David... My Giant Slayer!

I know today is your special day, but is on your Birthday that I receive the greatest gift, another year with you my love!

On moments that I feel weak and alone, you remind me to stay focused on God,  that together we can conquer the world!

When I am tired and overwhelmed, your strength and perseverance encourage me to keep going!

When fear begins to whisper in my ear "your not enough", your courage tells me that God has selected only the best for you, and that was me.


Just when I feel like I can no longer bear the weight of life, you're contagious joy inspire me to smile my way through

When I reflect back over the past 20 years we've had together, it makes me proud to acknowledge that we've been one heck of a team. Needing to be your voice taught me the value of mine.  Knowing that my strength would be necessary to carry you to places your legs couldn't take you, taught me how to dig deep.  Discovering your heart would take mine to places I didn't know it could go, taught me to trust love.

You my son are responsible for the woman I am today.  I'm forever grateful for the miracle God sent me 20 years ago today. A "fragile" Child whose smile would change the world, at least my world.  I would've never imagined myself as a mother of a child whose every breath would testify of God's mercy and  faithfulness!  Here we are 20 years in the making, and I am so honored that God chose you for me.

Happy 20th  Birthday David

The last few weeks of been tough as I faced one of the most difficult professional decisions I've ever had to make. I don't know why this decision was so extremely challenging for me, but it was.  

Eight weeks ago I got a very special student. He immediately stole my heart and I knew he was going to need a lot of extra love. I gave him all I had, but I eventually realized that even that was not enough in my current classroom setting. As a team we decided that he was better suited for another program on another campus. I know it was what was best, but goodbyes are difficult for me and my students mean absolutely everything to me.

Today we celebrated my friends last day in class with us. We celebrated his successes and all of the accomplishments and progress he's made in two short months. Still my heart was heavy that I wouldn't see him every day. I had to trust that the next teacher will speak life into him and love him through his conflicts as our team did.  

Today at gathering Circle the children were asked to share something they were thankful for and his first response was "Ms. C". I knew even for a brief time, his life was impacted by my dedication, and my life was impacted by his courage. He then looked up at me and said "Ms. C did you know that God is my father? That means that you are my sister and your son is my brother".  

In that moment God used my first grader to remind me that I was not handing him over to a system or program. I was handing him over to God. I also knew that God was going to take great care of this little boy who will forever have a place in my heart! #room28

Today my babies learned a valuable lesson. Friday is our class payday. Throughout the week they earn money for good behavior and homework and on Fridays they get to withdraw their money from their "bank accounts" and purchase items from her classroom store. 

Today we did things a little different. Each student hand selected an item from prize box to donate to our stocking drive. With no hesitation or resistance each one of them selected an item that they wanted, but were willing to sacrifice for a child in need. It's so beautiful to watch my students compassion and love in action!  

I have struggled this week. Because my heart and soul is invested in creating change, it is hard not to become discourage when there is so much change that needs to happen. Our educational systems are so broken and the same passion that keeps me a dedicated educator also makes my heart break for my students and any and all children who suffer. 

Sometimes as an educator we have to put down our grade books, stop stressing over lesson plans, and all other demands of teaching, to understand that above all else there are greater lessons to be learned. Today my babies made me proud! Along with academics they are learning to be compassionate human beings who care to make a difference in the lives of others. #room28

 

Just one of those days...

I've been dealing with extreme behaviors in my classroom for eight weeks. It's been hard for me to come to terms with the fact that some children need more than my staff, myself, and our program can offer. I've been emotionally exhausted and feeling defeated. 

The great thing about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is he knows exactly what you need right when you need it. 
I was feeling extremely discouraged, questioning my efforts. In that moment I got two phone calls about partnerships I have been diligently working to build for months now. Partnerships that have the potential to have a lasting impact on our school and the community I have passionately invested in. 

Only God knew how desperately I needed that reassurance in that moment. He reassured me that there is a greater purpose and my efforts are creating change where change is desperately needed. God has put incredible people in my life to keep me encouraged and focused on the great task at hand. I was comforted in the reassurance God sent me, reminding me of his promises. 

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28) 

Life is all about perspective and when we put our trust in God, God and only God has the ability to calm the storm.   

This how I find comfort tonight! Reminding myself that my savior is the King of it ALL.

"King Of The World"

I tried to fit you in the walls inside my mind

I try to keep you safely in between the lines

I try to put you in the box that I've designed

I try to pull you down so we are eye to eye

When did I forget that you've always been the king of the world?

I try to take life back right out of the hands of the king of the world

How could I make you so small

When you're the one who holds it all

When did I forget that you've always been the king of the world

Just a whisper of your voice can tame the seas

So who am I to try to take the lead

Still I run ahead and think I'm strong enough

When you're the one who made me from the dust

When did I forget that you've always been the king of the world?

I try to take life back right out of the hands of the king of the world

How could I make you so small

When you're the one who holds it all

When did I forget that you've always been the king of the world

Ohhhh, you set it all in motion

Every single moment

You brought it all to me

And you're holding on to me

When did I forget that you've always been the king of the world?

I try to take life back right out of the hands of the king of the world

How could I make you so small

When you're the one who holds it all

When did I forget you've always been the king of the world

You will always be the king of the world