2011 Reflections

12 months, 52 weeks, 365 days, and too may hours to count the year of 2011 is winding down...

It is hard to believe that a new year is just around the corner. It seems like yesterday I was sitting on my couch watching the ball drop drinking my sparkling grape juice (which is amazing by the way) and getting teary eyed tha a new year was here. The year of 2011 sure did fly by. It is amazing to look back and see all the things the Lord did in my life and how I feel I have changed. I know I am not the same person I was last year.

The biggest (and the most exciting) thing this year was having my nose surgery. My mom has been wanting me to have surgery for a long time, and I just kept on saying I am not ready for it. In January, I went to the Dr. Trimas to see about having surgery done on my nose. He told me that he could do the surgery and that he would work with the insurance about covering it. In March, I recieved a letter from the insurance company and the first letter I received said "yes we will cover the surgery." The next day, I received another letter that said "no we will not cover the surgery." The dillio was that they would cover for the doctor to remove the neurofibroma and NOT to reconstruct it because it was "cosmetic." I was devastated, and yes I did cry in front of my entire class about it. I called the doctor and they told me what was going on. My main thoughts in my heart and mind was "Lord, do you really want me to have this surgery. Because I really did have peace about it and feel like this is something You want me to do so if so please work out the insurance issues or give me lots of money to pay for this." It took several week, but then I received a phone call from the doctor to schedule my surgery--INSURANCE was going to cover it!!!!! =)  On June 10, 2011, I had surgery on my nose. I am so happy wth the results and so THANKFUL for my doctor and to the Lord for giving the doctor I needed to help me and for insurance covering the surgery.

My biggest goal of 2011 was to grow closer to the Lord. I do have to admit I had a hard time keeping that goal. I did deactivate my facebook account for a month. That was the best month of the year. I sure did have a lot of  "time" for things--like Bible study. This year was also a spiritual roller coaster for me---being unsure of things, doubting, and learning to trust the Lord. One thing I see tat I need to work on is being more of a spirtual encouragement to my friends. The BIGGEST thing my walk with the Lord is not where it needs to be.....sadly I have been "too lazy" to do anything about it. My goal os 2012 is to work on my walk with the Lord and get back to wear I need to be. Lately, I have found myself discouraged and negative instead of my upbeat self. My goal in 2012 is to work on my walk with the Lord. I am realizing that it doesn't happen all by itself--it takes work just like friendship and marriage it takes work.

I also was trying to lose some weight. Between January and June I lost 10 pounds...oh how well I was doing. Then I stopped exercising, started eating junk food again, and just didn't care and those 10+ lbs came back. I have to admit my motto at the time was "you only live once enjoy those yummy foods." Just recently I have really realized that if I am not careful I can hurt my body by all that junk I put in it.

In August, I started my fifth year of teaching, and my second year teaching K5. I love my class and all my "little blessings." I do have to admit that there have been some challentes along the way....but the Lord has really seen me through some difficult times when i was wondering if I were doing the right thing.

I also spent my first Thanksgiving away from home. It was too expensive to fly to NC, so I stayed in Florida with some friends. I missed my family a lot, but am thankful for the Wimoths for adopting me for a day.

At the end of November I had the wonderful opportunity to see one of my best friends, Hannah. She and her husband Lech came to the states for Thanksgiving. I took a personal day off work, drove the 2 1/2 hours to Savannah and spent the day with her. It was a treasured and special time with my dear friend.

December 2011, was the busiest month of the year. I was helping with a slide show for my church's cantata, directing the speaking parts, making gifts for my school class and friends, parties, and church activites. I also came down with some 24 hour flu in the midst of being busy and trying to get things done. Everything worked out beautifully (when at the time I thought it wouldn't). My single's class went to Okeefenokee Swamp and we sang to some of the people there around a camp fire. It was a wonderful time of fellowhip together as Christian friends. I also drove the eight hours to see my family in NC. Along the way I stopped and saw the Davis family. While there for the evening I experience a jail hospital for the first time. Their church along with the Rock of Ages Prison Ministry went to the jail hospital to sing and preach. It was a scary experience, but also a blessed ministring to those in the prison hospital. After Christmas, I drove up to Roanoke, VA to see Amy and her husband Clay. It was a wonderful time spent wiht some great friends.

I am thankful for the year the Lord gave me and looking foward to what He is going to do in my life in the year 2012.

Its Late...

It is late.....its 4:00 am and I am  still awake....mostly because I fell asleept after dinner and slept till almost 10:00.

It is almost two weeks before the new year and I am already tryin to set some new year goals....the first one is to work on my spiritual life (more about that to come later). The second is to lose weight. Last year I lost 10 pounds and how great I felt and happy I was. It took six months to do it, but I did it. Then school started. I became stressed over some issues. I ate. I gained 10+ pounds back. I got to the point I didn't care anymore. If I was going to be overweight and fat so be it. I even told someone I didn't care--life it short I was going to eat what I want and do what I want and if I get fat and gain weight so be it.

