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!

My Gratitude

I just love a challenge, and this past week my pastor challenged (or I guess you might say encouraged us) to let someone in our life know what they really mean to us. I must say it didn't take me long to know who I would choose because this lady has been an inspiration to me for many years....Joann Holley. I sent her a card Wednesday, but I also wanted to dedicate this post to her.

Sis. Joann, I can't even begin to tell you what a fine Christian lady you are. I'll never forget when I was around 14 years old, I was struggling with that inner tug-of-war wondering if I really wanted to live for God or the world. Your words of kindness, encouragement, and love made such an impact on me that I knew I wanted to be just like you. Everyone that knows you can see that you're true-blue all the way. I've always admired you and thought of you as a mentor in my life. If there's anyone I want to pattern my life after, it's YOU!! Thank you for being my friend and inspiration. I LOVE YOU!!

Happy Birthday Harden

Today is my husband's birthday, and I would like to wish him a very Happy Birthday! Anyone knowing Harden knows he doesn't like a lot of fan-fare, but I feel as though he's worthy of some sort of celebration!! We went to Cracker Barrel last night and had a nice, quiet meal together, and we plan on going out for 'breakfast' tonight after church. I'm so thankful for a Godly husband who lives for God with all his heart and has always provided for me. Harden, I hope you have a very Happy Birthday and look forward to seeing your prayers for your family answered very soon. I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!!!

My Birthday "Dutton" Style

As most of you know, my birthday is on Halloween. Now, since I had nothing to do with this, I really can't take the blame for it. LOL! This year, however, was quite different. I was completely shocked when I arrived at church Wednesday night!!! Bro. & Sis. Dutton surprised me with a new broom and a witch's hat. Bro. Dutton has always teased me about being a "witch" and wanting to know if I have my broom ready. We always get a good laugh from this, but now I can say I'm ready! This was soooo nice of them to think of me, and I'll always remember it (in a good way) and will always be ready for their surprises! I have pictures of my new hat & broom, but I don't know how to place it on my post. Kassie has it on her post, and for that I say a resounding, "Thank You", Kassie.

My birthday was more on the quiet side this year (except the kids fun-fest, which was totally AWESOME). My sweet daughter-n-law, whom I love so much, sent me some beautiful yellow roses to school This is Mark's wife, Katie, and she is certainly a blessing to us! It'll even be better when she's filled with the Holy Ghost!! Then, I arrived home Friday afternoon from work, and Julie D. had "Happy Birthday" balloons on the table along with an angel ornamnet and a small cake. What can I say about her, but she's literally an angel sent from heaven! She's one of the most thoughtful ladies I know, and she's a blessing to everyone who knows her! I love you, Julie!!

Harden gave me $50.00 and took me out to eat after the kids fun-fest, which was very enjoyable.

My dad gave me a new robe, and my mother gave me money. Nanny & Papa called to wish me a Happy Birthday and said my gift would be a little late because Nanny is sick. I told her to NOT worry about it but to just get well soon!!

All of you are precious people to me, and I love and appreciate you soooo much!