The Ameri Brit Mom

Five Minute Friday: Trust

This week the topic for the Five Minute Friday link-up post is Trust. What is a link-up? Essentially a link-up is when you join other bloggers and write on a similar topic. You share your blog posts with one another and begin conversations via a host site. You can head over to Kate Motaung’s page to check out other entries from inspired bloggers. Here’s my five minutes of uninterrupted, unedited writing on this week’s topic:

This week I’ve had to trust the Lord in many different ways. First of all, my Great-Grandmother has continued to have struggles in her health. What a blessing it has been to have extra time to spend with such a wonderful and beautiful woman! Last week I wrote about the miracle God performed for my family as we saw my 90 year old Great Grandmother miraculously healed after being pronounced dead twice by two different doctors at two different hospitals. (For more on this miraculous wonder check out my post Five Minute Friday: Family Miracle) She has continued to be our miracle girl as she has held on another week. Many of the family members have had an opportunity to see her once again and we will be forever grateful for those opportunities.

This entire situation has taught me that God is able to do anything. If he can raise my Great-Grandmother from the dead then surely he can answer my prayers (as long as they align with His will.) There is nothing that God cannot accomplish. He is encouraging my faith and the faith of those around me and re-teaching me what it means to trust Him.

Also, as the end of the first grading period came to a close today I had many demands for my time. I spent every second of each school day this week 100% devoted to getting things checked off my to-do list. Down time has not existed. Planning time has been an oxymoron. At times it seemed like I would never get through all the things that needed done. In the past this would have led me to an anxiety/panic attack, but I’ve kept myself and attitude focused on God and trusting that He has led me out of that phase in my life. And here I am on Friday afternoon: all items checked off the list while staying calm, cool, and collected.

Lately, I’m learning what it truly means to trust God and to put my faith in Him and not myself.

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. (Psalm 20:7)

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Fiction in Photos: Right to Rule

This October I am planning to focus a little more on creative writing than I have on here in the past. I plan to publish one creative writing piece a week using snapshots from my iPhone 5s as my “prompt”. All of my stories will be approximately 1000 characters or less as I know some of my longer fiction pieces have gone unread simply because of their length. My goal is to become bolder in sharing some of my fictional work while also continuing to hone my skills. Feel free to leave me comments and ideas for future creative pieces!

“Good day, Madam Tabby.” Philip, the castle guard nodded as he opened the door for one of Queen Elizabeth’s attendants.

Tabby lifted her beige dress from the ground and curtsied politely upon entering the palace where she spent her entire life. The sun had just begun to peek over the horizon and it was time for the Queen to be awakened. Tabby headed for the steep stairwell lit completely by wall-torches. She ducked her head as she wound up the staircase for exactly seventy-eight steps. Tabby had performed this morning ritual since the age of eleven and she had begun to rely on her routine as much as Her Majesty.

Outside the Queen’s quarters sat a buffet table on which sat her water pitcher for the evening. Tabby retrieved a glass from the table and proceeded to pour from the pitcher. Queen Elizabeth requested a half glass of lukewarm water promptly upon awaking every morning.

Armed with a glass of water Tabby pushed open the door to the Queen’s bedchamber. Most days Tabby entered to find the Queen fast asleep. This provided ample time for her to empty the bedpans and prepare the attire for the Queen for the day. However, on this particular morning she found the red-haired heiress sitting up in her bed and staring off in the distance out her bedroom window.

“Good morning, Your Majesty.” Tabby bowed in the Queen’s presence while balancing the glass of water.

“Hello, Tabatha.” The Queen replied distractedly.

“Is there something troubling Her Majesty?” Tabby inquired as she handed the queen her glass.

The queen twirled her graying orange locks around her pale, thin finger. “I’m just at odds this morning.” Her eyes drifted from the window to her dear companion.

Tabby had been in service to the Queen since her coronation. Nearly thirty years had passed since Tabby had become a member of the royal residence and devoted her entire life to the happiness and service of her beloved Queen. During her reign Elizabeth had scarcely trusted others. She had learned through her childhood of the abuses that others were capable of. These experiences had led Elizabeth to be a bit of a loner. She would not be taken advantage of. The one person she chose to confide in was the ever-faithful Tabby.

