Now Reading....

The Truth Seeker. 

I haven't finished yet, but I am absolutely loving it so far! Lisa is a forensic pathologist working on some unresolved cases from years ago, while Quinn is working to find the one who shot his father. When their paths cross, will their cases cross as well? And then when she disappears, the stakes heighten. Will he solve the case's mystery before it's too late? 

The Story behind the Story. 

Does it sound simple enough? Well, the background to it is that all six of the OMalley's were children at the same orphanage. They formed a bond as strong as family, so when the oldest reached 18 he adopted them all so that they'd be able to legally be just that. Each of them went into an intensely demanding profession, including such things as Negotiator, U.S. Marshall, Firefighter, Paramedic. 

Each book focuses on a different member of the OMalley family, relating the story of the hugest battle of his or her career, which drew him or her to discover God's desire for a relationship with them.

If you haven't read an OMalley book (by Dee Henderson) you need to check it out! I don't care what kind of book you generally like; this one has all the good elements of mystery, drama, action, romance, dialogue, suspense, and spirituality all wrapped up into one amazing book! And you can start with any of the books! I guarantee it'll leave you coming to grab another one....

Teacher Chatter

(These are a couple of amazing teachers- Jen, my friend from church with the biggest most genuine smile I know, and Kristen, who dearly encouraged me with her warm welcome to her classroom today. :-)

Did I ever tell you, my little blog, how very much I want to be a teacher??

"Once or twice," you might say with a sigh and a roll of the eyes. 

But oh it's so true! I just can't help but talk about teaching. When something is imprinted so deeply on your heart and you feel so passionately about it, you just can't help but keep coming back to it in your thinking and your conversation. 

(What is it for you? 

Is it writing a captivating fiction story? 

Is it turning a recipee from a book into a delicious reality on the table? 

Is it blaring your tuba music?...)

How does God want to use the loves He has given you to bring glory to Himself? 

Because believe me, if you give them to Him, He WILL!

He's slowly impressing upon me that I don't have to be "THE best at" something.... But I should be the best I can be with what He's given me. I get intimidated and discouraged thinking how many Good/Great/Exceptional teachers are out there! 

Who am I to come barging into the profession hoping to bring something new to the table? 

But I realize that I just have to be available. The heart of a servant is not to be seen as the best; it's simply to be used to brighten the little corner of the world God has entrusted to me. 

All that to say, I spent an amazing day today at the public school in my area, watching second grade! I loved how the sweet teacher never had to raise her voice when she wanted to maintain order. Some people have the misconception that “louder = more in control.” This is not necessarily the case, as I found with her. She simply asked them to clap once if they could hear her voice. She did not stress about the little stuff, and she foresaw problems and stopped them before they had a chance to happen. I really admired her gentle, predicable, and consistent spirit. It was a joy to be in her classroom. When I told her this, she informed me that if you start the day off with a rushed and stressed attitude then that is how the rest of the day will go. You really have to have that defining moment where you gain a self control of your own spirit so that you will be a good example to the kids in that.

            She said that there are many needs within her classroom. It surprises and overwhelms her at times. At least four or five kids in her class have families in a special program to receive food from the school. A large number are dealing with parents going through divorces or other problematic family situations that are difficult on them. My heart goes out to these kids. I hope I am able to teach kids like that some day, not only to give them a handle on the joys of reading and the importance of mathematics, but also to assure them they can trust in the Lord to be their strength through the pains.

            Overall, it was an incredibly encouraging day! There was so much new and extravagant technology that the students and teachers were able to utilize for better learning. The kids at the public school are very blessed in the area of material and tangible things. I only wish they were so rich in the important things of life that cannot be felt and seen. 

Piece of my heart halfway around the world

I brainstormed many possible names for this blog. And even now my brain is still running a mile a minute to decide if this is the best of names or if there is a better one out there. I think this one does very accurately depict the type of girl I am and what I'm all about. And yet, the only qualms I have with it is that, with the focus on the joys of this "little corner of the world" I run the risk of looking ONLY at those things. There's a great big world out there and I want very much to be aware of it and not neglect to acknowledge it, even in my humble blog posts once in a while.

So speaking of the great big world....

I just have to interject about Africa.

Thoughts of this warm and wild continent still linger in my mind on a daily basis. They never really quite go away. It's like once you've been there and seen it with your own two eyes it casts it's Any mention of Africa and it's history or struggles or stories can immediately perk up my ears. There is definitely a special place in my heart for this precious country. When you think of them, would you be willing to pray with me for it's Christians who serve so faithfully and tirelessly? I know they would way appreciate it!

Here's the video of our South Africa Team from 2009: It's totally worth the watch!

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=505299974140&ref=nf

Delighting to Inspire

I am rather excited about this new background.

