Things that Make Me Smile

These past few weeks have been soooo busy that I have thought many nights, "oh - that would be a good post...."but never make my way to my computer for long enough to sit and type it out.

Life has been, of course, busy!

So - I planned a field trip for our 4th graders to Chase Field. The AZ Science Center and the Diamondbacks teamed up for a field trip day. It was soooo much work - but in the end it turned out ok. We went on Thursday. I did not sleep much on Wednesday - I was worried about things going wrong, not taking care of things, etc. My students were excited - to say the least!!

On the way up there one of my students (whom I often worry about due to where she lives) was listening to some music. All of a sudden I hear "You make me move Jesus" louder than anything I've heard on the bus so far that day! I turned around and there she is, screaming the words of the song, "Every Move I Make" (waves of Mercy) She didnt notice the first time I looked at her. I just smiled and continued to listen to her singing this song. The second time I looked back she looked at me. When she got off the bus she came up to me and said, "What Miss Pieper - did you not like my Jesus song?" I told her I loved it and she said it made her happy. It was one of those moments where you can see God working where he needs to be in small ways. It made me smile and the rest of the day went (for the most part) flawless.

I can safely assume though, that I will not plan another field trip anytime soon. Although it was not difficult - it just took up those extra few minutes I had every day and at this point I do not have time to spare!

Heres to a good week, with many blessings!!!

Get it - NOW!!!!!

So some of you who read this will know who I am talking about when I reference Steven Curtis Chapman. If not - he's worth looking up if you are in need of a little dose of inspiration.

In May, his 17 year old son accidentally ran into his daughter whom he adopted from China. The accident killed the girl. The family recently appeared on Good Morning America and Larry King Live. Their amazing faith in their time of struggle is profound. I had tears in my eyes as I listened to the interviews. The loss they must have felt is incredible, but how they deal with it was more incredible to me.

Anyway - to my point. he has a song on his most recent CD (which I proudly blast every morning going to school) called "Yours." This song is very catchy and it puts me in a good mood on my drive. After the accident - a new verse was added. It literally gave me goosebumps when I heard it. It talks about the loss of their daughter, and you can hear the passion, sadness and above all assurance in his voice.

The verse says:
"I've walked the valley of death shadow - so deep and dark I could barely breathe. I've had to let go of more than I can bear. And I've questioned everything I believe.
Still even here, in this great darkness - only comfort and hope can bring you through as I can say in life and death - God we belong to you!"

Then the song continues.


So off I went to iTunes to find the new version - and all of the proceeds are being donated to his adoption charity.


I can only imagine how painful writing and singing this is - because it brings tears to my eyes.

Then I cant help but think - if their faith can remain so strong in such a trying time - I surely can overcome what I am being dealt here.

Seriously - if you have not heard it - GO and download it NOW! It's one of the most powerful songs I've heard in a while.

And thats all for one night!

Blessed

I realized that I have not posted anything in 4 weeks!!! If that is any cue to you on how my life has been lately - it is crazy!!

I have felt truly blessed as this school year has started. With as many down moments that have happened - the ups have trumped them all!

* I am working at an after school program 3 days a week for extra pay!

* I am tutoring a student on the side for extra pay.

* I am co-team-leader for the 4th grade teachers at school.

* I have the most amazing opportunities - I just need to grab them and go with them!

* I have the BEST friends anyone could ask for. They are all so different - but all so important in my life.


I feel like this past week has been the LONGEST short week ever!! I feel like I am also running around like a crazy person half the time - scratch that - MOST of the time. This last week has been so exhausting that just when I was about to complain I had to sit back and think. Then I thanked God for all of the opportunities in my life. I appreciate the after school program for the extra pay. I appreciate the opportunity to be a leader within my school. I also appreciate the opportunity to tutor a struggling child.

Although on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays I work 12 hour days....and on Wednesdays and Fridays I still work 10 hour days to catch up from the time missed on the other days - I am managing to do ok.

I apologize if I owe you a phone call, text message or email. As mentioned above - I am about 10x busier this year than last year!! Please be patient - I am just trying to change the world one child at a time. ;o)