Cancer Was Not The End of My Journey: Becky’s Story

Posted on October 24, 2014 by Paige Givens

My dad grew up as the third in line of five children to my grandparents. He and his two brothers and two sisters can keep a person entertained for hours with their stories from the growing up years. There are hilarious stories about haircuts, jokes, and mishaps. There are horror stories about lost toes and lawn mowers, and getting locked in trunks (even though they all laugh now when they tell those). There are heartwarming stories of their love for their mother, who is in heaven now, and her love for them, which spilled over onto all of the grandchildren.

Raymond and Mary Faye Muncher; loving parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents

Raymond and Mary Faye Muncher; loving parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents

When I think about this very large side of my family, one that at this time includes my grandfather Raymond, the five children, their spouses, fourteen grandchildren, many of those with spouses, and thirteen great-grandchildren, I think of music, laughter, and celebration. We are a musical family for sure. We love to celebrate just about any holiday or function with singing and music, whether it’s real singing, lip-synching, or doing a dance number (all ages…yes, all ages). I’m not kidding!

Once we settle down, the stories usually begin. Because there are so many of us, we share stories that have gone on in our lives during the past year since we don’t get to see each other very often. You may hear fifteen different stories going on at once. But on many occasions, and especially at Christmastime, we all quiet down at some point and listen to some of the old stories. The ones we already know. We know how they will end; whether we’ll be laughing hysterically or crying softly by the end. We know the people, the events. But our hearts are warmed by hearing the familiar stories of our family’s trials, struggles, and victories.

Here is my Aunt Becky’s story. She is my dad’s older sister, one who takes care of the details of our get-togethers and functions. She’s one of those who are in charge when we are together. This is her story of a time in her life when she was totally out of control of her situation, but God was in control. This is her story of how cancer was not the end of her…

bec 1    bec 2

This story began in the hot summer days of 2003, when Becky started having a shooting pain in her right breast. She did a self-examination at home and felt a good-sized lump under the right breast. Having had benign cysts before, Becky and her husband Rodney assumed that this was the cause of the shooting pain. Still, she called her doctor, who quickly scheduled a biopsy for mid-July. The biopsy revealed dreaded news that so many are given each year. Becky had breast cancer. “Cancer…me? It was a very aggressive type of cancer so I would be treated very aggressively. This was one of the darkest days of my life. All I could think was, I am going to die. It was almost as if I was in a tunnel while the doctor spoke to me. I heard him talking, but I didn’t hear what he was saying.”

Becky’s sister Amanda began to pray scripture over her. “She stood at the end of my bed and started quoting Psalm 118:17… ‘You will live and not die and will declare the works of the Lord’. I remember thinking to myself, You can say what you want, but I’m going to die. The doctor has just given me my death sentence.”

Becky spent the next several weeks in doctor appointments, having tests and making decisions. She spent many of these days crying, thinking her life was ending. Then one day, things changed. “I had been reading my bible and praying. I listened to a lady on the television who said ‘Sometimes our lives get in such a mess that we don’t know which way to turn. No matter what your situation, you need to turn this mess into a message and this test into a testimony.’” Becky knew that this moment was just for her. She was on this journey, on a path she didn’t choose, one she had no control over. She decided right then and there that while she couldn’t control the situation, she could decide how she was going to handle it. “I said, ‘I’m going to take this bull by the horns and I’m going to tackle him down and win.’ This mess will be my message, and this test will be my testimony. I started repeating the scripture that my sister had given me the day I was diagnosed… ‘I will live and not die and will declare the works of the Lord.’ And along would come another scripture, and then another. I felt such a peace.  A peace that passes all understanding.  I thought, ‘This is a win/win situation.  If the Lord wants me to join him in heaven, I know I’ll have a beautiful place and I’ll get to see His face.  And if he sees fit for me to stay here awhile longer, I’ll get to see my sons and their wives build beautiful families. I’ll be surrounded by my family and friends who love me. Wow! I can’t lose!’”

Becky and her husband, sons, daughters-in-law, and grandbabies at Birmingham's Race For the Cure, 2014

Becky and her husband, sons, daughters-in-law, close friend,  and grandchildren at Birmingham’s Race For the Cure, 2014

Becky has a large support group of family and friends by her side.

Becky has a large support group of family and friends by her side.

Becky needed this peace to fill her and uphold her as the aggressive chemotherapy began to take its toll. As the weeks and months passed, the sickness and tiredness weighed her down to the point that there were times she thought she wouldn’t make it. Her strength was robbed until she could hardly walk from her bed to the restroom, struggling for breath with every step.

“When we are so weak and down, the enemy will try to creep in and take over,” she says, “And if we’re not careful, that’s exactly what he will do.  It’s completely up to us.  Attitude plays a big role in survival when you are traveling on any difficult journey. The most important thing is to realize that you need to turn it all over to the Lord and let him handle the situation. You have to put your complete trust in the Lord. Trust in the Lord with all Your heart.  Not part, but all.”

Becky recalls one point when she was especially low and weak. The Lord whispered a message to her soul that let her know she was not alone. “I was lying in bed and I was so weak that it frightened me. I started singing in my very trembling and weak voice…

‘Til the Storm passes over, ‘til the thunder sounds no more,

‘Til the clouds roll forever from the sky,

Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand,

Keep me safe ‘til the storm passes by.

-‘Til The Storm Passes By, M. Lister, 1958

 

“As I finished singing the song, I lay there and prayed and thought ‘Oh, Lord, I just don’t think I can go on.’ And then a presence in the corner of my room appeared.  It was as if it were an angel.  And the message I received within my spirit was ‘Hold On.  Don’t let go.  I have promised to be with you and I am here and will be with you every step of the way.  In My word I tell you that I will be with you and never forsake you.  Just take hold of my hand.’  At that moment I felt a fresh breeze blow across my face.  I knew then that everything was going to be okay, I was going to be okay and this test would turn into my testimony.”

After 12 chemo treatments, 36 radiation treatments and two other different chemo pills taken by mouth for 6 more years, Becky has been cancer free for 11 years. She has been married to her husband, Rodney, for 40 years and says, “We are still going strong! He was a solid rock during this journey and I could not have been more blessed to have him in my life.

bec and rosey1    bec and rosey 2

“We have three sons and three beautiful daughter-in-laws. And the grandchildren that I didn’t have at the time of diagnoses…I now have SIX!!  God has been so good to me and my family. And family and friends are very important during a time like the one I went through. They are there to help you with chores, cook a meal, or just to sit while you cry a little.  And you should let them. This is very important for the healing process.  Sometimes in our life we have to just sit back and let others help out. And we have to let go and let God be God. ”

bec family 3                   bec grandkids beck picBecky’s story is a true testimony to the peace, the courage, and the strength that God will give us–no matter what journey we are on—if we will put our complete trust in Him. He can take a story that the enemy tried to intercept for a tragic ending and turn it into one the sweetest story of our lives. It is truly so sweet to trust in Him.

