kept showing up and providing for our needs. We didn't have much, but I never went hungry. I was never without clothes and I was never without shelter. Because MY God provides for our needs and He reveals Himself to us in all kinds of ways; many times using others to be His hands and feet.
So you can judge for yourself whether you believe there is a God or not. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord, because we know the truth: that there is a God and you can see glimpses of Him if you just look. And He can use even you to be His hands and feet to a lost and dying world.
My parents got divorced when I was about 10. As a single parent raising two kids, my mom struggled. My Nana and Poppy helped out when they could, but things were still tight. My mom did her best and got a job, but the bills still kept stacking up and there were times when we couldn't pay them all. Our church helped out a lot and for that I am truly thankful. I know God used people to reveal Himself to us during those days. And sometimes we didn't know who it was. I remember having very little food in the house and being very creative with what we had. I can still take almost anything and whip something together today. There wasn't much money for groceries. One day my mom came home to a bag full of groceries on the front door. No note, no letter. Just a bag of groceries. We have no idea who gave it to us. Another time someone anonymously gave us money in an envelope to use for groceries. These people were the hands of God and it's because of these acts, I know there is a God. He was showing Himself to us through these selfless acts of others. It was when we were at an all-time low that the Lord kept showing up and providing for our needs. We didn't have much, but I never went hungry. I was never without clothes and I was never without shelter. Because MY God provides for our needs and He reveals Himself to us in all kinds of ways; many times using others to be His hands and feet.
So you can judge for yourself whether you believe there is a God or not. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord, because we know the truth: that there is a God and you can see glimpses of Him if you just look. And He can use even you to be His hands and feet to a lost and dying world.
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Be Anxious for Nothing
Worry and Stress. These two words define a lot of people's lives in the day in which we live. And yet the Lord calls us in Philippians 4:6-7 to "be anxious for nothing, but in everything through prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." I know this verse by heart, but it is very hard for me to live out. Sure I bring things to the Lord in prayer, but it's like I only bring them halfway. I pray about things and still hold onto them myself to worry about them. The biggest area I struggle with is when it comes to finances and jobs. During the time of looking for a job, I get worried when something doesn't show up right away and I fret over my finances. But God always brings a job in His perfect timing. You know what I am realizing more and more? That we often spend way too much time worrying about the things of this world, and these things will pass away. We spend far less of our time concerning ourselves about the eternal. Last night when I was reading my devotional a Max Lucado quote struck me. It states "I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal." I asked myself do I let the things of this world, the things that will rot, rule me over the eternal? Sadly, a lot of times the answer is yes.
I have a long way to go with working on not worrying and just letting God take control of things. Because...newsflash, He is in control. The more I try to fight that and the more things I try to take control of myself, the more miserable I will be. However, I am definitely not where I used to be in this area. I worried myself sick, literally. I believe I get it honest (from my mother) and maybe just from my human nature, but that is not who I am anymore. I still worry sometimes and struggle with letting God take control, but I am not in that dark place I was in a few years ago. With God's grace, I am free from that type of worrying and I am continuing to work on that area in my life. The Lord is not done with me yet and I am so grateful He continues to work on me.
Next time you start to worry, perhaps you can do what I have started to do. Recite Philippians 4:6-7 to yourself. I challenge you to memorize it. It always reminds me that I need to bring things before the Lord in prayer with a thankful heart, because when I do this, He gives me peace. The peace He gives is like nothing the world has; it far surpasses anything the world has to offer. There is tremendous peace in letting go and letting God take control, because He is in control but He is a gentleman. He won't take something we are not willing to give. Instead of wrestling with our flesh and Spirit over it, we should just let go and let Him handle it. Trust me...He does a much better job than we could ever do. And if you are a born-again believer in Christ, you will be plain miserable if you hold on to things that you are supposed to hand over to Him. Experience a life of joy and tremendous peace by letting go and practicing being anxious for nothing.
I have a long way to go with working on not worrying and just letting God take control of things. Because...newsflash, He is in control. The more I try to fight that and the more things I try to take control of myself, the more miserable I will be. However, I am definitely not where I used to be in this area. I worried myself sick, literally. I believe I get it honest (from my mother) and maybe just from my human nature, but that is not who I am anymore. I still worry sometimes and struggle with letting God take control, but I am not in that dark place I was in a few years ago. With God's grace, I am free from that type of worrying and I am continuing to work on that area in my life. The Lord is not done with me yet and I am so grateful He continues to work on me.
Next time you start to worry, perhaps you can do what I have started to do. Recite Philippians 4:6-7 to yourself. I challenge you to memorize it. It always reminds me that I need to bring things before the Lord in prayer with a thankful heart, because when I do this, He gives me peace. The peace He gives is like nothing the world has; it far surpasses anything the world has to offer. There is tremendous peace in letting go and letting God take control, because He is in control but He is a gentleman. He won't take something we are not willing to give. Instead of wrestling with our flesh and Spirit over it, we should just let go and let Him handle it. Trust me...He does a much better job than we could ever do. And if you are a born-again believer in Christ, you will be plain miserable if you hold on to things that you are supposed to hand over to Him. Experience a life of joy and tremendous peace by letting go and practicing being anxious for nothing.
