Reflections of 2010

I have to be honest and admit I did not want 2009 to end and have a whole new year. But, a year has to end a new one must open. To me the open of the new year was like any other day. I didn't even make any new years resolutions last year. But, as I reflect and think back to the year I am amazed at what all the Lord has done in my life.

In winter, dad was out of remission for his cancer. I have to admit I was upset and did not look to the Lord at first. Thankfully, a very dear friend who lost her mother to cancer encouraged me in the Lord and helped me see that this is what the Lord wanted to happen. My attitude changed and every time someone said "Sorry about your dad" or "Praying for your dad" my reply was "Thank you the Lord is in control." In February, my best friend Amy called me (later than usual) to tell me some great news! She was going to marry Clay. I was "jealous" at first but very happy for her. I went down to Orlando several weeks later and she enjoyed getting her wedding planning book and we had a blast in David's Bridal looking at dresses...although Amy didn't try any on because she planned on wearing her mothers wedding gown. The months past and soon my class was busy preparing for kindergarten graduation! I was nervous and excited about my "first" graduation as a teacher that I went to the hair place and had them do my hair for me (talking about hair I had my hair past my shoulders and LOVED it but was frustrated with it that I went and got it cut). Graduation went well and summer came.

The beginning of summer was spent going to North Carolina then to Virginia to help Amy with her wedding. We had fun (and me trying not to stress) planning and preparing things for Amy's special day. The day before the wedding AMy and I went up to the mountains to meet Clay and Tim so Tim can take pics of them. It was fun, but as Tim and I were walking around with the happy couple taking pics my heart began to feel lonely...I felt as if my best friend were being taken away from me. Amy and I had many talks about this...Wedding day came and getting Amy all pretty for her wedding was fun. I do have to admit though I cried at the wedding... tears of joy of course! I also caught the boquet... =)

Summer was filled with working and trying to put food on the table. God was good once again and provided each need through friends. God is so good!

The end of summer/beginning of the school year I was told there would not be enough students to have a second K5 class. I was disappointed but prayed that I would still be able to stay and teach. The Lord worked it out and I now teach two K4 classes. It has been a very busy school year (and very tiring on top of that). I know each day the it is the Lord giving me the energy to get through a school day.

So much more has happened during the year that I cannot post on this blog. But recently the Lord has really taught about being the right kind of friend. There are times when I see sin in a friends life and I am too scared to say anything to them about it...then its too late. I am still wrestling with this but I know in time the Lord will help me get through it...

2010 the Lord taught me that He is enough for me. Yes it is great to have close relationships but it is more important to have a relationship with God first.

I am looking forward to 2011 and anticipate what the Lord has in store for me.

New Years Resolutions (Goals)

Well since I couldn't sleep...I thought I would write.

It is hard to believe that 2011 is coming upon us in just a few short days. It seems like yesterday that I was on my couch watching the ball drop (by myself) and shedding a few tears as the year came to a close and 2010 started. I will be writing about my year shortly...but right now I have New Years resolutions on my mind. I always make these goals stick with it for about a month or two then quit. My goals this year are:

1) Read the Bible more

2) Pray more

3) Eat better & Exercise more....even when I don't feel like it

4) Lose 35 pounds by June 20 (my bday)...note to self I am trying to get back down to where I was when I was in high school/ first entered college

5) Get my teachers certification (meaning I have to take some tests {ick})

White Christmas

Living in the south we do not get very many white Christmases. Living in Florid we do not get snow at all...except for on occasion for about 20 minutes. Every Christmas I go up "north" to North Carolina to visit my parents, sister, and my nephew...the dog. When I arrived dad told me "it might snow on Christmas day." I was ecstatic! One, I haven't seen snow since moving to Florida...Two, well I haven't had a white Christmas since I was 13 and was living in Indiana. Well later in the week the weather was saying "no snow" "snow later" "maybe." So, I began to pray for a White Christmas...posted my wish on face book for all to see! Around noon time I hear my sister say "Risby!!! Its snowing!!!" I ran downstairs and saw these beautiful white snowflakes! I was hoping it would stick and withing the hour we had a light dusting of snow. It snowed ALL day and by night time the ground and trees were covered in white. I woke up for church and first thing I did was look out the window and saw the beautiful white blanket of snow on the ground. Of course through all this I was taking pictures PRAYING that my camera battery wouldn't die until I got some good shots. I only fell once...and learned that high heel shoes ARE NOT for snow (I didn't have any other nice shoes for church). I threw a snowball or two at my mom...and one at Ribsy. I resisted making a snow angel or a snowman...and wished to go sledding. I am so thankful for the snow the Lord sent!!!