Becky urges others to become educated about breast cancer. The information is readily available. Go to:

http://www.cancer.org

http://ww5.komen.org/

“I would also like to encourage every woman to do self-exams on a monthly basis. Be sure and talk to your doctor about when to start getting mammograms.  Early detection could save your life,” she adds.

 

In Loving Memory of Mary Faye Muncher…

Becky writes, “My mother was my biggest prayer warrior.  She was diagnosed with breast cancer five years after me.  She had a double mastectomy and we opted for no treatment due to her age and her health at the time.  She did take a chemo pill for five years.  Mother lived a good long life.  She and Daddy were married for 62 years with five children and their spouses, fourteen grandchildren, and thirteen great- grandchildren.  Mother went home to be with our Lord on December 2, 2013.  We miss her terribly but have comfort in knowing we will see her again one day.”

Becky and her mother. Two breast cancer survivors.

Becky and her mother. Two breast cancer survivors.

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To Moms: There Are Lies That Are Stealing Your Memories

Posted on October 21, 2014 by Paige Givens

I love being a mom. Long ago, I had pictures and stories in my mind of the kind of mom I’d be before I ever had kids. I played out the scenes of my kids’ childhood in my mind, and in them my kids were always clean,  always dressed in the cutest outfits,  and they were always perfectly happy and polite wherever we went. And almost none of our real-life scenes have turned out that way! Real life childhood for my boys is usually messy, sweaty, and even hurried. They usually are wearing clothes that they picked out themselves because mommy is still trying to find her own socks (lately we’ve had some interesting choices because mommy took out the fall clothes and mixed them with summer clothes…gotta love weather in the South). And while my kids are mostly happy, there have been several instances that involve crying (both kids and mom), fussing (both kids and mom), and impoliteness (well…I guess both kids and mom). I’m not the mom that I dreamed I would be, which sometimes bothers me. However, there is a joy and a fulfillment that comes with motherhood that is greater than anything I could’ve ever dreamed up. The joy of their smiles and giggles. The peace when they are praying their sincere prayers of childlike faith to the God who created them. The courage that comes from the God who created me to be the mom He created me to be.

boys grown

A while back, there were some moments when I realized that I was missing out on some of the joys, the peace, and the fulfillment of this wonderful journey. It’s something that happens to a lot of moms.  How does it happen? I think Satan throws darts at us right where he knows we will hurt the most. Satan is a liar, so some of his best darts are lies. And where is a mom’s most vulnerable spot?

Her children.

He is lying to me, putting false pressure on me that ultimately takes away from my kids. And he’s lying to other moms, too. So, after talking and listening with my friends and my heavenly Father, I’ve come to see through the lies that are taking away my memories and my beautiful moments that I have with my sons. This list is by no means exhaustive. If you see that these lies are present in your own motherhood journey, by all means, throw them out and get your joy of being a mom back! Don’t let anymore memories pass you by!

Lie #1: My Phone Is More Important Than My Kids

Now I know what you’re thinking…That’s not me. I’d never think my phone is more important than my kids.

Really, though? This came down hard on me when I realized I was literally looking at my phone more than I was looking at my kids during the day. Outside in the yard, what started as a “Just let me check my email for a sec” turned into checking emails, responding to emails, looking at Facebook, and texting my sister. After all, the kids were playing with each other. Not me. They didn’t care, right? Except that they did care.

The fact that they were yelling “Mommy, watch this!” and I kept saying “Hold on just one more minute!” showed that they did care that I was out there. And it showed that I was more interested in what my phone had to offer than what my kids were doing at the moment. I think the Lord whispered to my soul that day and reminded me that two miracles were blooming right in front of my eyes while I ignored them by looking at my phone.

I did put my phone away.

One of my friends had a similar experience, when she and her little three-year-old sat on the couch to watch a movie together. The little girl looked up at her mommy and said, “Do you want me to go get your phone for you?” She had always thought her daughter didn’t notice her looking at the phone during their time together.

They notice. They notice when we are not listening to them because we are engrossed in Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or whatever else our world can think of next.

Now I’m not in any way saying that these things are bad. I happen to enjoy a good recipe or craft idea from Pinterest myself. Without it, my family would be eating tuna sandwiches every night! But the problem for me came when I was spending more time with the internet than I was with my children. I was missing out on some wonderful memories because my face was in my phone.

Lie #2: My Kids Have to Be the Best in School or Sports

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with requiring your child to do his or her best in whatever they do. Hard work and not quitting is important. But when a child loses his joy in playing soccer because he’s got to do drills every night, or another child loses her love of reading because she’s required to do hours of homework each evening (and, yes, I’m a teacher), the good memories get lost in the work and the drills and the tears and the frustration. When life consists of practice, practice, and more practice, whether it’s reading, football, math, or piano, the joy of childhood is gone.

Playing sports is fun. Whatever happened to playing just for the fun of it? To learning that you won’t always be the best one? That at some point, someone will probably beat you, but that you’ll still have fun? How will our kids know how to handle this if they are constantly drilled to be the best?

Learning is extremely important. Every year at school, I have kids that struggle and kids that excel. With both types of children, I tell parents that after a small amount of practice, to be sure and let the kids just play at home. Yes, some kids have to do a little more work at home than others. But once the joy in that area is gone, students, parents, and teachers have a problem. If a child develops a dislike for learning early on, the journey through school is going to be very long and arduous.

There must be a balance, and I’ll admit that I’m still praying and studying to find that balance.

Lie #3: I Have to Get a Picture/Video of This

Oh, the glorious phone again. What would we do without it? This may sound like I’m contradicting myself, thinking that my obsession with taking pictures and videos is taking away my memories of my kids’ childhood, but here is what happens to me.

Instead of enjoying the moments as they happen, I’m digging in my purse for my phone to get a picture. Or I’m holding my arm in the air (and thinking about how my arm’s getting tired) to get a good video. Or I’m making the kids “stop right here for a minute” to get one picture, that turns into two, then three, then four. Or I’m deleting old pictures to make room for my new ones!