Sunday, August 10, 2014
The Power of Essential Oils
You may be thinking that this whole new essential oils craze is pretty wacky. You may think it's like some sort of hocus pocus medicine. Well I am here to assure you that it is not. Sure, you may be skeptical and so was my family at first. However, it really bothers me to have someone criticize the oils or make fun of them when they haven't even tried them. That is like telling someone you hate broccoli when you have never tried it before, so how would you know? I would say before you judge, give them a try for yourself. They may just work and blow you away. That's what it did for my family. Before I get in to that, let me tell you what essential oils are.
Essential oils are simply the purest oils from a plant with natural healing properties, and they bring your body down to the cellular level it needs to heal naturally. Most medicine actually has derivatives from these plants, but they produce them synthetically and add all kinds of fillers which can cause side effects. You can't be allergic to essential oils, because they are the purest form of the oil. They are also very powerful and most times you only need 1-2 drops. Some oils are also safe to use on kids, babies, and pets. You just have to dilute them more for kids and babies. You can use a carrier oil like olive oil or coconut oil to dilute them. It was actually God's plan was for us to use the plants for medicine. Ezekiel 47:12 states "Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for medicine." So no, essential oils are not weird. They are like God's gift to us that comes naturally from the earth, so why wouldn't you want to use it? Unless of course you think natural remedies are weird, then you can just stop reading now. Oils have been used for a long time. They were even brought to the baby Jesus by the wisemen. If you want to know more about the oils, go to http://www.doterra.com/us/essentialDefinition.php
You may still be skeptical and my family was too at first. However, we tried them and they worked so that spoke for itself. My mom got really sick this past Christmas. She was battling sinus infections, strep, etc. She kept going to the doctor and the medicine they prescribed wasn't working. In fact, the medicine she took gave her a yeast infection in her mouth. Yuck! Then a precious lady from our church heard about my mom and brought us the oils to try. My mom actually slept for a while that night and we called the lady back to ask her to bring more oils. She met with my mom and my step-dad. Seeing the change it made in my mom sold us on the oils and we decided to buy some ourselves. My mom was finally able to get better using the oils. Since then, we have all seen the power of the oils and what they can do to help our bodies heal naturally. We have foster kids and when they came to us, they had all kind of health problems. We started using the oils on them and they got better within a week. One of the kids has had the hardest battle with lice and we have been able to get rid of them and protect ourselves from getting them by using the essential oils. It's so much better than putting chemicals in the hair. That's just my family's story about using the oils. I am sure we will have more testimonials as we continue to use them over time. If you would like to look into buying some oils, you can go to this website to purchase them: https://nettrax.myvoffice.com/doterra/ShoppingCart/Shop.cfm?pid=66659935968304102
Here's to leading a natural, safe, and healthy life with essential oils!
Essential oils are simply the purest oils from a plant with natural healing properties, and they bring your body down to the cellular level it needs to heal naturally. Most medicine actually has derivatives from these plants, but they produce them synthetically and add all kinds of fillers which can cause side effects. You can't be allergic to essential oils, because they are the purest form of the oil. They are also very powerful and most times you only need 1-2 drops. Some oils are also safe to use on kids, babies, and pets. You just have to dilute them more for kids and babies. You can use a carrier oil like olive oil or coconut oil to dilute them. It was actually God's plan was for us to use the plants for medicine. Ezekiel 47:12 states "Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for medicine." So no, essential oils are not weird. They are like God's gift to us that comes naturally from the earth, so why wouldn't you want to use it? Unless of course you think natural remedies are weird, then you can just stop reading now. Oils have been used for a long time. They were even brought to the baby Jesus by the wisemen. If you want to know more about the oils, go to http://www.doterra.com/us/essentialDefinition.php
You may still be skeptical and my family was too at first. However, we tried them and they worked so that spoke for itself. My mom got really sick this past Christmas. She was battling sinus infections, strep, etc. She kept going to the doctor and the medicine they prescribed wasn't working. In fact, the medicine she took gave her a yeast infection in her mouth. Yuck! Then a precious lady from our church heard about my mom and brought us the oils to try. My mom actually slept for a while that night and we called the lady back to ask her to bring more oils. She met with my mom and my step-dad. Seeing the change it made in my mom sold us on the oils and we decided to buy some ourselves. My mom was finally able to get better using the oils. Since then, we have all seen the power of the oils and what they can do to help our bodies heal naturally. We have foster kids and when they came to us, they had all kind of health problems. We started using the oils on them and they got better within a week. One of the kids has had the hardest battle with lice and we have been able to get rid of them and protect ourselves from getting them by using the essential oils. It's so much better than putting chemicals in the hair. That's just my family's story about using the oils. I am sure we will have more testimonials as we continue to use them over time. If you would like to look into buying some oils, you can go to this website to purchase them: https://nettrax.myvoffice.com/doterra/ShoppingCart/Shop.cfm?pid=66659935968304102
Here's to leading a natural, safe, and healthy life with essential oils!
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
A Strand of Three Cords...
