Those Eye-Opening Moments

There are times in this life when I feel like God has whacked me in the face with a "DUH" stick or something. Thing is: it doesn't usually hurt - it actually feels good most of the time. I find myself being close-minded too often. I know what I believe and what I feel is the line between right/wrong, however, I think that I don't display the Christian example like I should when people near me cross over that "line". I've always been a big believer in "stand up for your beliefs even when you are standing alone", but I'm that that isn't the best way to witness most times. As sinners, we are tempted to feel like our sins pale in comparison to others' sins, but in God's eyes that is not the case. As Christians, we know that we should forgive the sins of others because Christ first forgave ours. So it becomes an issue of "how" we go about forgiving. I was able to forgive a great friend recently for something that she did wrong (wrong in my eyes). But I KNOW I was also forgiven for my rage-filled actions in the way I confronted her sin and chose to hold a grudge about it. What I thought was such a terrible thing she did, she truly showed love, forgave my ridiculous actions spurred on by my own sin of anger, disappointment, and jealousy, and brought us both to a place where our friendship has been strengthened so much that I know it will last a lifetime. And in the process, she saw my side of the issue and I learned to become more accepting of other people and their faults, just like they try to do with me.

My small piece of advice is that if there is a relationship in your life that needs restoring - RESTORE IT NOW! I promise its so worth it!

What's Great About South Dakota

So its been a couple weeks here in Sioux Falls, and I've had the opportunity to check out what I really enjoy about this place.

1.) The grocery stores give you gas coupons and the discount changes daily. Yeah, I saved 6 cents a gallon today at the pump!
2.) While there may be tax on clothes and food, the sales tax here is lower AND taxes on services are amazingly low, too.
3.) There are 2 teacher stores within a mile of my school.
4.) Rent is far cheaper than anywhere else I've lived.
5.) There are parks EVERYWHERE! Frisbee golf, basketball, tennis, swimming pools, bike trails, benches to read a book on...
6.) This lovely little place called "R" Scrapbook Store - amazing!

So things are good. I think I like it here. :)

Getting Settled

I'm officially in Sioux Falls. I'm in my apartment, most of the boxes are empty now. I've seen my classroom, and its ready to be organized/decorated as soon as I'm motivated for that. And I've seen the curriculum. Turns out I will only need to prepare 5 lesson plans a day for this year. Compared to the 10-14 per day that I prepared during my first 3 years of teaching double grades, what a piece of cake!

So my goals this year are this:
1. to join a gym and be faithful to working out
2. to join a church and be committed to at least 2 committes/groups
3. to coach at least one sport at school
4. to take a grad school class
5. to get a new car.
6. get a 2nd job, maybe... :)

What's Great about July 2nd

• Alyssa came home from Thailand today
• I traveled to the cities and back and not once had to stop for traffic-related issues
• Its now only four days until I move to Sioux Falls
• I got a bed frame so that I will again have a bed when I move
• My new bed has only 3 parts in comparison to like 63 (anyone who has helped me move before totally gets this one)
• I have all these great new pics of Payton that are suitable for framing
• Its not raining but crummy enough outside to make me not feel bad about hanging out in the house and reading a book to pass the day away
• Its only 3:30 - so more great things can still happen -stay tuned...... :)