As Tabby began to sort through the magnificent wardrobe of the bedazzled queen, Elizabeth began to speak her mind. Thoughts began to form in such a way that she would only feel comfortable speaking to her friend.

“The counsel has advised me to order the execution of my cousin, Mary.” Queen Elizabeth was referencing her cousin Mary Queen of Scots.

“And why might that be advised?” Tabby inquired of the queen.

“The Catholics of the country are beginning to murmur of her right to the throne over myself.” Elizabeth began to explain. “The political matters of this country put me at odds with my conscience. I love Mary dearly, however, I’m advised that if I am to keep England unified that the execution orders must be carried out. And the preservation of the crown is my first priority.” Elizabeth began to look downtrodden.

“Do you fear that she may accept the charge of the Catholics?” Tabby asked. She had begun to help Queen Elizabeth from her sleeping gown in order to dress her for the day.

“I’m unsure of her position. The last time I spoke with Mary we were still so young. I’ve received letters, but none where anything relating to the throne was discussed. We’ve been only pen pals most of our lives. I had found a friend in her as a young child, but times have changed. Life has become less about innocence and more about the Crown Jewels” Elizabeth slipped into her corset.

“Do you remember what it was like when your older sister locked you in the tower because of the threat you posed to her reign?” Tabby redirected the conversation to a previous experience of Elizabeth’s young adulthood.

“How could I forget such terrible days? Locked in the Tower of London…” Elizabeth blinked back memories of abuse from her tormented sister, Mary I.

“And where is Mary Queen of Scots today?” Tabby asked of the whereabouts of the woman in question.

“Currently, locked in the same dungeon. Awaiting my decision.” Elizabeth was now seated on a pouffe where Tabby brushed her course, tousled hair.

“If I may say so I would caution you that you may want to think back to that experience and judge your decisions based on what befell you there.”

“So much wisdom from a lofty servant, Tabatha.” Elizabeth spoke kindly to her friend.

Tabby moved from taming the wild locks of the queen to perfecting her pale complexion with the use of a chalky substance.

Elizabeth spoke kindly to Tabby for a few more moments. They discussed the Queen’s plans for the day and the upcoming appointments that she was anticipating. The two women shared in a warm pot of tea delivered by one of the cooks from the kitchen. After much conversation and gossip Elizabeth returned to the idea that had begun their interaction that day.

“Thank you, Tabatha. You have done a great deal today for me and the kingdom. I’ve come to realize that it would be necessary to hold my cousin until my death to protect my claim to the throne. That is why she is presently being held in the tower. My duty is to protect my Protestant nation after my death. I know that Mary shall not be the heir after my passing. I would not dream of her inheriting your friendship should a plot be drawn to bring my demise. Please summon the Advisers. It is time that I sign those execution orders.”

**This historical fiction piece is only very loosely based on true events. Dialogue, characters, and situations have been fabricated in the creation of this HISTORICAL FICTION piece.

Fall Flannel

I’ve never really been a flannel-girl. That was until I found this perfect ensemble over the weekend at Charlotte Russe. Previously, I would consider myself a closet-fan of flannel. I admire other people who can pull it off and lately I’ve pinned several flannel-inspired outfits on Pinterest, but I had not ever purchased flannel for myself. But all of that ended when I found a flannel perfect for me. I love the mix of navy and burgundy in this top. Those colors seem to be catching my eye lately. This top is thin and could easily become a layered piece as the weather gets cooler paired also with an oversized infinity scarf. Above, I’m pictured wearing my new flannel shirt with new skinny denim jeans and boots I purchased from my mood board last week. All three of the items above were purchased this weekend and I spent approximately $60 on three totally versatile pieces. Gotta love Charlotte Russe.

This Moment

At this moment I am coercing my toddler to eat her dinner at the table. I’m explaining that ketchup stains are not complimentary to the living room carpet. I am also advising her that the milk I just poured into her small glass belongs to her and not the cat, her momentary nemesis.