I think that the memories of really special moments in our minds can be more vivid and colorful than any picture. And unlike pictures, which fade or get lost, these memories stay preserved in our hearts forever.

Lie #4: I Can Take Them to Church Later

I recently spoke with a friend who didn’t get involved in the local church until her kids were teenagers. She said that they always planned to go to church, but ballgames, vacations, and school work always had to come first. She’s grateful that her entire family is involved with the church now, and that they’ve asked Jesus into their lives, but she feels like she missed out on some wonderful things when her children were younger.

It’s not an actual lie that you can start going to church later on. You can. But I think the devil throws that out there for parents who are struggling with a busy life as one thing that can take a back seat for awhile. We’ll go in the summer, once we don’t have homework. We’ll go when ball season is over. We’ll go after our vacation. In my friend’s case, this turned into years. Years that her kids grew up without hearing the Word of God, without hearing timeless hymns of praise and new songs of worship, without studying and learning life truths about being a disciple of Christ. Years of priceless memories that she can’t get back.

“I’ve got these memories of vacations and ballgames and great report cards, and they’re good. But I won’t know what it was like to see them singing ‘Jesus Loves Me’ on the stage, or saying bible verses that they learned in Sunday School.”

Your kids may be past the point of childhood, too, but those years aren’t unredeemable. You can always start now! Find a church that feels like home to you, and get involved! You won’t be sorry, and you’ll make some wonderful memories.

Lie #5: My Kids Have to Have the “Stuff”

This lie has wreaked havoc on my life, my kids’ life, my wallet, and my once-clean house. From the time they were babies, I have gotten my boys so much “stuff” that they don’t even know what to play with now. They don’t know how to clean up their rooms, because there is too much stuff around to clean. We’ve run out of space to keep all of the stuff. When I bought certain items, I had these fabricated “pre-memories” of what it would be like for my kids to have it in their lives, to play with it and enjoy it. Most of the things that they have last a few days tops before getting sucked into the pile of stuff.

A wonderful preschool teacher that I know mentioned the other day that her children who may not have as many toys at their disposal in their homes play better than the kids who have tons of toys. “They know how to use what they have,” she said. “They know how to not take it for granted and enjoy it.”

This makes sense. It’s hard to make memories with something when you can’t find it because it’s piled under a mountain of other things. It’s hard to use and appreciate something when you know you’ll probably get something bigger and better soon anyway.

I’m through with the “stuff”, by the way. We’ve donated, thrown away, and put away lots of our stuff for later use. We feel like we can breathe now. My boys found toys they forgot they had. They played with a set of little matchbox cars and trucks for an hour the other night, and they didn’t miss their other stuff for a minute. It was so fun to watch them and play with them.

 

Satan is such a liar. He thrives to destroy us. However, the bible says that while he prowls around on this earth, hissing lies at us, our God is greater. “But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.” 1 John 4:4

It’s not too late to redeem the memories that Satan is trying to steal from you and your children. God has wonderful things planned for you. He chose you to be the mother of your children for a reason…He entrusted them to your care and He will daily equip you to raise them in truth.

Let’s build each other up, moms. Let’s help each other to throw these lies out and to make some beautiful memories with our children.

 

“Memories Without Warning” Words and Music by: Paige Givens, Copyright 2014

 

 

Sharing this week on holleygerth.com and faithalongtheway.com.

 

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When You Are Wearing Your Sin

Posted on October 14, 2014 by Paige Givens

One day at school, my teacher told us repeatedly to stay away from a certain muddy area on the playground. The rain had poured for several days, trapping us inside, and we were restless and filled with energy. Just before going out to PE, my teacher, a firm, no-nonsense leader, reminded us once again to stay off the top of the hill. Where are you going to avoid? she asked. The top of the hill, we chorused obediently.

Now, my second grade feet were very eager for a good run outside, which is saying a lot. My feet usually weren’t eager to run anywhere, unless it was to a new book. I guess the days of rain had gotten to me like they had the rest of my friends. I was ready to run. I even had those shoes that made me “run fast”.

Guess where I went first? The top of the hill. And it wasn’t even to be purposefully disobedient. I wasn’t a disobedient child. I think I just got so caught up in my excitement, in the adrenaline, that I didn’t even realize that I was running straight into disaster. I quickly realized my mistake, though, as my feet slid out from under me and I landed splat in the middle of a muddy pool. Oh, wow.

I was led back to my room wearing the evidence of my wrongdoing. My throat was tight, my lips were trembling, and my eyes were quickly filling up with tears. I was truly sorry.

When the teacher had repeatedly told us not to run on top of the hill, there hadn’t been a doubt in my mind that I’d obey. And then, somehow when I went outside, I was in the mud before I knew it.

The door opened, and she had her back to me. She was writing on the board. When I think back now, it’s like the teachers you see in movies. She had her hair in a bun, glasses on her nose, the whole nine yards. I was prepared for the worst.

When she turned around, her eyes widened at the sight of the muddy disaster in her doorway. And then, just as I was flinching for a rebuke, her head tilted and her eyes literally softened. They visibly softened. I will not forget that moment as long as I live. Just reliving it right now in my mind makes my eyes fill up with tears.

I didn’t deserve the grace that she showed me that day. She had told me over and over not to do something and I turned around and did it anyway. I deserved a punishment. Instead I received grace (and a clean pair of clothes…right down to the underwear. That mud was serious stuff!).

Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.”

 56 Then a servant girl, seeing him as he sat in the light and looking closely at him, said, “This man also was with [Jesus].” 57 But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” 58 And a little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not.” 59 And after an interval of about an hour still another insisted, saying, “Certainly this man also was with him, for he too is a Galilean.” 60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter.

Luke 22: 33-34, 56-61

Oh, how human Peter was. Jesus told him what was going to happen. He warned him, so to speak. Peter was adamant that he would never deny Jesus, that he’d even follow Him to the death.

And then he was overcome with the situation, with his adrenaline, with his uncertainty. And before he even knew it, he did exactly what he knew was wrong. He did something disastrous to his own heart. He denied the Lord. Not once, but three times. And after the third time, the Lord looked at him.

Peter deserved a punishment. He was guilty of denying Jesus. The evidence was all over his face, and his words were still hanging in the air around him. He was wearing his sin. I wonder what was in the Lord’s eyes as He looked at Peter. Was it sadness, or disappointment? Was it a knowing look?