Charlie Brown Christmas

Okay, I am one of those Charlie Brown fans...I mean seriously... I wrote a research paper on Charles Shulz in high-school. Since last school year I have started my own tradition of reading "A Charlie Brown Christmas" to my students. I feel that the book "A Charlie Brown Christmas" is the perfect book to understand Christmas and see how many people commercialize the holiday..which to me is a special day to celebrate Christ's Birth and remember what Christ did for us. The story starts out with Charlie Brown frustrated that he does not understand Christmas. He asks his friends about Christmas and they could not give him a clear answer what Christmas was about. Lucy makes him the director of the Christmas play and Sally asks Charlie Brown to write a letter to Santa, and his dog Snoopy is decorating his dog house. Charlie Brown gets even more frustrated with his friends and frustrated that he couldn't understand Christmas...to him at the moment it was just one commercial hullabaloo. Lucy tells Charlie Brown to go and get a tree...not just any tree but a big gorgeous tree! Charlie Brown goes to the tree lot and sees this scrawny tree....Charlie Brown brings this tree back to the auditorium and every one laughs at him. Then Linus..(he is one of my favorite) gets up a shares with his friends what Christmas is all about CHRIST'S BIRTH!

All the decorations are fun, shopping is fun, getting presents is fun...trust me I love all that. But, the real reason we have Christmas is because of Christ. It makes me sad to see so many people commercialize Christmas. That there are more pictures of Santa and his reindeer, Christmas trees, ornaments and lights than there are manger scenes and reading from the scripture about the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ. I am SO thankful that Jesus is the reason for the season!

Christmas Vacation

yay its Christmas vacation! That means lots of things to me....

One, I can catch up on all my sleep...or stay up late sleep in all morning....then take a nap in the after noon...and my favorite stay in my nice warm flannel pj's all day! =) Two, I can catch up on my blogs. What I do when it comes to writing I have my devotions and write down what the Lord teaches me in my journal and when I have time I will transfer some of what is in my journal on here. So since I have no lessons to prepare, grades to put in, school to go to and a house to clean I can catch up one this!

I hope you all have a Merry Christmas!

Psalm 1

This past week I have been reading the book of Psalms trying to find attributes of God in each chapter. It has been such an encouragement seeing how God is described in each chapter. Thus far I have read chapters 1-3. Tonight, I will share with you what the Lord showed me in Psalm 1.

Psalm 1: 1-6

I am blessed. "Blessed is the man who..."

God will use me if I walk wisely with people. I need to go to godly counsel from my Sunday school teacher, pastor, pastor wife, and even my boss. These people are here to help me along the way. I need to check my life each day and make sure I am not hanging out with people who will cause me to sin....who will draw me away from the Lord. Last I need to make sure I do not complain about the things I do not like going on in my life. Whatever happens in my life God allows for a reason {chapter 1}. Each day I need to delight in God and need to study His Word daily not only study His Word more but make sure I am constantly thinking and applying in my life what the Lord teaches me. {chapter 2} God wants me to bring forth fruit in my life. The way I do that is planting myself in the Word of God~when I draw away from God's Word....when I do not plant myself in God's Word I can wither away{chapter 3}.

Now attention focuses a bit on the ungodly. I know for sure in my life I do NOT want to be know as ungodly. Ungodly people go by the wayside, they will not be able to have fellowship with God.

ATTRIBUTE OF GOD

God knows my ways {HE IS ALL KNOWING}.

Thank God that He knows everything...