She’s in a phase where she thinks completely disregarding me is acceptable. This, I know, is a precursor to the dreaded teenage years to come.

However, in this moment my natural instinct to become angry is clouded by many thoughts. I am blessed to have such an inquisitive, strong-willed girl. Although it may be difficult to appreciate these attributes today, I know that one day she could be a wonderful lawyer if she should choose to become one. She would be so fabulous in this position because she began to perfect the art of debate at such a young age. (Too bad mama never let her win!)

I am thankful that I’m raising a girl who knows what she wants and doesn’t easily back down. These are two characteristics that she will truly benefit from in the future, but right now in this instance she is not reaping those benefits. (Her mama also possesses the gift of not backing down.)

As frustrating as toddler-hood can be God is giving me the privilege to raise a young girl and teach her all about the finer things of life. Everyday God provides me opportunities to coach her through life lessons. So instead of losing my cool I will do my best to stay calm in this moment and remember that I am her life coach. It’s my job to teach her to take these skills she’s trying to practice on me and put them to better use. I will try not to let anger direct my words, but instead teach her lessons in love and respect.

It’s all about perspective!

Five Minute Friday: Family Miracle

This week the topic for the Five Minute Friday link-up post is family. What is a link-up? Essentially a link-up is when you join other bloggers and write on a similar topic. You share your blog posts with one another and begin conversations via a host site. You can head over to Kate Motaung’s page to check out other entries from inspired bloggers. Here’s my five minutes of uninterrupted, unedited writing on this week’s topic:

Wow, this prompt could not have come at a better time in my life. I have literally spent the past three days with family. I’ve been looking forward to sharing with you all about what I’ve experienced and been through over the past few days and this prompt relates perfectly. So, spoiler alert: THIS POST CONTAINS A MIRACLE FROM GOD!

This past Thursday my 90 year-old Great-Grandmother was taken in to the hospital for a multitude of health issues. She hasn’t been doing that great lately. Her heart rate was low and the doctors had decided to do surgery to give her a pace maker. Great-Grandma was awaiting a transfer to another hospital for the surgery when she flat lined. My parents were in the room with her and she was joking with my father when she passed away. The doctor’s pronounced her dead on Thursday evening after all monitors flat lined. She had no heartbeat, no respiration, and her eyes were fixed and dilated. My parents and grandparents began to call all of the relatives to inform them of Great-Grandma’s passing.

An hour later, the nurse’s assistant came out of the room and told my family that Grandma had begun breathing on her own. They rushed in to see her and she was ALIVE! She quickly progressed from barely able to open her mouth to speaking. The doctor’s were astounded and put her back on the schedule for the surgery. They transferred her to a hospital in Columbus to await the surgery on Friday.

Overnight Thursday she experienced another miracle. Once again she passed away and was pronounced dead. The family again began to contact other members and inform them that Great-Grandma did not make it through the night. Originally, the doctor’s had told my family to expect this. However, twenty minutes later Great-Grandma awoke again and quickly regained strengthening vitals.

By morning she was doing so well that the doctors made the decision to do the surgery and insert the pace maker. Friday afternoon she went into surgery and she survived!

After the surgery Great-Grandma began to quickly heal and was released from the hospital today! Praise God! She has regained much of her complexion, her ability to speak, her uncanny wit, and I was sent a photograph of Great-Grandma sitting up and smiling back at her home.

What my family experienced is nothing short of a miracle. God has blessed us beyond measure and has proven not only to my family, but to those who read this story that He is real and still in the business of performing miracles. My Great-Grandmother is a wonderful woman of God who has lived her life devoted to Him and I know that God is using this story to bring others to know Him as well. The doctors had no explanation for what happened this weekend to my Great-Grandmother. Twice she left this world, and for some reason that God alone knows she returned to us. We are so blessed to have more time with a woman we all love so dearly. God is so good and my family will always remember this experience.

My Great-Grandmother is MY MIRACLE!