Then I tried on winter clothes...nothing fit...I tried on some newer dresses I bought...I looked fat....I look in the mirror and look horrible...I did this to myself AGAIN.

So this coming 2012 I am going to be a "biggest loser" I am going to exercise. I am going to eat right. I am going to lose that weight and get back down to what I was in high-school--135lbs istead of a whopping 170 lbs.

Its my choice I can eat and sit around or I can eat better and exercise and care about my health....I want to take the route of caring about my health =) I am thinking of startin a little online diary thing if I can find one to help me keep track of losing the weight and getting healthy.

Going to Prison....

Yes you read that right "going to prison." What an adventure my Christmas break started out to be quite an adventure. I have to back up to the night before though....how tired I was. My class had spent the afternoon decorating Christmas cookies, had to get my room ready for a party, go to wal-mart twice, do laundry, clean the kitchen, my bathroom, and my bedroom, and lasts but not  least pack! My goal was to get to bed at 11:00 so I wouldn't be too tired to drive to SC the next day. I called mom Davis and she told me they were going caroling and that I was welcome to go with them! I love singing, I love caroling, I love Christmas! My brain had registered that they were going to a hospital--but I was thinking an elderly rest home or even a children's hospital. When we got into the van to go caroling they said okay here we go to prison! I was like "WHAT?! did you say prison?!" The Davis were "yeah we are going to the prison hospital." I could not believe what I was about to do....I Rebecca Joy Page, one who was always up for an adventure, bashful around new groups, and who will try new things was going to a prison hospital. When we arrived my eyes were wide eyed at the barbed wire, the fence, and the "high-security." We met the Rock of Ages Prison ministry men there and the "leader" took our I.D's while we waited in this small fenced in area to get visitor tags. Then we proceeded into a metal dectector (which it went off on me because of my jewlery), and then droped off keys at the key holder place. We went through doors that had to be opened by a code and crowded into a small chapel where we talked about what we were doing and signed a form for liability sake. We then went to certain floors in the hospital and sang to people. I have to admit I had in my mind the fear of one of the prisoners taking my hostage, or grabbing me, or hurting me....I was also the youngest one in the group that was there. As we sang I did my best to look up off the words of my music and into the eyes of those men that were there. Some of them were excited about us being there and about hearing God's Word. One man was excited about a Bible I figure he had just received. Some of those men and woman looked lost. As I reflect back on that evening I was thankful my fear melted away and that I was able to be a blessing to others. I even think....I wish my church in Florida would do this what a blessing it is! Yes I admit I was afraid the entire time, but I felt God's guiding hand and Love helping me to serve. Next time (which I hope there will be a next time), I hope I can be more of a blessing to those I visit. =)

P.S. Yes, I eventually looked up from my music and looked and the people ;)

Merry Christmas!

This is the Day

Its amazing the things that you can take away from your professors at college. I learned so much in my academic studies, took many tests, had  a lot of classes, projects, and papers. But there are a few things I remember from my days at BJU. One teacher in particular was influential in my life-- Mr. Moose. Mr. Moose was my Classroom Communication teacher. It was a required class for education majors, and of course I liked it because it was Speech. There was one morning I was espeically meloncoly. It was too the point that I felt like crying and it didn't helpt that my teacher had a picture of different "mood faces."

He then asked each of us how we felt...lets just say I chose the one with the grumpy look (hey at least I am honest). Then he proceeded to go into a devotional, on top of that he was especially chipper that cold, rainy, autumn day in Greenville, SC.  He started to talk about the fall leaves and how beautiful they looked against the gray sky and how much brighter they were when it was gloomy and rainy. He also shared the verse "this is the day that the Lord hath made."

When walking back across campus what he said stuck with me. I looked across at the red/orange maple trees that lined the entry way and saw how beautiful they looked against the gray sky. My smile was turned into a frown and my heart sang "This is the Day."

Today, as I sing the song with my students or at church I think of Mr.Moose and the lesson he taught me that cold, rainy, fall day.

Thank you Mr. Moose

Simple Reminders from a Little Girl

This is a short post but had to share this sweet reminder:

Every morning I call each student's name out to do my attendance. I expect each of them to say "Good Morning" when calling their names. I feel this helps in the manner and common courtesy toward other people. Sometimes, I will ask them questions (how their weekend was or how they are feeling)--what can I say I LOVE talking to my students and them talking back to me when the time is right. Today, I called on of my students names. In her sweet little voice she says "Good Morning Miss Page Jesus loves you!" I just love how my students remind me of things that even so simple I can forget.

Praise God for my students who remind me that "Jesus loves me!" =)

I Think it is Amazing.....

