52 Weeks of 52: Week 27

Week 27

July 29, 2020

I work with the kindest people.

I see their kindness everywhere—

Gestures

Random Acts

Hugs

Listening

Support

Devotion & Loyalty

Acts of Compassion

And little notes tucked in your laptop just so you can find them at just the

Exact

Perfect

Time!

Sure, planning to reopen has been challenging

stressful

busy

mind boggling &

tiring.

BUT.....

I work with the kindest people.

I work with the best.

And that makes ALL the difference.

52 Weeks of 52: Week 26

Week 26
July 21, 2020

Today is the day

52 weeks

365 days

8,760 hours

as Mrs. Vaughn.

Looking back,

I could not have imagined

All that would take place

All that would evolve

All that would change

by saying, “I do”

I’ve been challenged

I’ve been changed

I am better

because of you

This journey we’ve endeavored

is an epic adventure.

I wait expectantly

as He continues to write our story.

7-21-2019

52 Weeks of 52: Week 25

Week 25
July 15, 2020

Slower pace

Sun-kissed face

Girl time fun

LBI sun

Heart is full,

Practically exploding

His grace and mercies’re

overflowing.

The time has come

To return to the norm

My mind renewed &

Energies restored

My friend, the beach

Revives the soul

Making me new

Making me whole.

52 Weeks of 52: Week 24

Week 24

July 8, 2020

These song lyrics have been 

lingering in my head and 

made their way to my heart. 

The reality of their meaning

creeping into the crevices and

deepest parts. 

I dwell on the fact that 

No one 

Not one person 

has cared for me 

the way like Jesus has.  

I have been taking time  

to dwell and ponder on 

The ways

The countless ways

The immeasurable ways 

The unbelievable

you wouldn’t even believe it if I could explain it ways 

He has card for me.

My heart has been

Fine tuned & 

has captured and treasured 

the incredible ways 

He continues to CARE for me.

It blows my mind

Makes me speechless

and yet fills my heart 

with so. many. words

Words of thanksgiving

Words of gratefulness 

Words that bring JOY!

“No one ever cared for me like Jesus
His faithful hand
has held me all this way
And when I'm old and grey
And all my days
are numbered on the earth
Let it be known
in you alone
My joy was found
Oh my joy, my joy
Let my children tell their children
Let this be their memory
That all my treasure was in heaven
And you were everything to me”
(No one Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus by Stephanie Gretzinger)

 

52 Weeks of 52: Week 23

July 1, 2020
Week 23

I’m not very good at

Resting

Disconnecting and

Going off the grid

I see and know 

the benefit

the goodness

the need to slow it down

turn off the brain

Do things that aren’t connected 

To work

To the hustle or 

The daily grind

But yet it sometimes is near impossible and I’m easily 

Drawn back in 

By an email

A lingering thought

Or a task left undone

I’m not very good at it

The time I’ve spent this summer

Recharging 

Reconnecting and

Readjusting my mind and heart

Were at times

Hard for me to get used to

But I look back and 

Am grateful for the time 

and thankful for a husband 

who MADE me do it

and blessed by my girls 

who joined me.

I’m not very good at

Resting

Disconnecting and

Going off the grid

But I’m getting better.

52 Weeks of 52: Week 22

June 24, 2020

Week 22

I made myself do something
I never would have done
not because I didn't want to
but because I didn't think I could

I am coming out of period of
feeling foggy
feeling insecure
feeling like I just couldn't ever
think of doing
certain things
Why?
well because
I didn't have time
I didn't have the gumption
I felt foolish
I just couldn't see past the "fog"

On vacation, last week, I had a moment
where the choice
to say yes
to go on a bike ride
helped me
wipe away some of the fog that keeps me from
being adventurous

I don't know why I have allowed the fog to remain for so long
But this ride
invigorated me
made me look past my
insecurities
fears
can't dos and
will never dos

I am hoping to do more things.
No, I am GOING to more things
like this
It was fun
It was a little scary at times
(but really only when I was trying to video while riding)
It is the beginning of
trying new things
seeing more clearly
that doing new things
can be
just what I need.

Thank you Tim
for being present
for being patient
for helping me be adventurous
for pushing me to try new things.
But, also thank you for
NOT telling me
that the lady at the visitor center told you
she has seen snakes on this trail.
Yeah.... that was probably a good choice!

52 Weeks of 52: Week 21

June 17, 2020
Week 21

Dear Ten Years Ago Me, 

Hello this is your ten years from now future self I want to let you in on some things you need to know. 

I know you really were skeptical leaving the security of your job in Virginia, the familiarity etc  but seriously this place you’re going to is just what you need, and will be a place of learning, growing and deepening your love for teaching. You’re going to see that this change of course though trying— will be an incredible journey. 

Now, I do need to tell you.  All the days won’t be perfect but you will find among this staff — a group of educators who are the most committed and sincere group of people you’ll ever meet.  You will enjoy their friendships, admire their tenacity and feel safe inside these walls. 

The community is tight knit but very accepting and you need to let them love on you— because it’s what they do best. These kids will grab your heart and you will see some of the most amazing accomplishments achieved by some of your most challenging students. 

When Mr Brinkley asks you about taking on the administrative role — do it:  I know you will be nervous and think this was not exactly what you had even thought about — but do it. Trust me.  

Also you may not want to hear this but I want to tell you — there will be a time when your life is going to get — well a little rocky— but this is why I brought you here!!!  These people .:. your coworkers, this community — they will support you— love you!!  In fact, coming to work will be the sunshine that you need in your life.  They will get you to the other side and cheer you on.  I’m telling you these people are amazing. 

One other thing— they will eventually find out all about your tendency to never take attendance, leave coffee cups in the microwave, your perpetual messy desk, and well all of those things that make you you.... but the best thing is —- they will still love you for who you are... cause that’s just the kind of people they are.  Working at East Lynne School will be the best place — you’ll see!

Sincerely,

Your future Me

2010 - Right after signing my contract at ELS

2020 After finishing Year one as Superintendent