“He is the one you praise; he is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes” (Deuteronomy 10:21)

“He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted” (Job 5:9)

Fall Boots Mood Board

Fall is in the air and I’m in the mood to break out the boots and maybe add a pair or two to my collection. I’m excited to feel the crunch of autumn leaves under the soles of my faux leather boots. I anticipate the sweater socks that accompany each pair on a crisp fall day. And more than anything I look forward to getting to tread the streets of my hometown during the annual Pumpkin Show. It’s only the Greatest Free Show (festival) on Earth! Fall means a lot of things to me, but one of the first things that comes to mind when fall is in the air is my hometown festival and all of the fun, food, and fashion that come with it. What is fall to you?

Fall Boots Mood Board by theameribritmom featuring knee high boots

Charlotte Russe army boots
charlotterusse.com

Charlotte Russe knee high boots
charlotterusse.com

Maurices infinity scarve
maurices.com

Essie nail care
dermstore.com

Fiction in Photos: Invincibility

“Goodnight, Mom.” Charlotte called down the hall after her mother and watched as her mother’s dainty shadow passed through the doorway of her own Master bedroom. Once she had visual confirmation that her mother was safely behind closed doors Charlotte shut the large oak door to her own bedroom. She was finally able to extract the plan that she had so carefully laid over the past year.

The sun began to fade and leave behind it’s print in the clouds above. She glanced out her second story window and back at the watch on her petite wrist. It was 10:15pm when she pulled a black sweatshirt from her closet and draped it around her shoulders. Fifteen minutes remained until she had promised Nolan that she would be at the football field behind the high school. That was plenty of time for her to shimmy down the tree that led from her bedroom window to the lawn below.

“Here goes nothing…” Charlotte spoke to herself as she set into motion what could very well be her last moments in this house. As her feet touched the ground below her bedroom she took one last glance at the place where she had spent the majority of her seventeen years of life.

The streets of Georgeshire were vacant and dimly lit only by the moon above. This New England town’s streets were lined with large Victorian homes filled with family heirlooms and endless secrets. Charlotte followed the sidewalk down the main street toward the high school being careful to stay out of plain sight and avoid being seen by any residents of the town.

She found herself walking at a brisk pace that was beginning to resemble a jog. The high school was now within view. Before leaving school that afternoon she had taken notice of all the security camera points so as to avoid them during her escapade with Nolan that evening. As she rounded the corner of the building she clung close to the brick siding to keep from being caught on the camera.

“Pssst….over here.” She heard Nolan’s voice through shrubs which lined the fence around the football field.

Charlotte followed the sound of his voice and ducked into the shrubs along with him. She felt his hand grip her shoulders and bring his forehead to nearly touch hers.

“Did you bring it?” Nolan whispered. She could feel his breath on her face as she reached into the pockets in her black sweatpants. Her hand retracted out of the pocket to reveal a small chip. Nolan took the chip from her rough hands and immediately plugged it into a device that he had been concealing. The mechanism was no larger than Charlotte’s cell phone.

“Welcome, Mayor.” A female voice announced as the stolen chip was recognized by the device. “How may I assist you?” The robotic sound of the voice commanded an answer.

“Open case #10247” Nolan spoke slowly into the receiver.

“Retrieving…” the device explained as a moment of silence filled the shrubbery. “Case #10247: The Murder of Celia Miller.”

Charlotte moved closer to Nolan so that the screen of the device was in view. A file was opened. A document came into view which held the signature of both Mayor Mendez and the County Clerk.

“Is this?” Charlotte asked trembling with excitement.

“I think so…” Nolan distractedly answered as he skimmed the document quickly.

“What does it say?” Charlotte asked. Impatience had begun to overtake her.

“It says…the evidence was inconclusive.” Nolan said pointing to a statement from the coroner.

“And that means?…”

“It means that the coroner was not able to pinpoint murder as the cause of death.” Nolan clarified.

“What does that mean for us?” Charlotte asked.

“I think…” Nolan began. “I think we may be off the hook.” A sigh of relief quickly left Charlotte’s lungs.

“I knew it! We were so careful. It pays to be attentive to detail” Charlotte proudly was referring to her role.