Over the past few weeks I have struggled with some things in my spiritual life. I have to admit....I have become very mediocre ...I feel like I have made myself go "through the motions." The things I have been struggling with were pointed out and taught and preached about yesterday day at church.

First, my heart and mind. My heart seems to have not been into anything except cooking, facebook, and netflix. Those three things are the things I have felt like doing....instead of focusing on my walk with God. I have known I have been struggling but haven't really wanted to do anything about it. I feel like yesterday was a "wake up call" for this struggle. I know its going to take hard work on my part and determination and the right focus to get my heart and mind back where it needs to be. But, I know that I want to have the right relationship with God so He can use me effectively.'

Second, Pastor Masitto preached on God's Word lighting your path. It was a wonderful message. A message I know I needed to hear. I have struggled keeping up with my daily devotions and Bible reading. I feel I have become one of those people who takes their Bible to church on Sunday then it stays on my dresser until Wednesday. I need to get myself back into God's Word. In January/February when I deactivated my facebook account was the best month....because when I didn't have the facebook account I had "more time" (well not really more time but had my focus off facebook) to spend reading the Bible.

As I said I think its amazing how the Lord works things out and you hear messages preached when you really really really need them.

Five Minute Friday: Remember

I treasure each memory in my life--the small details, the good times, and even the bad. The half dozen or so photo albums filled with dozens of picture tell a story of my life and brings to remembrance the trips, school memories, and friends I have had and still have.

Here are a few of my special memories:

~ Having open heart surgery and my two aunts being there to paint while in the playroom or put flowers in my hair.
~ My first drivers test---going down the wrong side of the road.
~ Going off to BJU and crying when I saw the sign on the interstate and my dad laughing at me...although I didn't show it my parents dropping me off at BJU was hard
~ Meeting that best friend I had prayed for for years, Amy Mason Dalton. Tons of memories of our days at BJU
~ Starbucks and Sonic with Hannah
~Going to Germany/Austria for the first time and in awe with everything around me, also my trip to Canada amd Niagra Falls, and my first out of country mission trip to Mexico.
~ Deciding to have surgery on my nose last year--big decision and will never forget how it came about--annoying ringworm

Just a Thought....

Been having a lot of thoughts lately...about life, teaching, friends, etc. My thought for the evening has to do with kids and obedience. There are times I feel like I have to pull teeth to get these kids to obey. There are times that it is frustrating and I just want to cry....

But am I not like my students at times that refuse to listen and obey. I can be like that to God. When I do not listen and obey God's Word I am like my students. God is dissapointed in me when I do whatever I feel....

Thankfully, I have a loving God who is patient and kind and loves me. In turn, I need to be like God....loving and patient toward my students.

How to Get a Man in 30 days...my opinion on this matter

So  yesterday I was looking at the msn webpage and there was this link on how to get a  man in 30 days. Interesting I thought....but not practical for my satisfaction in singleness life. But curiosity got the best of me and of course I clicked on the link to see how to get a man in 30 days. I mean according to this article its fail-proof....BUT sadly unbiblical and worldly. It suggested things such as get yourself out there on the internet by joining and internet dating site (now I do not think its all that bad and have friends that its worked for), giving your most sultery smile, excercise to make your body look great, answer to college/rsvp invitations to get yourself out there, and there were more I can't remember. I was reading the article in awe...I mean do these tips really work? I am not going to sit here and find out.

The world has a view that every girl has to have a guy...and every guy a girl. The questions at weddings, if you have a sibling or best friend getting married, is "so when is going to be your turn?" OR after being gone from your hometown for months, "So is there any one special in your life?" My answer usually is "I dunno" and "No." Lately, the answer has been "I am happy being single and in no rush to get a boyfriend." The worlds society, to me, makes a girl feel useless without a boyfriend and husband. The world's view makes an inncoent girl feel useless is a guy does not like her.

I am 28 years old, never really had a boyfriend, never have held hands with a guy (unless in prayer time), and never kissed a guy. My view of singleness has totally changed since I moved away from home. i always thought that a guy would make me happy and that he would complete me. I thought I couldn't live unless I had a boyfriend, a guy liking me, or a future husband. But, through several heart breaks and broken friendships and the love of a Pastor and his wife, as well as the patiens and guiding hand of a loving FATHER my view of realationships have changed. I do not have to have a man in my life to make me happy---that man can fail me and disspoint me...even if he does love me. The only person that makes me complete is my BEST FRIEND, my KING OF KINGS, my HEAVENLY FATHER, my SHEPHERD---the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Someday I pray (and I pray often) if its the Lord's Will that He will prepare me for my future husband. In the mean time  am not going to join e-harmony (although I did one time), or bat my eyelashes, or use my body to catch myself a man---that is the unbiblical way to have a man notice you. I want a man to notice me for my LOVE FOR GOD, my HEART TO SERVE HIM, and even my quirky SENSE OF HUMOR.