A strand of three cords...it's not easily broken. This Bible verse, specifically Ecclesiastes 4: 12, was mentioned at my brother's wedding this past weekend as him and his bride Mindi had their arms intertwined together with a cord braided with three strands. One strand represented my brother, one represented Mindi, and one represented God.
God is what holds the marriage together and makes it work. I know, because I watched my own parents' marriage fall apart due to the fact God wasn't at the center of it. My mom tried so hard, but my dad wasn't in it to focus on God and try to make the marriage work. And so it crumbled. Because when God is not at the center, we fail.
I am so glad I got to witness my big brother marry the love of his life this past Friday, a woman whom I know puts her focus on God. I look at how far my brother has come and I smile. Because God is truly a miracle worker and the proof lies in the face of my brother. This face I see is the same face that used to look worn-out and addicted and yet it is so different. Where once his eyes were red-rimmed, his eyes now shine with joy. Jesus looks great on my brother. I can show you before and after pictures and you would surely agree with me. I could not be more proud of my brother. What the devil tried to steal away from us, the Lord has surely restored. I don't have a brother in name only anymore who just shows up when something is wrong, but I have a real honest to goodness brother and he is also now my brother in Christ. It can't get any better than that!
I wish both my brother and his bride, Mindi, much joy in their marriage as they both strive to follow God's will for their lives. And I am super excited to one day walk down the aisle myself and commit myself in marriage to my man of God so we can begin our journey together, keeping God at the center of it. Blessings on you, Jon and Mindi!
God is what holds the marriage together and makes it work. I know, because I watched my own parents' marriage fall apart due to the fact God wasn't at the center of it. My mom tried so hard, but my dad wasn't in it to focus on God and try to make the marriage work. And so it crumbled. Because when God is not at the center, we fail.
I am so glad I got to witness my big brother marry the love of his life this past Friday, a woman whom I know puts her focus on God. I look at how far my brother has come and I smile. Because God is truly a miracle worker and the proof lies in the face of my brother. This face I see is the same face that used to look worn-out and addicted and yet it is so different. Where once his eyes were red-rimmed, his eyes now shine with joy. Jesus looks great on my brother. I can show you before and after pictures and you would surely agree with me. I could not be more proud of my brother. What the devil tried to steal away from us, the Lord has surely restored. I don't have a brother in name only anymore who just shows up when something is wrong, but I have a real honest to goodness brother and he is also now my brother in Christ. It can't get any better than that!
I wish both my brother and his bride, Mindi, much joy in their marriage as they both strive to follow God's will for their lives. And I am super excited to one day walk down the aisle myself and commit myself in marriage to my man of God so we can begin our journey together, keeping God at the center of it. Blessings on you, Jon and Mindi!
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| Jon and Mindi getting hitched- July 11, 2014 |
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Summer Fun
Do you need ideas to do with your kids or perhaps the kids you watch throughout the long Summer days? I am a nanny and also have foster siblings, so I am always looking for new activities and things to do. Whether it is going to the park or splash pad, the pool, doing a craft, or some other cool activity I am all for finding things that are fun and make the time go by a lot better. Making homemade play dough is fun! There are tons of recipes out there, some you cook and some you don't have to cook over a stove. I tend to like the one that is cooked since it seems to last longer. The recipe I use can be found on this site- http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-Playdough-Play-doh/ You can add food coloring for colors and even add things to make it smell good like Kool-Aid or vanilla extract, lemon juice etc.
One of my favorite art projects that I have done in the past and just did recently with 2 kids I am a nanny for is Rainbow Sponge Painting. For this project, you have the kids paint on a sponge and then wipe the sponge hard in an arc on paper to make a rainbow. They turn out so cool! This is a picture of some kids I have watched in the past doing Rainbow Sponge Painting.
Materials you need are: a sponge for each kid, a paintbrush for each kid, washable paint for the colors of the rainbow (I use Crayola Washable Paint),some sturdy paper like card stock or poster board cut up (I get poster boards at the Dollar Tree for 50 cents apiece and cut it into 4 pieces).
Have the kids paint the colors of the rainbow on the sponge in stripes vertically (make sure they used plenty of paint), place it horizontally on one end of the paper and wipe hard in an arc to the other end of the paper. They may need to put more paint on the sponge and finish it off as it likes to fade sometimes near the end, or you can keep it that way if you like. You can frame these and they would make cool artwork to decorate your house or the kid's room with.
Next I am going to try making big bubbles with some solution, a baby pool I think, and perhaps hula-hoops. If it works out, I will share the results with you all. Have fun creating with the kids!
One of my favorite art projects that I have done in the past and just did recently with 2 kids I am a nanny for is Rainbow Sponge Painting. For this project, you have the kids paint on a sponge and then wipe the sponge hard in an arc on paper to make a rainbow. They turn out so cool! This is a picture of some kids I have watched in the past doing Rainbow Sponge Painting.
Have the kids paint the colors of the rainbow on the sponge in stripes vertically (make sure they used plenty of paint), place it horizontally on one end of the paper and wipe hard in an arc to the other end of the paper. They may need to put more paint on the sponge and finish it off as it likes to fade sometimes near the end, or you can keep it that way if you like. You can frame these and they would make cool artwork to decorate your house or the kid's room with.
