Where do I sign up

Genuine, life experiences. 
Offering inspiration and hope to those bumbling through this life. 
I'm doing the best I can, I'm a work in progress and I've a purpose. 
So. Do. You.

I want to take a moment and provide a bit of an update on the new chapter I’m embarking upon.

I made the decision to leave the preschool I had been working at for eleven years.  The school that watched both my girls grow up (shoot, they watched ME grow up!).  The same school that walked gingerly and sweetly through the Jordan Journey.  Sigh…was I really being called away from it all…?  The history?  The friends?  I had to face the fact that yes, indeed.  It was not a decision I made or took lightly.

ELEVEN!

This is a school that took a super big chance on this girl.  The only exposure to children, at the time, were my own two littles.  Frankly, I was bumbling my way through motherhood.  Then, after volunteering for a week with their 2-year olds at their Vacation Bible School week, I get a job offer.

The director calls one week before school, “Saw how you worked so well with those little people at VBS.  Would you be interested in a job with our 2 year old program?”

“Uh….sure” (seriously?  WHAT are they thinking??  What was I thinking??)

My very first day – and it was my that director's favorite story to tell – I left in SOBS!  Crying my eyes out.  Swearing that I was going to get a job at McDonald’s or WalMart.  Either of those had to be better than being around THAT MANY people under 3 feet tall. 

Ovey.

Well…the rest is history.  I stayed (obviously).  I did their 2 year old program for a few years, transitioned into their ‘P.E.’ teacher, did the aide stint for a spell. Over the years, they showed a WHOLE LOTTA GRACE to this gal.  So, you can say I’ve some experience in the industry (both in childcare AND in receiving grace…LOL).

However, I do believe my time had run it’s course.  And, truth be told, I wanted to be closer to home (the drive was an easy 20 – 30 minutes).

On a whim, I walked into a preschool within walking distance to my home.  I asked about openings in their Pre-k program.

Nope.  There was a wait.

Off the cuff, “Are you hiring?”

“As a matter of fact, we are.  BUT it’s very part time.  M*W*F, 2 hours”

“Where do I sign up?”

“REALLY?!”

I was hired.  On the spot.

I was excited.  Scratching my head. 
HOW can this be happening again??  A week before school starts?  It's apparently my MO...lol.

My wheels start spinning.  I kind of begin to panic.  I am normally NOT prone to anxious thoughts.  But…ugh.  I couldn’t shake the thoughts plaguing me!!

What about my youngest?  

No spots.

How will I make ends meet?  

It’s only SIX hours a week.  

(Although, all that lolly-gaggin’ time sounds prett-ee nice. All that time to write!!  LOL)

How will I cover tuition?  

It was decided that she would stay at the ‘old’ school and I chose to just move forward.  'Keep on swimming, keep on swimming...' as it goes.

Friday at the open house – a spot opens up for my littlest.

God.  Wow.

Saturday – new boss calls and offers me full-time.

GOD.  WOW.

I am in A-W-E.

I’m not gonna lie.  I felt I’d been a little ‘faith-less’.  My MOUTH kept saying ‘it’ll all work out’.  But in my heart, I wasn’t convinced…sigh.

So we both started new beginnings on August 21^st.  Littlest has taken to the new school like a fish to water. 

I feel like my being there is going to be a tremendous benefit and blessing – for everyone involved. 

I get to walk to work everyday!!!  WITH my baby!

The friends she makes here are likely to go to kindergarten at the same school that she’ll go to next year.

I am so humbled. 
I’m unbelievably happy.

THANK YOU previous place for the gift of so many life lessons.  Teaching me all I know of the childcare industry.  Because of you, I am the teacher I am today.  Heck, I am the woman / friend / mother due to y’all!!

THANK YOU new place for taking a chance on me on that very hot August afternoon.  I am excited and eager to bring to the table my abilities.  And I look forward to the new lessons I will learn.

I have already seen that this is a great match.

It was time.

