God is great, God is good

I've done it again. 

That which I promised myself I would do at least once weekly, has become an unconquerable monster of once monthly. 

That which brings me joy has been replaced by a new sort of monster:

graduate school. gasp Oh yes. 

Well, enough with the dramatic soliloquy- but I really 

have survived my first 2 1/2 weeks of graduate school at UNCG School of Music.

And, besides the dreadful assignment last week in which I had to 

cite 200+ sources in turabian, I'm really loving it. 

I'm learning really great piano literature from a phenomenal professor.

Learning answers to questions I've had for a long time. (love that feeling.)

Making really good grades. (thank you, Lord.)

Hating Music Research Class. (it's to be expected.)

And thoroughly loving living my dream. 

So thankful to Jesus for helping to work out all the details! 

It's really incredible, and I'm so thankful for the opportunity to further my education.

That being said, my sister, Kimberly, is also embarking on her

own educational journey by beginning her BSN Nursing at Bob Jones University,

and plans to continue schooling to become a Physician's Assistant. 

Miss her like crazy, but very proud of her. 

I can't reiterate enough how extremely thankful I am for God 

working out details in my life recently. Things I thought I had planned/prepared

quite nicely, He thought differently. 

I've been living by the motto: "Don't confuse the will of God with the will of the majority." 

No matter how hard you or I try, there's no possible way to please absolutely everyone-

that's humanity for ya. However, I'm realizing this. 

If: 

1) God says do it

2) Parents support it

3) It just makes sense, and even if

4) A few people you highly respect just 'don't get it,' 

do. it.  

Don't let the opinions of a few keep you from doing what you should. 

It's hard.

Difficult.

Confrontational.

Uncomfortable.

Weird.

Embarrassing.

all of the above, but it brings peace with God, which is worth it. 

And, in the end, God's approval is what really matters anyways, right? right. 

I'm done with my soapbox :), just thought I'd 'throw that out there.' 

(food for thought, if you will.)

God is great, God is good. 

until next time...

e.d.

Going Amish

Well, it's FINALLY the end of July- an exceptionally busy month. Hooray! My absence from the world of Blogspot.com is truly founded...and have yet another resolution to do it more often. Not just for readers, but for my own enjoyment. (not as selfish as it sounds.)


SO, I am thus blogging on vacation. Somewhere in Virginia. Near Staunton, I think.


Now, I know why you clicked on this link..."Going Amish:" it's kind of a strange, strong title, no? During our vacation these last seven days, we have visited beautiful and incredible places. Philadelphia, PA: first US capitol, signing of the Declaration of Independence/Constitution, home of many founding fathers, Liberty Bell, Chinese food, Philly Steak 'n' Cheese(s) a plenty, etc.

Independence Hall, Philadelphia

China Town, Philadelphia. Home to David's Mai Lai Wah. 

Next stop: Lancaster, PA: home to enumerable Amish families, delicious Dutch food, Sight and Sound Theatre (went to see 'Jonah'), relaxing drives through the country, and more Dutch food. (You get the idea.) Here are a couple of photos from Lancaster to give you an idea...

Amish family working in the fields near their farm. Isn't it lovely?

Through the corn...

It's just so captivating and enchanting...

Amish workers finishing in the fields at sunset.

Now, do you see why it's so lovely? Thought you would. Anyways, 'Going Amish:' here's how it fits in. Nope, I'm not going to start wearing a long, dark colored dresses, aprons, black stockings in summer, and large mesh bonnets. And no, I'm not going to move into a house without electricity, running water, or car. And I'm certainly not going to trade my car for a horse and buggy. But honestly- I'm tired of life (in general) being so complicated, cluttered, and well, complicated! We Americans have so much material 'stuff' that sometimes it's easy to become centered on 'stuff' instead of the important things. That being said, I'm not going Amish. It was just a catchy title. :) But I am planning on stepping back and de-cluttering life when I return home from this vacation. Life is too short to be spending time, energy, and emotion on things that are unimportant or lacking in eternal value. May God help me. 