Thanks for reading my ramblings tonight, but this was something that was on my heart yesterday and today....love you all that read my blog! I hope that it is a blessing to you

(((and as a side note....I still haven't perfected the being content in my singleness thing...there are time I struggle there are times I am great with being single...but thats human nature for you....I just know in my life right now GOD IS ALL THAT I NEED).

100+ Things I am Thankful For

With the thanksgiving season coming upon us I would like to share 100+ things that I am thankful for--day by day I will add unto this blog post until the end of November. Some of these will come from a book a best friend gave to me called 1001 things I am thankful for ( I will put a star next to those that came from the book).

"Gratitude is the key to happiness" C.S Lewis

1. Summer rain storms (without the thunder and lightening) so I can play in the rain
2. The color yellow is so cheerful and bright any day
3. The laugh of children
4. Handbells
5. Colorful falling leaves
6. Caramel Machiattos from Starbucks
7. Coffee with a friend
8. Laughter
9. Piano Music
10. Teddy Bears
11. the first daffodills of spring*
12. A smile from a stranger*
13. Friends who believe in you*
14. hugs from my students
15. Crayons
16. Pandora Radio station
17. No-Bake Cookies
18. Pumpkin (pie, cookies, lattes)
19. crisp autumn air*
20. text messaging
21. random phone calls
22. soft music after a stressful day
23. wildflowers
24. Roses
25. lavendar lotion
26. Freedom to worship God
27. hot fudge sundaes*
28. Maps
29. funnel cake*
30. mac and cheese with REAL cheese*
31. photo albums
32. days of school (although I still miss my students)
33. old movies
34. Beethoven, mozart, bach, rachmoninoff, etc.
35. musicals
36. hot bubble baths
37. big sweatshirts with hoods
38. a car
39. people who accept you for your craziness and for who you are
40. My plastic surgeon/doctor Dr. Trimas
41. black and white photos
42. Facebook
43. email
44. flavoured coffee creamers*
45. kites
46. lemons (pie, lemon aide, etc)
47. sunlight
48. dark chocolate
49. cotten candy*
50.picnics
51. content in my singleness and knowing that God has a plan for me
52. foreign languages
53. airplanes
54. warm blankets
55. fuzzy socks
56. relaxing water fountains
57. driving with the windows down on a country road
58. roller coasters*
59. Saturday mornings to slee in
60. family
61. Daisies
62.Starbucks (oops did I say that already) =0
63. Dollar Tree
64. aroma of fresh coffee in the morning*
65. my students making me laugh with the silly things they say.
67. french fries and cheese
68. the violin
69. phone calls that are NOT dropped
70. the mountains, especially in the fall
71. flower pens (if you do not know what they are they are happy little pens with a flower on top)
72. naps
73. Hair Coloring kits
74. Anything that helps me stay organized
75. Books (and a Nook too)
76. Jane Austen
77. Pinterest
78. Cookbooks, cooking shows, cooking websites.
79. Cast Iron Pans
80. Sonic (this is for you Jenn)
81. Wet sand squishing between your toes
82. Cool grass on a summery day
83. the wind (even though it messes up ones hair)
84. My college professors (esp Dr. Krause who helped me love literature and writing more; and Mr. Moose who helped me be more optimistic even on rainy gloomy days)
85. Blogger--I love to  blog, I love to write, I love blogger
86. Redbox and Netflix
87. Reruns of old TV Shows
88. My nose
89. Autumn leaves
90. Daylight Savings Time in the spring....I hate falling back on my times....i love springing foward...i love which ever one gives me an extra hour of sleep.....i love my beauty rest
91. Big keychains so I can always find my keys
92. Magnetic whiteboard calendars to plan menus with
93. 3m-hooks--this things are AMAZING!
94. Bath and Body Works---I can almost buy out the store with all the smell good stuff
95. people who pick on me---cuz it makes me laugh
96. Dr. Suess
97. Coffee travel mugs that do not spill
98. Simple reminders that I am beautiful and worth something
99. scented lotions
100. A loving heavenly Father who died for me (which is should be number one on my list)

And more to come later!!!! I am LOVING this!!!!!!!

A Year Ago {this month}

Its hard to really remember the exact day I made a big decision to have surgery. Around this time last year I was struggling with reacurring ringworm on my face (or maybe it was in September--I don't remember) and went to the doctor. The doctor came in and I  said, "I want to have surgery on my nose." I had no idea where that statement came from. The summer I had faced my fears of going door to door and went--then a lady asked me what was wrong with my nose. I came to realize that people really do notice. I started to look back at pictures and noticed that since my first surgery the right side of my nose had grown. I was thinking and praying about having surgery but was so unsure about it--I mean my mind set was that why fix something that God made. Then I started to really think about it and the benfits of having my nose fixed....so at the doctor I asked the question. Sometime I wonder if it were not for that ring worm if I would have had surgery. A year ago I was referred to a nuerologist and it took me over a month to call and make an appointment because I was so unsure and mainly scared to have surgery and not sure if it was something I should do (I have a hard time making big decisions).  This time last year I was at a low point thinking that I wish I could be normal looking like everyone else and didn't know how to be--unless I had surgery.