Christmas Thoughts

Every once in awhile I get these really profound thoughts...=) Yesterday, while talking to my best friend I mentioned to her something about Christ and Christmas. Have you ever thought what Christmas would be like if Adam and Eve never sinned....if we were all perfect. Many years ago God told Adam and Eve that He would send a Savior to save people from their sin. This promise was told to Abraham (Father of a Great Nation), Moses, Jacob, Joseph, David, Daniel, and the list goes on and on. Isaiah says 'A virgin shall conceive and bring forth a son and shall name him Jesus." I imagine these people through the ages awaited the coming of the Savior. Years later Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her she was to conceive the Lord Jesus. I am so thankful God kept His promise and did send a Savior. But lets back up to Adam and Eve. What if Adam and Ever never sinner? What would be the point to have to send a Savior? I mean we would be all perfect. If God never sent His Son we wouldn't have Christmas! Although at times I wish our world was perfect, wish there were no war, people didn't sin...I am thankful for Christmas and the fact that we can look back and remember the promise that God kept to send a Savior. Let us keep the Christ in CHRISTmas!

Do I REALLY Know God?

Those of you who actually follow my blog are probably glad I am actually writing on it again....

I have had this question in my mind during the past week..."Do I REALLY know God?" I mean REALLY know Him. I know Who He is, I know what He did for me but how well do I actually know Him. Do I know Him as well as my family, my best friend, or even myself? I have to admit I don't, which is disappointing. I have felt the I needed to get to know God more...on an intimate level instead if that "hey how are you" sorta level.

Mardi Collier wrote a book "What Do I Know About My God?" This has been on my shelf for years now and I have never read it. I have picked it up a few times but always placed it back on my shelf thinking I will read it later. I will not just rely on this book but read the book of Psalms. Now be patient with my blogs coming up because they might me random thoughts....But I really want to know my God.

God is REALLY Enough

I have been reflecting a lot this past weekend and today and keep on asking my self if God is enough in my life. I have come to realize that when I run to my friends, my parents, etc. about issues in my life first I am not making God enough in my life. When I look to other people and not to God’s Word I am not making God enough in my life.  To make God enough in my life I need to make sure that I look to God, go to Him first, read His Word, and talk {pray}, and make HIM my all in all in my life.

 

Autumn

Autumn is one of my favorite seasons and one of the things I miss most about living up north in Carolina country. In North Carolina I've been able to enjoy seeing the changing leaves and the cool air. Here in Florida the air is cool in the morning and evening, but during the day the jacket gets shed and its warm. THe leaves are golden brown and some still green. Autumn reminds me so much of God's beautiful creation and the time of seasons.
Each leaf is painted brilliant colors by the Master Artist. I am thankful to have a God to give a beautiful world.

School

Wow what a busy few weeks it has been! I have officially started school and I am into my third week with my class. Here is a little update on what is going on: I am teaching two K4 VPK (Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten) classes this year. I have 15 in the morning (along with a teacher’s aide) and five in the afternoon (with just me). It has been a “culture shock” time…you know how when you go to a different country you have to get used to the stuff there….WELL…K4 is a much different world that K5. Some of my students have not been to a school environment before, been away from home, or has come from a daycare setting to a classroom setting.

The first week of school it was all my class can do to walk in two lines. It was funny to watch them because the girls were in the boys line the boys in the girls line…some of them were tripping over each other. Then FINALLY at the end of the week they came out the classroom door in two lines!

There were times I had to take the child and tell the parent to go ahead and go while the child cried and the parent left with a worried expression…I have no idea how many times I said “He will be fine go ahead and go.” I would give the student a big hug and tell them it would be okay.

I am enjoying my class—we have had our laughs and my students has made be smile or laugh. Currently,we are learning about the days of creation, some of our vowels, counting, cutting (“no don’t cut that!” when they begin cutting their clothes or themselves), how to color correctly and write. It sure has been an adventure within its self. =)

I am thankful for each student the Lord has put in my class to minister to. I hope and pray that each student sees Christ in me during the school year! =)

Summer is almost over...

Friday summer comes to an end....What a busy summer it was! It all started going to NC then to VA for my best friend's wedding. What a fun time that was helping Amy do last minute preperations and meeting new people =). Then as soon as I got back home I started working summer school/daycare. The Lord has been good this summer and has provided each need. Tomorrow two very special people are coming to visit me for the first time since moving here three years ago so I am getting my house CLEANED! God is good!

