The Rocket Summer

A band called The Rocket Summer stumbled into my life 4 years ago around this time when I was on my way to my very first job interview. I was so nervous and was spending the drive praying with my fingers trembling on the steering wheel. Then this song came on the radio randomly.

God reassuring me from above that He had me in the palm of His hand and all I needed to do was be brave. I got that job. And later I had to be brave again. He came through again.

This afternoon working in my classroom I had forgotten all about this band and after a long hard (but still very fun) week I looked up this song that started it all for me. After it was over, another one played. And I stopped in my tracks at the lyrics, moved deeply for the first time in a very long time. A perfect reminder-

"And greatness isn't what you think it's not being up on that silver screen.
It's not convincing people you don't fall apart.
It's just loving and serving and being who you are.

You were made in an image of greatness.
Just for a moment start to forget about the scars and forget who you think you are. Don't say another word. You're meant for greatness.
Just for a moment start to forget about the scars and forget who you think you are. All the fear within your world, you can take it... "

Have a listen. Be moved. And have an awesome weekend!

-A

Space Jam

I remember the soundtrack to Space Jam- and jamming to it in Ashley W.'s basement with all our friends like we were hot stuff.

Watch this video. He's got it right. I needed this- and I know some of you do too. Watch it once, twice, a hundred times. Whatever will make you stop being boring and go find your Space Jam.

Have a great week!
-A

Jammin' Mahn!

I hope my phonetic spelling was correct! Anyways, I've been LOVING this song this week and thought I would share some chill, head bopping tunes with you. :)

Jack Johnson is one of my favorite musicians to listen to; keeps me relaxed and smiling and I can often times pretend I'm laying in a hammock somewhere tropical while tapping my foot to his melodies. Enjoy!

Blessings

If you have kept up with me lately, you may have noticed I have gone from an incredibly joyful and happy person to someone jaded and embittered by some very discouraging circumstances.

Basically, due to reasons that even I am still unclear about, my principal feels my skills in the area of planning and using assessments to guide my instruction are deficient enough that I have not been offered a job again next year.  My skills in the classroom have no weakness at all and I am a very strong teacher. Yeah, something about that is just not right.

This news has been incredibly upsetting for me. I'm supposed to be having the most exciting, joyful time of my life right now as I prepare to be a wife and spend time with Josh fixing up "our" new home! However, I find myself emotionally unstable as I consistently put on my bravest face, fix my smile, and go into my classroom each day, knowing they are numbered, and give my all to those precious faces that I spend so much time with each day. It's hard. It is so hard.

BUT!

I found a song the other day. The lyrics of this song brought me to my knees, sobbing. After a particularly tough day today, I heard it on my way home and can't help but to share it with everyone. Please have a listen, if for no other reason than just to satisfy your curiosity. It's powerful.

I would appreciate your prayers- to cling to truth rather than my emotions and that I pay attention as God reveals the next steps. Josh is behind me 100% and we are hand in hand, clinging to our Savior.

As He leads, we follow.

God bless, everyone! Happy Friday Eve!

-A