I get so distracted on Saturdays but I love them just the same. I got
up and starting organizing school binders when I got on facebook and
caught up on the connection to my long distance friends!! Saw my family
in Portland fixing up their first home and was so ecstatic wishing I
could be in two places at once! Thought of my friends in their coming
wedding and new careers and once again, wishing I could be in two places
at once!
It is now 11:30 and I should finally hop in the shower and get ready for the day!!
Found this website and thought you might appreciate a look at my alma matter college!
Had weird dreams about my HS homecoming when I didn't even go last night. Hope they had good reunions though!
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Momma
Celebrating my wonderful Momma's birthday!! We love you and hope you have a wonderful day!!
Thanks for all the memories! We've had a lot of tears and laughter :)
Thanks for all the memories! We've had a lot of tears and laughter :)
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Testify Forever
I so often find myself testifying of God's love and grace and that's the way it should always be!
So much has happened over a period of 4-5 short years. I don't know where God is taking me but I sure am enjoying the journey. It has definitely had it's ups and downs. I have certainly shed my share of tears and then some. I pray for those lives which God has so graciously brought into and out of my life. Though I would treasure that they never leave, I realize sometimes I cannot control that. It breaks my heart but I pray for them daily. Through it all, I can't praise the Lord enough for carrying me through and never leaving me.
I have had so many people praying for me and encouraging me with advice, Scripture, and simply listening and crying with me. For them, I praise the Lord!
Here are some thoughts that I hope encourage you as they have me....
"What happened to you yesterday, however easy or difficult, was used by God to help prepare you for what He has for you today."-DaySpring Devotions
Jeremiah 33:3 " ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ :
My back hurts and as per my usual (if not earlier) time where I seem to get rather sleepy, I can't believe I am still up. I know, 10:00pm is early! but teachers hit the hay early and greet the morning sunrise. I've still got quite a bit of grading to do but I caught up on some administrative details which is important! Well weekends are different but anyhoo....I am blessed and thankful that the "joy of the Lord truly is my strength" and my smile has returned.
To help along your smile here's a wonderful student/teacher quote....
"Miss Schreck, what is your last name?"
My last name? My last name is Miss Schreck.
"Oh, I meant your middle name...."
PS the song "The Proof of Your Love" has been played in our chapel a lot lately....I love the line-"So let my life be the proof, the proof of your love!"
So much has happened over a period of 4-5 short years. I don't know where God is taking me but I sure am enjoying the journey. It has definitely had it's ups and downs. I have certainly shed my share of tears and then some. I pray for those lives which God has so graciously brought into and out of my life. Though I would treasure that they never leave, I realize sometimes I cannot control that. It breaks my heart but I pray for them daily. Through it all, I can't praise the Lord enough for carrying me through and never leaving me.
I have had so many people praying for me and encouraging me with advice, Scripture, and simply listening and crying with me. For them, I praise the Lord!
Here are some thoughts that I hope encourage you as they have me....
"What happened to you yesterday, however easy or difficult, was used by God to help prepare you for what He has for you today."-DaySpring Devotions
Jeremiah 33:3 " ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ :
My back hurts and as per my usual (if not earlier) time where I seem to get rather sleepy, I can't believe I am still up. I know, 10:00pm is early! but teachers hit the hay early and greet the morning sunrise. I've still got quite a bit of grading to do but I caught up on some administrative details which is important! Well weekends are different but anyhoo....I am blessed and thankful that the "joy of the Lord truly is my strength" and my smile has returned.
To help along your smile here's a wonderful student/teacher quote....
"Miss Schreck, what is your last name?"
My last name? My last name is Miss Schreck.
"Oh, I meant your middle name...."
PS the song "The Proof of Your Love" has been played in our chapel a lot lately....I love the line-"So let my life be the proof, the proof of your love!"
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Paint, paint everywhere!
So for the past few months my family has decided to basically repaint our house. Ok, well we repainted all the trim (including teeth crown molding-bleck!) and doors. Yesterday, we tackled the garage ceiling. 22 year old popcorn ceiling doesn't really hold up so well. It also results in more paint on me than the ceiling. Boy did that paint get soaked up in the ceiling! We ended up using 5-6 gallons!! I was dubbed the 'pouncer' because you have to 'pounce' the paint on the sections where the popcorn was coming off. It was more like slop it/dab it on however you'd like to describe it! Anyway, the last time I painted I had paint in my hair for probably 2 months because I failed to wear a hat.
