Oh...so, that's why I wanted to be a teacher.

My poor mentor teacher was ill today and called in at the last minute, so guess who got to fill in? That's right, yours truly! It served as a much needed reminder of why I want to teach. The students were so wonderful and well-behaved (a remarkable thing for juniors and seniors). I got to spend a lot of one-on-one time with them working on their thesies and just talking about life and their futures. I was amazed how even the toughest kids opened up and shared their insecurities and anxieties with me, and was overjoyed to be able to help them. We laughed, we shared, and we got good work done...what could be better?!

3 Reasons Why You Should Encourage Someone TODAY!

1.) It is easy, but so effective.  A simple kind word may turn someone's day around. As a secretary I know how hard service jobs can be sometimes. When people tell me "Thanks for the help!" it makes a huge difference. Be sure to thank those who serve you: waiters, janitors, teachers...a little kindness goes a long way.

2.) It strengthens friendships. I feel truly blessed to have such encouraging friends. We are always telling each other "I love you!" and we really mean it.  It makes me feel confident and strong to know that my friends love me, and if I feel confident and strong, chances are I will be a better friend.

3.) You might not get the chance to tomorrow. Nobody knows what the future holds, but we do know that EVERYONE is experiencing some sort of hardship in their lives. Don't just assume that your friends are fine. Take the time to find out how you can better serve them.

 

"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." - Ephesians 4:29 

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." -Hebrews 10:24-25

"But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin." -Hebrews 3:13

February

My goal for this month has been to "work to meet the needs of others." It has been rough. I try my best, but can feel myself getting run down. If there is someone in your life who works hard to make your life better please remember to thank them for all they do! Being kind is not just a personality trait it is a lifestyle. A truly giving spirit comes from the Lord alone.

Pray for me friends!

1 Peter 4:10-11

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."

Origami Valentine

I was so proud of myself for conquering my origami fears. This tutorial (http://www.origami-instructions.com/easy-origami-heart.html)  was more simple than others, I was very grateful.

I, of course, took the liberty of decorating mine:

And if you glue down the corners on the back it makes the perfect little envelope for a love note: