Sunday Social

1. What is the best New Years Eve you've ever had?

The only one that sticks out  is when Joe and I watched King Kong. We were at the theater on New Year's Eve and I got upset with him because he didn't tell me Happy New Year right when it turned midnight. I'm a nutball. 

2. Are you doing anything for NYE this year and if so what?

No plans at this time, although there's a local concert/benefit I'm considering. It's just easy to stay home and watch Dick Clark's Rockin' New Year's.

  

3. Name a book we should all read come January?   

Wrecked by Jeff Goins or Star Girl by Jerry Spinelli

4. What are your new year's resolutions?

I'm terrible at keeping resolutions.  Reoccurring resolutions have included: "Read my Bible More", "Eat healthier", "Be more organized", "Exercise consistently", etc. This year, I want to get clutter under control in our home. Instead of waiting until the New Year begins, I've already begun clearing small spaces and I hope to make better habits that will stay with me throughout the year. If you have any helpful hints regarding clutter control, feel free to share. I'm always open for new ideas!

Linking up with Ashley and Neely for Sunday Social this week.

Cry baby... it's MORE than okay to cry.

For the one who reads this and needs it...

 

I cry when my heart is full to the brim and the only way to possibly contain what's inside is to let some out my eyes.

I cry when I have reached my frustration level and I can't go on without a good cry.

I bought What Dreams May Come for days when I need a good cry. (Let it be noted I've never watched it for that purpose but should the need arise, I have the movie.)

I cry when all the children and teachers in our little school, my home away from home, come together for a teachers versus students volleyball game.

I cry when my feelings get hurt.

I cry when I am singing praises to Jesus.

Sometimes, I cry tears of gratitude and thankfulness when I look over and realize I get to spend life with my husband.

I even cry when I hear Pink sing Just Give me a Reason or Miley sing Wrecking Ball. (But let's face it, who doesn't cry when they think of Miley these days!?)

From the time I have memories, my amazing momma has told me, "It's okay to cry. Get the cry over with and then move on." 

Piano lessons, dance class, Mrs. Rowland's math class, 9th grade Geometry, staff meetings, hurt feelings and more... if you've known me for any length of time- whether as a child or an adult - you've probably seen me cry. It's part of who I am and that's okay. I've always continued after a good cry. Usually, I cry because I care. I'm not a cry baby. I'm tenderhearted. Crying does not make me weak.

When tears are cried and left behind in a healthy way, they're cathartic. They can give the release you need to be strong or they can escape as a symbol of immense joy. 

"Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll- are they not in your record?" Psalm 56:8

Jesus sees our tears and He rejoices with us when they are joyful and mourns with us when they are sorrowful.

It's more than okay to cry...

I felt like a Pinterest lady...

Every once in a while...

an outfit comes together so easily...

 And I felt like a Pinterest Lady.


 Outfit Details
 Shoes- Instagram shop- FawnandFeather @ohemmadeer's closet
Jeans - Thrifted
Chambray Shirt- Thrifted
Scarf- Jane
Purse- forever ago Target

People Pleaser

Hello, my name is Jana and I'm a people pleaser.


Whew. Now that I've gotten that off my chest... it's exhausting trying to make everyone like me. The older I get and the longer I live the more people I come across who decide I'm not their cup of tea. It's exhausting keeping a mental tally of people who said they a) don't like me b) think I'm too nice c) too perky d) phony e) fill in the blank.

This has been a lifelong habit. In elementary school I had people threaten to beat me up. In high school someone outright told me they didn't like me. In each instance, I tried my darnedest to make these people like me. As an adult I've come across more people who don't click with me and I usually want to "fix" it, somehow change their opinion...

I have something to say to myself and other people pleasers....
STOP IT!

In all the self defeat and nonacceptance ... we're only causing ourselves frustration, anxiety, and pain. Stop questioning who you are and wondering what's wrong with you. You have been uniquely designed and the way you are is good.  "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5

Not only did God set you and me apart, he took the time to do this...."And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered." Matthew 10:30  I've got a LOT of hairs. Why am I worried about what anyone thinks of them? God already counted them and set me apart to do great and mighty things.


So who are you trying to please? Who am I trying to please? This, my thirtieth year, I've realized I need to stop. I need to stop being self conscious about whether people like me. I need to stop doubting my abilities and apologizing for being a "bossy pants." I'm not bossy. In fact, I'm probably one of the least "bossy" people you'll ever come across. I need to take ownership of the gifts and talents I've been given. I need to stand firm on God's promises that his gifts and call are irrevocable and stop apologizing and trying to please humans.


 "Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10 NIV 

Meet the Teacher: What I Wore & What I learned

Tonight marked my 8th (!!!) Meet the Teacher night. I simply cannot believe I'm no longer the 'new kid on the block'... what a weird feeling.

Highlights include:

- I got a few of my "wish list" kids.
- Kids who wished to have me for their teacher got me.
- Some of my former darlings came back to see me. This is one of my FAVORITE things.

- I got a handmade bracelet from one of my sweeties.

- I saw some excellent Hello Kitty earrings.

- One friend taught me how to snap and point properly. Took me a few times, but I think I've got it.
(To clarify, when I say friend or talk about accessories, these are obvi first grade sweeties.)

Outfit
Pearls: Gifted from Daddy
Shirt: Thrifted Nine West
Skirt: Thrifted
Shoes: Crocs
(Did you read about my new Crocs?)

Things I've learned:

- As much as I want to... I can't spend time with everyone like I'd like.

- Having kids and parents sort supplies is bombtastic. Do that every year.

- Directions on the SmartBoard- I'm a genius.

- Kids always get added at the last minute.

What I would have done differently: 

- Helped the rookie down the hall a little more. I forget what it's like to be in her shoes.
 

Um.... teacher face???

Here's hoping to my best year in first grade, always remembering what it's like to be the newbie, and never letting go of First Grade Jitters. Pretty sure my nerves mean I care.