I Wonder

As we're approaching a new year, I wonder what it will bring. Will this be the year God brings my kids back to Him? What battles will we have to fight? What victories will we win? Will this be the year the Lord decides to rapture His church? Who knows but God himself.

Our world is going through a major change right now, but we can rest assure of one thing: God will NEVER change! He holds all of our problems, hopes, and dreams in the palm of His hands. He's a great big wonderful God, and we can ALWAYS rely on Him.

I hope everyone has a blessed and safe New Year!

A True Home

The band director at the school I teach at sent this to me, and I thought it was very fitting for anytime of the year. Sit back and enjoy.

A True Home

"A roof to keep out the rain. Four walls to keep out the wind. Floors to keep out the cold. Yes, but home is more than that. It's the laugh of a baby, the song of a mother, the strength of a father. Warmth of loving hearts, light from happy eyes, kindness, loyalty, comradeship. Home is first school...for the young ones where they go for comfort when they are hurt or sick. Where joy is shared and sorrow eased. Where fathers and mothers are respected and loved. Where children are wanted. Where the simplest food is good enough for kings because it is earned. Where money is not so important as loving- kindness. Where even the teakettle sings from happiness. That is home."

After reading this, it caused me to think...we can always make our home a haven.

My Gift to Him

Our Sunday night service yesterday was awesome! Pastor Holley never ceases to amaze me at the visuals he comes up with for our services, and last night was no different. He had several people from the church wrap the gift that they would like to give Jesus now and in the new year to come. I was touched so deeply by the sincerity of all those that gave their gift and spoke about it!!

After thinking about the service for awhile, I thought about what I would give the Lord, and the gift of thankfulness kept rolling over and over in my mind. How many times do we look at this season and wonder what we will be receiving instead of being thankful for what we already have?! I came up with the conclusion that if God never blessed me with anything else....I can honestly say I've already been blessed beyond measure. God has truly blessed me with a pastor and family that I don't have the words to describe. My pastor cares so deeply for my soul and the flock that God has placed him over. Am I thankful for that? Oh, you better believe it!! He and his family are beyond awesome...they are too good to be true!!!

I have a wonderful husband, a nice, comfortable home (that's paid for), a nice car (that's also paid for), my health, my job, our business, and a host of other things. I've been praying for many years for specific needs, and my prayers haven't been answered yet, but I'm still thankful that I can still trust in a God that will not fail me and will answer in His time. Do I still get emotional about these needs? Oh, yes indeed, but God has made me a promise, and I constantly look to Him for faith until these prayers are answered. Many times I hold my hand out to God and say, "See God, here's my mustard seed of faith. I can't see it, but I know you can. Please help me to hold on, even though the trial looks so dark."

I guess what I'm trying to say is I want God to take my gift of thankfulness and multiply it. I don't ever want to take anything or anyone for granted. Merry Christmas Jesus, and thank you for a grateful heart!!!

Happy Anniversary, Harden

Thirty-four years ago I married the man of my dreams! We were, and still are, very much in love. I thank God everyday for a loving and Godly man as my husband. Many people think he's quiet, but I know the other side of him. He really can be funny and a lot of fun to be with. I know Harden and I are so different, but maybe that's what makes us so compatable. When I told my kids at school, they wanted to know if I've been married to the same man for all this time. I'm proud to say that I have been married as long as I have to a wonderful man, and I pray God blesses us with many more years to come. Happy Anniversary, Harden!! I love you more each day!!

Ryan

I know that Christmas should be "Tis the season to be jolly," but I witnessed something Wednesday in my class that brought tears to my eyes. I heard something that I guess I'll never forget!

Last week my 7th graders took the district Writing TAKS benchmark test and did an awesome job!! I had a 96% passing rate, and I'm so proud of my students! Well, because of their efforts, I gave them a free day and allowed them to bring snacks. They were so excited, but I noticed that one of my students, Ryan, had nothing. Now, you have to know Ryan. He's a shy, timid young man and appears to be a loner, but I really never thought much about it, especially since a lot of guys aren't as outgoing as the girls are.

I asked Ryan if he forgot his snacks, and he really didn't have an answer for me. I asked him if he would like to call his mom and dad to see if they could bring him something, and his answer hit me square between the eyes!! He said, "Mrs. Anglin, my mom and dad can't bring me anything because they are both in jail." I was totally shocked and wanted to evaporate into thin air!!

I quickly found my heartbeat again and asked him who he lived with. He told me that he lives with his grandmother, but she was unable to bring him anything. I wanted to cry my eyes out, but I knew that wouldn't solve anything. I gave him some bottled water, candybars, and some chips, and he was soooo thankful.

This incident made me stop and think about all the kids that walk the halls of our school and hurt so deeply inside. I've thought many times of Ryan over the course of my weekend and say a prayer for him. Please pray for our students that they may come to know that Jesus loves them no matter what their situation is. I pray that I can be the example that Ryan needs for today and the future!

Angel Tree

Well, Christmas is upon us, and we've heard the old saying..."It's better to give than to receive." I just wanted to take this time and brag about the students and staff of the school I teach at: Zundy Jr. High.

I'm over the student council, and once again, we teamed up with the Teachers Credit Union and took on a project called, The Angel Tree. I'm sure you've all heard of this, but for those that haven't, it's a project that takes on CPS and kids in foster care. These kids are in a very unfortunate situation, and it's certainly NOT what they've asked for!

I introduced the program to our school, and my principal gave me the OK to pursue it. The student council members and myself went and decorated the Christmas tree at both branches and began taking up donations from the entire school. I'm so PROUD to say that our school raised $2300.00, and I'm taking 7 of our 8th grade student council members to the credit union Monday to present them the check!!

I can't begin to tell you how excited I was/am to be a part of a caring and giving school as Zundy!! If it wasn't for them, some of these kids probably wouldn't have a chance to know what a Merry Christmas is all about. I can honestly say that it IS more blessed to give than receive!