Next I am going to try making big bubbles with some solution, a baby pool I think, and perhaps hula-hoops. If it works out, I will share the results with you all. Have fun creating with the kids!
Monday, June 2, 2014
The Nanny Life
I just started a new job today as a summer nanny for a family that lives less than 5 minutes away from me. It's my third time being a nanny for a family- they do say third times the charm right? My other nanny jobs went great as well, but circumstances made me have to stop so here I am again with another nanny position. I couldn't be more thrilled. I am watching 3 kids, a sweet and helpful 14 year old girl, an adorable blonde hair 5 year old girl, and a rambunctious handsome 3 year old almost 4 year old boy. So I have started doing something I love to do once again. Why do I love to do it? Because it's like training for being a mom and I love doing things with the kids. Reading with them, watching movies, playing outside, doing arts and crafts, playing games and the list goes on. I don't have to do too many household chores, but am paid to really just play with kids the whole day and keep them safe while keeping the house somewhat clean. Who wouldn't love it? Ok, so maybe some wouldn't but it's something I truly enjoy. I enjoy it so much that the hours seem to go by faster. With living the Nanny life, I have some things I have discovered and learned about watching kids.
1) Never ever fall for the line "But my mom lets me do this." It is 98% of the time wrong, wrong, wrong. Kids think they can pull a fast one over on you, but don't let them. Respond with "Well I am not your mom so I am not going to let you do that" or "Well I am not too sure about that, but I will be sure to talk to your mom later about it and ask her. If she says you can do it, then you can do it then."
2) Kids love it when you interact with them. Do a puzzle, play a game, go outside, but don't just sit there on the phone, or watch TV or read a book all day while they entertain themselves. That is not what you get paid for. They usually end up getting in trouble if you let them "entertain" themselves for too long.
3) Bring a bag full of goodies. Kids love this. They love to see what I have new in my bag each day. It may be a new game, new books, a puzzle, or crafts. It is a great boredom buster.
4) When all else fails, create. Kids of all ages love to create things whether it be robots from plastic cups, homemade play dough, watercolor paintings, etc. Just get them creating, let them be imaginative, and watch their creativity take flight.
5) If you don't know where something is, ask one of the kids. Chances are they know where it is and can show you. They normally love to help you out.
6) Don't let the kids get away with things. If you give them an order, make them follow through on it. Don't be afraid about being mean on your first day. Show them love, but expect them to obey. It is better to be strict first and sweet later, than to be all sweet first and try to be strict later. It just won't work. They will come to know what you expect and will respect you for this.
7) Don't be afraid to contact the parent about something. This does not show you that you failed, it just shows you know how to ask someone for advice or help. The parents know their kids the best and if you need to know something that is kind of urgent, text or call the parent. They will appreciate it a lot more, rather than you just letting it slide.
Well those are some tips I have picked up from babysitting and being a Nanny. I hope someone can benefit from them out there! Always remember that children are precious gifts from God. Show them His love and you will be duly rewarded.
1) Never ever fall for the line "But my mom lets me do this." It is 98% of the time wrong, wrong, wrong. Kids think they can pull a fast one over on you, but don't let them. Respond with "Well I am not your mom so I am not going to let you do that" or "Well I am not too sure about that, but I will be sure to talk to your mom later about it and ask her. If she says you can do it, then you can do it then."
2) Kids love it when you interact with them. Do a puzzle, play a game, go outside, but don't just sit there on the phone, or watch TV or read a book all day while they entertain themselves. That is not what you get paid for. They usually end up getting in trouble if you let them "entertain" themselves for too long.
3) Bring a bag full of goodies. Kids love this. They love to see what I have new in my bag each day. It may be a new game, new books, a puzzle, or crafts. It is a great boredom buster.
4) When all else fails, create. Kids of all ages love to create things whether it be robots from plastic cups, homemade play dough, watercolor paintings, etc. Just get them creating, let them be imaginative, and watch their creativity take flight.
5) If you don't know where something is, ask one of the kids. Chances are they know where it is and can show you. They normally love to help you out.
6) Don't let the kids get away with things. If you give them an order, make them follow through on it. Don't be afraid about being mean on your first day. Show them love, but expect them to obey. It is better to be strict first and sweet later, than to be all sweet first and try to be strict later. It just won't work. They will come to know what you expect and will respect you for this.
7) Don't be afraid to contact the parent about something. This does not show you that you failed, it just shows you know how to ask someone for advice or help. The parents know their kids the best and if you need to know something that is kind of urgent, text or call the parent. They will appreciate it a lot more, rather than you just letting it slide.
Well those are some tips I have picked up from babysitting and being a Nanny. I hope someone can benefit from them out there! Always remember that children are precious gifts from God. Show them His love and you will be duly rewarded.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Approaching Graduation
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| April 2014 |
Sunday, April 20, 2014
An Encounter with the Risen Lord
As I reflected on Christ's Resurrection today, I was reading the accounts in Mark 16 and John 20 about the Resurrection. I am particularly enthralled with the encounter Jesus had with Mary Magdalene, as it is recorded that she is the first person He appeared to. I began to wonder what it must have been like for Mary Magdalene and what emotions she had as she found the tomb empty, wondered where her Lord had been taken, and then encountered the risen Savior herself. This is a poem I wrote about it. Hope you enjoy.