Okay, I'll admit that's a little of an understatement... I am THRILLED to find a background that doesn't clutter with so many colors and patterns as before. It's cheery, yet simple. 

It makes me happy. Very.

I'm learning I have alot to learn about blogs and the world of blogging. Somehow, it seems like there are "strict rules" to this whole blogging thing. I find myself wanting to fit into the "good blogger mold." But then I get discouraged when I don't have the time or the computer know-how to do it. 

So back to my roots of reasons to blog. I'm not looking for it to be "best blog on the block." I try not to care about how many (or how few) comments come my way. For me it's just the pure joy of playing with words. The privilege of freedom to speak and the excersise of sharing my "trial and error." 

The more I think about it, the more I HOPE for my blog to be something outside the cookie cutter of a "normal" blog. Plain and simple. 

Even if that means having a bazillion quotation marks in one post. 

lol Don't put it past me!... 

That, or being "a follower" of myself... Seriously, I accidently clicked on the option that I wanted to follow this blog, and now if you look on my list of followers I am listed as one of them! I'm still trying to figure out how to get that off of there... :-P 

Oh well, maybe during this week of spring break. So enough apologizing for not having everything "just so," or for not blogging for large chunks at a time.... it's back to sharing of the little tidbits on my mind as they come. It's not a job; it's a joy. It's not a duty; it's a delight. 

 There's so much to catch up on! I hope to start posting more faithfully and inspire you in your own creative endeavors, whatever your cup of tea may be! 

Growing in Grace, (and in blogging know-how!)

Janell 

Wisconsin Weekend

Wow. 

This is me. 

Here. 

I've been in Wisconsin all weekend. It was with four other Faith students - 3 of which I had only said "hellos" to prior to this trip. We all applied to go and present FBBC to churches of the midwest, and by God's sovereign grace we all found ourselves on this team spending a weekend of volleyball, fast food, and the outer perimeters of our comfort zone. 

I realized that I judge people too quickly sometimes, just by the front cover of their lives when there's really so much more to be read of them. Every individual person is complex, and I should give them the credit of not stereotyping or labeling them as a "type." 

I realized tonight that I am looking forward to spring break more than I thought I was. In the mirror I look myself in the eyes and see redness and readiness for a break. 

On that same note, I spent a blessed and glorious hour on the phone talking with my family this evening. It was so enjoyable simply to be passed from one member to the next and filling each other in on "the scoop." We all agree that we can't wait to talk together live and in person! 

(Only 5 more days....)

I'm really kind of excited to watch some tv. My two biggies that I am anticipating are first of all, the Amelia Erheart movie that is supposed to tell the story of her life - I am totally captivated by that era and it looks like it should be a really great movie!

Also, I think a little Full House would be fun to see. Maybe that's just my mood this particular night. 

Anyway, I could chat for quite a while, but sadly, I must wrap this up for now. Spring break is going to be a most welcome and wonderful opportunity to catch up on this blogging thing.... 

:-) Smiles to you this night. Thanks for reading, Friends. 

Life is Beautiful

"Push yourself to notice 

the extraordinary 

in the ordinary."

A Spattering of Thoughts

Dude, where have I been!? 

It's 8 days into February and here I am just sitting down to blog...

And since time is of the essence (and I'm going to be rushing for work here in a little bit) I think I will just give you a random sampling of what's on my mind today. 

I'm grateful for Monday - the start of a fresh, new week.

Although I'm grateful for the beauty of the snow, I am NOT looking forward to the next few days of driving to work in it!

My daddy is the BEST because he takes care of me so well (even from 3 hours away :-) 

We wrote our first "lesson plan" in class today. Once you get nailed down what lesson you want to convey to the kids, the angles for presenting it are endless! Is there a way to "train" yourself to think out of the box?? 

I want to do more writing than I have been. I miss it. Just a good poem, or a lil story... anything. 

We have SMF tonight. I love Student Missionary Fellowship! And tonight a gentleman from Japan is speaking, if I read that right.... 

My camera needs batteries. I have some rechargeable ones in my desk - but sadly, nothing to recharge them with!

Super bowl party last night with Rachel J. was tons of fun! I really do need to follow the sports world better. Maybe this year I will officially "adopt" a team to cheer for. (Any intelligent suggestions?) 

In the words of Jesus: "Without me, you can do nothing." How am I doing on "abiding"? It's a sad thing to reach the end of a day and realize, "Wow, I took all the credit for the things I did today, without setting God as the center of it." Like that verse that says that the wicked, in the pride of his heart, does not seek after God; God is not in all his thoughts. 

God is really trying to teach me DEPENDENCE. I can sense it. 

I better get off here and get much more done before heading off to play with my kiddos! (aka work with the public school munchkins. They never cease to amaze me.) 

Thanks for listening to my RANDOMOSITY! :-) Have yourself a super good day! (and if you happen to reside in Iowa, drive safe in all this snow....