Here’s to new memories, new lessons and new growth.

The Texas Ginger

Bringing World Peace One Hug at a Time

T-Shirts

Genuine, life experiences.
Offering inspiration and hope to those bumbling through this life. 

I'm doing the best I can, I'm a work in progress and I've a purpose. 

So. Do. You.

I don't know about you, but I prefer a 'uniform' when I work.  It takes out the guess work each day.  It takes me twice as long to get dressed on any given Saturday or Sunday.  And don't get me started on the summer (even though I still sported a 'uniform' of sorts - long skirt / tank top / sandals)

It's funny.  

My life has been somewhat defined by t-shirts.

When I wore BDU's, it was a black t-shirt under the very starched shirt.

A few years later, I was wearing a t-shirt at the cooking school.

On the days I wasn't at the cooking school, I was wearing the t-shirt for the preschool I worked for a few days a week.

And just recently, my t-shirt changed to the 'new' preschool that I will start working for this week.

T-shirts.

Identity.

It's a bit of a conundrum.  

When I chose to get out of the Air Force, my 'identity' took a hit. It was my claim to fame, "Ooohhhh...you're military...?"  --Aw and wonder ensue--

Once out of the military, I was hired to work for FOX4 in South Dakota. "Oooohhh...you work for a TV station...?"  

--Aw and wonder ensue--

After the T.V. station, I as a waitress at a fairly nice place. Everyone knew of the place. "OOOohhhh...you..."  You get the picture.

But I digress.

How do you identify?  WHAT / WHO do you identify as?

The t-shirts I wear only identify WHERE I work.
Not WHO I am, yes?

I ask again, how do you identify?

Short and Sweet (literally and figuratively...LOL)

The Texas Ginger

Bringing World Peace One Hug at a Time

Just The Messenger...no, really.

I have the privilege of volunteering at one of our local charities. I've been there abooouuttt....10 years.  I go in on Friday's for half a day.  When I went back to work a few years ago, I would just do summers.  It fills that 'administrative void' that I have / love.  

This particular organization does everything except provide shelter.  We offer financial assistance, household items (to include furniture), dental, medical, clothing...the entire gambit, free of charge.  

I'm not gonna lie, it's tough sometimes to get a call, "Hey...so...I'm about to be evicted.  Can y'all help with my rent?" Sigh...really?  Eviction is a lengthy process.  Not my business though. 

We all have our hurdles.  It is not my place to judge or draw conclusions.  

That. Said.  On a lighter note, might I offer some...'tips' when calling a business.  I've worked for two for which I've answered phones.  If I'm answering the phone, I have a fairly good idea why you're calling.  For example, at the cooking school.  We did Groupon.  I did not need you to explain to me that "you bought a Groupon for a 90-minute cooking class...etc."  Yes.  I know.
(Oh...and READ the fine print.  It'll save you a headache or two).  

SO...here are my...suggestions?  Tips?  Two bits on calling ANY organization.

1) Always assume the person that answers the phone is just that.  The one that answers the phone.  Period.  

2) This person PROBABLY cannot help you.  Chances are they will need to get you to someone that CAN help you.

3)  Assuming they can't help you, do not launch into your entire reason you're calling.  For example, I do not need to know you would like to be tested for an STD.  Simply ask for the medical clinic's number.  Thank you.  Good Talk.

4) If your name is involved, PLEASE do not assume I know how to spell it.  For example, if you have a very foreign name that does not consist of any vowels, do not assume, that by just saying it, that I know how to spell it.  Chances are you also have a thick accent, adding another layer to the entire exchange.  Please don't allow awkward silence when I sit, presuming you'll spell it.  Don't 'make' me ask you. ALSO, if your mother jacked up the spelling of your name.  For example, your named Jennifer, but your mom thought it'd be clever to spell it Jennyfer...please mention that tidbit o' information.  