"An Encounter with the Risen Lord "
Solemnly, we made our way
To the tomb that day.
The One whom we called Lord
Lay dead in a grave.
Spices were brought to anoint His body.
We expected to see a dead man,
But we received so much more.
As we made our way closer,
We saw the stone from the tomb rolled away.
As we entered, we discovered that no body was in the tomb.
I began to fret and panic,
Thinking someone had stole Him away in the night
And I wondered where the guards had gone.
A man robed in white, shining forth like the sun,
Sat at the side in the tomb.
He declared to us:
"Don't be afraid! You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene who was crucified.
He is not here, but He is risen as He said!"
Trembling, full of amazement and fear, we fled.
The angel told us to tell everyone,
But who were we to say anything?
We were only women and my reputation
Wouldn't do much for the words I spoke.
How could we even know this was true?
Full of fear, wonder, and doubt,
We didn't know what to do.
As we ran, we dropped our baskets,
Our task left undone.
We came expecting to find His body,
But there was none.
I feel to the ground, weeping openly.
Where was my Lord who delivered me from demons?
How could he just be gone?
And through my tears, I heard a voice calling out to me.
I thought it was the gardener
And I pleaded for him to tell me
where the body was, if he had removed it.
Then I heard Him say my name.
I turned and saw His face-
it was Jesus, it was my Lord!
He was alive and well!
I called out to Him and He told me to tell the other about Him
And how He would ascend to His Father in heaven.
I left running, this time not from fear,but excitement.
Declaring "I have seen the Lord!"
I came expecting to find a dead man,
But I encountered the risen Lord.
Friday, April 18, 2014
Taking Back Easter?
Easter. This world associates it with an Easter Bunny and lots of candy-filled plastic eggs. Even I grew up receiving Easter baskets filled with goodies and went on egg hunts. Now I am not saying that people who partake in this are sinning, but I am realizing more and more how the commercialism of Easter sickens me. It sickens me that there is so much attention placed on a fictional bunny rather than the Savior who I believe is what Easter is all about. Yes I know Easter came from pagan backgrounds and was only modified to fit Christian beliefs. I hear so many people talk about how we need to take back Easter in the churches, because it has become so commercialized. Why? When you truly know how Easter was first started, why would you think we need to take back a pagan holiday? How about forgetting the pagan holiday and declaring that you do not celebrate "Easter"? I know today that I do not celebrate Easter. I celebrate Resurrection Day. I celebrate the fact that my Savior rose again, conquered death, and is sitting at the right hand of God. And He is coming back for His children. So if I celebrate Resurrection Day, why should I be so disappointed with the world for celebrating Easter? They are only celebrating what they know and what they have been taught. However, Christians who seem to put more emphasis on the Easter bunny rather than the Savior disappoint me. I am even slightly offended by the chocolate crosses they sell similar to the chocolate Easter bunnies. Has the cross become that glorified? The cross is a method of destruction, not for glorification. I should never forget how ugly the cross and the events surrounding it were, because my Savior Jesus Christ paid a huge price for my sin debt against God. He was scourged, beaten, bruised, pierced, mocked at, spit at, and more...all for me. All so I could have the chance to be right with God. The cross is not something beautiful to be admired, it's something repulsive to be remembered. And that repulsive cross was meant for me. Jesus died in my place on that repulsive cross because of His great love for me. And He didn't stay in the grave, but rose again on the third day.
"Death, where is your victory? Death, where is your sting? Now the sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!"- 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 Death was defeated and the victory was won by Jesus rising from the grave on the third day, just as He said He would. It is because of this victory that we can walk in newness of life and have the victory through Christ in our own Christian walk. Christians serve a risen Savior. His death was necessary for us to be in communion with God, but He did not stay dead. I choose to celebrate Resurrection Day and bypass the worldly attributes of Easter. And when I have my own family one day I want to teach my children about the importance of Christ's death and Resurrection and not dwell on some Easter bunny and plastic eggs. This is my personal conviction and I pray I can follow the Lord as He leads me in this. I hope everyone has a blessed Resurrection Day and remembers why we celebrate this time.