Its amazing to look back and see how the Lord orchestrated everything at the right time from the annoying and reacurring ringworm, the doctor, the neurologist, and even my plastic surgeon. I am so happy and thankful for that annoying ringworm because if I didn't have it on my face then I may not have had surgery.

100 {or more} Things I Want to Do--{a.k.a My Bucket List}

1) See an Auroa Borialis
2) Go to a very remote place and look at the stars
3) Play the piano in a concert hall
4) Be in a symphony
5) Go Paragliding
6) Drive cross country
7) Go scuba diving
8) Go sailing
9) Go skydiving
10) Visit Paris
11) Go on the Sound of Music tour in Austria
12) Ride a horse
13) get married
14) have kids
15) Drive a  red convertable
16) Ride in a horse drawn carraige
17) good a full gormet meal
18) Go to Food Network kitchens
19) Meet Paula Deen, Rachael Ray, Bobby Flay, Alton Brown, Tyler Florence, Giada de Laurentiis, and Curtis Stone
20) See Iron Chef America
21) Have a famous chef cook with
22) Cook with a famous chef
23) Be on a cooking show (even if its one time)
24) See the Boston Pops
25) and the NY Philimarnic Orchestra
26) Go visit Jane Austen's birthday place
27) See where some of my favorite clasical music composers lived
27) Go to an old movie in a park (with a big screen and picnic baskets, blankets and all)
28) See Jim Brickman in concert
29) Skip through a huge field of wildflowers
30) Write a book
31) Have a picture posted on bing or Kodak picture of the day
32) See a broadway play in NYC
33) Teach children in another country how to read English
34) Teach woman in another country -- weather a Bible study, home economics type stuff, or cooking)
35) Go hot air balooning

So, this really doesn't have a title. But, recently, I have been really thinking a lot about my walk with the Lord and where I am in my Christian life. This has come about because of a Sunday school lesson several weeks ago at church. Last night, I had a really good chat with my best friend about some things that I have been struggling with. Then this moring, I was getting a file folder out of  my desk and found a single piece of paper in it--something I thought I had thrown away when I was going through my college note this past summer. Amazing how the Lord works, because right now what I had found could be in the city dump by now.

I wrote a lot of college notes, sermon notes, and lesson notes in college--but this one paper I found is titled "Knowing God", from my Principles of Leadership class (a class I do not remember taking), on April 7, 2005. Here are my notes:

Jeremiah 9:23-24 23 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:24 But let him that gloriethglory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exerciselovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight , saith the LORD."

There are two kinds of life:
1) A life that disguts God
2) A life that delights God

The Immediate Context: Three pronouncements of "Thus saith the Lord" (in Jeremiah 17-24)

The People's Disobedience:

• Jer 8:7 "My people know no the rules of the Lord."
• Jer 9:3 "They do not know me."
• Jer 9:6 "They refuse to know me."

Life that disgusts God:
1) Glory in intellect
2) Glory in physical strength
3) Glory in material prosperity


How often to I step away from life's distractions and work on a relationship w/ God.
(going to come back to this in a minutes)

Life that delights God
1) Understanding God: learning abut Him on an intellectual level

God tells us that He is a God of lovingkindness, jusitce, and rightousness

NOW back to the quote in red "How often do I step away from life's distractions and work on a relationship w/God."

I tend to be a very dsitracted individual. I mean seriously I love cooking and baking (hate the cleaning up part of it), I watch ALOT of stuff on netflix, facebook, email, text messaging, talking on the phone, watching TV....must I go on.

But once I think about it I really do not step away from life's distractions as often as I should...sadly. I tend to do other things that work on my relationship with God...

(more to come later)

Five Minute Friday: Beyond

Its Friday (well here its 1:33 am Saturday) but today was busy...and honestly I completly forgot about Five Minute Friday.
This weeks topic: BEYOND

Growing up my mom and dad listened to many sacred records, tapes, and radio. Thankfully, I grew up in a church that sang the old hymns. When I read the topic "beyond" I had no idea what to write....then for some reason an old song I heard came to mind-- "Beyond the Sunset."

You Learn Something New Everyday {even if its about yourself}

Last October I was determined to lose at least 30 pounds by June 20 (my birthday). Did I make that goal...unfortunatly no I didn't. I did lose about 10 pounds though--eating more healthful foods, exercising, and cutting out greasy and sugary things (except my two or three a week caramel macchiatos). Then just recently school started 9 weeks ago...sadly within nine short (and some long) weeks I gained every single pound that I had lost back.....grrr at myself. How did I do that???