  

5) Stop Talking.  Seriously.  When you call somewhere, think of the most concise way to ask your question.  Please do not launch into your five minute tirade / story, only to learn that 'I'm just a volunteer.'  (Oh...and even when you say the same thing, three different ways...really, I caught it the first time.)

6) This next example is a little more specific to the organization.
We schedule pick ups for household items.  We recommend a three day window. SSsooo...when you say, "I need my big o' couch picked up TOMORROW."  And I reply, "Our next available is next Thursday." When you come back with, "You don't have anything sooner...?"  Sigh..."Uhm...no."  

7) FURTHERMORE...insisting that it is, "Really. Nice. Stuff."  Guess what?  I cannot produce an extra truck or extra volunteers for your 'really nice stuff' any sooner than Thursday. Sigh...

8) Regarding your pick up.  If you've scheduled it, please don't call and ask if, "You're still on the schedule"  Seriously.  We do not have a dart board in the back and arbitrarily pull people from the day you are scheduled.  (Verifying time is different).

9) Regarding time.  We have a WINDOW, just like the cable guy.
7a - 12n / 12n - 5p.  If it is 11:45, and they're not there yet...call me back at 12:30. At that time, THEN they're late.

10) Finally, as frustrated as you may be with the process, please don't take it out on the person on the other end of the line.  We / they (usually) are 'just the messenger' - if you will.  

Ok...so maybe this was more of a 'rant' / venting session.

Please understand, I really do love volunteering each Friday at this place.  It allows me pause each week to contribute, appreciate and keep my reality in check.  We are one decision away from a very different path.  Every person that calls in...they made a decision - good, bad, indifferent.  And sometimes, someone made it for them.

As I said, it is not my place to judge or draw conclusions. Someone could easily do the same with me.  Just because I happen to stumble upon this particular chapter of their life, does not mean I have one iota of understanding of their story.

I hope you laughed a little.

This one is certainly not all that deep or insightful.

The Texas Ginger

Bringing World Peace One Hug at a Time

Joy...meh

Joy.

Apparently, I used to hate that word. 

We moved my mom recently.  In the process of that move, assessing all of the stuff being packed up, I kept asking the question, "Mom, does this bring you joy?" and I would hold up various items.  

As we were sitting in her new place, my brother points out, "You used to hate that word."  Followed by several mock-ing examples, "Joy...joy...ew"

I thought about this...why did this word used to bother me?  

I couldn't answer that.

Maybe it was how it sounded...jjjooooyyyy...ick (think nasal-y, drawn out)

Now...I may seem like I am jumping around, but bear with me.  I'll bring tie it all together.

Some of you may know that I embarked on a journey around Christmas 2016.

However, I didn't KNOW I was embarking on a journey.

A friend posted on Facebook, 'Just watched a great documentary called Minimalism.  It's a MUST SEE!!!'

I was curious, so I watched it.

Then I watched it with my boyfriend.

Then watched it again with all the girls.

It completely spoke to me.  I would completely recommend watching it.  I'll even come over and watch it WITH you...LOL. And in order to save re-writing their entire message, just...watch it.

HOWEVER, I will try and summarize the impact it has had on me. And to honest, continues to impact me.

I'll begin by saying I am absolutely a work in progress on 'minimizing' process. So, I do not come to you as an expert on any level. 

I do come to the table to share a movement that is...refreshing.

While they speak primarily of living with intent; purchasing with thoughtfulness (does this bring value?  joy?  purpose?) rather than just buying to buy ("It was ONLY $5!!!"), Josh Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus (The Minimalists) have spoken into my life
So.
Much.
More.

They have promoted (and perhaps not knowingly), NOT 'tolerance' (I can't stress that enough!  no...no...no!!) Instead, they exude a level of respect and appreciation for others that come to the table at different stages in not only the minimizing process, but in life.

They come to the table with respect and appreciation for those with different beliefs (gasp!).  They are an example of what it would look like if we each
just ...observed.  