Cookbook of Life

Cookbooks are one thing that I can never have enough of…at the moment I really do not have THAT many. Monday, while riding back home from the beach {my favorite place by the way} Angela put a Patch the Pirate CD in for the kids. There was a song on there about the Bible being the cookbook of life. I guess I never really thought about it before…but the Bible is almost like a cookbook. In a cookbook it gives you directions how to make something, the measurements for a dish, what temperature to cook it on, and how long. If you do anything wrong…cook it too long and too much salt {my opinion you can never add too much sugar to something like cookies, cake, or ice cream}. Life is almost like that cookbook. In order to have a orderly well fulfilled life God gave us all our own “cookbook” called the Bible. The Bible instructs and teaches it tells us what we need in life. The Bible is the cookbook of life. =)

Loving God With All Your Mind- Part Two

Phillipians 3:13-14- "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do; forgetting those things which are behind, reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

I know many times in my Christian life I tend to look back at my past failures and my sins. I am so thankful to have a God who forgives and forgets. Since God has forgotton and forgiven what I've done then I need to do the same forget my past sins and falures, learn from them, and focus on Christ. I loved what Corrie ten Boom said,

"When we {I} confess my sins, God casts them into the deepest ocean forever. And even though I cannot find a Scripture for it, I believe God then places a sign out there that says, 'No Fishing Allowed'" (George 16)

Elizabeth George went on in this section to talk about God's purpose in my life. I know God's purpose for me is to serve Him and love Him. But it gets much deeper than that, God wants me to keep on doing His will and focus on Him each and every day. The only way I can serve God with all my heart is by focusing on Christ everday. Four Questions were asked in the book and Elizabeth George challenged the reader to write down the answers:

• Who Am I? a daughter, friend, teacher, and a child of God (His princess)
• Where did I come from? I was planned long ago. God knew everything about me and what I would be
• Why am I here? To serve God with all my heart, to finish the race, not to quit
• Where am I going? to heaven

Its amazing when I look at these questions and answers how how much everything is about God. My life is not about ME. My focus is not about ME. My life and focus my prize needs to be on Christ. I need to look at Him and keep my eyes on Him. I think of the farmer and how he has to keep his rows straight when preparing the field. I am told when he plows he keeps his eyes on one spot to keep the rows straight. This is how my life is I need to keep my eyes on God to keep my life straight and in His will.

" We {I} can only keep on keeping on when we {I} have our {my} eyes on Him, our {my} crucified and risen Lord."

What to Read?

It seems like every time I sit down to read one of the books I’ve chosen to read I cannot get into them! So I am going to be praying over the weekend on what to read next… My reading time is when I am at work as the receptionist at the 2-3 year olds. So right now I am praying about what book to read next….=)

Next Book!!!!

So I haven't really kept up with my reading list. I am although reading some different books than the ones I originally planned to. I just completed Elizabeth George's Loving God With All Your Mind (great book) and Dr. Woodard book Marrying the Right One (good book). The next book or books (since I tend to read several at the same time are going to be Elizabeth George's book Beautiful in God's Eyes a study on Proverbs 31. One of my desires is to be like the Proverbs 31 woman....only way I can is by studying how I can be. I am looking forward to what the Lord is going to teach me in this upcoming book.

Loving God With All Your Mind Part One

So far Elizabeth George’s book has been a huge blessing to me. It has opened my mind and heart to things that I need to work on in my life. In the first section she talked about Philippians 4:8. The main thrust of this verse she pointed out was “Am I thinking on what is true?” Meaning, am I focusing on Christ and His Word. Am I focusing on the NOW and not the past or the future?
I have to admit many times I haven’t. My mind seems to get ahead of myself and I keep asking “what if questions.” Elizabeth George said,

“Every time you hold your thoughts up against God’s standards on what is true and what is real…and then choose to ‘think on these things,’ you are loving God with all your mind. With His help, His Word, and His Spirit, you can triumph over negative emotions, damaging thoughts, and destructive attitude” (George 23).