The two began to embrace in the bushes outside of the high school. Their location was 100 meters from the place where they had first met over a year ago. Charlotte was practicing for the 200m Hurdles while Nolan leaned inconspicuously against a lamp post outside the track puffing on a cigarette. She had noticed him and decided to boldly pay him a visit and order that he take his “cancer causing habits” elsewhere. It was then that Nolan had fallen head over heels for Charlotte. In that moment he saw the missing piece to his puzzle. He had plotted against Celia Miller, the girl who had told their entire cheerleading squad about how he poured out his heart to her only to face an embarrassing rejection. Charlotte’s bold, eclectic personality was all he needed to carry out his master plan. One year later Celia lay in a body bag at the Georgeshire morgue while Nolan held the girl who had served as his accomplice.

During that year Charlotte had lost track of her own dream and aspirations. She had fallen further and further off track the more time she spent with Nolan. He had a way of getting her to do just about anything he asked. Charlotte was enveloped in his edgy charm and tendency to go against authority. She didn’t think twice when he asked her to break into the Mayor’s office to retrieve a top secret microchip containing some of the most classified files in the county.

As the two sat in the shrubbery they were so focused on their feelings of invincibility and the thought of getting away with murder that they were oblivious to the police force that was now nearing them. The tracker on the microchip had led the police right to the culprits. The police chief bent over and pulled back the branches to reveal an entangled pair of teenagers. The couple was left aghast as they noticed the police pointing their weapons at them.

The police chief shouted, “Nolan Sickle and Charlotte Carmichael, you are under arrest!”

It is unlawful to plagiarize any of the original work from The Ameri Brit Mom. Always give credit where credit is due.

Honorable Debate

It’s been some time since I’ve written about what is going on in Mrs. Sisley’s classroom. So in case you were wondering the year is off to a great start and I’m excited to share a little bit. Currently, I am teaching six classes. In the mornings I have three English 9 classes one of which is an Inclusion class. During the afternoons I teach three Honors World History classes. This is the first school year that an Honors History course has been offered since I’ve been working in my district and I’m thrilled to get the privilege of teaching this course.

The first few weeks have been spent getting their feet wet and providing opportunities for my students to discover my expectations. In English so far we’ve written one essay, read two short stories, and each student has now completed two of their Nine in 9th Independent Reading books. Next week we will be presenting book #2. (For more information on my Nine in 9th reading program check out my post Nine in 9th)

In history we have familiarized ourselves with GoogleDocs and the submission process through several assignments. They have completed the first of nine Current Event projects, written an article about the construction of the Palace of Versailles and taken their first test over the Age of Absolutism. I’ve been really pleased with my honors students and their drive to meet the high expectations that I have set for them. I’ve asked for quite a lot to be done in the first month of school, but for the most part they have risen to the challenge.

This week I am braving new territory and assigning my first ever debate in my Honors World History classes. We are currently learning about the Enlightenment and the impact that this time period and its thinkers have had on our world. I have chosen to center a debate around the ideas that we are learning in class. I’ve also researched many different debate methods and have chosen to use a Team Policy Debate format since this is their first formal debate.

The students will be assigned to a partner and position. Their goal will be to argue for or against a specific idea that came out of the Enlightenment. I have modified the time restraints for the Team Policy Debate for this first debate to last only twenty-four minutes (essentially halving the time allotted for each segment.) I’m a little nervous that debates could become chaotic, but sticking to a format should help with keeping things professional and moving at a quick pace. I’m also allowing the students to use pre-made note cards to direct their points in order to promote research and use of data to inform dialogue as opposed to feelings and thoughts of the students alone.

The purpose of this activity is to give the students an opportunity to perform research and put into the practice the principles that we are learning about in this unit. I have three classes of highly intelligent and opinionated people that make me eager to try this activity.

If you are a teacher and have used debates in your classroom I’d love to hear from you! What went well? What was a challenge? And any other advice you may have.

I love my job, my students, and my calling!

