Worry

This morning, amidst the storms of my life, I see the sun peaking through the clouds. Seems like that little glimmer of light has been my comfort for quite sometime now. My life, like yours I'm sure, is filled with worry and heartache, pain and sorrow. There are times the storm clouds close in.

I am filled with worry-worry for my family. My heart aches for peace and comfort that only comes from the source of that light that is shining through the clouds.

Psalms 56:3 "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee."

Dear Lord,
I trust you with my salvation. I trust with my family-my peace of mind. Help me to trust you more.
Amen

Is Mrs. Phillips a Christian?

The first week of school a student walked into Mr. Shuler's room and blurted out, "Does anybody know if Mrs. Phillips is a Christian?"

Of course Mr. Shuler took her to the side and explained that if you are concerned about someone's salvation, you ask them in private. You don't yell it out across the classroom (LOL)!

Mr. Shuler told me what had happened and gave me a head's up that I would be receiving a call from said student to find out indeed if I was a Christian.

My first thought when he told me what she had asked was, "Didn't she see the Bible on my desk? the scripture messages taped to my computer? to my desk?" Then I thought, "Doesn't she know I teach Sunday School, and help lead the youth group, and help direct the youth choir, and sing in the adult choir?"

Then I had a terrible thought, "Have I done something to make her think I'm not a Christian?" That thought was very scary!

She came to see me and asked me and I told her yes I am a Christian!

The more I have thought about her question, the more I have learned from her. First, the fact that I have a Bible on my desk and scripture taped to my desk and computer do not make me a Christian….The fact that I sing, lead singing, teach, lead youth group, does not make me a Christian….What makes me a Christian is what happened to me when I was twelve years old. I knew that if I died I would spend eternity in hell. I went to the altar and asked Jesus Christ to come into my heart and be my Savior….And He did!

Yes, my sweet Emily :) I am a Christian not because of anything I do, or I have done, but all because of what He did for me…

The last, but not least lesson, do I find myself concerned if others I encounter are Christians? I should be very concerned…

Fun and games with Sweetgum Youth!

Neon 5K Sweetgum Youth!

                                                         Working on Project!

Reading God's Word and being involve in Church activities doesn't make me a Christian…but they do help me enjoy being one!!!!!!!

Day of Caring! 9-11-2014

September 11 is a day that will always create great emotion as we remember those who lost their lives in the tragedy of 911.

Graham County schools took the initiative to turn a day of sorrow into a day of sunshine when they declared September 11 a Day of Caring.

Teachers were instructed to create care projects for their classes and after lunch on the 11th every student, teacher, staff member engaged in an act of caring for someone they wanted to recognize.

My first thought was to help with the Cancer Tournament that was scheduled for the weekend. I contacted the coordinators and my class was to clean the concession stand and dugout areas. 

When the day was a complete washout, we had to make another plan. My class combined with two others and we made thank you cards for someone who was special.

That was one of the most popular activities of the day. It may not sound like that was much of a caring project but….

At the end of the day….

My heart was melted when I received cards not only from students I have now, but High School Students came by with cards.

"Thanks for being so kind and such a sweetheart to me"

"You care for all your students"          "You're Funny"

"I had a hard time in your class, but you helped me so much"

"You made learning fun and exciting"  "You're awesome"

"You made me realize I can do anything I set my mind to and not follow in my moms footsteps"

"You have been a blessing in my life"

Believe it or not there was more… too many to share without getting the big head LOL! Just kidding, but seriously, I have never felt so appreciated as a teacher and it helps me to realize that God has placed me at Robbinsville Middle School for a reason, to love and teach children (Not always from a textbook) but always from the heart.

Happy Caring Day Graham County!!!!!

Love, 

Mrs. Phillips :)

My Love for Words!

As some of you know, I am currently writing my first novel and I can finally say I see the light at the end of the tunnel. A novel should have around 60,000 words and I am over the 51,000 mark and I have finally discovered my ending. I am very excited, and I can't wait to share my work with you!

I have always enjoyed words-those written, spoken, sung…words can be so important. They can build up, they can tear down and sometimes they can make you laugh….

Last week, I had a couple of experiences with my students that left me laughing A LOT!!!

Every day when my students enter the classroom, they are greeted with a quote on the whiteboard. They know the routine, write the date, the quote, who said it, then write what they think it means. This is always my introduction to the topic we will be studying for the day. Last week, I had an anonymous quote on the board and one of my students raised his hand and asked, "Mrs. Phillips, did Anonymous just go around and say stuff like that all the time!"

Seriously, it happened! I laughed all day.

At children's church last night after we had finished our lesson, we asked if any of them had any questions, one of the younger kids in class ask, "Is it true that if you eat a page of math problems it makes you smarter?"

Again, laughter with tears!!!

These guys are so precious and so open to ask questions even when they do receive laughter as an answer. Oh that we could always be so free to ask. My favorite words happen to be found in the Holy Bible.