Or did He tilt His head? Did His eyes visibly soften as they met the guilty, anguished eyes of the one who had denied Him and was so sorry?

Jesus was Grace in human form, walking and touching those on this earth. His grace is still alive and freely given today. It’s a gift that we don’t deserve. The evidence of our sin is undeniable. Like my muddy clothes, we are covered in the darkness of our sin. We deserve the worst. But just like my second-grade teacher, who gave me a new set of clean clothes to wear when I didn’t deserve them, Jesus is waiting to give us a new set of clothes to replace our sin-stained ones.

What is it that you have done? Have you denied Him? Have you replaced Him? Have you rejected Him? Have you gone to the place that He told you not to go? Is the proof of your sin all over you, like a layer of muddy garments?

Turn to Him. Look at Him. Look in His eyes. See the understanding and mercy there. Watch Him tilt His head and reach out His hands, the ones scarred with your name, towards you. Take His hands and take the grace that He is waiting to give you. Put on your new clothes of grace.

And then…stay away from the mud!

shoes

“Grace Is My Story, Redemption’s My Song” Words and Music by: Paige Givens, Copyright 2014 (BMI)

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I Hate Storms

Posted on October 13, 2014 by Paige Givens

I hate storms. They are about the closest thing to a phobia that I have. I hate driving in them most of all. Tonight, they are raging in the area where I live.

I think the thing about storms that I hate is the wind. Wind can cause so much damage. You can see effects of the wind all around you, reminding you that you have no control over your circumstance.

Storms are so loud. The thunder, the pounding rain, the howling wind (again with the wind). I literally get weak-kneed when the noise starts up sometimes.

Sometimes when I’m in the middle of a storm, whether it’s a true severe weather event (I do live in the Southeast) or a storm of life’s circumstances, I can’t seem to hear my Father’s voice through the noise. I can’t seem to see His hand through the elements.

Do you feel that way, too, friends? Maybe you can’t see Him or hear Him through the storm.

But He can see you. He can hear you. He is with us, holding on to us. We can be like Peter. When we think we are succumbing to the storms around us, sinking in them, we can cry out, “Lord, let me find you. Let me walk to you. Lord, save me!”

Thank you, God, for your presence in the storm!

“Walk To You” -words and music by: Paige Givens, Copyright 2014

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Take a Listen!

Posted on October 10, 2014 by Paige Givens

Take a Listen!.

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No Turning Back

Posted on October 8, 2014 by Paige Givens

When I decided to follow Jesus, I knew there was no turning back. In that moment of total surrender, I felt invincible. If God was for me, who could be against me, right?

The truth is, once I became a Christian, there was someone against me. The prince of darkness was, and still is, against me. He is the enemy of the soul, and he uses any means he can to make Christ-followers waver and turn back. In talking and praying with my friends, here are some things that we struggle with as we strive to follow Jesus without turning back…and here are some things that our God has equipped us with to keep us from turning.

Struggle: Temptation

Everyone’s temptation is different. But we all have them. Temptation threatens our walk with the Lord daily. I’ve learned in my weekly bible study with my church ladies that it affects our identity in Him. He says we are His chosen ones (1 Peter 2:9), but our sin clouds that identity in Him.

Here’s the awesome part, though. “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

He will provide a way out! That is so awesome! On my own, I am no match for temptation. But the God that I follow says that He will provide a way out for me.

Struggle: Busyness

I seem to daily add to my own level of busyness. I realized several months back that when I become too busy trying to be everything to everyone, there’s really nothing left of me…the me that God created me for.

God has shown me some ways to get rid of the busyness in my life in order to make room for Him. One way I’ve learned to de-clutter the “requirements” of my days is by learning to say no. Sometimes the things that I think are required of me aren’t really requirements. Saying no was hard at first, but it’s kind of like riding a bike. The first time’s a little shaky, but it gets easier after that! 🙂

The  main way that I’ve gotten rid of my busyness is by making a determined, intentional, conscious effort to start my day off with quiet time with the Lord. When I am having a sincere time in His Word, speaking and listening to His voice, everything else in my life falls into place very easily.

Struggle: Fear

What kind of fear am I talking about? Fear of the unknown, fear of rejection, fear of new things. These are personal fears of mine. I was born as an introvert. I was quiet as a baby, quiet as a child, and quiet as a teenager. I wanted to hide behind the crowd and the noise and just sort of…fade in. I remember actually not being able to breathe when I had to speak in front of people. This may sound strange since I’m now a teacher, singer, and oftentimes a speaker. I’ve questioned the path I’ve been led down several times, especially in moments of extreme fear and trembling. God, I can’t do this. The words are leaving my brain! I can’t speak in front of people…I don’t know these people. I don’t know what to say! God, I’m so shy. You made me like this, why do You want me of all people to go down this road? I’m not equipped!

Do you know what He says to my heart during these times? When I am buying into the label of being too shy, too scared, too awkward, too inadequate, He says that I may have been born like this, but I was made for more than this. I was made for more than hiding in the shadows. I was made for more than wishing I would’ve spoken up when I was given the opportunity. I was made for more. You were made for more.

And guess what? We’re not supposed to be equipped within our own strength. He is our voice. He is our words. He is our strength. He is our courage. I read some words that God spoke to Paul, and I knew that He was also speaking them to me. “Do not be afraid. Keep on speaking, do not be silent.” (Acts 18: 9)

Are these struggles  your own, friends? When you become a Christian, the devil will throw all kinds of hurdles your way to make you leave your path. The great news is that God will equip you to follow Him through each struggle.

The road is not always easy. It’s rough on your feet sometimes. It gets steep and narrow, and there will be times that you think you are traveling alone. Other roads will come into view, and they will look so much better than  your rocky little path…but keep on this high road. And when you can’t walk another step, your Father will carry you.

I Have Decided to Follow Jesus, Arranged and Adapted by Paige Givens, 2014

Sharing with Coffee For Your Heart and Saturday Soiree.

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You Are Invited…Yes, Even You

Posted on September 30, 2014 by Paige Givens

6 Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:

“Hallelujah!
    For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
7 Let us rejoice and be glad
    and give him glory!
For the wedding of the Lamb has come,
    and his bride has made herself ready.
8 Fine linen, bright and clean,
    was given her to wear.”

(Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.)

9 Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”

Revelation 19:6-9

I remember reading these verses and really applying them to my heart sometime last year. And, honestly, when I got to the end of verse 8, I was discouraged.

Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.

Oh, my.