Well one I haven't exercised one bit since my surgery...been busy and well honsestly lazy. Then here comes the big one.....I am an EMOTIONAL EATER. After a hard day at school what do I like to do...well go home and stuff my face with junk food...chex mix, soda, high calorie coffee drinks....anything fried or greasy....and what have I done to myself---all that hard work I did in eight months were erased within weeks...so once again (and around the same time as last year) I want to lose weight, I want to get healthy, and I want to look and feel better. How do I go about doing it??? First, a little bit of determination and changing my diet--and yes that means even eating my veggies  and doing what I hate doing---exercising. :P

F.R.O.G

I have to admit that it has been a very discouraging past week and into this week...not going to go into the details why--but have been pretty discouraged. This morning, before my students came in I was even crying...the smiling teacher who always smiles, and laughs, and gives hugs was crying....the teacher who loves being with her kids wanted to go home and crawl back under her blankets...the teacher who loves her job thought...well lets not go there. I have to admit that through some situations going on at the moment I haven't complety nor fully relied on God or really looked to Him with what has been going on. I have been fighting...and that fight has exhausted me--I came home yesterday and slept for two hours after work.
But this morning, even before the tears, I was remided of something by this little brownish creature with long legs...it was a frog. Okay so frogs are not my favorite creatures in the world--they are cute but cuter in box and not near me. =) Even yesterday I think the Lord was trying to tell me something through seven or eight frogs I saw but if course my stubborn self was too caught up in my problems. But again this morning I saw this one little lone frog jumping across the parking lot (let me back up I haven't had a car for almost two weeks so I have been taking a short walk to school each moring--I have seen some amazing sunsets, felt the crisp fall air, and yesterday saw some frogs--been complaining about the whole walking to work thing but if I had my car I wouldn't have seen the frogs). But the frogs taught me a lesson that at the moment I am trying to grasp. In the situation going on in my life that is causing discourgement and frustration---God is still in control. He still loves me and He will work it out for good. He knew that this would happen before time began. He knew I would be discouraged and frustrated. He knows that everything will work out when in my mind they seem like they won't. All I need to do is Fully Rely On God (FROG). So that is my simple little reminder from a bunch of frogs jumping around on the church steps. =)

Five Minute Friday: Ordinary

I am a simple southern girl. I like twirly dresses even at the age of 28. I love ringlets in my hair. I wish I were still a little girl who can sit on my dad's knee. I am a Christian saved by the grace of God. I am someone that not everybody knows about---my face isn't plastered on the front page if the New York Times or People's Magazine. I am not "teacher of the year." I am not on the news stations--nor any popular TV show. You say the name Rebecca Page to a simple stranger and they say "WHO?"

I am a simple ordinary girl who enjoys the simple life. I may never be popular. I may never be plastered on magazine, newspapers, books, or TV.

I am a child of a King--this simple ordinary young lady who loves teaching her thirteen students....a friend to those...filled with humor....who loves Starbucks...who loves to cook...who as an ordinary simple person knows that no matter what the Lord can use ME---simple little ordinary ME.

(((well thats it)))

but I also had to post the song by Sarah McClauglen (sry if I botched the spelling)

I Won't Let Satan Steal My JOY

Tests..I hate tests...I feel like I am in a test at the moment. I mean I am not really going throught a great trial or testing time at the moment---its more of a everything is going great and then something happens and now I am discouraged. I feel like I want to cry. I wonder WHY do I do the things I do. I wonder...should I do things differently. Then a dear friend and a roommate reminds me---Satan is trying to steal your joy. I am happy and content about my life. I am glad to be single, I LOVE LOVE my job, I love my students, I love having a roommate....but Satan doesn't want to see me in the Lord's Will. Satan wants me from being happy and content to discouraged and wondering "should I really be dping this."

I will not let him steal my joy....as the song my mother taught me...

"If I had a little black box to keep the devil in I'll take him out and smack, smack, smack and put him back again."

BUT BEST OF ALL...a wonderful reminder...

THE JOY OF THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH

Healing....the Nose-how

Okay my title is already cracking me up...I think I have been around kindergarten kids way too long---good thing I LOVE my job!
So it has been four months since my surgery (well as of the 7th it will be). It has been amazing to see the process of healing and the right side of my nose getting smaller and smaller....kinda like a balloon with a small hidden hole....it takes time to shrink. =) So to mark the almost four month anniversary of having nose surgery---yes plastic nose surgery I have edited a BEFORE and AFTER picture...now since I have done the pic the swelling has gone down a bit more...=)

AND can I say I am so so so thankful for Dr. Trimas and his team for their sweetness and Dr. Trimas' talent in nose surgery. =)

Five Minute Friday: Friendship

Two days later I am finally sitting down to write. =)  I have been pretty exhausted the past few days and had a headache which has made me go to bed early. But, I am excited about the topic on friendship. 

