life beyond the well…

Category Archives: Faith


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Finding the Simple Victories

So, I figured that the better way to look at what I do and the challenges that I face is to find the simple victories every day.  Yesterday’s simple victory was that I finally got keys to my classrooms (yes, that was classroomS…I teach in 3 different classrooms, and do advisory in another).  Today’s simple victory was actually AGAINST the students…in that I wrote up four students for discipline.

In the giant scheme of things, I don’t consider this to be a victory at all.  Consistent discipline problems affect classroom performance for the student who is misbehaving, as well as the other students in class.  No one likes to be distracted.  However, it’s a constant struggle to remind them that we’re not peers, and one way that is done is by not tolerating behavior that is disrespectful and distracting to others.  ‘Nough said.

Perhaps the biggest simple victory would be that I’ve recently been reminded as to how AWESOME God is.  On Friday, I transitioned into the grown folks club as I celebrated my 25th birthday.  People who know me, know how much I LOVE birthdays, and this one was truly special.  As I reflect on life, I’m so grateful for the ways that God has blessed me, because I know that I am SO undeserving.  Being able to see 25, in the midst of living my dreams, with a wonderful family and a host of friends is so awesome.  Seriously, if God never did ANYTHING else, He has already done MORE THAN enough.  Yet and still, I know that the best is yet to come.

I must confess that things with the job had been getting me down; however, I’m hanging in there.  There’s a purpose and a plan for me to be here, and I will see it through.


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Why I’m in Florida

I’ve wondered several times why I made the move from Georgia to Florida.  I had a good life in Georgia.  Nice friends.  Nice church.  Good job.  Good times.

I know that I moved to Florida to chase my dreams.  Well, not really chase them so much as to see if this is what I really wanted for myself.  I’ve been saying since my senior year of high school that I wanted to be a social studies teacher.  Moving to Florida was my opportunity to make it happen.

This move has been one of the most difficult things I’ve ever experienced.  I’ve definitely been put to the test.  I frequently wonder if it was a mistake.  I often feel like I take 3 steps forward and 2 steps back.  I knew that progress doesn’t always come quickly, but I will confess that I thought it’d be easier than this.

My faith has sustained me, along with the reminder that I’m grateful for the opportunity to live my dreams.  I realize that there are people out there with dreams that they wish they could pursue.  So, even if this isn’t exactly how I would expect or desire for it to be, it’s still awesome in and of itself.  But even more, I expect that God will move greatly in my life and I will be blessed for this huge leap of faith.  No matter how I feel, I’m here because I’ve been blessed to be here, and that makes it worthwhile.

Remembering- Romans 8:18, Romans 4:20-21, 1 Corinthians 2:9, Proverbs 18:16…and also that it’s only when you extend outside of your comfort zone that you grow.  To doubly quote Robert Browning:  “Ah, but a man’s reach must exceed his grasp, or what’s a heaven for?” and “But what if I fail of my purpose here? It is but to keep the nerves at strain, to dry one’s eyes and laugh at a fall, and baffled, get up and begin again.”

But if you prefer the pop culture reference, maybe Kelly Clarkson got it right (at least I can identify when I think of this move):

“Wanna feel the warm breeze
Sleep under a palm tree
Feel the rush of the ocean…
I’ll spread my wings and I’ll learn how to fly
I’ll do what it takes till I touch the sky
And I’ll make a wish, take a chance, make a change
And breakaway
Out of the darkness and into the sun
But I won’t forget all the ones that I love
I’ll take a risk, take a chance, make a change
And breakaway…”

I’m here now.  I made it.  It’s all about doing what I came to do, and making where I am where I want to be.  I may have some work to do on that last one…but hey, I’m living my dreams.  Honestly, life can’t be THAT bad.