Ah well, soap-box #1 for today- check. :) 

One last thought from C.S. Lewis: "It remains true that all things are possible with God...but nonsense remains nonsense even when we talk it over with God." Perplexing, no?

New Year Hullabaloo

Before I pontificate , may I just say, 

Happy New Year! 

The days since my last posting (Thanksgiving) 

have been a bit hair-raising, unpredictable, and difficult for our family, thus is the explanation for my non-postage. (don't you love odd words? not sure that one is uh, accurate in that usage, but it sure is fun to use.) 

If you're not friends with me or my family on Facebook, here's a quick overview...Dad went to Raleigh for a short, quick medical procedure on the Monday after Thanksgiving, and ended up back in Raleigh with a diagnosis of kidney failure on Wednesday morning. It's been a definite roller-coaster ride for all of us since then, but dad finally got to come home on December 14. We took him back to the

ER Christmas Eve night and was released Christmas Day afternoon with diagnosis of MRSA. He is still on dialysis and strong antibiotics, so he is definitely not back 'up to par,' but at least he is home and improving! God is so good. and we are thankful.

The Christmas holidays were interesting, to say the least, considering the previously

explained situation, but it was wonderful getting to spend the Holidays in NC...

where the crisp winter air wafts through the bare trees, cardinals adorn the frost-covered 

clothesline wires, and the early-morning frost decorates the brown, dead grass. 

I love it. It's quite superb, actually. 

Christmas programs (3, actually), school/church parties, Christmas caroling (with students

at the Hospice House, then with church friends to shut-ins), Christmas-cookie-baking,

The K-6 Christmas Program at school- "Not a Creature was Stirring."
It turned out so cute! The kids looked adorable, sang their hearts out,
and did an excellent job! I was so proud of them! 

favorite Christmas tunes on the radio, Christmas movies by the fire, ... the list goes on, 

but I love it all! and so very thankful to get to share these times with my family. 

Fun Gingerbread-baking with 7-8th grade at school.
Whew. This was the 1st time most of them had ever cut out Christmas
cookies. Seriously? How sad is that! the room was a wreck when we
finished and we were all covered in flour, but we all had a blast.
and they tasted great. :)

Our gorgeous live tree (from the NC mtn's) upstairs,
decorated with Waterford Crystal and
ornaments from overseas. It was beautiful! 

Living room upstairs- partially decorated for Christmas.
Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of it completed :(
It was beautiful, though! 

enjoyed nifty Christmas decorations 'downtown'
Thomasville during the Thanksgiving parade with
friends from church.

And, just for a laugh....

A snippet of the hilarious older ladies featured in the Thomasville
Christmas parade. Hysterical!


All around, it was a terrific (but flexible) Christmas, and I thoroughly enjoyed all the bustling,
shopping, gift-wrapping, traffic, programs, decorating, etc. that are involved in making the
Season memorable. And, most of all, I love celebrating and reading about the Birth of Jesus.
Still marveling in the Gift of God's Son!

The hour grows late, and I must needs rise early to provide and education for the children
of Thomasville. :) More posts to come later.

A'dieu, until then...

30-some-Thank-Things

November: that season of the year in which people construct impressive lists of things for which they are thankful. I'm not opposed to these lists... Nor am I an advocate of them, unless that spirit of Thankfulness is indwelling the entire year-long. 

This Thanksgiving season, rather than simply writing a list of things I'm thankful for (which I also did), 

I tried something completely new and out-of-the-ordinary. 

Beginning the very first week of November, and still in progress today,

every time I walk in a room, flip on the light switch,

sit on my bed to check my email, dig through my sock 

drawer for a different pair, send a text on my phone, 

I try to remember to thank God for everything involved in completing

each of those tasks. (not limited to these tasks, just 

an example.) Does it take time? yes. 

but it does help you become aware of God's blessings

in a different way. 

That being said, I do have a 'list' of thankful things, which I will share. 

But, I am attempting to apply thankfulness to my entire year,

not just this month of November at Thanksgiving festivities. 