This was not good for me. Thoughts of my “righteous acts” did not bring to mind images of beautiful, pristine linen. Even at my best, my righteousness didn’t even make it towards wrinkled, frumpy, and maybe cream-colored. I was never going to make it to the feast. I didn’t deserve a place at the table.

My righteousness alone is filthy. Utterly filthy. My garments are torn and stained with my sin.

“All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.”

Isaiah 64: 6

I grew up hearing verses about sin and how Jesus took my sin and washed it away. But last year when I read these verses, they really made their way into my heart and I saw my sin. I saw my rags and my own attempts at righteousness, and I realized how I fall so short of the fine linens mentioned in the Bible. And I felt scared. I felt ashamed. I felt unworthy of sitting at the feast of the Lord. This “church girl”, who’d heard the plan of salvation her entire life, suddenly forgot what salvation meant.

I asked Jesus into my heart when I was a child, and I meant every word of my prayer. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God and I confess Him as Lord of my life. I am saved. I am a child of God. So when He heard my cry of despair last year, He comforted me with words that I had heard growing up.

“I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” Isaiah 61:10

Jesus is my robe of righteousness. He took my dirty, stained, and torn rags when He died on the cross for me and He gave me a robe of fine white linen. On my own, my righteousness will never measure up. But when I became a Christian, Jesus became my righteousness.

What kind of love does that?

It’s a love filled with mercy.

When Jesus came and walked this earth, He was Mercy in human form. Wherever He went, Jesus poured mercy upon thirsting souls.

There was this beggar who was blind. He wanted his sight, he wanted a place to lay his head at night, he wanted to belong and be loved. He wanted mercy. When he heard that Jesus was passing by, he cried out for mercy. He didn’t cry out immediately to be healed. He didn’t cry out at first for his sight, though he did later. He cried out for mercy, because his soul knew that Mercy was passing by. And even though those around him told him to hush, he continued to cry out for the mercy his heart craved, and Jesus freely gave it to him.

There were some children. Their parents just wanted Jesus to touch their babies with His hands, but the disciples rebuked them. “Can’t you see He’s too busy for your children right now?” But Jesus said to let the children come and sit with Him. He had mercy for the innocent souls that so readily received it.

There was a harlot. She was adulterous. She had no way to deny her acts as she was drug through the middle of the city to face her punishment. Her accusers’ eyes were full of loathing and a plastic righteousness that wasn’t real. But Mercy’s eyes were on her, too. Was she able to look at Him in His eyes? Did she see the love and acceptance that she longed for? He told her to go and sin no more. He became her righteousness.

mercy_large

Jesus’ ministry on earth was mercy. Even when He was dying, He prayed for the ones who mocked Him, beat Him, bound Him, denied Him, and crucified Him.

“And Jesus said, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:33

He loves you just as much as He loved those in the Bible. He died for your sins, too. He has invited you to the table, friends. He’s got a place waiting for you there. And He’s got your fine linen waiting for you. No matter what you’ve done before, if you ask Him, He will take it from you. His mercy is waiting for you.

Are you tired? Are you worn? Your old garments, are they stained and torn? Well there is rest at Heaven’s throne where Jesus waits to clothe you with a spotless robe.

Are you lonely? Are you poor? Has this world not filled what you hunger for? Well there’s a Friend who makes all things new. He’s prepared a feast and He set a place for you.

Are you bound by sin’s dark chains? Do your past mistakes leave you filled with pain? Well lay them down at Jesus’ feet. With just one touch He’ll loose your binds and He’ll set you free.

Mercy is His ministry. It’s heaven’s gift to you and me. Take His hand, and you will see that mercy is His ministry.

 

Mercy Is His Ministry, Paige Givens Copyright 2014 (BMI)

 

Posted in Devotionals | Tagged , | 13 Comments

He Keeps Me Singing…Even Through Cancer: Linda’s Story

Posted on September 16, 2014 by Paige Givens

I was born with a seed. It was the seed of music. It was passed down from my parents, whose seeds were passed down to them from their parents.

I think we are all born with a special seed of some kind, and they are all different, which is a beautiful thing.

And there are special people that are in our lives that are placed there by the Lord to water and cultivate our seeds at certain times, just when we need them. These people also teach us how to water and cultivate our own seeds (one time I almost let my seed dry up…read about it here).

When I was in the eighth grade, the Lord sent two very special seed-cultivators my way. Our church called a young new youth minister and his wife to come and teach our high school students. His name was Thomas Hyche, and his wife was Linda.

Thomas and Linda arrived with watering cans and Miracle Grow for sure!

Thomas taught our youth group what it meant to have a daily personal quiet time with the Lord. He taught us the importance of digging into the scriptures, talking to God, and listening to His voice. I wrote my first song when I was 14 and it came to me during my personal quiet time.

I remember the first time Linda sang at church. She has always exuded a grace that I admire. She floated onto the stage and opened her mouth to sing, and I was mesmerized. I can’t even use words to adequately describe Linda’s beautiful singing. And it’s not just the sound—when Linda sings, she sings wholly and completely to the Lord, for His glory.

Linda quickly took this shy, awkward eighth grader under her wing and we quickly realized that we loved all of the same songs and singers. When I was at home, I would practice for hours trying to sing a song the way Linda sang it. One time when I told her this, she said I didn’t need to sing songs the way “Linda” sang them; that I needed to sing songs the way “Paige” sang them. She always had a word of encouragement for me, and her words stayed with me, even after she and Thomas were called to another church to preach. Even now, sixteen years later, I hear her words and her song. She is a picture of how the Lord keeps us singing as we go, no matter where our journey takes us.

This is Linda’s story…

Linda has always had a melody in her heart. Whether she is singing it or living it through her actions, her song reaches the souls of those around her. She’s had plenty of times in her life that she could’ve chosen to stop singing, but her Father has kept her singing.

One of those times started in the fall of 2012, after a series of events that are not all that uncommon for women, which led to a hysterectomy. Linda recalls being tired, drained, nauseated, and in severe pain in her stomach, legs, and back off and on for several years before 2012. She and her doctor decided that a hysterectomy was in order to alleviate these symptoms. Once the surgery was completed, Linda’s doctor told her everything looked good, but that they were going to send samples to pathology, as was routine for these surgeries.

