It’s My Wonderful Life

No it is not for a doctorate. The timing is not right for that, although I wish it was but you can’t fight God for something you want and don’t need.

I am taking a class this summer at UAM that was funded by the No Child Left Behind Grant. This class is Spanish for Teachers. I am so excited. English as a second language students are constantly growing in this area. I have one myself. She speaks perfect English but Mom cannot.

This class will provide me with the Rosetta Software ($500 and it is mine). Rosetta Software is the leading software to teach a second language to someone. I don’t have to pay for it. Isabel Bacon will be instructing the class on how to use the software and teach us Spanish.

The grant also pays for the graduate class. I am not out of any money, except the University fees. You know those crazy infrastructure fees (What is this). At the end of the course, I will also be given a stiped for $150.

I am so excited to have this opportunity to learn Spanish without having to be out of any money (except childcare).

I get to go to school for FREE!!

My quiet times with God are going great.  I don’t even hesitate anymore to get up at 5.   I have always heard that it takes 20 days for a habit.  I think this one only took 7 days.    I guess when you see the result immediately, you want to continue.

My next goal is to have a clean house and keep it that way.  Clean clothes put up and not in the laundry basket.   This goal is going to happen today.  Ashton has not felt good all weekend so I am going to keep him home today.  While at home, I will clean the house.  You can clean with your kids and husband are not around.  The goal is to keep it this way.

After keeping my house clean, I will begin to work on my finances.  Actually attempt to do a budget.   So wish me luck.  Goals are every where.  Soon there will be the new and improved Lou.

I am thankful for…

1. a church that wants to grow and go forth in the community and do good
2. spending time with Mammy on her 92nd birthday
3. quiet times with God are going great
4. 22 days left of school before my students graduate
5. toilet paper (what would do without it)

It has been an overwhelming week as well as a powerful week with God. I have been determined for years that I am going to start reading my Bible. We see that I took this goal about like exercising. Maybe a few days.

Every time I would get started kids would come and want to be with me or talk to me. Not to mention the husband too. It was very frustrating. I did not know where to begin. I would always get started with Genesis. About at chapter 20, I am bored. Sad to say but yes bored. When you are bored, you stop it because you are not getting enjoyment. I stopped spending time with God. This happened several times.

After several weeks of small group, I was determined that this is what I needed. I had to force myself to get up before the kids and husband. So that meant 5:00 in the morning. I was kind of freaking out. That is really early. So this Monday, I decided to do this. I got me a prayer journal and bought a new Bible that has commentary by Joyce Meyer (she is really good). I wanted to start a new beginning. So I started with everything new.

I searched the internet for a good reading plan. I found one at Heartlight. This plan takes me through the Bible in the year, but on different topics everyday. I started with Genesis, went to Joshua, Isaiah, Matthew, then to Romans and back to Genesis. This has really kept my interest level. I can’t sit and read about the same stuff over and over again. I guess this is why I like magazines. Every page is a new story. This plan was very good.

I thought I would be exhausted at work. That is so not the case. I am super energized. One of my kids said, “Man Mrs. Arnold, you are super happy.” That says a lot right there to me. Without God, I am a gloomy old lady. I have also had stress over issues with parents, principals, and kids getting away with fighting (3rd incident.) Very frustrating. I was upset, but normally I would run at the mouth about this. I just said that is fine. The principal is over me and can overrule my ISS (in school suspension). He has the ultimate say. So not me. I would normally be in the principal’s office giving him the third degree.

So let’s say life is good. I have never been happier. Less arguments at home (except on the whole cleaning issue). It is like a black cloud that has been over me for years has been lifted.