This time I wore a hat and I still had paint everywhere! Oh my I guess I just like the speckles!
Sunday, September 09, 2012
I think I could never be more tired....and then it happens
Often, I find myself thinking, I don't know if I've ever been more tired than now but I suppose that is all relative. Whatever the case, I have been rather tired the past two weeks but let me tell you it is a tiredness that is beyond worth it. I praise the Lord because I get to serve Him by teaching and daily he reminds me that He has specifically orchestrated my life to fulfill the purpose and call He has given me. I get to teach fourth graders about the love of Christ and academics!
Mom and Dad welcomed me to my classroom with Flowers, my favorite candy bar, and a memory jar for my class to complete throughout the year....so beautiful it was a great start to my very first year teaching! My students, too, have showered me with fun gifts throughout the first few weeks!
I have thought about schedules (which if you knew me is quite an accomplishment....i always had trouble with schedules in college) and lesson plans more than I would have imagined but I'm thankful Belhaven educated me well.
We have enjoyed supporting our up and coming athletic department! The Volleyball team almost won and the football team, well they played hard and it was just the first game!!
Saw a rainbow at the first home football game, the rain held off and it was a glorious reminder of God's hand at Northside Christian Academy!
We've shared some laughs. My dad brought a surprise visitor to my fourth graders and I practically sat on it, much to my fourth graders suprise and joy, I turned bright red! Yes we had a slug and a huge moth as visitors on Fun Friday. It was a day to remember! By the grace of God, which I learn more about each and every day, I survived my first week of school! Here's some pics of my classroom! Kudos to Evan who helped me think of my bulletin board theme, my parents for recommending I keep Shrek...he is quite helpfu, and pinterest for helping with my 'Take a Look' walll! Though I still mix up some names, my kids love it because they get one rock closer to a party every time! One of these days I'll get it!
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| I get to see this at about 7:00am every morning, what a wonderful way to start the day! |
Mom and Dad welcomed me to my classroom with Flowers, my favorite candy bar, and a memory jar for my class to complete throughout the year....so beautiful it was a great start to my very first year teaching! My students, too, have showered me with fun gifts throughout the first few weeks!
I have thought about schedules (which if you knew me is quite an accomplishment....i always had trouble with schedules in college) and lesson plans more than I would have imagined but I'm thankful Belhaven educated me well.
We have enjoyed supporting our up and coming athletic department! The Volleyball team almost won and the football team, well they played hard and it was just the first game!!
Saw a rainbow at the first home football game, the rain held off and it was a glorious reminder of God's hand at Northside Christian Academy!
We've shared some laughs. My dad brought a surprise visitor to my fourth graders and I practically sat on it, much to my fourth graders suprise and joy, I turned bright red! Yes we had a slug and a huge moth as visitors on Fun Friday. It was a day to remember! By the grace of God, which I learn more about each and every day, I survived my first week of school! Here's some pics of my classroom! Kudos to Evan who helped me think of my bulletin board theme, my parents for recommending I keep Shrek...he is quite helpfu, and pinterest for helping with my 'Take a Look' walll! Though I still mix up some names, my kids love it because they get one rock closer to a party every time! One of these days I'll get it!
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Saturday, August 25, 2012
$20 or less!
Ok so I am just like all the other teachers in the world and decided to tackle a few projects before school. Well school starts next week (for teachers) and the following week for students. I know, I know, we start so late but I'm thankful!! So my two projects (well there's always more than that but I'll just highlight two) were re-doing a chair and fixing up a white board. So the whiteboard was quick and easy! Spray painted the once white edge black! I had to line it with brown packaging paper and blue painter's tape to protect the white board part. It turned out great! My plan was to add ribbon to section it off to use as a pass board (students sign out when the go somewhere during the day) which was a great idea from pinterest but I didn't get that far so we'll see what I end up using it for/how I end up using it. Anyway! The biggest turn around was a chair I got for five bucks! That's right people, not tax and five dollars...here's the beauty!