The following Sunday, Linda was with her brother, Scott, when she noticed that she had a message from her doctor saying that she needed to come in immediately the next day and that the receptionist would send her straight back. Linda knew this wasn’t good. She began to cry. Her brother called Thomas home from church. Thomas got her Bible and her best friend Amy read Psalm 103 aloud.  Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities; Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit; Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle. (v. 1-5)

 Linda says “I was scared but at the same time I had this peace. It’s hard to explain. It’s like when you’ve been walking in soft sand for a distance and finally make your way onto a big flat rock, you feel stable, grounded, solid. Thinking about the Lord and hearing and reading His word, that’s what it did for my heart and my soul. He helped get me through the night.”

The next day, Thomas and Linda were quickly rushed into the doctor’s office where the doctor informed them that Linda had cancer in both her ovaries and that there was a possibility the cancer had originated from somewhere else. “We all cried and she hugged me and told me that she had been praying for me and that she was totally shocked,” Linda said. “She led us through a back hallway to a gynecologic oncologist at the hospital. I was 43 years old. My daughter was 9. Our journey with cancer started.”

Linda’s doctor, Dr. Mack Barnes at Brookwood Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama, developed a plan right away to fight the cancer. The first procedure that Linda underwent was to have a port put in.

“I was told that they wouldn’t give me general anesthesia but I would be put into a twilight sleep. I would be kind of awake but would remember nothing. I told them not to count on that!,” laughs Linda. “I asked what Dr. Barnes was like during surgery and his nurse said that he loved to sing and listen to country music, so naturally I let them know that I loved to sing also. They asked me what I liked to sing and I told them that I loved to sing worship songs. They were pushing my gurney down the hall and asked me to sing so I did. The song in my heart that day was “What Love Is This” by Kari Jobe. I continued to sing as I moved from the gurney onto the operating table and even still as they put my arms out away from my body, which most people don’t remember. I stared at those huge bright lights above my head as they got me ready and I sang…

When I’m afraid, You calm and still my beating heart

You lead me to the cross

What love is this that You gave your life for me and made a way for me to know You

And I confess You’re always enough for me You’re all I need

Jesus in your suffering You were reaching, You thought of me. You’re always enough for me.

(“What Love Is This”-Kari Jobe)

“Dr. Barnes told Thomas that I had a great voice—thanks, Dr. Barnes!– That’s great, but Jesus was with me in my heart and soul and I wanted everyone within earshot to know that we were all in the presence of The Most High God, in the presence of Christ and the Holy Spirit. I’m small in this world but my God is big and He is always here.”

Linda continued to feel God’s holy presence throughout her grueling trial with treatments even though there were times during the surgeries, chemo, tests, and sickness that she was very afraid. “I am so blessed that God gave me Thomas. He hugged me, prayed with me, prayed for me, cried with me told me that I was beautiful even when I had to wear a cap over my bald head and had no eyebrows and eyelashes. He helped me and cleaned up after me when I was sick, which was a lot!”

A few days after Linda’s first chemo, she was hospitalized for 10 days due to complications and sickness from the chemotherapy. Side effects of chemotherapy can be brutal and hers were. She recalls that her bones hurt to the point she was worried that cancer was in her bones. “There were a few nights that I said to Thomas that I just couldn’t do anymore, to which Thomas would say, ‘Yes, you can and you will.’ The plan was aggressive but I wanted it to be because I knew all too well about cancer. I watched my own Mother die from brain cancer and my aunt, Mom’s sister, die from what they think began as uterine cancer. It’s no joke, it’s tough, and I wanted to live to grow old with my sweetheart and raise my daughter and have the grown up friendship with my daughter that I missed out on with my Mom.”

Linda says that the Lord ministered to her through His word and His people. The Psalms were and still are so very important to her. Her church family donated meals, money, and helped in any way needed. Her best friend, Amy, took over the planning of her daughter’s tenth birthday party in order to make it an extra special day. She even had wonderful friends who helped her with a most traumatic event…losing her hair.

“Lori Evans shaved my hair off for me after it started coming out. She cut it to neck length first, then days later came to my house and buzzed the rest off. It was extremely traumatic. My hair was really long. I knew it would be hard because, as a dear older friend would tell me, your hair is your crowning glory… I had some pride in it and a lot of my self-esteem and identity was in my hair. The loss of my hair was one of the most difficult things that I went through and I shed many tears over it. My hairdresser friend who is a breast cancer survivor, along with another friend, helped me pick a wig out. I called Jennie and Jenny from a wig store crying hysterically! They came immediately and helped. When we all realized that the first wig was just not me, we talked about looking at some others. Jenny called me while I was in my chemotherapy recliner (I so dreaded this recliner where I had poison pumped into me, where Thomas was NOT allowed to stay with me, where I had to stare at a sign telling me all the things cancer COULDN’T do–oh, how I hated that sign– after all, cancer seemed to be doing a lot to me) telling me that she was in another wig store in Birmingham and that they had some really pretty long hair there. She texted pictures to me and I told her which one I liked and she bought it for me. It was beautiful and made me feel so much better about myself. A good head of hair isn’t cheap! I was grateful beyond words!”

Perhaps one of the most meaningful ways that Linda’s family and friends helped her was through prayer.

“I had a strong faith in The Lord from the time I was young, I knew He cared for me. As a teenager with a sick parent, my faith only grew stronger. I began to really be burdened to pray for others. I would feel so strongly about praying and fasting for others that I couldn’t run from it if I’d tried. The strange thing was that I never felt as if I had anyone to really pray for me. I was always so shy. I could sing in front of anyone as a teenager but to walk into a crowd and really talk about my feelings, I just didn’t do it. Not at church, not anywhere. I prayed about it but never really talked about how hard it was to watch my mom dying and to know that my sweet daddy didn’t know The Lord. So I would try to act like I was fine and I guess everyone always thought that I was. This is how my life went. When God brought cancer into my life, I had days that I was too sick to pray for anyone, much less myself. But God began to show me through His people that when I could do nothing but vomit and could no longer hold my head up, He had someone lifting me up to Him. People were actually praying, really praying, for me.”

linda and annelise            linda and thomas

Linda with her daughter, Annelise, and her husband, Thomas at a recent event to raise awareness for ovarian cancer in her hometown.

Linda’s journey with cancer is a testimony that no matter what you are going through, God can keep your head up. He still whispers a song into your heart when you walk through life’s darkest valleys. And when you feel you can’t walk another step, He carries you. I’m so grateful for my friend and precious mentor, Linda Hyche! And I’m so glad to use her story for good! If you are reading this and  you feel like life’s circumstances have stolen your song, take it back, friend! God will pick you up, carry you through, and give you a new song!

