Identical twins don't have identical DNA

I studied Biology in college and loved genetics. However, there are constantly new studies being done.  I learned something new this week all because my students got into a debate of whether identical twins truly have the same DNA. Some said yes, some said no. Both sides had a great reasons to back themselves up. What were the results of the research? Well, scientists knew that identical twins could express genes differently but their studies showed while they have VERY similar DNA, they don't have the exact same DNA. Identical twin don't have identical DNA. Being a teacher means I get to constantly keep learning. :)  I have also wondered why identical twins didn't look exactly identical. I knew there were facts that turned some genes on and some off, but I didn't know they could actually have some differences in their DNA. God is such an awesome designer!

Elijah the Helper....

I love that Elijah is such a helper and wants to clean up....I just wish he wouldn't put my bowls and silverware in the garbage when he is done with them. Next time that I am missing silverware I am going to sing a little song for Elijah to the tune of "Where Have all the Staplers Gone."

We don't have much time before leaving the house.
No. No, we don't.
Have you seen the door lock pin?
They're hidden in my bag.
I tried that bag but it's there no more.
Where did it go?
I know I thought you said.

Have you seen my colored spoon?
It's right in the top side drawer.
I tried that drawer but it's gone for sure.
I haven't seen them since last June...

The drinking straws are out of place,

The pots and pans are in the wrong space,

Have you seen my mixing bowl?

It must have dropped into a black hole.

Ohhhh....where have all my dishes gone?

What happened to all the sippy cups?

Finding Joy and being thankful

I was feeling overwhelmed tonight and I began thinking about thankfulness and being joyful.

My dear husband, Noah reminded me early this year to focus on finding joy and not happiness when I was feeling burdened by losses around me. So I did some Biblical research on what is really the difference: Joy is attitude of the heart. Happiness is an emotion usually tied to current circumstances. Joy lasts but happiness is something that is temporary. Joy is something that is bigger than you and I and our current circumstances. Joy brings us peace in the middle of a storm. So even if I am not laughing or smiling as much, know this is temporary, and I have not lost my joy. (Nehemiah 8:10).

People always use Joy and Happiness interchangeably but from an early I learned that true joy comes from Christ. My mom was my shinning example of joy. I don't think I ever took the opportunity to fully appreciate the difference. Being joyful starts with thankfulness. I am thankful for my faith, my family, and my friends.

Experiencing sadness over loss is natural, expected. I am talking about keeping your joy even in the midst of the sadness... I don't mean that you cannot be sad about suffering or that you have to ignore the tragedies around you. You can be joyful because joy is deeper than happiness and is not about just feeling good because nice things are happening. Joy is about God. Joy is happiness in God. Sadness is an appropriate and natural response to suffering and so are the other range of emotions when we experience a loss. God desires that we be honest about our sadness and share it in prayer. Knowing that God is with me always has given me peace and joy that is helping me with my sorrow.

Where is the balance in it all?

Wife first, Mom second, then a teacher.  I want to give 100% to each but I struggle to figure out how to balance it all, how to have time for everything in the day.  My house looks like a closet exploded in the bedroom and living room, the kitchen is never totally clean, the tables are always covered in papers.  I can NEVER find what I am looking for even if I thought I had organized that area!  I start my to-do lists with things that I have already done just so I can feel like something is getting accomplished.  I want things clean and organized in my classroom and my home but I feel like I need to have at least 12 more hours in a day.  I would love to get a good night's rest once in a while.  I feel like I fall short in one area or another.  My reviews as a teacher are great.  My husband doesn't complain about the mess.  I am my own worst critic.  I am not exaggerating about the mess.  If there is a class on how to get organized and stay that way I would totally take it. I guess the best thing to do is my best and allow God to do the rest.