When I say 'observed', I think of picking up, say, a beautiful piece of blown glass, with all sorts of colors, aspects, flaws and a fragile state.

Maybe how the light shines through.  

The weight of it.  

The artist that created it.  I simply...look.  

Think.  Admire.  I don't have to buy it.  

I can put it back, maybe taking away a little memory of it's beauty.  

I don't hate it or reject it.  

I simply don't 'need' it or will 'use' it.

Yet...with people, they bump up against us.
 
Instead, we react.  
They don't believe like we do.  
We have an opinion about how they dress or look.
The light doesn't shine through quite as brightly, for whatever reason.
They voted for someone else.  (WHAT?!)

WHAT IF...
- we saw how their light shone through
- the weight of who they are as a person (good / bad / indifferent)
- the artist (God) that created them
- think.  admire.  i don't have to 'buy in' to their beliefs
- I can 'return' them to the shelf, with a memory of that person
- I don't hate or reject them
- I simply choose not to 'need' or 'use' them
- they, too, are fragile and flawed (aren't we all, on some level?)

What would be the harm in observing?  In LEARNING from this person?  How about appreciating THEIR beauty?

I love the foundation of my faith.  
I try and read my bible everyday.  It gives me great direction on HOW to love others.  I'd like to think it shapes how I interact on a daily basis, with a filter of love.  And guess what?  It's not my ONLY source on HOW to love.  I get all sorts of input, influence and help.  To include, but not short of, The Minimalist.

So...back to my 'journey'...

I watch.

I find out about their podcasts.

I begin listening...avidly.
I decide to give a little (because ads suck*).

Incredibly impacted.

Josh and Ryan field 100's of questions, often the same questions asked a different way.  

Grace. 

100's of followers / fans that come to the table seeking their 'permission' to keep a collection (uh-hem) on some level or another.  

Grace.

If there is A-1 thing I walk away with from Josh and Ryan, it is to appreciate where each and every person is at in their life - be it stage or season.

I have not mastered this.  I still get fussy with stupid people.
(no, really....true story).  

I CAN however circle back around.

Joy...I like it now.  I like how it sounds.  I even like how it feels.  I can have joy, even when I bump up against someone that is difficult to 'observe.'

I assure you, I'm constantly learning.  
Thank you for learning with me.

The Texas Ginger
Bringing World Peace One Hug at a Time
*The Minimalist use PATREON as a way to raise money for their meaningful work and efforts to promote impacting lives, ad free.  SOMEDAY, when I am a grown-up writer, maybe I'll use PATREON too!!!  LOL  

Ideal.

A few weeks ago, I was invited to join in on hosting a baby shower. 

A baby shower, for a baby, that had come along in 'less than ideal' circumstances.  Mom and dad, not married.  Dad comes from a solid home of faith, home school upbringing, original set of parents.  Mom, a bit more of a troubled background, having had one baby already and a history of abuse.  

I then got word from THEE host organizing this event.  I was given my marching orders, list of food to contribute and then a few days later, she asked if I would do a five minute devotional.

(emoticon:  SHOCK face)

I humbly said, 'uhm...yes'

ME?!  

She knows so many other people!  So many more...friends that she has a much longer history with than little ol' me! Regardless of the 'why' I accepted the privilege to speak over this young father.

Monday rolls around, I look over my text outlining the food and see the request again.  "Oh...that's right.  I really need to put something together."  

Promptly forget.

Tuesday...Wednesday...Saturday morning.

Reading my personal devotional. "OMGee...I need to put together a devotional for the shower today!!!" (gulp!!)

I finish up my devotional.

I read the scripture for the day again...

That's it.

Fast forward. 

I'm at the shower.  I stand up and say, "Ok...so...after I wrote this all out this morning, I felt really confident.  It seemed like I really encapsulated what was to be said today.  NOW...standing before you...I want to throw up!"  I was SO nervous!!!  Surrounded by sages and friendships, going back years and years (uhm...so far back as the young father's baby shower we were there to love on!!)

