70 degrees and W-O-N-D-E-R-F-U-L!!!

Today the weather was absolutely amazing! Franklin and I went for an amazingly long walk today. Needless to say, the dog is almost half dead right now. It was soooo good to just get out and about... we turned off our heat temporarily... and we even had the windows open. LOVED IT!!

Shamrock Shakes!!

I finally had my very first Shamrock Shake!

You may not find that impressive, but about 2 years ago when I was working at the day care we were talking about getting some. (I had never heard of them before that time) When my friend went to get them... they were all out... and then they proceeded to be out every day we tried. Last year I forgot about them.... so today I finally had one. It was pretty good. I'm not sure if I liked it better than Chik-Fil-A's Chocolate Peppermint shakes... but it was still pretty good. I even found a copy cat recipe. So maybe I'll try that on St. Patty's day to be festive! If you try it, let me know what you think!

Talkin' Turkish

I love having my new smaller easy to carry around camera! Last week I took 2 amazing pictures showing our latest wildlife guests on our school property!

Yeah, there were 2 wild turkeys just wandering around the property. I don't know that I've ever been that close to a turkey (unless it was cooked for Thanksgiving). So, I thought I'd share it with you.

I'm appalled.....

I must say, that after working with the junior high age group I am just appalled at the "accepted norm." I just can't help but wonder where did we go wrong? How can they not see the err in their thinking? A lot of times I attribute things to the fact that they're 12 going on 30. But, then I ask myself, why don't their adults in their lives see it either? It came to a climax in the last week or so. I've seen children who I thought I had bonded with lie to my face. Prey on my trust in them, and disappoint with continual lies. I've seen students act impulsively. When as a society did we get away from the "turn the other cheek" philosophy of the Bible, and replace it with an "if they hit you, slug them back... but harder" mentality? Where did we go wrong?

I was asked last evening in a Bible study what do I want to be great in? And after thinking about it for a few seconds (I wanted to really ask myself this question, not just give the "right" answer), I came up with "I want to be a great influencer." I want to make an impact for this world. I want to be remembered by my students as one who not only challenged them academically, but also spiritually.

I would love for God to set my students on fire. (And no, not fire smoting them, of course, I have thought about it in this context in the last few weeks.) I envision a group of teenagers that are so sold out for the Lord that people stand in awe. I would love to see getting together without arguing. Asking a question and getting the honest answer, even if it hurts. I want to influence and be part of a radical movement.

As I've sat here pondering this over the last few weeks, but more so the last 24 hours, I can't help but reflect on "what have I done toward this goal." I know I could have done more. We can always do more.

So I ask that you embark on this journey with me. I ask that you pray with me during this time. Our world is getting scarrier and scarrier. These teenagers are our future... and quite frankly, it scares me if things don't change.

When did RIGHT become wrong? When did we decide that sin was ok? I want change, and I know it starts with a change of my heart. I know it starts with giving it all to the One who is in control, and knows us better than we know ourselves.

I leave asking one more question: Who have you influenced today and how so?