"Death, where is your victory? Death, where is your sting? Now the sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!"- 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 Death was defeated and the victory was won by Jesus rising from the grave on the third day, just as He said He would. It is because of this victory that we can walk in newness of life and have the victory through Christ in our own Christian walk. Christians serve a risen Savior. His death was necessary for us to be in communion with God, but He did not stay dead. I choose to celebrate Resurrection Day and bypass the worldly attributes of Easter. And when I have my own family one day I want to teach my children about the importance of Christ's death and Resurrection and not dwell on some Easter bunny and plastic eggs. This is my personal conviction and I pray I can follow the Lord as He leads me in this. I hope everyone has a blessed Resurrection Day and remembers why we celebrate this time.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Spiritual Battles
Spiritual Battles. They are real. All you have to do is look at Ephesians 6:12, which states "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world,
against spiritual wickedness in high places." That, right there, is proof that we will have spiritual battles in this world. However, I will be the first to tell you I believe they are misunderstand by most people and even by people who seem to be strong in Christ. I do believe in people going through times of spiritual battles, but I also believe that sometimes people label things as battles when they are not. As if it's some kind of excuse or some reason to point at the person to say they need to get closer to God, because by golly the sickness they are going through has to be a spiritual battle. I am so tired of hearing people tell me "Oh you must be going through a spiritual battle" when I tell them I am sick or hear of people saying that is what someone else is going through whenever they encounter something harsh. It can be illness, loss of a job, loss of a loved one, financial struggles etc. There will always be those people who are so quick to judge and so quick to say that Satan must be attacking the person. Hearing people say those things makes me think of my great grandmother who believed God let people get sick to punish them for some wrongdoing or sin in their life. The idea is just wrong and sickening. Of course God can use sickness to judge someone, but it is not always the reason someone gets sick. Many pure and upright Christians get sick everyday and through no fault of their own. I also do believe those things may come as a result of Satan attacking them, because they are so on fire for the Lord. However, I do not believe anyone has the right to so quickly accuse someone of going through a spiritual battle without looking into the matter more deeply and with much prayer.
May I just suggest something? Every sickness, every death, every heartbreak is NOT the result of a spiritual battle. It is always the result of us living in a fallen world. People get sick and lose their job and others may think Satan is trying to attack them. However, God could have allowed the circumstances in their life for another reason. God may have a different course for their life than the one they are on and the only way it can be accomplished is if they go through some of those harsh things in life. I have been very sick before and it makes me mad when people try to use the whole "Oh, Satan was really attacking you" line. If Satan had been attacking me, don't you think I would know it? My love for the Lord never changed during the time I was sick, I never felt further apart from God. In fact, I drew closer to Him through my time of hardship. Sure, I was frustrated with being sick and I asked for healing. Who wouldn't? However, the thought never crossed my mind that I must be going through a spiritual battle even after much time in prayer and in the Word about the matter. I live in a fallen world and I just got sick. It was a combination of things and I had to change some things in my life such as my diet etc. I don't know why I got sick at the time I did, but I do know I have drawn closer to the Lord through it. Maybe part of it was a spiritual battle, but certainly not the whole thing.
I know that Christians will encounter spiritual battles in life, but it is not up to someone else to tell you what is a spiritual battle and what isn't. The Holy Spirit will guide you in those matters and reveal to you when you are going through such battles. He will also give you the discernment to just realize you are simply going through it, because you live in a fallen world. Don't be so quick to listen to others, but always bathe every matter in prayer and by spending much time in God's Word. He will reveal the truth to you.
May I just suggest something? Every sickness, every death, every heartbreak is NOT the result of a spiritual battle. It is always the result of us living in a fallen world. People get sick and lose their job and others may think Satan is trying to attack them. However, God could have allowed the circumstances in their life for another reason. God may have a different course for their life than the one they are on and the only way it can be accomplished is if they go through some of those harsh things in life. I have been very sick before and it makes me mad when people try to use the whole "Oh, Satan was really attacking you" line. If Satan had been attacking me, don't you think I would know it? My love for the Lord never changed during the time I was sick, I never felt further apart from God. In fact, I drew closer to Him through my time of hardship. Sure, I was frustrated with being sick and I asked for healing. Who wouldn't? However, the thought never crossed my mind that I must be going through a spiritual battle even after much time in prayer and in the Word about the matter. I live in a fallen world and I just got sick. It was a combination of things and I had to change some things in my life such as my diet etc. I don't know why I got sick at the time I did, but I do know I have drawn closer to the Lord through it. Maybe part of it was a spiritual battle, but certainly not the whole thing.
I know that Christians will encounter spiritual battles in life, but it is not up to someone else to tell you what is a spiritual battle and what isn't. The Holy Spirit will guide you in those matters and reveal to you when you are going through such battles. He will also give you the discernment to just realize you are simply going through it, because you live in a fallen world. Don't be so quick to listen to others, but always bathe every matter in prayer and by spending much time in God's Word. He will reveal the truth to you.
Sunday, February 16, 2014
An Inward Beauty Beyond Compare
Everywhere I go, I see girls who constantly change the color of their hair, cake on the make-up, wear clothes that this world would consider fashionable but make me cringe, and sometimes wear high heels that look like they will topple at any minute. Some of these are people I know and when I see them it breaks my heart. What I am about to say is not what the world would say and is not considered fashionable by the world's standards. But it's what God says.