Anyway...the following is the devotional that came to me to share at the shower.

******************************

BE STILL BEFORE THE LORD AND WAIT PATIENTLY FOR HIM;

DO NOT FRET WHEN PEOPLE SUCCEED IN THEIR WAYS, 

WHEN THEY SUCCEED IN THEIR WICKED SCHEMES. – PS 37:7

Ooookkk…that’s a weird scripture for a baby shower.  Certainly not the traditional, warm and fuzzy ‘I know the plans I have for you…knitted in my mother’s womb…’

And you’d be right.

Because this entire journey that C. and his precious family have been on, so far, has been anything but warm and fuzzy.  

There’s been nothing ‘traditional’ about it.

It’s been a lot of waiting.

It’s been a lot of (trying) not to fret.

It’s been hoping wicked schemes didn’t weigh out.

Today, while there is still a bit of a ways to go on this road ahead, we celebrate J’s life.  We rejoice that he is healthy.  Well cared for and loved by a community of people.  People that recognized and seized an opportunity to extend grace where otherwise, it could’ve been withheld.

 

Let’s be frank – the circumstances do NOT appear to be all that ideal.  

But who are WE to say they’re NOT ideal?

God was not caught off guard by any of this.  

WE may have been, but God was not.

He was not scrambling around when Jacob made himself known to his mother.

God did panic or fret.  Or slap his forehead, “Great…now look what they’ve done!”

I’d like to think that He knew EXACTLY what he was doing.  

I believe that our God is the epitome of grace, love and mercy (something most of us barely scratch the surface on any given day).  Knowing this about our God, I believe he considered – who better?  Who better to face the stares, whispers and flimsy opinions than this rock-solid family of faith?  A family that has rallied, prayed and trusted.  A family that has cried out to that very same loving, gracious, and merciful God.

I also believe that God knew this baby shower…this celebration was the best way to demonstrate HIS amazing capacity to love his children.  The humbling part?  We got to participate.  We were allowed to be the hands and the feet.  Apparently; the best tools in the tool box, expressly equipped to extend love and grace.  Because let’s be honest, we all come to the table with our own ‘non-traditional’ journeys, yes?

So…while each of the steps that led to today were not traditional, perfect, or what we would consider, ‘ideal’.  

May I gently remind you that our Savior did not come to us traditionally either.  

His circumstances far from perfect.  Dare I say, not even all that ‘ideal’.

However, the outcome was perfect.

It was exactly as God planned.  Let’s pray...

(here is that prayer)

Abba

What joy it is to call you ‘daddy’.  To curl up in your lap, exhale a breath of sheer relief.  The comfort of a Father that knows us all too well.

We celebrate today not only J, but each and every life that is here today.  We celebrate the bumpy roads that brought each of us here today.  Roads, that took turns, had a few bumps and in the end turned us to YOUR amazing grace.

We ask today a special blessing on J’s life.  For continued health.  We trust that, while things unfold, we will not fret.  We trust that, while WE think we know what’s best, ultimately YOU are the one that knows best.  

As we have spoken of mercy and grace, it would be negligent to not say a prayer over J’s mom.  Let’s recognize that she could’ve made a very different choice.  We celebrate the choice that she DID make today.  It goes without saying that she is hurting deeply and floundering a bit.  Our prayer is that, while the justice system plays out – knowing you’re in full control – that J's mom would catch glimpses of YOU.  That there would come a day when she looks back and can see your fingerprints all over this.  That she would come to KNOW YOU through all of this.  Show her…help her recognize the ‘something different’ in this family.

Thank you for allowing each and every one of us to gather here today and pour into C and J.  May the grandparents, aunts and uncles marvel at the outpouring of love and support that continues to flow from you through us.

Thank you for babies.  

Thank you for Jesus.  

And thank you…for saving our floundering souls. 

Amen.

 ******************************

I will leave you with that today.

The Texas Ginger

Bringing World Peace One Hug at a Time