Ok, that's the before. It would have been a 10-12 dollar chair if I had all the supplies but I ended up having to buy another can of spray paint (probably because of my inexperience I used a lot ;) ) and batting (which I could have just used the old cushion but we thought it'd behoove us to add a little more cushy for your tushie!). Plus if you have the quilting batting on hand (like I do now) you wouldn't have to spend that extra 3 dollars. So with the spray paint (additional to the 3/4 can I had already) the chair came up to be about 20 dollars! The chair itself was the deal of the day and with the help of mom pulling the fabric taught as I stapled (my first experience with a staple gun!! ahhh!! I was scared but got sort of used to it) and dad giving directions on how to operate/handle/put away tools it only took about a week! Honestly, we probably could have done it in 2-3 days but you know how life gets busy! Needless to say, I finished a summer project!! It's my second piece of fix-up furniture and I'm so excited! It even goes with my other coffee table (the first experience). So how'd I do it?
1. bought a chair.
2. cleaned chair.
3. took off 3 layers of fabric and washed original cushion/batting
4. spray painted chair (multiple times...newbie, i know!)
5. stapled batting and cushion to chair
6. covered batting with fabric
7. trimmed fabric
and voila!
Ok, that's the before. It would have been a 10-12 dollar chair if I had all the supplies but I ended up having to buy another can of spray paint (probably because of my inexperience I used a lot ;) ) and batting (which I could have just used the old cushion but we thought it'd behoove us to add a little more cushy for your tushie!). Plus if you have the quilting batting on hand (like I do now) you wouldn't have to spend that extra 3 dollars. So with the spray paint (additional to the 3/4 can I had already) the chair came up to be about 20 dollars! The chair itself was the deal of the day and with the help of mom pulling the fabric taught as I stapled (my first experience with a staple gun!! ahhh!! I was scared but got sort of used to it) and dad giving directions on how to operate/handle/put away tools it only took about a week! Honestly, we probably could have done it in 2-3 days but you know how life gets busy! Needless to say, I finished a summer project!! It's my second piece of fix-up furniture and I'm so excited! It even goes with my other coffee table (the first experience). So how'd I do it?
1. bought a chair.
2. cleaned chair.
3. took off 3 layers of fabric and washed original cushion/batting
4. spray painted chair (multiple times...newbie, i know!)
5. stapled batting and cushion to chair
6. covered batting with fabric
7. trimmed fabric
and voila!
 |
| I'm excited to use it in my classroom! I think I will use it as my 'teacher desk chair' and a special chair for the kiddos every now and then! |
 |
| Hey! I'm even like one of those designers who match the room they re-design with what they wear for the big reveal....I didn't intend for that to happen but cool! Thanks mom and dad for the help! Couldn't have done it without ya! |
We love power tools....
We love power tools...well just using them...we're scared of the noises
and heaviness (that's what boys and daddies are for) but they make for
some great refinished chairs!
To good NOT to Share
Psalm 115: 1-2, 5-7, 16
I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.
The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me. Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.
O Lord, truly I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant; you have freed me from my chains.
I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.
The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me. Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.
O Lord, truly I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant; you have freed me from my chains.
Music
Just can't get enough of this song...every time I hear it I think of Portland and Josh and how this is such an amazing song-to praise the Lord with joy because he is Holy! It just makes me think of the mighty King we serve, like a battle song!! David Crowder finished the music race well! I think God well tell them "well done good and faithful servant!"
Also heard "I Turn to You" by Selah and that's my prayer, "I turn to you Jesus, what else can I do, I turn to you!"
I share a love for music like the rest of my family....my mom and dad passed on a love for great lyrics and sound to my brother and I!
Also heard "I Turn to You" by Selah and that's my prayer, "I turn to you Jesus, what else can I do, I turn to you!"
I share a love for music like the rest of my family....my mom and dad passed on a love for great lyrics and sound to my brother and I!
Monday, August 20, 2012
Ellory Jane McFarland
Orientation!
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| So professional, i tried to spice up the uniform with a red head band! |
On Saturday NCA had its back-to-school bash/orientation. We met our kiddos, played some icebreakers, parents got important information about the school, and then there was fellowship while the kids got snow cones and played on inflatables. It's lookin' like it will be a great year! Can't believe there are only two more weeks 'til the first day! I've got a few things I need to get set up so here we go....
Long Time Ago
So I discovered this picture on my mom's camera from a long time ago! Well only about 3 months ago but it seems like a long time ago because so much has happened since my 22nd birthday!! The waiter was quite surprised when I told him how old I was but my family insisted the restaurant sing to me (there were quite a few other birthdays at Red Lobster that night too!) so I got some free ice cream out of it. I can't remember if Evan helped me eat it or not I just remember I was so full from the delicious shrimp and also my favorite garlic cheese biscuits!! Oh dear, if I can't remember I must be gettin' old or maybe the food and company was just so good it blocked my memory from everything else!