As Linda said, cancer is not a joke. You must be your own health care advocate. Ovarian cancer is known to be a silent killer and there are no screening tests for it. A Pap smear does not test for ovarian cancer. Know the symptoms, know your body!  If you feel you have symptoms of ovarian cancer but aren’t getting answers from your doctor, talk to him/her about ovarian cancer. If you still don’t get the answers to explain your symptoms and they persist, go to another doctor who will listen. You can visit each of the sites below for information on the symptoms of Ovarian Cancer.

Laura Crandall Brown Ovarian Cancer Foundation

National Ovarian Cancer Coalition

The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance

*If you are in Alabama, this month you can visit Carol’s at the Jasper Mall in Jasper, Alabama and find symptom cards and information on ovarian cancer.  Linda is at Carol’s on Thursdays from 10-3 and would love to speak with anyone willing to listen about Ovarian Cancer.

Teal is the color of Ovarian Cancer Awareness. September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness month.

ov cancer

Though sometimes He leads through waters deep, Trials fall across the way, Though sometimes the path seems rough and steep, See His footprints all the way.

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus

Sweetest name I know!

Fills my every longing,

Keeps me singing as I go!

“He Keeps Me Singing”- Luther B. Bridgers

Take a listen, sing along, and keep singing dear friends!

Joining up with faithalongtheway.com for Saturday Soiree and www.holleygerth.com for  Coffee For Your Heart.

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One Lovely Blog

Posted on September 14, 2014 by Paige Givens

I’ve met a lot of new friends and people since I started this blog. I’ve read some awesome and inspiring words. Months back,  when I prayed for the Lord to send me an opportunity to share my words with others, I had my own picture in my mind of what that would look like.

God had a bigger picture. His was bright and vibrant, where mine was gray and dull. His was unique and exciting, where mine was filled with the same colors and strokes as before. I’m so glad that I accepted God’s picture. His opportunities are endless!

One opportunity that God provided for me to share my words was through this blog. I. Love. Blogging. It has become one of my favorite activities. I’ve gotten to read some wonderful words for living through visiting friends’ blogs.

One such blog that I especially have enjoyed is by a friend named Carl at theoldfellowgoesrunning.com. Carl has some wonderful topics to read from, such as “Running”, “Health”, and “Environment”. He has some inspiring and wise words for Christians as well.

I was honored when Carl nominated my blog for the One Lovely Blog Award. Coming from a writer like Carl, this was especially meaningful to me, and I happily accepted the award.

one-lovely-blog1

The rules for accepting this award are simple.

1. Thank the person who has nominated you. Provide a link to his/her blog.

2. List the rules and display the award image.

3. Include 7 facts about yourself.

4. Nominate 15 other bloggers and let them know that they have been nominated.  This is a way to introduce others to bloggers that you love.

5. Display the award logo and follow the blogger who nominated you.

one-lovely-blog1

So here are 7 facts about myself:

1. I love to play the piano, sing, listen to music, and pretty much…all things music. I grew up in a “singing family”. We sang all the time–literally, all the time, unless we were sleeping! We still love to sing together. There are five of us–my parents, 2 sisters, and myself–and we swap parts around according to the key of the song we are singing. My dad and I both like to decide who should sing what part, and we lovingly disagree sometimes on that topic. 🙂

2. I love words. I love to write words. I write songs, lists, stories, articles, lesson plans, letters, and devotions. I love to read words. I first fell in love with reading as a fourth grader who found a “Babysitter’s Club” book in the school library. You can imagine my delight when I realized there are over 100 Babysitter’s Club books. Some of my favorite authors include Janette Oke, Karen Kingsbury, Francine Rivers, Denise Hunter, and DeeAnne Gist.

3. I teach words. I teach them to my favorite kindergarten students every day. I have a dream job and I sometimes sit back and think “I am actually getting paid to do this”. There is nothing like watching a five year old realize that he/she has unlocked the door to the world or words. Nothing. When a child learns to read and write words, he/she can become anything he/she wants to be.

4. I am married to my best friend. We met when we were fifteen years old and even though we didn’t speak to each other at that meeting (we made eye contact for, like, one second and then we both quickly looked away), I went home knowing I was going to marry him. Seriously. And I did. And he’s my best friend.

5. I have two of the sweetest sons in the world. They are almost exactly two years apart and they are each other’s champions. They love each other. They fight with each other. One cries when the other one is getting a shot at the doctor’s office. They play together constantly. They are my double blessings and they give my heart so much joy that it wants to burst sometimes.

6. I just released a CD entitled Paige Givens (creative name, I know:)). It contains original songs that I wrote and hymns that I arranged and adapted. It is $10.00 and can be ordered on Amazon.com.

7. I am a born-again Christian. Even as a Christian, I faced enemies of fear, anxiety, self-consciousness, and loneliness. But then I turned those things over to the Lord, and He replaced them with Himself. And with Jesus comes joy, courage, rest, hope, and confidence. If you are not a Christian, all you have to do is pray and admit to Him that you are a sinner, believe that He is God’s Son, and confess that He is Lord over your life. Ask Him to live in your heart today, and He will. If you don’t know who this Jesus is that I speak of, email me at paigegivensmusic@gmail.com and I will tell you!

 

Here are 15 other blogs that I really enjoy and nominate for this award:

1. Passionately Pursuing Christ

2. Levi’s Daily Thoughts

3. Beautiful Life With Cancer

4. A Time To Share

5. Little Olive Tree Blog

6. Revelations In Writing

7. Jesus Is My Joy

8.Freed To Fly

9. I Sing Because I’m Free

10. Strain Me

11. Family to the 5 Power!

12. Connecting Dots…to God

13. At The Well

14. One Day Lighter

15. Coffee For Your Heart

Check these great blogs out today! Blessing, friends!

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Teaching Kindergarten: ABC’s, 123’s, and OMG’s!

Posted on September 12, 2014 by Paige Givens

 

And by O.M.G., I mean oh my goodness! 😉

We are a rare breed. We dry homesick tears, patch skinned-up knees and elbows, supervise two restrooms at once, and tie millions of shoes. We soothe troubled children and we soothe troubled parents. We make sure no one has “snack” for “lunch”, we say get a vegetable twenty times, we open water bottles, chip bags, and milk cartons, and then we wolf our food down like starving animals because we have ten minutes left to eat. We sing. We dance. We act like goofy goofballs to get our kiddos excited about school. We monitor. We lead the line. We run sometimes when we have a “flight risk”. We cry. We hug. We listen. We assess. We plan. We mentor. And while we are doing all of this, we teach.

