First Day of School

Friday was the first day of school.  Why Friday?  It's because the Florida legislature said that August 10 is the earliest day public schools are allowed to start, so this year it was a Friday.  Counties set their own calendars, so not everyone started on Friday;  many waited until at least Monday.  Everyone has to have 180 student attendance days, so start time, end time, and days off may vary, but all students have to go to school the same amount.  The Friday start was a bit confusing for sure, but it was awesome to get a weekend so fast!  The other advantage I found was that it took a lot of pressure off me to have everything perfectly ready since we would immediately have 2 days to take care of any other last-minute details.

Rachel started high school and found the first day "boring", but this week will definitely pick up, especially with band practice after school at least 2 days.

Hannah likes her new 5th grade teachers and loved her new position as "Officer" in the Safety Patrol.  She, and the other two officers get to raise and lower the flag each day and check in with various areas to see if anyone is absent and where fill-in is needed.

Justin doesn't start his classes until August 21, so he spent a good part of the day sleeping.  Steve said to let him enjoy it;  he has enough time to have to get up early and work for the rest of his life......

My niece started kindergarten and her sister started preschool.  My nephew starting kindergarten is in another county and starts Monday.  His brothers will be in school 5 days a week at two other schools starting soon.  Apparently, the tears are flowing freely.  We'll all get used to it in time, but the years go fast, so enjoy!

My Oviedo nephews started 2nd and 3rd grades, so I am excited to hear reports from them as well.

My older niece and nephew are still in high school, although my senior nephew plans to accelerate his graduation and get to working.  My other niece graduated two years before Justin and now is the proud mommy of a 6 month old boy.  I don't see these nieces and nephew as often, but by all reports are doing well.

What is your school calendar like?  What are the pros and cons for your family?  Comment below, and subscribe above to be alerted to the latest posts and comments from The Vulnerable Mom.

Matthew 25:34 (NIV)

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Blessings!
Jenny

Dear Friends......

Dear Friends,


I haven't written much lately, partly because I am busy doing life and partly because some of the things that require the most reflection are too raw and private for even "The Vulnerable Mom" to share.  It is a difficult season of life, and it has only been in continually seeking the truth of God that I am not drowning.  I spend a lot of time in my garden and with my "projects".  I have an air mattress in my closet and have made a "Mom Cave"/"War Room".  I print out affirming statements and Bible truths and post them on my walls. 


God is faithful.  Rachel is participating in a Worship in the Arts camp at Northland this week.  Justin attends church each week with his girlfriend, and Hannah during one of my "temper tantrums" piped up that "This sounds like the demons".  The girls join me in my "cave" and get me to laugh when I am down.  God has always provided the strength and resources that I have needed when times are rough and gives me blessed rest in between.


I wonder what my next step will be.  I want to do so many things, and sometimes God says, "Nope, you need to stop and be here instead."  I've been battling iron deficiency anemia for months now and after many, many tests, I still don't know why.  I know lots of things that I don't have and am so very thankful for that, but it is frustrating to live in the unknown. 


So, for now, I wait.  I do the next right thing, and pray that I am not failing miserably.  Sometimes, I feel so very confident and other times, I question myself. 


I am scared.  I know I shouldn't worry, but I am on edge, awaiting the next battle.  Fortunately, the "God of Angel Armies" is always by my side.  I do not need to fear. 


Philippians 1:6 For I am confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.


In Christ,
Jenny


P.S.   Come see Rachel sing!  Mark your calendar and come out this Friday, June 24 at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary at Northland, A Church Distributed to support the young artists as they lead us in a celebration of Christ as the Bridge to God. A love offering will be taken to support the Trauma Healing Institute in Central Florida in partnership with the American Bible Society. 
Trauma Healing Institute serves communities all over the world in the aftermath of tragedies. Your donation will go towards funding trauma healing trainings for leaders and facilitators to be held in Central Florida, following the recent tragedy at the Pulse Nightclub.