Job Hunting and GF Mixing

I finally have applied for my Oregon teaching license. Since I have one from California there were some new requirements to complete. I needed to take a multiple subject mastery test and complete so many hours of my instructional assistant position I've been working in at my son's school. Too bad I didn't request a newer application. I would have found out that they've moved those requirements to the next level up in order for out-of-state applicants to get in the teacher pool much quicker. Ugh!! I could have had my license several months ago:(

Anyway, my license is "pending" while they approve my documents of this and that I've sent them. This has allowed me to fill out applications for four different districts in my county to apply for a teaching position. But why oh why am I a day late and a dollar short when it comes to these things? I found out after my latest hand cramp and filling up my tank with expensive gasoline that there is an online service that all the districts subscribe to. Could have done it all at home!

I have to remember though that God is always on time regardless of my shortcomings. My first job teaching was acquired two weeks before the school year started. I found out later that the large district I also applied to somehow lost my application. That's why I never was called all summer. But...that left me free for the one I received - in the nicest school, the closest school, the highest paying district, the grade I wanted, the track I wanted, and a slew of acquaintances and dear friends I shall always count myself blessed to know. I remember after I saw my new classroom I came home and cried while sitting on the couch. God was so good to me, and I think He was chuckling a bit over the surprise he couldn't wait to show me. Anyhow, right now there is only one position for an elementary school position in the whole county, and it is first grade (not my thing). If I had to put food on the table I would go for it, but I'm not that desperate:) If anything comes up it will probably be in August.

I've been challenged recently while reading in the book of Joshua about setting up a memorial. It is a way of remembering what God has done. So, I have a picture of me teaching in the kitchen sink window. Since I spend so much time there I figured it was a good spot:) I will wash and "remember" that He is capable of making sure I'm in the right place at the right time.

On a different not, I love it when I discover something that makes me work "smarter" and not harder. (Usually it is by accident - ha ha!). Such was the case while making up some more GF mix. I like one of Carol Fenster's versions:

It is:
1 1/2 cups sorghum
1 1/2 cups corn starch
1 cup tapioca starch

(if you make her french bread I love to add the 1/2 cup of cornmeal which she has deleted on her latest version of this mix. I'm not sure why because it makes the french bread taste better.)

When I mixed this up last time I noticed that my Bob's Red Mill bag of sorghum is 4 1/2 cups. I thought about making up three times this amount. I also noticed that my EnerG Foods Tapioca Starch I buy (12 boxes in a carton) is 4 1/2 cups. Woohoo! The Argo Cornstarch I use is 56 Tablespoons which is roughly 3 cups. I wondered whether it would be a big deal to interchange the tapioca and corn starch. Well, I haven't been able to tell a difference in my recipes. This allows me to open all three boxes/packages and just pour them in a big bowl to whisk together. I've easily made up an amount three times of this mix. No measuring and less mess. Made me happy. Of course, you may not use these products or have a different mix, but just see if a couple of the items are the right amount for multiplying you mix. Then maybe you only have to measure out the third ingredient.

From now on I vow to stop a minute and think about what I've "always done" and just see if I can come up with a better way to do it. You never know - I just might start working "smarter" and that would make up for all the brain cells I seem to have lost since becoming a mom and being sleep-deprived.

Have a wonderful day!
Debbie

My Little Corner of the World - A Favorite Place

I know I need to post a new recipe soon. We've been eating some good dinners, but not really the kind I want to pull out the camera for. Last night it was some arm roast. Tough meat made good by a slow-cooker, soy sauce, and beef bouillon. But for now, because fall is here and I'm enjoying its arrival, I want to write about a favorite place of mine.

I like to refer to it as the grove. It's really just a couple rows of trees with a pathway inbetween. I went and visited it today and lamented the falling leaves all around me. It's only sad because once they are all gone, my special place becomes less secluded and colorful. Besides that, it really is wonderful to experience a gentle fall breeze that sends leaves whirling around you. Very magical.

I'm not sure what the original purpose was in planting these trees so far away from the house, but it does afford some peace and quiet (not that I get that often when walking out there with the kids). Usually when that happens I walk through and think about how nice it would if I were alone.

I wish the picture I took gave it justice. It is such a pretty place when the sun is shining, and you can see its rays peeking through the leaves up high. There's also marjoram that has found a home all along the sides on the ground. I always appreciate how wonderful and soothing it smells. Before we had a dog, there were a lot more deer that went through the property. I assume they would bed down in there because we could see large places where the marjoram had been flattened down.

So, I like to go walking through this place when there is time. If only I could slow my thoughts down more and listen to the One who speaks thoughts of truth and peace into my life. I would need a much longer path to walk or a bench to sit down on and really spend some time to let the clutter in my mind and heart fall away and experience a stillness that doesn't come easily.

From My Little Corner of the World: The Choices in my Life

A lot has been going on in my head and heart lately concerning the choices before me. For awhile I was tortured a bit over whether to send my son off to our neighborhood public school for Kindergarten. It seems like several of my friends who happen to homeschool assumed I was in the same boat too. It's not that I didn't consider it or see the merit in it. It just simply wasn't the best choice for right now. I was awake for some time one night feeling a bit panicky over whether I was making the right choice for my son. I really felt like God spoke to me and said, "Don't worry, it will be alright." I didn't get the impression that public school was the permanent answer, but rather Him reminding me that He is perfectly fit to guide and move me when I need it. He is SO good in that way. I love him so much, because he always seems to prepare my heart for when life takes a change.

I've also had the nudge recently to go back to work. I was teaching full-time before Nathan was born and enjoyed it. It was crazy too! To be honest with you, I can't imagine how in the world I can manage now with two kids - especially with the profession of teaching! However, my heart is moving in that direction even though I wasn't particularly seeking it. I have been a Christian long enough to know that is God at work in me. I can't explain only to know that he is once again preparing my heart for change. Why? I'm not sure. I have a little one who will not be two years old when I return to a position next fall. No, he won't be in daycare every day - my husband's work makes that possible. But, he will see less of me. That is something I worry about and wonder about.

Why am I writing this? Perhaps to just say, "Hey, this is my life." For better or worse I'm going to move in the direction I feel I am to go. It seems like in Christian circles (and any other circle)we alienate one another by being very outspoken concerning choices others make in their life. Yes, I'm convicted of it also at times. It's a good thing God is not like us. He gets beyond what seems to be "the only way" and makes a path that still leads others to Him and His goodness.

I came across an article recently from "Today's Christian Woman" that helps to open up dialogue such as this. It is focused a bit on the choice for Palin as V.P., but only as a springboard for a discussion about just what a woman's role is. I hope you find it thought-provoking.

http://blog.todayschristianwoman.com/editors/2008/09/where_no_mom_has_gone_before.html