Our Sunday School lesson yesterday was on our purpose and our plan. God has created us for the same purpose-to Glorify Him. He has designed a unique plan for each of us and it is only after prayer and studying His Word that we discover what His plan for us is. As I feel asleep last night, I received several texts from people I care about. Some of them just wanting to talk, some sharing their day and sending their love, and one in particular who needed to hear some words of encouragement. I read his message and the thought purpose and plan popped into my head. The young man is lonely. He has no family and he seeks me out for comfort when he starts to feel alone and scared. I shared our lesson with him and left him with the advice to get his Bible out and read God's Words, the only words that give peace that passeth all understanding.

God's Word. 

Dear Lord,

I pray that your Word would become more precious to me each and every day. Help me to share it with others!

Amen

Have you ever wanted something, but got something else instead? How did that work out for ya?

Today was the first day of seventh grade for one hundred and eleven students at Robbinsville Middle School.

It was a good first day. Most of the students were nervous to begin a school year in a new school with new teachers and unfamiliar surroundings. I always love the first day. I love first impressions. And I love teachable moments.

The quote for the day was a quote by Kahlil Gibran
"The significance of a man is not what he attains, but rather in what he longs to attain."

I love this quote because it is an excellent ice breaker to get the kids talking about what they want in life. I ask the question "Have you ever wanted something really bad and got something else instead?"

I always get a lot of head nods. We discuss things they got and then I share a favorite Elvis story….

I tell the class how poor Elvis' family was. Did you know that his twin brother died at birth and it is told that he was buried in a shoe box because they couldn't afford a coffin? That's poor….

Then I tell them about a trip to the store that Elvis and his mom took on one of his birthdays. Elvis wanted a bicycle, but his mom couldn't afford to buy him a bike. She bought him a guitar instead!

Now, what if Elvis had gotten a bicycle instead of a guitar? History may have been rewritten! Elvis received a guitar and developed a love for music and discovered his beautiful voice that led him to become known by the world as the King of Rock and Roll!

Think about it….maybe you didn't get what you wanted, but you probably have all you need to make life all you dream it to be!

Back to School!!!!

August brings changes not only in the weather…but in the routine we fall into during the lazy days of summer. With Clancy moved into her apartment at UTK, I am settling into my new routine. 

Yesterday was our first day back at school for teachers. We had a professional development workshop, and I decided I want to be a life coach in my next career! It sounds like fun!

  I refuse to be a victim to my circumstances and I want to help others learn to accept their situations and make a life that they can enjoy and be proud of! 

Then last night we had our seventh grade orientation and met our new students and parents. I worked from 9am until 9pm! For this little lazy teacher, going from not working to working a 12 hour day is quite exhausting.

This morning I got up at 5 am! Really! That's a big change for me. I like my sleep! I had time for my devotion and wrote a few pages on my novel, did a load of laundry, washed dishes and even got to go to my mom's for a cup of coffee and a visit with Cam before school. I'm one tired little chick this evening, but I have accomplished my goals for the day and I am happy.

I am discovering the reality more each day that I am responsible for my own happiness and I am growing in the Lord and my relationships with others. I think it's a great place to be!

New Beginnings!

It's the last week of "normal" at Mudd Manor! On Sunday, my baby girl will move into an apartment at UTK! Very mixed emotions going on inside of me. I am so happy for her and so proud of her. Yet this is a new beginning for both of us.

I don't dread or fear empty nest…As a matter of fact, I am so ready for this stage of my life. I have the most amazing children, and I was blessed to stay home with them when they were young. I have a wonderful husband who has put up with a lot over the past 27 years and still loves me anyway, lol.

But now I feel it is time for "me". I look forward to getting up early and going to the fitness trail, or eating cereal for supper and coming home from school and climbing into the bed for a short nap before I begin whatever I decide to do for the evening.

And let's not forget that grand baby Cam who keeps this Lolli wrapped around his finger. For obvious reasons, when his "C" is around, Lolli is completely ignored. Cassidy is beginning a new job as a speech therapist for an elementary school, and I am also excited to be able to share the same schedule as she has and hopefully do some mother-daughter-Cam bonding.

Sweetgum Youth Program is thriving with a new creation curriculum that started out as a summer program but will definitely be going through the Fall months. It is so wonderful to see young people grow in the Lord, and I am blessed to be a part of the wonderful group of adults who are working hard to make our program a success. Check out our Facebook page! Sweetgum Baptist Church! 

I am three-fourths of the way through with my first novel, "I will see you in Glory!" Very exciting!!! I can't wait to share excerpts. Stay tuned!

I am also building a webpage that will carry my blog and my writings. It is very much under construction but stay tuned!

I would like to recommend a new book….

Claire Cook has truly been an inspiration to my writing!

I actually had the pleasure of meeting Claire at the Blue Ridge Writer's Conference in the spring. She is an amazing author!

This is the perfect book to start evaluating your life and deciding what you want out of life…then…make it happen. After all, "It's never too late!"

Summer Memories!!!!

Lake Fun with Cam!

Fourth of July Fun!!!!

   Graduation Beach Trip….Congratulations Clancy!!!!!!