I have always had a hard time making friends. I blame myself for it since I am very picky choosy about who I hang out with. I am thankful though for the close friends that the Lord has given me....each of them unique and different in their own way....along with several different types of relationships. Today, i am going to introduce you to three of my closest friends.

Amy: met at BJU, freshmen year. We became instant best friends. She has always been there when I needed a friend to talk to or someone to pray with. She was always a spiritual encouragement in my life. The Lord knew I needed a friend like Amy-she was the type of friend I have prayed for.  (and a side note also tells me the truth when I really need to hear it)

Hannah: fun times, Starbucks, talks, tears, laughter, Jones Soda, Sonic, Barnes and Nobles, and artist series (oh and scary eyes) are a few things that makes me think of Hannah. Hannah and I met when she came to BJU to visit another good friend of mine. We connected instantly and I was able to easily talk to her about things on my heart. When Amy left BJU, Hannah and I became inseparable.

Lori: sorry Lori had to mention you in this! =) Lori and I met when I first came to Florida. She was quiet...I was bubbly and hyper (all the time). Lori became the older sister I never had. She is a true friend and even though I do not want to hear it she tells me the things I need to hear. Lori is fun the hang out with and be with.

Amy, Hannah, and Lori may fail me,  or our friendship can fall apart. I am thankful though to have a very best friend who is always there when I call on Him (Jer 33:3), who is always there when I need Him, who sticks closer than a brother, some one who will always be by side and walk along with me. That BEST FRIEND is my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ--He will never leave me nor forsake me.

Five Minute Friday: Growing

It has been a few weeks since I have participated in five-minute Fridays. My goal is to get back into taking five short minutes and write--oh how I have missed it.

Growing

"I don't wanna grow up" is something that I have tended to say a lot since being on my own. I am beginning to have the "joys" of paying bills and resposiblilites for five year now. I look back at when I first moved here to now and see how much I have grown--some of it has been hard--tears shed-some of it has been easy. I am thankful for the many opportunities the Lord has given me to grow in many different ways.

1) As a teacher who came to VCA with no idea what to do....and never taught a class before. My first year of teaching was a nightmare---many tears shed. How I went from being high-strung and upset easily to a teacher who is more confident (but no too confident) about being able to effectivelly do my job. I went from being stubborn and "I want to do it on my own attitude" to having a teachable spirit.

2) As a friend who, I admit, was stubborn and selfish to someone that does my best to listen and be the friend I should be.

3) As a lady, somone who wants to be "full of grace and beauty" and honor God

4) As a Christian- seeing the Lord bring me through the mountains and the valleys--seeing how He provides and encourages

I am still growing and will always grow. P.B.P.G.I.F.W.M.G (Please Be Patient God Isn't Finished With Me Yet)

Five Minute Friday: Rest

It is really hard to know where to begin to write...I have slacked in my blogging. Honestly, I have even considered shutting the whole thing down and deleting it. But obviously here I am writing again. The past few weeks have been busy. I feel like life has been going non-stop since I started school.
I love my job and ministry, but am so thankful for the relazing and RESTFUL weekends. I have gotten into the habit of seeing what the Five Minute Friday topic is about--think about what to write and then if and when I have a chance write it out. I even started just reading the title and then reading Lisa-Jo's posts after writing my own.When I thought of the word rest I thought of the verse in Matthew 11:28 , "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." This verse can be applicable in so many ways. But, for some reason I think of it as a heavy burden upon one's shoulders. When one has a burden in can wear the person out--sometime the lack of sleep, the tears, and whatnot. But once one lays those burdens at Christ's feet HE will give rest---IT ONLY COMES FROM CHRIST. I am unable to go though a difficulty on my own---God helps me. I know at times when I have so much on my mind and heart I tend not to sleep well at all--but once I begin praying and give it to the Lord I am able to calm my heart and sleep--wonderfyl isn't it to be able to lay your burdens at Christ's feet.

Five Minute Friday: New

What a week it has been---and for that I am happy its  Friday and happy its Five Minute Friday----and the topic goes perfectly with what my week has been like (its has been a good week).