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
We finally made it!!!
We did it!! Went to the beach for the day!! It wasn't Hilton Head and mucking but we'll have to save that for another day!! The water felt glorious-just the right temperature! Took a lovely walk on the beach and picked up a few sea shells. We love the butterfly ones! Finally got my toes in the sand and mountain dew can (yes I just rhymed for all you who appreciate those little things :) )! Put a big dent in my book, did you ever guess it? I finally finished it a day or two ago and really enjoyed it. Now on to reading for NCA aka school!!! I got my burn for the summer and we made it to the car just before the big storm!! Due to laying on the fine sand I somehow ended up with sand everywhere!!! It was rather windy and well I'll let you figure the rest out but it was worth it! We enjoyed a picnic lunch and dinner at McAlister's! Dad and I have been splitting the roast beef, onion, cheddar, horse radish (a new favorite, i know can you believe i like the horse radish? I promise it is not too spicy!) and the grilled chicken, peppers, pesto? panini! It was a long drive home but we enjoyed our little summer vacation!!
Friday, August 10, 2012
Testimonies, beach, and books
"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am amaking a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."-Isaiah 43:19
Sometimes God shows up big. I mean really big and it's so big that a. It could only be the Lord and b. you just have to say something about it and give God the glory!! After all, that's what we were created to do and God never forgets his kiddos! Always protecting, providing, and loving; it truly is amazing!!
So this summer was yet another time in which God showed up big. He is always there and always working but often I get so impatient and frustrated I forget to trust him. Then I am always humbled and say ok God, foregive me for doubting, you came through like you always do! And once again I say, I need to remember this the next time things get rough or I find myself in a desert wasteland!
And now to testify (though some of this you have already heard)
I graduated college in Jackson, MS. I had a job offer in Florida. My boyfriend lives in SC. I am from SC. Can you connect the dots?? Problem 1. I need a job. Problem 2. Job offer is far away from boyfriend. Problem 3. I need a place to live. So what does God do? He gives me a job and the boyfriend!!! In the same place, after four years of being away!! Oh ya and a place to live too! Hallelujah!!
The school my parents worked at was downsizing. Daddy needs a job. Problem 1. He would prefer to teach at a Christian School. Problem 2. GA isn't hiring at their Christian school. So what does God do? He gives dad a job at a new Christian school, in our old hometown, working with his old love-comptuers! at the same school as me to boot!
My family had two houses. One in SC that had been on the market for 6 months (this after putting in tons of updates and work because there were renters in it previously). The other house in GA. So what does God do? He sells the GA house in little over 3 months, after getting 3-4 offers that all fell through, the best offer was the one that sold the house! The house in SC doesn't sell and the Schrecks return to their house of 22 plus years.
There is more to the story than that but for now, can I get an Amen to the fact that, God is good, all the time, God is good!!!!
I like to catch up on friend's blogs every now and then. If you'd like to see what I read, check out my tab of links on the right of this blog. I read one today that I just had to share.... check it out! This girl also has an amazing story, she wore one dress for one hundred days to help raise funds for orphans. It's been at least a year and money is still being raised for the orphans! She's got an eye for style so it's fun to see all the outfits she puts together! My sister Alli shared this blog with me and I've enjoyed following since then, hope you do to!
In other news, it is finally the weekend! There might be a beach day trip in the future! Summer is not summer unless there's at least one trip to the beach! Growin' up in the South on the East Coast summertime means beach!! The waves at your feet, a good book, and an ice cold mountain dew, mmm can't wait! Oh and I even have a good book! A book I've been waiting for about 3 months to come out on paper back finally came out! I bought it as soon as I found it and have enjoyed it so far. Among working on our new/old house and transfering paperwork with moving, my days have been quite full so it might be nice to just sit and read for a few hours and soak up some sun! If you are curious about the book, take a guess and look here! I'll give you a hint it's one of my favorite mystery authors/series and it's got some royal spice to it... Happy Friday!
Sometimes God shows up big. I mean really big and it's so big that a. It could only be the Lord and b. you just have to say something about it and give God the glory!! After all, that's what we were created to do and God never forgets his kiddos! Always protecting, providing, and loving; it truly is amazing!!