How true that is. I know many times I will get frustrated when my mind is not focused on what Christ wants me to focus on. When my mind is not focused on Christ I am not loving God with all my mind.Every time I start having the wrong thoughts I am not loving God with all my mind. When I think of the “what if this was different” I am not loving God with all my mind. In my Christian life to focus on Christ and to love God with all my mind--I need to think “what is true and real about God?” “What does the Bible say?” The Bible is what is true not my thoughts, not my feelings, not even my emotions. If I use my thoughts, feelings, and emotions those will not help me train my thoughts. What I need to focus on is God’s Word.
MORE POSTS TO COME ABOUT THIS BOOK SOON! I AM SHARING IT WITH SOMEONE TO READ! =) YAY FOR SHARING BOOKS!!!! =)

Job

This past week I decided to tackle reading the book of Job. I have to admit…it was a difficult book to read through and grasp at times. But through prayer that the Lord would teach me something I gleaned much from this book. The book of Job is the oldest book of the Bible, a book of poetry, and about a man named Job.

Job had a family and wealth. Most of all Job loved God. The question in this book is “Why do the godly suffer?” I know at times I have had set in my mind that I am a Christian and I shouldn’t have to go through hard times. But, the Lord has taught me otherwise that Christians will have trials and Christians will suffer. I know for a fact that if the Christian life were easy and we all did not have those hard times a Christian would not grow in the way he should. God gives hard times to His children so that we can learn to trust Him and grow to be more like Him everyday.

The Lord taught me that there will be  people in my life that will tell me to give up on God because of a trial I am going through. Job’s wife told her husband to “curse God and die.” What an encouragement she was (not really). When I see a friend in a hard time I should be an encouragement to them and point them to Christ during their hard time.

There are times that even Christians ask themselves and say to themselves, “Why do I suffer? Why was I even born.” Even Job a upright and godly man asked himself this. When he was in his misery he asked, “Why was I even born?”  I know throughout my life there has been times I have asked myself the same thing when I was discouraged. But, I look at it and think later on “God wants me to go through this time for a reason.” Here is a situation that happened back in the early spring that had me questioning God “why?”

My dad had cancer during my second year here in Florida. Through cancer treatments the Lord healed my father. I thought the cancer was behind him until my mom called me and told me that dad was going to have surgery again…later on we found out that the tumor they removed was cancer. I was devastated and have to admit asking God “why.” God really had to do a work in my heart and show me that this was for a reason. I am thankful that now today dad is cancer free. Although the situation was hard I look back and see God in the entire thing. The entire time Go was in control, there was no need to ask why….during the year my dad had cancer and when he was tested again were times that drew me closer to Him each day.

The author of Job continues to tell us that God chastens us for a reason. My life will actually be happier when I am corrected, but at the same time my job to do is to take that correction with the right attitude. I think of it as a teacher who has to discipline her students.

Through out the chapter Job has several friends that were trying to be an encouragement….but they really didn’t help him much. These friends were trying to tell Job the reason why he was going through this hard time. There will be friends in my life that will do that same tell me why this is happening instead of being that person that may need to be quiet at  the time…(I have learned that it is sometimes better to listen rather than talk when there is someone going through a hard time. Sometimes the only this that you can say is “I am praying for you.”)

Job’s reply to Biliad in 9:4 was one that really spoke to me. God will put hard things in my life. But if I harden my heart against God then I cannot learn from it. My heart should always be tender to what God has in store for me. During that hard time I need to trust God no matter what—through EVERYTHING (13:15). Again going back to the situation with my dad. I have to admit my heart was hard…..I went to church on Sunday upset and not really wanting to be there…THAT was the wrong attitude to have. All I remember is that I got nothing from the messages my pastor spoke because I was hardened. But, day by day as I prayed and looked to God the hardness was chiseled away and I was looking to see what God had in store. I have to admit this is hard to do….when a situation comes up unexpectedly I like all my “ducks in a row.”I am learning though that my ducks may not be lined up my way but they are always lined up God’s way.

In the end of the book God comes to Job and speaks to him. He asked him “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth…” God knew from the very beginning that this would happen to Job. God showed him that he is in control of everything in nature. God is in control of every little detail in my life.

Wow

I love being into writing again! I just wish I can keep it up when school starts back up! The Lord has been teaching m SO MUCH over the past few weeks. It is amazing to let the Lord work in my life. I have to admit I have been pretty stagnant lately…BUT the Lord has been amazing and has been at work in my heart.

The Lord has been so patient with me and its amazing what happens when I let Him work in my life and when I listen.I will be writing a few more blog posts this weekend! Hope my blog has been a blessing to those who read it!