Five Minute Friday: Doubt

This week the topic for the Five Minute Friday link-up post is doubt. What is a link-up? Essentially a link-up is when you join other bloggers and write on a similar topic. You share your blog posts with one another and begin conversations via a host site. You can head over toKate Motaung’s page to check out other entries from inspired bloggers. Here’s my five minutes of uninterrupted, unedited writing on this week’s topic:

Do you ever struggle with doubting God? I will assume your answer is yes, because it is human nature to doubt God at times. Some of us may find ourselves doubting God in the big stuff like salvation or His ability to bring healing. Others of us may doubt God when it comes to the day-to-day issues in our lives. My latest doubts would include the doubting of my calling. Why do I always begin to question the things that I know God has clearly called me to do? I’ve been in a place over the past couple of days where I’ve truly struggled with the question, “Am I truly called to lead and advise the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at the high school where I am employed?” despite the fact that God has proven faithful to me time and time again in this ministry.

I had found myself in a place of exhaustion and dealing with a lot of planning for an upcoming FCA retreat (the most stressful event of the school year for me.) I know that event planning is not my strength. I learned that in college while working for the Office of Advancement and planning so many fund raisers. It was a lot of fun, but definitely not something I feel called to do.

As I questioned my position with the FCA and whether or not God had really called me to fulfill the responsibilities of advising a group of seventy high school Christians God reminded me why He has placed me in this position. When I was exhausted from all the time that goes into planning and executing weekly meetings as well as the upcoming retreat God gave me a message to renew my purpose. This message came in the form of an encouraging letter from a parent.

This week when I was in need of reassurance I walked out to my mailbox and found a letter from a parent of a student involved in the ministry. In this letter the parent expressed their gratitude for my role and explained the impact that this group is having on their son. This was a parent who also is an administrator in the district and whose opinion and wisdom I truly respect.

The letter brought me to tears as I received it exactly when I needed it.

I hate that in this scenario I had become a doubting Thomas. I had forgotten my purpose and focused on myself and my weakness. Alone I could never balance the role of advising a large club with all of the other demands of life, but over the past five years God has truly given me strength and worked through this club. Sometimes I surprise myself with how short-sighted my memory can be. It just takes a look back at the many ways that God has provided for and worked through this organization to remember that He ordained me for such a time as this.

From what I’ve heard doubting your calling when you are in a place of ministry is pretty normal. We pour ourselves into our ministries and when we don’t see the results we pray for it can easily become discouraging. I’m learning even after five years that God’s plans don’t always align with mine, but His plans are always so much better than my own. Doubt is a natural step in the believing process. Doubt helps bring us to a point of faith. Doubt calls into question ourselves and can actually be beneficial for getting our eyes off of ourselves and back on God. We were not created to fulfill our purposes in our own strength. God is almost always the missing piece when we find ourselves in doubt.

On Being a Writer: Limit

This is the final installment in the writing link-up: On Being a Writer on Kate Motaung’s page. These discussions have been centered around the book, On Being a Writer by Anne Kroeker and Charity Singleton Craig. The final topic is limit.

One important lesson I am learning about writing is the necessity of setting limits. Life is full of demands and we must all learn the power of setting priorities if we are going to be successful at anything in this life. I’ve learned that I need to limit my time spent doing any single thing in order to maintain a healthy balance. I have goals of writing for thirty minutes a day whether that be blogging or journaling. I’ve set aside two hours every weekend to solely focus on my novel writing, but the daily practice of blogging and journaling is helping to push me toward further writing goals.

In order to execute these goals I also must limit other things in my life. God and family are my top priorities and if I am going to accomplish my potential in any area I must set aside time to focus on those two things. As a family, we have set aside Thursdays as family time. We vowed to not make plans on Thursdays so that we have that day of rest. Some days that means even cutting out my writing time. In order to be productive at writing my mind must be at ease and that doesn’t happen readily when my mind and body have been going at warp speed for days on end. Instituting a family night at home (most likely watching Netflix) has helped me to stay sane amid the constant pull for my attention elsewhere.

Take time for you. Take time for top priorities. Everything else will prosper when you take time for these.