Come join the fun at Kate's place!!
Last week's prompt was Limit. I had reached my limit and was ill for 7 hours straight. I've been told it may have been Influenza B. I'm 10 pounds lighter and burst a blood vessel in my left eye. It's healing. But today, people noticed and were concerned. So, I didn't post. That's hard for me to skip a week. But I didn't forget to post.
This week's prompt is Forget.
Truly? I did forget. I forgot what it was like to be sick. We've been blessed with great health for the last four years other than coughs and colds and aches and chills. Our stomachs have been passed over like the Hebrew children of Egypt. Spared unimaginable horrors and plagues. The last time I had this kind of illness, I had a 3 month old child and was so dehydrated after I feared she'd be unable to nurse again.
But you know what I had also had time to forget? What it was like to be in a quiet place and let God pour out His creativity on me. I'd been running on empty and running dry. When God needs a workaholic to take a rest, sometimes the prescribed cure is illness. (Or injury.) @Jeanne Takenaka
I am a first-time "real" teacher this year instead of just substitute teaching here and there. It has blessings and challenges like any new job. One of my joys is the weekly preschool and elementary chapels I get to teach. It's like Vacation Bible School each week. What we need to remember is not to get too serious and turn it into a grown-up's liturgical service. So this week I put on my apron and whipped up the recipe for kindness. We had a great discussion on 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18. And that kindness is the middle of the fruits of the Spirit list in Galatians, so if you have the first four, kindness is a natural fit!
Next week, I'm turning on the ovens in the kitchen (shares a door with our chapel) and baking snickerdoodles in bite-sized morsels as an object lesson of the aroma of our offering to God. How our thoughts and actions can be pleasing or unpleasant. And kindness always tastes good, but without the Holy Spirit in our lives, we can never be kind. Our natural reaction to pain is "ouch", not "I love you."
Feeling so so so much better and refreshed, even if it took seven violent hours first before I could really rest. :)
~Tammy
Always striving to be transparent and sincere as I learn what the Love of God truly means. "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15)
Followed you! Sorry you were sick. I had the flu last week as well but it didnt hit my stomach. I had a fever of 103 for several hours and found myself praying without thinking about it which shocked me! So happy you are feeling better and that you are helping little ones come to God in what most would consider simple everyday type of tasks! It is so important to remember to do everything in service to God whether it is standing up and preaching or wiping up crumbs for the billionth time! Praying you continue to feel well!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Marisa!
DeleteIt was over quickly. But last Thursday was definitely one I want to forget. :D
Love,
Tammy
So glad you're doing better, Tammy! And thrilled you're able to be back here with us. Your students are blessed to have you as a teacher! Keep up the great work -- but don't forget to rest! ;-) xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Kate.
DeleteSo glad you're feeling better too!
xx!
Love,
Tammy
Ah, I want to come to your chapel sessions! What wonderful, creative lessons you're sharing with your students!
ReplyDeleteAnita,
Deleteit's so much fun! We'd love to have you!
Love,
Tammy
Oh chapel with you would be so fun. Preschoolers and Babies are my fave ages. So glad you're feeling better friend. It feels so good to let God refresh us though, doesn't it? To spend time with him. Love ya! I'm #12 this week.
ReplyDeleteLove you too and sorry to hear you're sick, Tara.
DeletePraying you heal soon and have the energy for all those blessed lives you touch!
Love,
Tammy
So glad you are feeling better!
ReplyDeletePlease excuse a short comment. I can only sit up for a few minutes at a time. Today was a bit tiring.
Oh Andrew,
Deletethat on the list of things worth doing, commenting on my meager words is on the list means so much.
You could honestly just type "A" and it would make my heart glad. We appreciate every effort you make for the rest of us!
~Tammy
After an illness, gratitude abounds. Glad to have your account of remembrance.
ReplyDeleteThank you! And thanks so much for commenting again. I need your linkup number to find yours though. ;)
DeleteLove,
Tammy
Glad you are feeling better!! I am glad you found something to be happy about during your sickness. Sometimes God slows us down so we can recharge
ReplyDeleteYour fmf friend at number ten this week
Miranda,
Deleteyes, yes He does. And I'm so glad He did....but it is nice to be on the other side of that illness too. :D
Love,
Tammy
I'm glad you got some rest and that you're feeling better. And I love your ideas for teaching the kids- they sound so creative and fun. I'm sure they'll make a big impact on them. I'm at #32 this week.
ReplyDelete:) Carly, you are a gem. I'm so glad to see you this week!
DeleteLove,
Tammy
Hope you are feeling better. Visiting for #85. Blessings Diana
ReplyDeleteThanks Diana. I'm excited to read your post!
DeleteLove,
Tammy
You sound like an incredible teacher, Tammy, with some wonderful ideas for teaching the little ones about the love of Jesus. Glad you're feeling better.
ReplyDeleteLynette
~way down at #89 this time around