Provision

Being a teacher my paychecks stop when school ends. I had one job lined up this summer—teaching summer school three times a week for three hours each day. I wasn’t sure what to expect with my paychecks…although I know I should have asked ahead of time. Another job fell through, the only time they needed me was when another teacher would be out. On Tuesday the financial secretary at my school stopped me and told me I would not have enough money to pay my rent for the summer….therefore which meant I was not making a lot. I thought “great” I have to admit my thoughts did not focus on Christ just on worrying. She suggested I talk to my administrator about what to do about my job this summer. I have a hard time going up to people talking about earning money because I don’t want to seem “money hungry” all the time. But, I also looked at it as humbling myself and being truthful and doing something about my situation. I bravely went to Mrs. Effler and mentioned to her about the rent (which God handled that well…share that in a sec) and then went on to tell her I had bills to pay and even groceries to get. She told me “let me think about it.” I went home that day and prayed all afternoon on and off about a possible job. I mean I was willing to clean toilets or scrub floors with a toothbrush. Later in the afternoon Mrs. Effler called and told me she would have be working from 6:30-12:00 everyday….that would be 6:30 AM! If you know me well enough you know I am NOT a morning person at all. I told her that would be great and thank you. I tried to look at my situation as God’s Will. I mean I prayed and HE answered. I am thankful for the work although it has been a tiring first week. But, I made it through each day with only the Lord’s help.

Back to the rent….I am still paying rent BUT it has been arranged that I will play “catch up” when school starts back up.

Oh and one more thing….every extra hour I work like TODAY from 6:30- 4 I look at it as God’s Provision for bills, my eye exam, and food.

God is good and God is the Great Provider. Only he can provide ALL my needs. All I need to do is look to Him, trust Him, and He will take care of the rest.

Bible Study

I have been praying and thinking about what can I do in my devotions and as a Bible Study. I have to admit I have deviated from spending time with my Best Friend, listening to what He has for me and even talking to Him. I have come to the point I am unhappy and frustrated at myself. A few days ago at work one of my co-workers mentioned to me I haven’t been smiling as much….(if you know me well enough I try to smile as much as I can). My reply was “just tired, lot on my mind.” But that is no excuse.

So this summer I am going to be studying the verse Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are of pure, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue if there be any praise, think on these things.” Along with studying the scriptures I will also be reading Loving God with All of Your Mind by Elizabeth George. In my heart I want to get to know my Lord even more this summer and this year. 

Saturday Visitation

This past Saturday I reluctantly went on visitation. I was not in the best mood because my birthday was the next day and I missed my family a lot. But through a friend’s persistence I went. I went into the morning with a grumpy attitude and was apprehensive when I went with Mrs.Masitto, my pastor’s wife. She asked me why I was hesitant and my only reply was “I don’t know.”  I am sad to say that I did not go with my heart I went because my friend was assisting I go….at least I am honest about it. But I look back and see the Lord wanted me to go although I really did not want to. Mrs. Masitto and I went to a house of some children who had visited the church a few times. I am the “quiet partner” and more of a listener nodding and smiling when needed. The the grandma asked me a question. ME!? The question was…. “What happened to your nose?” Number one that is a VERY sensitive topic for me….one that is easier to share why with children instead of adults.

Me: “:I was born like that”

Lady: “What is it, I mean is it something?”

Me: “neurofibromatosis” (explained what it was)

Lady: “can it be operated on?”

Me : (thinking) this is getting a little too personal BUT I simply said “It already has been there is not much more that can be done that I know of.”

Lady": “Wow”

Me: “I know the Lord made me like this for a reason. It took me a very long time to accept it and I just know God made me like this for a purpose and I need to use it as a ministry for Him instead of complaining about it like I used to.”

It is amazing to see how the Lord had me go to that house with Mrs. Masitto although I was very reluctant. Mrs. Masitto told me later she felt the Lord wanted me to share that and it was a good testimony. I am thankful now many days later I was able to go to this home and share something that is difficult for me and share the testimony on how the Lord can use it for good. God is good and I know God gave me those words to say.

I am looking forward to many more opportunities to share this with others around me….although at times it may be hard. God can use it all for good.

