Tag Archives: #Christmas

Enfold Yourself in Joy

Uncategorized, , , ,

I recently received a Christmas card from a former student and now friend (thank you, Am). It had the lovely family picture on it, but it also included a poem on the back. A poet and poem I had not heard of before. It has echoed over and over in my heart so I want to share its beauty with you.

Joy by Nikki Banas

Make your life about joy.

Celebrate your big and little wins. Grow every day.

Enjoy the first sip of your morning coffee,

and the second, and third and fourth.

Find something to smile about on your commute.

Give hugs often, compliment others whenever you can.

Get inspired. Nourish yourself.

Go outside and spend time in nature.

Take chances. Make the art.

Watch the sunrise. Climb the mountain.

Because life is just too short and fragile

to not live a life of chasing joy.

After ruminating on this poem, I sat down to pen out a few of those simple things in life that bring me great joy. From this humble activity, I found that no matter how unique or unprecedented this year has been, finding joy in the little things has made my year an exemplar or precedented one.

Wendy’s 2020 Joy

Find joy in the little things.

Restoring my soul by focusing on the small wins.

Blessings like a sunrise or a sunset;

Unconditional love from the grandchildren;

The glow from a campfire;

A grandchild’s phone call using Alexa;

Unexpected colored pictures, notes, cards, and letters in the mailbox;

Coffee, lunch or a walk with a friend;

A big ole dollop of whip cream;

A warm bath by candle light;

A 20-second therapy hug from the hubby;

Coloring a picture or drawing on the chalkboard;

A round of golf on the Wii in winter;

An uplifting devotion;

A dazzling display of Christmas lights.

Find joy in the little things.

May I invite you to do the same? Sit down with your favorite cup of tea and pen out a few of those simple things that have brought you great joy this year. It is an activity I know will bring you…JOY. 😉🙌

We pray you find joy in the little things. Happy holidays from us to you…

📸 credit: Pam O., Wendy’s niece.

Stay Calm & Celebrate Joy!
Profs Dr. Wendy & Dr. V. 

A Teacher’s Day Before Christmas

Uncategorized,

Amazon.com
Amazon.com

　

‘Twas the day before Christmas break and all through the halls

Children were skipping and laughing, hiding in bathroom stalls.

All the teachers were frazzled, pulling out their hair

They didn’t know how much more ruckus they could bare.

One classroom was partying with a Polar Express theme

They had tickets and nuggets and hot chocolate supreme.

Out came the principal, dressed up like an elf

Inviting, “come on down, and I’ll read a book off the shelf.”

Children and teachers rushed to hear the book she’d picked

All the children wanted to sit near her and be her sidekick.

She told them “settle down and listen with good ears”

The Teachers’ Night Before Christmas had them all laughing to tears.

What? You’ve not read this book? Surely, you jest?

Check out Steven Layne’s book, your students will think you’re the best.

Here’s a sneak peak of his wonderful rendition

Of The Night Before Christmas, only in Teacher Edition…

“I’ve been checking my records throughout this past year

And your grades indicate that you’ve nothing to fear.

Santa truly loves teachers, support staff, and such.

Your students are blessed ‘cause you’ve given so much.”

To our teacher candidates at SMSU, our correcting is done and your grades indicate that you’ve nothing to fear. We love our teacher candidates, we will see you “next year.”

Stay Calm & Lead On!
Profs Dr. C. & Dr. V.

Just a Different Kind of Christmas this Year

Uncategorized, , ,

BLOG Four Generations

I served coffee today out at Good Sam, the nursing home here in my home town. My parents both lived out there the past few years until they passed away—my dad in August of 2013 and my mom just this year in June 2014. I miss my parents. And, I miss the residents at Good Sam so this is how I stay in touch with them…I volunteer.

One of the residents asked me today how my mom was doing. It was a lady my mom always gave a bear hug to when we went to coffee hour. I had to tell this gal that my mom had gone home to heaven in June. When I reminded her of this, I couldn’t stop my tears. They started to flow like Niagara Falls. I had to dismiss myself for a few minutes to pull myself together.

This year will be my first Christmas without my mom. Her smile, her teasing, her jovial laughter…all will be missed. As Mark Schultz sings in his heartwarming song, it’s just a different kind of Christmas this year.

If you’ve lost a loved one and find yourself sad this Christmas, I pray you find comfort in Mark Schultz’s song. I also pray you find hope and encouragement in this poem that was sent to me by one of my church family members.

I’m spending Christmas with Jesus This Year

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below.
With tiny lights, like heaven’s stars, reflecting on the snow.

 The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear.
For I’m spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

 I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear,
But the sounds of music can’t compare with the Christmas Choir up here.

 For I have no words to tell you, the joys their voices bring.
For it’s beyond description to hear an angel sing.

 I can’t tell of the splendor or the peace here in this place.
Can you imagine Christmas with Our Savior, face to face?

 I’ll ask Him to light your spirit, as I tell Him of your love.
So then pray for one another as you lift your eyes above.

 Please let your hearts be joyful and let your spirit sing.
For I’m spending Christmas in Heaven, and I’m walking with the King.

~Author Unknown

Hold your loved ones and their memories close to your heart. Fill your homes with love and laughter this Christmas and always. And, Mom…I love you and miss you! ~Wendy

BLOG Warren & GG 

Stay Calm & Lead On!
Profs Dr. C. & Dr. V.