1 Peter 3:3-4 states "Your beauty should not consist of outward things like elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold ornaments or fine clothes; instead, it should consist of the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very valuable in God's eyes." Can it get any plainer? My hearts breaks when I see people who constantly change the color of their hair and who constantly are trying to make themselves up so much, they look plastic. It may not be intended, but when I see these people I see them as not happy with the way God created them. And my heart breaks, because I think they are beautiful just the way God made them. Psalm 139: 14 states " I will praise You, because I am wonderfully and fearfully made. Your works are wonderful and I know this very well." God made you. And the hair color He gave you, the color of your eyes, the profile of your face....He gave you for a reason. Do you think He made a mistake? You were created in His image. He wanted you to have that hair color and He made you beautiful just the way you are. You don't have to go paint on the make-up like you are a china doll. I am in no way against wearing make-up and I think it's great when you want to accent what God has given you, but please don't put so much on that you cover up the natural beauty God gave you. It just looks unnatural and weird, like you have a problem with the way you look and you want to mask it.
I am having to train myself to look in the mirror before I go anywhere, whether it be school or work or church, to ask myself "Am I too flashy?" "Am I drawing too much attention to myself?" I shouldn't be trying to distract people with how I look on the outside, but let my inward beauty which God has cultivated in me to shine through. So I don't go for the really high heels and the most fashionable clothes that are in fact not modest, because I know God has called me to something more. He has called me to lead a godly life and it's not easy, but it's His standard and I shouldn't lower it for any reason. I may not be the most popular person, but neither was Jesus. It's the joy of the Lord that comes from the heart that makes a woman truly beautiful. Otherwise, she is just a pretty, empty corpse.
So please, before you go put on tons of make-up or try to make yourself look like a Hollywood Movie Star (and yes I believe those people look plastic and fake), find joy in the way God created You. He makes no mistakes and if you are a Christian, His beauty shines from the inward person of your heart. He made you beautiful from the inside-out, not from the outside-in. The world's definition of beauty is not the same as God's definition of beauty. Which one are you living for? I pray for myself and every other girl or woman I know, that they would live for God's definition of beauty. It's the only way you will truly be satisfied for He gives us a joy that is unspeakable.
1 Peter 3:3-4 states "Your beauty should not consist of outward things like elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold ornaments or fine clothes; instead, it should consist of the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very valuable in God's eyes." Can it get any plainer? My hearts breaks when I see people who constantly change the color of their hair and who constantly are trying to make themselves up so much, they look plastic. It may not be intended, but when I see these people I see them as not happy with the way God created them. And my heart breaks, because I think they are beautiful just the way God made them. Psalm 139: 14 states " I will praise You, because I am wonderfully and fearfully made. Your works are wonderful and I know this very well." God made you. And the hair color He gave you, the color of your eyes, the profile of your face....He gave you for a reason. Do you think He made a mistake? You were created in His image. He wanted you to have that hair color and He made you beautiful just the way you are. You don't have to go paint on the make-up like you are a china doll. I am in no way against wearing make-up and I think it's great when you want to accent what God has given you, but please don't put so much on that you cover up the natural beauty God gave you. It just looks unnatural and weird, like you have a problem with the way you look and you want to mask it.
I am having to train myself to look in the mirror before I go anywhere, whether it be school or work or church, to ask myself "Am I too flashy?" "Am I drawing too much attention to myself?" I shouldn't be trying to distract people with how I look on the outside, but let my inward beauty which God has cultivated in me to shine through. So I don't go for the really high heels and the most fashionable clothes that are in fact not modest, because I know God has called me to something more. He has called me to lead a godly life and it's not easy, but it's His standard and I shouldn't lower it for any reason. I may not be the most popular person, but neither was Jesus. It's the joy of the Lord that comes from the heart that makes a woman truly beautiful. Otherwise, she is just a pretty, empty corpse.
So please, before you go put on tons of make-up or try to make yourself look like a Hollywood Movie Star (and yes I believe those people look plastic and fake), find joy in the way God created You. He makes no mistakes and if you are a Christian, His beauty shines from the inward person of your heart. He made you beautiful from the inside-out, not from the outside-in. The world's definition of beauty is not the same as God's definition of beauty. Which one are you living for? I pray for myself and every other girl or woman I know, that they would live for God's definition of beauty. It's the only way you will truly be satisfied for He gives us a joy that is unspeakable.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
This is NOT my home..
I will be completely honest...sometimes this world just makes me cry. It's tough sometimes living in this world, especially if you have a tender heart like me. I am not trying to brag, because I know only the Lord could have given me this heart for others. On my own, I would just be bitter, cruel, and downright mean. Thankfully the Lord saved me and changed me, so much for the better. He has given me compassion. Most people think this is a great thing, but sometimes I'm not so sure if I would describe it as great. Hard. Now that's a word I could readily describe it as. Having Christ-like compassion in a world that is so against Christ is hard. Extremely hard. Some days it leaves me feeling exhausted, beat up, and discouraged. And yet I wake up the next day and do the same thing over again. Why? Because Christ commands me to have love for others, even my enemies. Even when it's extremely hard. It may be hard, but I know in the end it's rewarding.