So this summer was yet another time in which God showed up big. He is always there and always working but often I get so impatient and frustrated I forget to trust him. Then I am always humbled and say ok God, foregive me for doubting, you came through like you always do! And once again I say, I need to remember this the next time things get rough or I find myself in a desert wasteland!
And now to testify (though some of this you have already heard)
I graduated college in Jackson, MS. I had a job offer in Florida. My boyfriend lives in SC. I am from SC. Can you connect the dots?? Problem 1. I need a job. Problem 2. Job offer is far away from boyfriend. Problem 3. I need a place to live. So what does God do? He gives me a job and the boyfriend!!! In the same place, after four years of being away!! Oh ya and a place to live too! Hallelujah!!
The school my parents worked at was downsizing. Daddy needs a job. Problem 1. He would prefer to teach at a Christian School. Problem 2. GA isn't hiring at their Christian school. So what does God do? He gives dad a job at a new Christian school, in our old hometown, working with his old love-comptuers! at the same school as me to boot!
My family had two houses. One in SC that had been on the market for 6 months (this after putting in tons of updates and work because there were renters in it previously). The other house in GA. So what does God do? He sells the GA house in little over 3 months, after getting 3-4 offers that all fell through, the best offer was the one that sold the house! The house in SC doesn't sell and the Schrecks return to their house of 22 plus years.
There is more to the story than that but for now, can I get an Amen to the fact that, God is good, all the time, God is good!!!!
I like to catch up on friend's blogs every now and then. If you'd like to see what I read, check out my tab of links on the right of this blog. I read one today that I just had to share.... check it out! This girl also has an amazing story, she wore one dress for one hundred days to help raise funds for orphans. It's been at least a year and money is still being raised for the orphans! She's got an eye for style so it's fun to see all the outfits she puts together! My sister Alli shared this blog with me and I've enjoyed following since then, hope you do to!
In other news, it is finally the weekend! There might be a beach day trip in the future! Summer is not summer unless there's at least one trip to the beach! Growin' up in the South on the East Coast summertime means beach!! The waves at your feet, a good book, and an ice cold mountain dew, mmm can't wait! Oh and I even have a good book! A book I've been waiting for about 3 months to come out on paper back finally came out! I bought it as soon as I found it and have enjoyed it so far. Among working on our new/old house and transfering paperwork with moving, my days have been quite full so it might be nice to just sit and read for a few hours and soak up some sun! If you are curious about the book, take a guess and look here! I'll give you a hint it's one of my favorite mystery authors/series and it's got some royal spice to it... Happy Friday!
Thursday, August 02, 2012
Chick-fil-a and summer time!
Went to Chick-fil-a today and the line was out the door!
Waited for an hour but it was worth it!! Prayed for those working shifts at our favorite fried chicken fast food place!!!
Summer is winding down and I'll start at Northside Christian Academy the end of August and beginning of September. Helped out with some inventory today and we are all getting very excited! Ready to rejoice as God works this school year!!
Can I just say, dates are great!! Went to the Riverwalk and enjoyed a Zesto's dipped cone! Only one Zesto's people and it's great!! Unfortunately I waited a little bit too long to eat it and the melting commenced. It made eating it quite challenging and I'm sure very humorus!!
I think it is safe to say that we are flipping our house. For the past two years I would come home and always be surprised at the updates that have taken place. Now I come home every day and see something new. It's pretty funny because I find myself going into a room and saying oh that's different.
Bowling!!! So I just can't get that last pin but we all make really fun victory and defeat faces and stances aaannnddd struggle with high fives every now and then ;)!
Waited for an hour but it was worth it!! Prayed for those working shifts at our favorite fried chicken fast food place!!!
Summer is winding down and I'll start at Northside Christian Academy the end of August and beginning of September. Helped out with some inventory today and we are all getting very excited! Ready to rejoice as God works this school year!!
Can I just say, dates are great!! Went to the Riverwalk and enjoyed a Zesto's dipped cone! Only one Zesto's people and it's great!! Unfortunately I waited a little bit too long to eat it and the melting commenced. It made eating it quite challenging and I'm sure very humorus!!
I think it is safe to say that we are flipping our house. For the past two years I would come home and always be surprised at the updates that have taken place. Now I come home every day and see something new. It's pretty funny because I find myself going into a room and saying oh that's different.
Bowling!!! So I just can't get that last pin but we all make really fun victory and defeat faces and stances aaannnddd struggle with high fives every now and then ;)!
Sunday, July 29, 2012
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