My New Peeps

When you step into a new job, besides the newness of what you will be doing, where you are and how you have to learn everything over again....there is the people factor. That's right, folks....the new co-workers. (Insert Twilight Zone music sound-bite here)

You never know how people will react to you, to your methods, to your idiosyncrasies. (Or 'my crazy', as I like to call it) But I have to tell you what... my new peeps, rock!

I work with an awesome bunch of people.

Our management team is so fun. They kick some major bootie, when it comes to getting things done. They are on top of things! They have really inspired me to be better at what I do. I am so impressed by the go-getter-all-hands-on-deck attitude of Sharla. I am touched by the sweet but direct guidance of Bonnie. Marilyn's attention to detail and willingness to jump in is incredible. Lynette's determination in spite of difficulties is empowering. Becky's is, well....Becky is awe-inspiring with everything she does! And Carol, the leader of the pack, her vision and energy lead us so well.

God, Thank you for this amazing group of women that you have given me to work with. I pray a blessing over their families. May they have many moments of tenderness and love with their dear ones. I pray a blessing over their work. May the lead tutors, the tutors, the students and school staff enjoy the visits and conversations with these women. May they be fruitful in their work and joyful in their conversations. I pray a blessing over them. May they find rest after busy days, peace in their moments alone and laughter...so much laughter. Lord, thank you for these women.

And let me just tell you about these Lead Tutors we have.... OMBob. (That's from Gloria! She's a stitch!) They are so patient, so focused and so stinkin' funny! I love getting email responses from them replying to my crazy. Most of them are teachers. All of them love their kiddos. It's hard to imagine doing this job with anyone else. They make my job so much easier....even if they have to remind me a few times to get that learning plan to them! (Geeze-o-pete!) They are a definitely a group of cool catz!

Lord, thanks so much for the Lead Tutors that work for us. I pray you would bless their efforts in making the students that are in our program more successful. I pray you would bless their interaction with school leaders, with parents, with tutors and most of all with their kiddos. I pray for their programs to flow smooth. I pray for their minds to be clear so they can trouble-shoot and problem-solve quickly and effectively. I pray for peace in their groups. I pray for success for their kids. I pray for joy as they work in our program.

So, you may ask how I am liking Florida.

Well.... I like it.

And my new peeps are a big part of it! Thanks everyone!

Forever JAMES!

I just couldn't help but post this. But I need to share a little back story with you.


My church in Fort Wayne is awesome! I have grown in my walk with Christ, been challenged to rethink, met amazing friends, served neighbors and enjoyed fellowship-ping with them over the last 15 years. When I started at Fellowship, we were all crammed in a sanctuary for three services each Sunday. We had chairs (barely isles) everywhere including the exit hallway, the sides/wings of the santuary...basically all over. I'm surprised they weren't hanging from the ceiling! About two or three years after I started going to FMC (Fellowship Missionary Church-- WHOOT WHOOT!) We decided to build on to our church. My church has made the decision not to borrow to build. We prayed and raised money and were able to build on. Our chruch grew and grew and we added on a children's wing. Now, we are redoing the administrative part and adding a new sanctuary.


I know that a lot happens and a lot goes on behind the scene but Pastor Dave has done an amazing job of leading and challenging our church. My favorite sermons are those series where he takes a book of the bible and we spend FOREVER on it. Literally. I think we spent 20-something weeks on Philippians. The book only has 4 chapters and 104 verses!! I love love love that in depth study on the word of God.


We just finished a series like that in James. Sadly, I have missed many since moving to Florida as well as traveling before I left. I guess they ended a couple of weeks ago and to end the series, they did this little song. Robbie and group.... kuddos!! Click on the link below

James! This Series Lasted Forever...

Love ya FMC family!!!

GPS

Being new to Florida, Curtis and Amanda got me a Tom-Tom. It's been fun finding places on this thing. I have always been pretty good with directions but in a new state where I can barely figure out which way is north yet..... It's been awesome having this!

Now, I know this is a moo point (you know... it doesn't really matter....like a cows opinion doesn't really matter) but I wanted to tell you that, after much persuading from friends and FRIENDS.... I have named my Tom Tom. ...and no, I have not named it Tom. Her name is Princess Consuela. It really is a great name!! When the Princess says turn right--- you have to do it! She's the princess!

Marketer Me

What kind of shoes do you like?
Where would you most likely go on vacation?
Who would you believe more: Brittney or Paris?
What would make you want to eat this more?

Welcome to the world of marketing!

This is one thing that I never thought I would be a part of. Me? Trying to get you to buy something? Nu-uh. Not in a million years!

I guess time flies when you're having fun!

Now, after 10 years of teaching, I find myself in at the buisness end of buisness. The 'how do we get people to want what we have' end. It's facinating and yet so foreign to me. Gimme a kid who doesn't know how to read and BANG! I'll teach him to read. Ask me to try to sell something to you?????? ...........yeah...............

I am learning so much about the concept of 'want vs. need'. Now, make no mistake I am an expert in what I need verses what I want..... I NEEDed that really expensive necklace, NEEDed that vacation, NEEDed that new iPod and totally NEEDed that cheeseburger. I WANT to do my laundry. I WANT to go to the gym. I WANT to do the dishes in the sink. See.... I totally am an expert in the need vs. want area. What I am realizing is that I have to figure out how to be an expert in what YOU want and need.

Thankfully, the company doesn't depend on me for marketing. I'm more of the 'manage the data' part of the company but after sending my ideas to the big guy.... (Insert nail biting noise here). It's fun. It's different. It's..... time for me to get back to work......