So, here we go...just to name a few:

1. Family- near and far
2. Friends- from acquaintances to dear friends
3. Electricity and running water
4. Comforts of home often taken for granted (furniture, insulation, heating, air conditioning, etc.)
5. Job- doing what I love, and exactly where God wants me right now
6. Nice car
7. Great camera- to capture those 'kodak' moments. I love pictures!
8. Ability to see colors- how boring would life be in darkness all the time? 
9. Ears-to enjoy laughter, chatter, and music
10. Music- a connection to the soul
11. My piano- no caption needed.
12. iPod- to enjoy music and great books on long trips or at work
13. Freedom to worship
14. Hot tea- medication of choice
15. Literacy and the ability to read- among my books I have formed the best of friends.
16. Good health- (except for the horrid cold I now have)
17. Candles and nice smelling things- they make the world a better place
18. Chocolate- all forms. it makes the world go 'round. :)
19. Rainy days- replenish the soul and satisfy my melancholy side
20. Books- choose a good book, treat it well, and you have made a friend for life
21. Mentors- people who care what I do with my life, and are willing to invest time to help make it better
22. Love- 
23. God's grace and forgiveness- where would we be without them?
24. Students- their laughter and antics keep me young, but I treasure my time with them
25. Education- betterment of life, career, and expansion of knowledge
26. Internet- irony, I know! - for those late-night-research-emergencies
27. Computer- thank you, Jesus! Type-writers and I would not get along well, I'm quite sure
28. Personalities- make the world an interesting place. if everyone were like Obama....
29. Changes of weather- fall, winter, spring and summer- I love them all!
30. Christmastime- the long-awaited season of the year
31. Vacuum- yes.
32. Disinfecting wipes- they make my day better
33. Germ-x- no explanation needed.

So, there you have it! My thanksgiving list for this year. A few of the things, anyways. Cheers for a terrific holiday season! 

November...EEK!

You must be wondering, "Is she EVER going to up date that blog, or let it die a slow, painful death??" Well, good news and bad news. (didn't you just hate it when your dad used to say that?)
First, the good news: No, the blog is not dead! Very much alive and well (contrary to first glimpses); Bad News: Life happens. Namely, teaching happens, which comes first, and I don't always get to share those fun times as often as I'd like. Sigh. So, there you have it. :)


fun times decorated November! Allow me to share a few with you. :D
The last week of October...

The last week of October, I had to privilege of going to Indiana
to play for my cousin Debra's wedding. Another plus to the
wedding was getting to spend time with the Bride's sister, Tiffany,
who has been my very best friend since we were kids.
Three weeks apart, both pursued ED degrees in college,
and alike in many scary ways!
Love you, Tiffany! 

First, a few school-views of November. . .

My November bulletin in Jr. High- really
happy with how it turned out! Nothing
like trying something new...simply because
you can. :) 

In History, the students made 'log cabins' for the Colonial
Period. Several kids are missing in this pic, but you
get the idea. I loved the creativity! 

                                   Next, of course, comes Thanksgiving! And turkey. and stuff. 

The day before Thanksgiving, the students decorated
our classroom for Christmas. Here is our cute little
tree. They did a great job! All that's missing is Linus' blue
blanket, which I forgot to take that day. :( But as of tomorrow,
it will be our 'tree skirt.' Isn't creativity a grand and glorious thing? :)

                                                           Now, on to Thanksgiving. . .

Grandpa and Grandma Davis came over for the afternoon-
we were so glad they could come! Dad, Kimberly, and I
got an pool lesson from the 'expert.' aka: Grandpa.

 Grandpa, showing up how to shoot it right. He's great!

Our Thanksgiving feast was delicious!
Turkey, of course, Sweet Potato Cass.,
Squash Cass., Oyster Casserole made by
Grandma (one of my favorites!), home-made rolls,
cran-apple salad, cranberry sauce, Pumpkin/Pecan
pies. I'm sure I'm forgetting something, but it
was scrumptious! I am so blessed.

And that about wraps up my November re-cap post. Check out my next blog post, "30-some-Thank-Things," which is about my 'thankful' list. Until then. . .