"This was the best day ever!"

Today, my students and I had the amazing opportunity to attend Kansas Kids' Fitness Day. It was touch and go there for awhile due to weather, but at 9:30, the sky cleared up and God revealed a blue sky and bright sunshine!

My kids spent the afternoon traveling from station to station of fun games. These games were so challenging, yet I saw smiling faces and heard the sounds of third grade laughter. What a blessing and precious reminder of why I love my job so much! I will hopefully post pictures soon so that you can see the enjoyment for yourself.

I have been praying fervently this last week that God would refresh my heart towards my kids. Who knew that on a warm Friday that I would be physically tired, yet emotionally lifted. That moment came while I was observing one of my students. He is such a special little boy and has difficulty in large crowds. I paid special attention to him. At one point, he saw that I was close and came running to me with one of the biggest smiles that I have ever seen on his face! "Ms. Mason, Ms. Mason!!! Today is the best day ever!!! Thank you so much for bringing us here!" That is what I love most about my job! Getting to be a witness to those moments of pure joy.

If you're reading this and are in any way involved with my teaching career...whether as a volunteer or pray-er, thank you so much! You were part of "THE BEST DAY EVER!"

A Time to Give Thanks

I know that Thanksgiving is usually the time that we stop to give thanks. I am changing it up a little bit. For Easter, I spent time focusing on all of the blessings I have in my life right now. The first is obvious--a relationship with Jesus Christ. Zephaniah 3:17 reminds us that God delights in us and wants to protect us. The ultimate protection was God sending Jesus. What a blessing worth sharing! I could go on about the blessing that is Jesus, but instead, I will continue on with the other blessings in my life.

P.S. These are definitely not in order of importance :)

1. The Godly men:

Matt-What a stud (as long as you look at him from the side). But seriously, he has touched my heart in so many ways. The way that he loves people, especially me his sister, speaks volumes. I am priviledged to have met him and to have served overseas with him. He has a tendency to think very highly of himself, but we love him anyway :)

Matt, know that you are a blessing to all that you meet. All that call you friend feel blessed and honored to be in your presence. I love you!! I just know that God is going to use your passions to do amazing things in the nations!

Skyler-Our friendship has surprised me most of all! We've served overseas twice together, but it wasn't until this last trip that I feel that I really got to know you. You are wonderful :) Father placed you in my life to fill such a significant role in my faith story.

Skyler, thank you for the leadership and seriousness that you provide to our quirky little family. I don't want to think about what would happen to us without you! You were blessed to be a blessing to so many, especially me! I love you, too precious friend!

Caleb-The picture speaks a thousand words! He brings such enthusiasm and goofiness to the world. His presence can brighten lives. I know it did in mine. His servant's heart is amazing. God used him to show me that I am lovable...without earning it!

Caleb, you are such a wonderful example to me of unconditional love. Thanks for brightening my days, Papa! All who have the chance to get to know you, are blessed to be in your presence!

You too, I love :)

2. The marvelous lady loves of my life!

Laura- Oh Laura, Laura...How I love you! I don't know how I survived the 23 years before I met you! You changed my life! I have never had a friend who I could go to with everything on my heart and know that I would still be loved after sharing those dark things. Thank you for asking the tough questions and loving me despite the tough answers.

I love that we get to talk "teacher" so often! Your future students are going to be so blessed to have you as their teacher. You are such a good "love on-er." Definitely have taught me a thing or two about it :)

Laura, know that I respect you so very much. Thank you for living loudly and not living ashamed. I am constantly in awe of you. Keep on keepin on, friend. I just know that God is going to use you to Rock His World! (you already rock mine)

Mallory- Every "mom" should be lucky enough to have a daughter as marvelous as you! I am amazed by the way you serve and love everyone around you! Your smile and laughter are contagious. Wow, everytime I think about our friendship, I can't help but smile. I look forward to all of the time that we have to spend together. God has used in my life, and I'm pretty sure Laura's life. Thank you for being usable and answering God's calls, even though they are sometimes very challenging.

Mal-pal, I love you oh so very much! I can't wait to see what doors God is going to open as you start your teaching career and get to touch those kiddos lives!!

The five of you have been used by God to shape my life. Please remember that! You are being used, whether you know it or not! I have learned from each of you, felt valued by you, and love you more than I ever thought possible. Thanks for being my family!!!

I LOVE EACH OF YOU VERY, VERY MUCH!

BLESSINGS FROM YOUR SISTER!