360 degree flip

Wow, I knew it could happen but didn't allow myself to go there until it did. I am back in the classroom this fall!!! It is amazing to consider in just mere weeks I will be back to "Ms. Oelke" to 20 or so lil ones-but not so little-5/6 graders are not all to little and actually! What a transition it will be from first grade and the very casual daycare setting I have been at. I have appreciated the time I have had at the daycare and the numerous lessons I learned from being there and the journey I have taken to get back to the classroom! In just a few weeks time I will be not only a teacher but a coach--yes don't die from laughing so hard but I will be helping to coach the high school volleyball team and possibly the Jr. high girls basketball team. Although I have no experience whats-so ever coaching I am excited for the new adventure and the lessons I might learn about myself and the world around me through the experience. It is amazing how God prepares everything-things that I never thought would come to help me out in the future career have been vital in getting this job-merely playing the sport and having a general idea of how the sport works! God has also taken care of some other prior obligations that I had and provided people who are willing and able to step up and take them over due to school or volleyball conflicts. It is a joy to stop stressing (I did that last night-had my little freak out party) and just reflect on how God as already provided and been faithful and trust God will continue to take care of everything and provide all that is needed! It is so much fun to see where God's hand is already at work and to consider what he might do this on this new journey. I will be moving out to Hendrum at some point. I am not sure when and I am not exactly sure where but that will also be a change. From being able to meet up with family or friends at a moments notice to having to have everything somewhat planned from my shopping and get gas! My life will look very different very soon but it is an exciting difference and I am ready to go on the adventure! You can look forward to some stories from the classroom or the court in the future!

Good Stuff

Commit to the LORD whatever you do,

and your plans will succeed.

The LORD works out everything for his own ends-

even the wicked for a day of disaster...

In his heart a man plans his course,

but the LORD determines his steps.

Proverbs 16: 3, 4, 9

What encouraging words when the world wants to get in the way of our faith!

Exhausted

As I type I am half asleep, as well as very physically and emotionally drained.I love relationships and think that they are the most important thing that you can invest in while here on Earth; with the most important relationship of all being the one you have with Jesus Christ. Although I truly believe relationships are vital and much needed I am ready to throw them out the door and not look back. I look around me and see my co-workers stress and frustration from relationships with co-workers and the children as well as stresses from relationships outside of work. I look into my own life and see relationships numerous positive relationships where there is mutual support and encouragement with among one another. I am so very blessed with many dear friends and loved ones that I adore spending time with; dear people in my life who accept me just as I am and who I am becoming with each passing day. But I also see other relationships with much strain and toxic relationships at need to be dealt with in a positive and respectful manner but dealt with non the less. Do I think they will be this way forever, not all, but some possibly. With those that I feel wont change I will give them up to God and go let go as he leads me. I am also thankful for these relationships as they help shape me into the person God has for me to be and valuable lessons are learned from such relationships. They too will forever impact my life. It saddens me to think that people come and go in your life. I love the coming portion but not so much the going portion but have come to terms that as much as it hurts at times-change is a good thing and can bring healing. Sometimes it just means a change in how you interact with one another and how often you meet up, etc. due to a variety of situations. Other times it means that you have to recognize that God is saying it is just time to move on. Seasons come and go and there is a reason for that...and in the end it is all for God's glory! So even though I am drained and don't think I can handle much more, and consider how simple my life would be (but really have no meaning or purpose) without relationships I will continue to strive to be a positive influence in the lives of those who God brings to me and puts into my life, no matter how long or short of a time they may be in my life. Living one day at a time, minute to minute, walking with the King.

A good feeling

I must say it isn't very often that I have a some what of a low key, productive weekend. Usually I have heaps of things going on such as tutoring a few hours, babysitting, running around to shops, preping for the next week, doing stuff with the family, cleaning up from the weeks activities, etc. so not that I lead the most exciting life but the point is the weekend events typically eat up my weekends real fast. However, this weekend has been exceptionally productive and left me with a great feeling! It was very productive! Friday I was able to spend time with my aunt and cousins! It was good to have a relaxing evening with them. Saturday, I was able to scratch things off the "To Do" list so that later in the week I can maybe be a bit more low key and do some hobbies! I was so excited that by Saturday afternoon I had cleaned out my kitchen and room taking numerous tubs to the garage as I will be moving (yes again! I never stay anywhere too long!)! I was also able to bake 2 batches of banana bread biscotti and 4 loaves of banana bread, throw in a few hours of tutoring and some time with one of my favorite girls, Riley! Saturday was a good day! Sunday was also productive as I tried making sweet potato fries for the first time, which didn't turn out to bad for a first go around! Got ready for the week ahead and crossing out a few more things on the list! I must say it is a great feeling being able to lift the pen to scratch the next thing off the list of "To Do." I love the feeling of accomplishing something and how it makes me feel well prepared for the week ahead (no matter how false the feeling of being prepared to spend the week with 20 school ager really can be)!