We are Kindergarten teachers.

I’ve been teaching K-5 now for ten years, and while I am by no means what I’d consider a “seasoned” teacher, I think I have enough experiences in my back pocket  to compile a list of things that my fellow kindergarten and preschool teachers can appreciate. The list is not exhaustive, and I’d love it if any other Kindergarten or pre-K teachers would contribute in the comment section below!

ABC’s

  • Appreciate- Here are some things that Kindergarten teachers appreciate.
    1. Bathroom breaks (for adults)
    2. Being called by name, rather than “Teacher” by our sweet kindergarten friends
    3. Garbage bags, and really any classroom donation at any time
    4. A phone call or email when your child tells you something crazy that happened at school…call or email before jumping to conclusions and we’ll work it out together!:)
    5. Occasional “duty free” lunches
    6. Parents who are patient with us 🙂
    7. Winning grants for classroom resources
    8. Our students–they are our closest five year old friends for 10 months of the year!
  • Believe- Here are some things that I personally believe Kindergarten teachers should always do.
    1. Talk nicely to students. They may be five years old, but they are people, and they deserve to be spoken to nicely like everyone else.
    2. Open their food packages if they ask you to. This is my personal belief and it may not be shared by all K teachers. Yes, I think when a child asks his or her teacher to help open a milk carton, the teacher should help the child. This is a good opportunity to help the child learn to open it himself or herself by modeling and helping, instead of fussing and telling them to get a friend to do it. I always go down the line and ask my kids what needs opening before I sit down to eat. And let me just say, tiny mustard packages are the pits. I can’t even open those suckers!
    3. Listen. This is something I have had to learn and I am still working on. Listening to a five year old talk about their baby puppy (which may or may not be real) for the fifth time is hard for me to do when I’ve got a jillion things bumbling around in my mind. But listening to my children has helped me develop relationships that I strongly believe have cut down on discipline problems in my classroom. I’ve also learned the importance of listening to parents. Who knows the child better than his or her parents?
    4. Pray. As a Christian, I pray for my children every day. I pray for our daily plans and commit them to the Lord. He takes care of us and makes our days bright.
  • Confessions-Here are some confessions from this Kindergarten teacher.
    1. One time during my student teaching, I taught a whole class the greater than and less than symbols backwards. I did a whole lesson, ya’ll, and it was engaging and fun, and it was wrong. Those poor third graders. And now, I have moved down to a safer level of learning, Kindergarten. 😉 (We fixed it, by the way!)
    2. Sometimes during my small group instruction time, I just sit in my chair and let the kids talk to me the entire time instead of blending and segmenting phonemes. It’s usually their favorite thing to do.
    3. I used to think that Kindergarteners wouldn’t be able to “read” to themselves and be engaged for ten to twelve minutes while I taught small groups, so I gave them lots of busy work that was meaningless. Now, I believe in them and show them how to read “even when you don’t know the words” and they love reading their favorite books.

123’s

  • 1 Thing to Do Every Day
    1. Speak to each child in your room. Look in their eyes, smile at them, and speak to them. Every day.
  • 2 Things to Never Ask A Kindergarten Teacher…Please
    1. “Did you actually have to go to college to teach kindergarten? For, like, two years? No? Four years, seriously?” Yes, seriously. And many K teachers that I know have a Master’s Degree, and Education Specialist Degree, or a Doctorate Degree. Seriously.
    2. “So what do you do for the rest of the day since you don’t work all day?” Well, I’m on official duty from 7:25-3:25, which is 8 hours. Then, I stay and prepare for the next day for however long it takes. I’d say that’s a full day’s work!:)
  • 3 Things That Make Me Come Back to School Every Day
    1. Watching the lightbulb come on for a child who is learning to read and remembering that this child didn’t know how to hold a pencil, sit crisscross, or push in his chair at the beginning of the year.
    2. Seeing a parent cry happy tears when they read their child’s scribbly message and for the first time it makes sense. “I luv yoo. Yoo r gud perents.”
    3. Getting a hug and happy “Bye! I’ll see you later!” from my five year old friends. I’ll be back tomorrow for sure.

OMG’s

  • Oh my goodness, did that just happen in my room?
    1. We hear a ringing sound, and a child goes and pulls a cell phone out of her backpack. “It’s my sister, Mrs. Givens. Hold on, let me talk to her.” Sure. Just let me know when you’re done. Alrighty, then.
    2. A mouse falls out of the ceiling. Yikers. Pandemonium. Mostly from me.
    3. On a nature walk in the park, we get chased by two black snakes. Again, pandemonium, and it’s mostly from me.
    4. One child has a potty accident, one throws up, and one has an asthma attack. All three simultaneously.
  • Oh my goodness, did that child just say that to me?
    1. Uh, Mrs. Givens, you’ve got a nut in your whistle (referring to the ball that gives the whistle it’s sound).
    2. Mrs. Givens, there are water fountains in the boys’ bathrooms! They’re on the wall!
    3. My mother freaked out when I said you were 22 Mrs. Givens (during my first year).
    4. You are so old, Mrs. Givens. You’ve got to be at least in 6th grade.
    5. I just want to go see my pet lizard. No, he’s not at home. He’s in my backpack. In a Cheeze-Itz box.
    6. Mrs. Givens, what if you were my mommy? Wouldn’t that be good?
  • Oh my goodness, that’s the sweetest thing in the world. It’s why I’m a kindergarten teacher.
    1. Saying “packpack” instead of “backpack”
    2. Saying “cuvvy” for “cubby”. They all do it.
    3. Saying “Gave” for “Gabe”. Again, they all do it.
    4. Watching my kids grow into a classroom community…helping each other, loving each other, being responsible for our classroom belongings.
    5. Hearing my kids tell me that I’m pretty, funny, and smart. Hearing them tell me they love me.

I thank the Lord for helping me to make my days with my students count. I thank Him for helping me to take every minute I’m given and use it for the good of my precious friends. I thank Him for my fellow Kindergarten teachers, who understand certain things that no one else but the Lord can understand. I thank Him for the privilege to spend my days doing what I love in a wonderful, magical, beautiful place called Kindergarten.

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No song tonight. My fellow K and pre-K teachers, give me a shout out and let me know some of your special and crazy stories! Be blessed!

 

Posted in Teaching | Tagged , , , , | 32 Comments