I want to delve deep

I have been fully aware since middle school that I am a deep thinker. God blessed me with a mom who is one as well. I went through middle school, high school, college and now adulthood sharing with my mama about the deep desires of my heart. 1. Why does this guy not like me? 2. Why do my friends abandon me when they get a boyfriend? 3. Why do my friends not take my advice? 4. Why do I do most of the listening? 5. Why do my friends not return the same listening and advising that I offer them? 6. Where is he mom? 7. Why is it so hard for me to be a godly example? 8. Why am I so angry? 9. How do Christian marriages stay together? 10. Why did God allow this? I could go on an on about the never ending questions in my mind. Yes, I am prone to analyzing and questioning. It is probably part of my Melancholy personality. I am constantly seeking and
searching to understand God and His purpose for me.

I also desire to study the Word more deeply as I grow in my walk with Him. I am striving to be done with the days where quiet times were maybe once a week, when I skipped Bible study because I was too tired, when just reading Christian Living books was enough, when fellowship with friends was all about me, etc. This has allowed me to love the community of believers I am involved in! It is so encouraging, uplifting and fulfilling. I desire to grow close to the Lord through Bible study, ministry, accountability and social time. This church and the amazing people I have met has brought me closer to the Lord.

I say all this because I am utterly surprised when others do not embrace delving deep into the Word and the life of a believer. Why do they continue to stay on the surface? Why do they keep all their struggles to themselves? Why do we have to keep it "light?" Why do I feel awkward trying to direct the conversation into more meaningful waters with them? Why are they afraid to admit they are broken and need to be fixed?

I ask all these questions not to judge but to ponder and work through. I realized a lot over these last couple of years how many Christians who have grown up in the church stagnate well into adulthood. Not just for a couple of years but several years. We just continue living life without really living. What is the reason and/or the solution? I would greatly appreciate anyone's thoughts...

Summer is here

I started teaching summer school today and I am worn out! I surprisingly got hired to teach electives to Gifted and Talented kids or GT as we call them in education. This program was started by a man who felt GT kids needed enrichment over the summer. Each student or "scholar" as they are called, takes 5 classes a day. Their first class is Manners to Morals. They learn anything from handshakes to making the right choices in life. Then they take Perspectives in 2nd period. This class teaches them perspectives on faith. The other 3 classes are their choice. I teach 1 sewing class and 1 cooking class, which is what I teach during the year so it works out that I actually know what I am doing for once!

The program begins at 8:30 and ends at 3:40. We teach them all kinds of fun songs at the opening and closing assembly that include lots of movement. They absolutely love it! These songs are now stuck in my head and I am positive they will not leave even after the program is over. I have to say these are some of the most amazing kids I have ever met. They are respectful, kind, conversational, pleasant, intelligent, poised, articulate and cute. We taught them procedures all day and they got it! No constantly drilling it in their heads. No yelling "Don't do that!" No continuous discipline. No real worries at all. It is quite refreshing to be around these kids after the tough year I had. The Lord knew I was going to be really tired and unmotivated to work this summer so He provided this job for me. Gosh I am so blessed by it. I so do not deserve it but I am very gracious.
I ended the day with an ab class and Pilates at 24 Hour Fitness. The girl worked us very hard so I do not believe I will be walking smoothly tomorrow! Thank you Lord for this great day!

Local Flavor

This past week I have dined out 7 times! Wow that is a record for me. I typically refrain from eating out that much because for one, it is expensive and two, the calories! But eating out to me is a hobby. I enjoy trying out different places in Houston and living like the local that I am. So here is a rundown of the places I HIGHLY recommend:

1. The Chocolate Bar If you physiologically need chocolate like I do, go here...once a week.
2. Escalantes My fave items are the table side guacamole and Pat's Mexico City Salad. They also have a yummy queso so be sure to order it with those bottomless chips. They have locations in Town and Country, Woodway and Voss as well as Highland Village.
3. Singha Thai Restaurant I have never tried Thai food so my sweet friend Jen took me there to partake in Tom Ka Gai soup which is a mix of sliced chicken, coconut milk, galanga, chili and lime. Just don't eat the chili like I did! They don't have milk to take away the bite but they do have cream. This little place has great prices and is located at Westheimer and Bering. Also, beware of the short Hispanic waiter because he will tell you what you are eating is fattening if he does not approve of it.
4.Pho Tan Loc There are many types of pho but I would suggest a combination bowl with chicken. Emily and I ventured onto Bellaire and found this place but If you are adventurous, drive down this long road and check out the restaurants. Bodard is another fave of mine.
5. Kona Grill Has a mix of international dishes but we tried the sushi. Eat the Dragon Roll but start with the Avocado Egg Rolls. Trust me. You cannot go wrong with those! Check out this place in the Galleria.
6. This fabulous Ethiopian restaurant Blue Nile was introduced to me by Emily today as we ate lunch there. It is the only restaurant of it's kind in Houston. We shared a plate of spicy lamb and many wonderful vegetables eaten with teff. We ended the meal with their coffee ceremony and popcorn. You MUST visit this hidden treasure! Just try not to be put off by the location. Kinda shady.

Branch out and get to know this city through it's food. You will be surprised at the gems you can find!

End of the school year

I could not have made it through this year without my wonderful co-workers: Sheila, Adam, Marion (not pictured) and Emily. We all clicked from day one. Adam was new this year and became the 2nd speech and theater teacher. Sheila was in her 5th year at the school and teaches art. Marion, her first year at the school as the ESL helping teacher with 20 years of education experience. Emily, my better half who was going into her 2nd full time year at the school as a Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher.
Let me describe the reasons I love them:
1. Adam-Extrovert, exagerated story teller, who provided much comic relief during our 4 minute breaks from one period to another. He was full of crazy student stories and had great one-liners. He also became our polgyamous husband (me, sheila and emily were his wives). Yep. I said it. It all began at the beginning of the semester when our students thought there was something going between us. "Miss H, I know you like Mr. D. Ooohh is he your boyfriend?" "Miss K, I saw you flirting with Mr. D in the hallway!" They continued to question our association with Adam because from what they could see and understand in their young adolescent minds, either you like him or you don't. There is no friends with the opposite sex. I would try to explain away why but it was no use. I just gave into it! We called little "family" meetings in the hallway and many times Adam would come into our rooms unannounced during class time and make a funny comment about "us" in front of the students. They loved it!
2. Sheila-wife #1 is straightfoward, real, witty and hilarious. She kept me laughing as we did our weekly study hall shift together. She lovingly accepted the Life Skills kids into her art class everyday and said the most funny things to them. We now get to work this summer school job together...thanks to her I actually got the job!
3. Marion-"mom." Her husband a pastors a church in the Jersey Village area and has the most wonderful, sweet, warm, kind personality. She is always upbeat and positive and I never saw her with a down day. She was the mom in our elective wing as she bailed me out of my classroom many times when I got too upset to continue teaching. She was full of godly wisdom and stories about how she met her husband. She encouraged us with her words and shared her hope for Miss K and I that we could meet that special guy someday. She was such a joy to be around!
4. Emily-wife #2. Outgoing, intelligent, unique, disciplined, committed, creative, innovative and helpful. She was the one who led me to this school because she knew there would be an opening. We spent the first semester learning how to work together and communicate. She taught me how to plan lessons, how to teach my kids, how not to take things personal and not to lose my cool with the students. She also shared what the Lord was teaching her and that encouraged me always. She is a healthy fit person so that in turn helped me to become a lot more focused in that area of my life. She loves to cook and shared her methods with me and that inspired me to get busy in my own kitchen. She is incredibly thoughtful and gives great gifts! I will be so sad not to teach with her next year!

Discerning Reader

Recently I found out about this website and I have come to rely on it. As Christians, we cannot accept just every book that is sold in Christian bookstores. We must use discernment in choosing books to read because we could be led astray by faulty theology. The authors on this site are very honest and will give you the truth. I would suggest checking out The Purpose Driven Life review. They do give positive reviews of other books so start searching!!