School Story: Part One

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
- Colossians 2:6-7

(School Landscaping)

When I arrived at school, the first week was chaotic and overwhelming. I had expected mounds of homework but when it started coming... I was ready to run. I was fine and enjoying the experience up until the middle of my third class that first day.

I had visited enough that the school felt comfortable; I had navigated the shuttle system, and I had previewed most of the class assignments online. In the middle of that third class, I was ready to drop a class and run for the hills. Nothing was harder but I had started worrying about all sorts of extra issues. I hate worrying. It doesn't help and it just makes life harder.


The verse from Colossians reminded me of what my focus should be on. The Lord led me to this school. If it had gone my way, I would have been done 3 years ago, attending the big state school near my house and living at home. I also would have gone through a program of study that wasn't appealing and had to fight to get into overcrowded classes.

Instead, I found out that my position was ending at church in the end of February. I had a applied to this school an hour away from home (an hour and half away from church). School plans had fallen apart so many times before that I really didn't think that I was going or if I did go that nothing at home would have to change. I could keep working and living at home and commute. I went to visit the school for the first time on a Monday, a less than a week after I found out that I wouldn't have a job in a few months. I started to get excited, the school was more than I had hoped with small classes, service learning and a rigorous senior project. I had been excited about the school when I applied but that had faded, I wasn't sure what God really wanted at this point.

(Campus artwork by students)

When I got home from the visit, there was the acceptance e-mail from the school! It had arrived before I even left for the visit.

My life:

Beautiful gardens

and great clouds,

are some of the best parts of my work!

Things I've learned...

Things I've learned from my new job as an agricultural assistant:

• That numb feeling in my lips? Sunburn.
• Your hair looks lighter as your skin gets darker.
• Don't hit the clutch in the county vehicle; it's not there.
• Don't forget the clutch when you get back in your own car.
• I now understand how the pioneers felt walking all day everyday.
  
• Parking a Porsche under a sticky trap; not a good idea.
• People go out in the oddest states: no shirts (men only, thank goodness), old fashioned pajamas or smoking an old fashioned pipe while shirtless and driving a red scooter.
• College textbooks can be used as a platform for changing a tire.

Of all of the unusual and interesting things I've discovered at my new job, the best is that I really enjoy my work and am really blessed by it. You can't ask for more than that!

Reality

Tap tap tappity tap… tap tap tap. My fingers move reluctantly over the keys. Tappity, tap. This is never easy. Tap. I play with words. “Due to budget cuts.” “stepping down, leaving?, no longer on staff.” The words don’t make it easier. I finally get it done; proof read and make the final changes. There it is: “Due to leadership vision for children’s ministry (talk to ____ for more details) which will help our current budget needs, as well as my desire to complete my education, I will no longer be on staff here at church after June 30^th.”

So much is summed up in that one sentence. It contains hints of what’s to come and the bold truth of the present.

Books Everywhere!

Welcome to my bookshelves.

(Louisa May Alcott Collection)

You've caught me at the best time. You see, I had started taking pictures of my books a few months ago to post but never got around to it. I took pictures of the most accessible bookshelves and stopped. Now, I'm looking at the possibility of moving in August and it was suggested by my roommate (sister, who would like a more minimalist look) and parents that I should box up and store the books since it would be quick, easy and make my summer much simpler. So I started boxing...

and boxing...

I already have two boxes under my bed. Now, add to that the 9 other boxes stacked next to my bed; it's like a built in bed now! I didn't realize I had so many books! I only had a 3'x3' bookcase, two 4' shelves and a 7 1/2' shelf. Of course, the long shelf was double stacked and I had carved out other spaces (under the bed, in the closet, ahem). The books are all boxed with the exception of a couple Spanish books, Bible studies, writing books and cookbooks which I know I will need at the University regardless if I move or commute.

I took pictures of the books in the boxes as a record so those are posted here as well. Almost all of my books are book sale finds, from recycled book stores or gifts.

(From left to right) Wives and Daughters, Jane Austen, Five Little Peppers Collection, Understood Betsey, The Prince and the Pauper, Deerslayer and Last of the Mohicans.

The Louisa May Alcott Collection (minus Jack and Jill)
My favorite surprise finds: Pansies and Waterlilies and one of the Lulu's Library series)


Various Christian living books, How the Heather Looks, The Burgess Flower Book for Children






My two favorite series from when I was younger: The Sugar Creek Gang and the Homeschool Detectives. The Sugar Creek Gang fans will know why The Hoosier School Master is boxed with the series. ;)

Bobbsey Twins

Favorite: Dr. Christmas


Boxcar Children and In Grandma's Attic

Nancy Drews = 1 1/2 boxes
Not pictured: Hardy Boys 1/2+ box

My contribution to the living room collections: Elsie Dinsmore (circa 1906 editions)

I hope you've enjoyed a peek at my shelves. Most of these are children's collections but I have a fair amount of classics that didn't get pictures taken before being boxed.

God be with you!

So here I am, sipping on soup and munching on lemons bars; all remnants of a very hectic weekend. Baking, work, memorial service, staff Christmas party, homework, church, book sale (can't miss that!) carol sing and church dinner were just the basics of my weekend. But when I write them like that, it only captures the busyness and you miss out on all the beauty of the weekend.

The beautiful peaceful drive into the hills to set up for the party. Looking out over the bay, watching the sun peek between clouds. Counting rainbows! At least eight over the weekend (I lost count). Hearing how God used one man's life to impact many men (and women). Hearing his wife testify to God's love and greatness, with a thankful heart for all that He has done. Ironing a tablecloth on a table! ;) Fellowship with friends. Reconnecting with a friend. A great find at the book sale. Singing carols and hymns with friends. Watching the excitement and delight on childrens' faces. Being able to serve others.

It was a blessed weekend in spite of the emergency vet visit, three migraines in three days and various other "issues". I found myself praying that God would sustain my attitude, that frustration and bitterness wouldn't creep in. In little ways, God reminded me that he was in control (why do I always forget that?) and brought people alongside me at the right times to give counsel and advice; like the gentle reminder to be feminine and let the men handle the tables.

While I hope to post again before Christmas (such good intentions), may I wish you all a Merry Christmas, filled with the spirit and joy that can only come from our Savior's birth!

I'm sitting at the computer, sipping tea, watching my laundry dry on on the line. I was in the middle of doing my laundry when my brother decided that he needed to use the washer. I moved my laundry to the line. (I love my sheets when they are sun dried! They smell so good!). Of course now that the washer is open, he's busy doing other things... So here I am, on the computer.

We had a massive storm Tuesday with lots of rain and wind but now it's sunny and warm (typical California fall weather). I love storms. Going out and cleaning the street gutters with a rake so they don't back up and flood the street. Getting soaked and coming in for tea. Having the wind blow so hard you have to turn away because the rain stings your face. Trying to brace the back gate that never seems to stay closed when the wind blows. I know this list may sound weird but I really enjoy doing all those things.

My brother has now decided to put his clothes in the washer and eat lunch... Now that he needs to be at a meeting that started 15 minutes ago that he forgot about. And I get to take him to it... At least we're being productive with our time (Not only did his chores get done- I get to study while he works...)!