Literacy Learning Zone

__________________________________________________ The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers . Join us for a month of writing! __________________________________________________ Be the light the one who comforts encourages shows kindness When we feel that little nudge -- to send a text make that call When we hear the whispers -- to say a prayer buy a little gift Do so without embarrassment fear, worry judgement For it can give the greatest gift of hope, strength and love Little nudges can make a BIG impact -- and you may never know the depths But sometimes you may learn about the power of your generosity I believe those nudges, those whispers are God's way of connecting us And, in time, the gift of hope, stren...

__________________________________________________ The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers . Join us for a month of writing! __________________________________________________ My husband and I thought it would be a good idea to get back into our Wednesday night date nights. That time had slipped away from us after our move into a new home. Time together to actually talk and have full length conversations without interruption is rare with two six year olds entertaining us with their stories and thoughts on life. We also agreed to attend a marriage course at our local church to continue to grow together in our faith and strengthen our marriage. So Wednesday night date nights are at church. We discuss hot topics, such as the art of communication, the impact of family, and resolving conflict. ...

Slice of Life is  hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life.  _____________________________________________________ Life is full of so many uncertainties. Right now, family, friends, and colleagues are dealing with a multitude of uncertainties. The uncertainty of what's to come. The uncertainty of the right decision. The uncertainty of just not knowing ... Surgery and treatments Infections and infusions Sudden death of a student New positions at school Decisions to stay home Hopes of a growing family Concerns about words said Frustrations with students Busy overbooked schedules The ...

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join us for a month of writing! __________________________________________________ The girls woke up this morning seemingly forgetting about the visitor.  I could hear them talking, but not quite able to make out their words.  Just a lot of chatter back and forth.  But no one was bursting from the bedroom wanting to rush downstairs. Daddy went to check on them first.  He found them excitedly trying to get dressed in their new Easter dresses.  He suggested they leave their PJs on because we had some time before church. "And ... aren't you forgetting something else?" I paused, waiting. "Happy Easter!" "Oh! Happy Easter! Can we go downstairs?!?" It dawned on them about that special visitor. The girls raced down the stairs -- ...

I'm here to  {celebrate}  with  Ruth Ayres   and  YOU ! Finding the little moments of joy in life. _____________________________________________________ Today I am celebrating: {this week in verse} {challenge} writing and writing every day in march five years of the solsc complete celebrate with *confetti* but then keep writing and writing and writing and celebrating celebrate the habit of storytelling {presentation} attending an all day meeting monday the first day after a relaxing spring break planning for a wednesday training that was an enjoyable stress i needed celebrate relieved presentation exhaustion {difficult conversation} the anticipation (and stress) of a conversation that was necessary led to many opportunities of relationships, learning, and moving forward celebrate new beginnings {a day off} after a long-only-four-day-busy week an extra day of family time was just what was needed even thou...

I'm still writing ... poetry! Join in and share! #digiPoetry _____________________________________________________ it was a beautiful morning sun shining, blue skies still a little chill in the air everything was right in my world a quick stop on my way to school "large ice tea of caffeine, please" for a refreshing pick-me-up everything was right in my world i paid and quickly asked, "how much for the order for the lady behind me?" everything was right in my world something i have never done before "i'm going to pay for her too" and i handed over a five dollar bill everything was right in my world i'll never forget the memory  the contagious smile on her face and the feeling inside my heart everything was right in my world my smile created a joyous interaction with the server making each other feel like we matter everything was right in my world and then the m...

Slice of Life  hosted  at the Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life. I snuck downstairs to change out the laundry.  The girls were upstairs playing dress up.  Tiaras, capes, dresses, and fancy plastic shoes.  I was enjoying a minute of quiet time, thinking to myself, worrying about the week to come, when M. quietly walked into the laundry room dressed to attend a princess ball. "Mom.  Can I share something with you?" She asked. I smiled to her as these were not the usual words from a four year old, but it was sweetness to my ears. "Of course, M.," I responded and continued to fold the warm clothes. "I don't want to die forever," she told me. I wondered to myself...

I'm here to  {celebrate}  with  Ruth Ayres   and  YOU ! Finding the little moments of joy in life. Today I am celebrating. {victory} Tomorrow is Easter Sunday.   Bunny baskets filled with green grass, n ew bubbles and outside games.   Brightly colored hidden plastic eggs stuffed with chocolate candies and jelly beans.  Sounds like a win, right?  Sure, maybe a temporary victory. But the true victory is in Jesus. Jesus died a brutal death.  None of us will truly understand the depth of His suffering.  He lived out God's plan and died for you and for me.  For our sins.  For our wrong doings.  For our disobedience.  For our disregard to do what is right.  Past. Present. And future. But the true victory is in Jesus.  He is the { glue } that keeps my sticky, messy life together. Tomorrow I will celebrate this good news.

Five Minute Friday    writing challenge hosted by   Lisa-Jo Baker The challenge is to write for five minutes on a given word.  Just write and share. Today's Five Minute Friday word:  {glue} {glue} is sticky, messy, connects, everlasting, hardens.  Just like life. Reflecting on this holy of holy weeks, with much help from specific daily devotions from my pastors, be a part of the many praying for 120 hours of prayer, Ruth Ayres' 40 Stories for Lent , and deep conversations with my small group, I have witnessed how Jesus is the {glue} in my life, holding everyone and everything together.     Jesus loved. Jesus forgave.    Jesus cried out. Jesus suffered. Jesus died for us and all of our sins. Jesus is the One.   The only one that I need to desire to have a relationship with to keep me from  forgetting failing and falling apart. Through His relationship, He connects me th...

Slice of Life  hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life. Have you ever had one of "those" days? A day where you feel deflated and exhausted?  Busy and unbalanced? And then in one little moment your day turned right side up? An email arrived in the middle of the day with an unexpected note from a friend with impeccable timing that whispered, "I'm thinking of you and hope all is well." Thoughtful words that -- Made me smile. Gave me strength. Filled my soul. So, do me a favor? Go now. Send an email to a friend. Let them know you are thinking of them. A gift of words reaching out that meant the world to me. Let your words do the same for another.

Slice of Life  hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers And today I needed my go-to easy-format quick-thinking in-the-moment writing idea. today: another day to make connections with students and inspire greatness want to be: ( secretly ) snuggled under the blanket to finish reading Allegiant blessings: my girls and the new (imposed) daycare opportunity beginning in the new year thinking: the chores will never be completed ... there. is. always . more. planning: to reclaim Christmas and honor the gift of a newborn baby writing:  my deep thoughts and questions to ponder in my notebook loving:  the glistening white lights and pops of red on the Christmas tree grateful:  for the warmth of my home during...