 

27 years

June 20, 1983, was a day my parents would never forget…their “little joy” came into the world. Twenty-Seven years have past and it is amazing to look back to see what the Lord has done in my life. At age 6, I was saved. When I was a teenager I surrendered my life to Christ. I have gone through college and now I am working in full time ministry. I am looking forward to this coming year and hope that I am able to grow closer to my Lord and Savoir Jesus Christ even more.

My Best Friend Amy

Eight years ago there were two girls. I was from North Carolina and Amy was from Virginia. I was homesick, into my first week of college, and all i wanted was to go home. Being a freshman we had all these required meeting we had to go to. I went to the society introduction meeting by myself which made me extra unhappy and super grumpy. I was walking back to my dorm thinking a perky and friendly girl came up to me. She introduced herself as Amy. I was very apprehensive since I never really made friends too easily. From that day in August 2002, Amy and I became instant friends. I thank God for her and for her friendship. I remember the nights we would sit under the steps in Mary Gaston and talk about relationships and life in general. We would not only talk but we would pray together. I miss those times with her. Eight years have passed and the Lord has brought someone wonderful into her life. Just recently I had the honor to stand next to my best friend to see her marry the one the Lord had for her. It was a beautiful wedding ceremony and yes, I did cry. I cried because I was happy I cried because in my heart I knew that things would be vastly different between Amy and I. We would still be best friends but she had a husband and well…in my mind I thought the same thing that happened with my other friends and I when they were married would happen between Amy and I. I know in my heart Amy would forever and always be my best friend. I have come to the point to realize that I may not be able to call her after I had a rough day or right after something hilarious happened.  God has been so good to give me a lifelong friend like Amy.  
I am so happy for Amy and Clay and hope and pray the Lord will bless them! 

Christian Books

I have never really been into the “self-help, relationship, Christian growth” books. My mind has always been set on “why do I need them I have the Bible which is supposed to be my authority.” But I have come to realize something. It is okay to read these types of books. But I should not allow them to guide me and tell me what I ought to do with my life- that is why we have the Bible. It was just recently I have thought a lot about it and the way I see it is God has given Christian men and woman the desire to write these books and to share their heart with other Christians. I need to dive into these books with prayer and discernment. I do not always have to agree 100% with what the authors write about. When I doubt something that is what God’s Word is for. I believe that these books are great to read to help with Christian growth, but as a Christian I do not need to rely on these books to guide me through my life. I am looking forward to what the Lord is going to teach me through my summer reading and I pray that I take each book I read with discernment and not only read it but study God’s Word along with it.

Summer Book List

As a teacher I stay busy during the school year and really do not have much time to read the books I would like to read. These books I call "thinking books" the kind that you have to take a while to read and ponder what was read----these type of books are Christian living books. This summer I have put together a Summer Book list to read several different books. These include: Change into His Image, The Bravehearted Gospel, Sacred-Singleness, Set Apart Feminity, Authentic Beauty, and Marrying the Right One. I am opening my heart and mind to these books to see what the Lord will teach me through them. I am looking foward to sharing on my blog what I learn and read.

Paul

During the last few week of Kindergarten Bible I have been able to teach the boys and girls about Paul in the Bible. I have heard the same stories and even taught the stories over and over again. But the Lord really taught me a lot this time through teaching about Paul the Apostle. It is amazing to see how God used Him for His work and no matter what Paul faced he never gave up. I look at Paul’s life and ministry and think “ I want to be like that” but then I look at my own life and my thoughts are “I have a long way to go before I am anything like this great man of God.” There have been many times in my service for the Lord when things are not going my way I want to quit. But since teaching about Paul the Lord has been really impressing upon my heart that no matter what I need to serve him with the same perseverance that Paul had. I hope and pray in my life I can be like Paul.

My Mom

My mom has always been a big part in my life. She not only taught me how to read and write, but she helped me become the person I am today.

Love ya mom and wish I could have come to visit this Mother’s Day.

A Day at the Beach with God

The beach has always been one of my favorite places to go to sit, read, and relax. I had a very hard day Friday and was told to make sure I get away and go somewhere to get refreshed. A good friend of mine suggested that I take my Bible and spend a “day with God.” He also suggested I read through Dr. Jim Berg’s book, Changed Into His Image. So I did what my friends suggested. I took my Bible, journal, and book to the beach. It was such a refreshing and encouraging day. Here are some things that the Lord taught me.