So for those of you living for Christ in this dark world and getting discouraged, don't give up hope. You are doing the right thing. Don't listen to what the world says about you and don't beat yourself up. That's just what the devil wants you to do. He wants you to start feeling terrible about yourself so you will stop having compassion for others. Don't let him get to you. Always remember that we are merely passing through. This is not our home as Christians and it is not our final destination. Let your heart cry and your prayer be "Take this world and give me Jesus. This is not where I belong." People will let you down, hurt you, and disappoint you. But they don't define you. Jesus does. He is the ultimate Judge. Others can say all they want about you, but if you are living right in the sight of the Lord that's all that matters. Next time you start getting down, you just tell yourself "This is not my home. I am living for eternity, not this world." It will be hard and it will be painful, but He will be beside you every step of the way. A follower's footsteps are not always so easy, so don't think they should be.
So for those of you living for Christ in this dark world and getting discouraged, don't give up hope. You are doing the right thing. Don't listen to what the world says about you and don't beat yourself up. That's just what the devil wants you to do. He wants you to start feeling terrible about yourself so you will stop having compassion for others. Don't let him get to you. Always remember that we are merely passing through. This is not our home as Christians and it is not our final destination. Let your heart cry and your prayer be "Take this world and give me Jesus. This is not where I belong." People will let you down, hurt you, and disappoint you. But they don't define you. Jesus does. He is the ultimate Judge. Others can say all they want about you, but if you are living right in the sight of the Lord that's all that matters. Next time you start getting down, you just tell yourself "This is not my home. I am living for eternity, not this world." It will be hard and it will be painful, but He will be beside you every step of the way. A follower's footsteps are not always so easy, so don't think they should be.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
The Adventure has Begun: Student Teaching
I just completed my third week ( I am only going three days a week to fulfill my hours) of Student Teaching. I must say it is fun already and I am learning a lot! I am Student Teaching at a small local Christian school with the 1st grade. I really could not have asked for a better supervising teacher and I praise God for orchestrating that all for me. The teacher is super nice, friendly, and makes Student Teaching not be as stressful as it could be. It is apparently a big deal that I am a student teacher there, because they haven't had one in about 5 years! No pressure there right? Everyone I have met so far though seems to like me, so hopefully they still will when my 12 weeks is over. Ha!
I just wanted to share with you a little about my Student Teaching experience so far, so you could get a glimpse into my life for a minute or two. I am working with 10 1st grade students and they have already all captured my heart. They are just so precious and I pray everyday for each and everyone of them! Most of them come up to give me hugs now and will come up and ask me questions as well as their teacher. They also have been pretty excited when I have taught them a few times. I started by teaching Bible this week. I had done some reading with them and gave make up tests prior to that, but that was the first lesson I actually taught. Tuesday was my first day and I had to cram 2 lessons into the normal time slot for Bible. That was a challenge and I was so extremely nervous. While I did good for my first time (or so the teacher said), I know my face was red the entire time I was teaching. Thankfully, that didn't seem to bother the kids. Yesterday I did so much better with the lesson and wasn't quite as nervous. I know it's going to be a process. I love how exceptionally bright those first graders can be and it blows me away at times. I already have tons of stories and will add so many more before I am done.
This past week was also Spirit week and we had some dress up days. My favorite was Fairy Tale Character day on Wednesday. I went as Alice in Wonderland and the kids got a kick out of that. It was fun to see the kids' costumes and hear what they had to say about them. One little girl came into the class dressed up as Merida from the movie "Brave". She didn't know what the princess's name was so she came in exclaiming "I'm brave! I'm brave!" Isn't that just too precious? The teacher and I laughed and laughed over that one. I am enjoying getting to know each of the children and learning about their personalities. They are all treasures in their own way. Here is a picture of me as Alice. Some of the older children at chapel say I look a lot like her. What do you think?
Stay tuned to hear more adventures of me from the wonderland of Student Teaching in a 1st grade classroom. Have a blessed day!
I just wanted to share with you a little about my Student Teaching experience so far, so you could get a glimpse into my life for a minute or two. I am working with 10 1st grade students and they have already all captured my heart. They are just so precious and I pray everyday for each and everyone of them! Most of them come up to give me hugs now and will come up and ask me questions as well as their teacher. They also have been pretty excited when I have taught them a few times. I started by teaching Bible this week. I had done some reading with them and gave make up tests prior to that, but that was the first lesson I actually taught. Tuesday was my first day and I had to cram 2 lessons into the normal time slot for Bible. That was a challenge and I was so extremely nervous. While I did good for my first time (or so the teacher said), I know my face was red the entire time I was teaching. Thankfully, that didn't seem to bother the kids. Yesterday I did so much better with the lesson and wasn't quite as nervous. I know it's going to be a process. I love how exceptionally bright those first graders can be and it blows me away at times. I already have tons of stories and will add so many more before I am done.
This past week was also Spirit week and we had some dress up days. My favorite was Fairy Tale Character day on Wednesday. I went as Alice in Wonderland and the kids got a kick out of that. It was fun to see the kids' costumes and hear what they had to say about them. One little girl came into the class dressed up as Merida from the movie "Brave". She didn't know what the princess's name was so she came in exclaiming "I'm brave! I'm brave!" Isn't that just too precious? The teacher and I laughed and laughed over that one. I am enjoying getting to know each of the children and learning about their personalities. They are all treasures in their own way. Here is a picture of me as Alice. Some of the older children at chapel say I look a lot like her. What do you think?
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