1) I have been selfish in my prayers for my class. I have more gone “through the motions” praying for them with just words than REALLY praying with all my heart. I need to get down on my knees and pray to God with all my heart for my students.

2) I have been doing my job in my own strength. I go to work and “go through” the motions of teaching. I haven’t really put my heart into what I need. I also haven’t really been relying on God in the way that I should.

3) A verse that God spoke to my heart.

Numbers 20:12 And the Lord spoke unto Moses and Aaron because ye believe me not to san ctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel therefore ye shall not bring His congregation into the land which I have given them.”

Moses lost his temper with the people he led and when God told him to speak to the rock Moses was so angry and frustrated with them that he struck the rock instead. Because of this Moses could not go to the Promised Land.

In my own life I lead and teach my students. When I get angry with them out of frustration God cannot use me in the way He wants to. If I do not control and stop being so frustrated I can miss what God has in store for me.

God is still doing a work in my heart in all the areas and I am looking forward to what He has for me.

Lessons from a Kindergarten Class

 Teaching Kindergarten this year has really taught me a lot about the love Christ has for me. It is amazing what a group of five and six year olds can teach you. This has been a year full of ups and downs, but the Lord as taught me much every step of the way. I do have my hands full of students who tend to hear, but not listen very well to the instruction that they are given. I can repeat myself over and over again at times and yet my class can still disobey.
I see first of all that I can be a lot like my students. Jesus tells me and teaches me things over and over again in His Word, but I times I tend to hear it or read it but not listen and apply it to my life.
Second, I can keep on doing what is wrong and disappoint my Heavenly Father but with the love Christ has for me he never gives up and never fails me. He continues to be that loving Father. This is how I see myself as a teacher. My students can misbehave and disappoint me a times but no matter what I love them.
I hope someday that I can be like the Master Teacher in my own life and be as loving, and patient as Christ is to me. I have to admit I still have a long ways to go and a lot to learn. I look forward with anticipation to the upcoming lessons God has in store for me today, tomorrow, and in the future

God is More Than EnoughTrusting God

I have to admit that this has been quite the school year. It has been like my first year of teaching (and this is my third year). This has been a year of trusting God to help get me through each day. There have been many many challenges but a good friend has reminded me over and over again that God is enough and the He will see me through each day. I have to admit (yes I am honest) that I haven’t always gone into my classroom everyday covering my school day in prayer. I have gone into my room and tried to get through a day on my own..God is more than enough

Secret Place

"I find hope, I find grace far away from the world's embrace He gives me rest He keeps me safe I find His stregth I seek His face in the secret place"

It amazing where one can find hope. Some think they find it in money, friends, TV, music~ basically in the world. Christians and non-Christians look at other things to find that hope and grace they need in thier life...I have to admid I am one of them that looks to the world at times in times of discouragement and frustration in my life.

But this song really makes me think of where I should be looking for that hope and grace I need....through Christ along.  I need to learn to get away from the distractions of the world--from facebook, email, tv, and even my music and go into "that secret place"---the place where I read God's Word and seek Him to give me the hope and grace to get through the rough days and even the days that are going fine. I need to really seek His face.

I have been struggling with this...and will be the first to admit it has been hard for me to go to that secret place and seek God the way I should.

This is an amazing song and really touches my heart everytime that I hear it.

Writer's Block

So have you ever been to that point that you really want to write something, but you don't know what to write about? That has been me over the past few months. I think it may because my mind and schedule is busy with school and friends. =) Hopefully I will be able to get back to blogging soon!

2010 Blog

If you've seen the movie Julie and Julia the main character goes through Julia Child's The Art of French Cooking and makes something from it and writes about it. I am not going to cook myslef through a cook book...(would love to but financially...well you know). But, I do want to try and do something different with my blog this year~ use it as my devotional journal for friends and family to read. I have struggled to have a consistant daily walk with the Lord. I need to get in God's Word more and look to Him for things.

I hope this blog encourages you. It will be hard for me to do this, but with the Lord's help He will help me. So this is Through the Bible this year. I will still be sharing things that happen from here to there, but I want this blog of 2010 be about Christ and what He teaches me each day.