I am not a person who likes change...well not too much change. I like for things to stay the way they are. The Lord knew I needed to go through some changes in my life....some new things ahead of me. First, a roommate. I have lived by myself for three year. One person in a house is nice...a roommate would be even nicer....This week I got a roommate. I am learning how to live with someone, and share a home with someone. It is taking some adusting, but I am thankful for this opportunity the Lord has given me. Second, a new school year--well preparing for a new school year. I just love the smell of new books, freshly sharpened pencils, erasers, and my favorite are new crayons. I am teaching a "new" grade---K5 (I have taught it before (once) but after K4 its a little new for me). I will also be getting some new students. Through these new  things going on in my life I hope and pray that I handle them the way God wants me to---

Five Minute Friday: Whole

I am just sitting down to write....I have felt under the weather the past week---nasty sinus infection (which is not fun to have after nose surgery).
The first thing that came to my mind when I read the word "whole" was my season of singleness. This past week at work I had a co-worker ask me why I wasn't married yet....and she was surprised I didn't have a "few kids" by now because I am a nurture. When people ask me this at times I feel empty then go through the emotions of wanting to be married and have a man love me...I think "woe is me others are getting married what about me." But then I really think....marriage does not make me whole. I am whole just the way I am....because I am whole with Christ. With Christ He is all I need. I do not need a boyfriend or a husband to make me complete--Christ completes me.

Five Minute Friday: Be Still

Yay its Friday (jump and down with happiness)---end of the work week for me and time to link up with Lisa-Jo in Five-Minute Fridays. I love this time of the week because I can stop, breathe, and write---during my student's nap time, while dinner is cooking, or when I am just taking a "breather."
This weeks topic is Still....
The first thing that came to  my mind was the passage “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) and the song that goes along with it (which I will post when I get home from work tonight). It is hard at times to "be still." Something in my life happens and I get bent out of shape--sometimes spazzing out about a situation. Thankfully, in the midst of the confusion...sometimes a few days later I calm down and think through what just happened---I wasn't "still" in my heart and soul--I was wrestling with what was going on in my life. I realize every day that I need to stop (be still) and see that what is going on is God's doing---God is in control so why wrestle?

I think it our human nature to wrestle and to get bent out of shape--I imagine at times even the greatest preachers in the world struggled. So friends, and (I am even talking to myself) BE STILL....Gos is there and He will help you {and I} through what we are going through.

Blessings

I like this song too! Had to share it. 

Grace

I heard this song on Pandora today and had to find it on YouTube to share--beautiful song!

Hope it blesses you as it did me.
Love,
Rebecca

Five Minute Friday: Loss

Loss...when I think of the word loss I think of the friendships that have broken and the loved ones who have passed on the Heaven. Its hard to really now how to begin on this post---so please excuse my ramblings. The first time I ever remember losing someone I loved was in 1994, when my Aunt Theresa came to visit. I really do not remember much about her...expect that she loved God, sewed, played the piano, drew, and had the voice of an angel. She came to visit almost a month before she passed away. What a wonderful time it was with her. My aunt was the once that gave me the love for music and there are times I dream of singing like her. She drew me the following picture. My mother framed it for me when I was 13 and I will always treasure it---more than any picture that hangs in my house. My Uncle David was a second instance, he passed away when I was 13 from hear failure. I prayed for months that he would be able to get a new heart so he can take me hunting. I remember his smile and his hugs. We both had open heart surgery around the same time and we would compare our "zippers" (scars) to see whose would heal quicker. The third, was several years ago, when my assistant pastor and work supervisor took me aside after school..my mom had called me to tell that my precious Aunt Phyllis had lost her battle from cancer and was now in Heaven. My heart was broken and I couldn't stop crying (even as I am writing this I am beginning to tear up).My Aunt Phyllis gave me my love for books and for reading them. She took the time to braid my hair and to read to me growing up. When I was older and my family moved away, she came to both my high-school and college graduation. My college graduation was the last time I saw her. I was unable to go to her funeral because of living in Florida. Its so hard to say goodbye to those you love....especially those people who mean the world to you. I still get sad when I think that it may be a long time until I get to see them again...but I am thankful to know that someday when the Lord returns I will get to see them ---I will get to meet the grandmother I never met, I will get to give the family members I lost a hug---I even like to think that they are looking down at me seeing what I am doing today.
(and as I was writing this the song Christmas Shoes came on my Pandora radio)

Aunt Theresa

Aunt Phyllis

Five Minute Friday: Grateful

So I know it is not Friday...its been a crazy and tiring week. =) But I wanted to get my post up before tomorrow. This past week's post was on "Grateful." I am the first to admit that I am not always grateful the way I should be. I tend to complain about being too tired, about what I have (or don't have) to eat,  and the clothes I have. But what to I have to be grateful for. When I look at it the things I am grateful for outweigh the things I complain about.

* I am grateful for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He gave His life for me. He provides my every need. He loves me.
* I am grateful for my plastic surgeon/doctor for the work he did on my nose. In March he contested the insurance company, and it worked out for insurance to cover the surgery. The work the doctor has done is amazing--
* I am grateful for technology. I love skyping with my friends all in different state and different countries.
*I am grateful for life itself and to be able to enjoy the simple things around me
*I am grateful for my friends--the TRUE ones who always stick around
* I am grateful as my ministry as a school teacher and all the students and parents I come into contact with

Three weeks later....

                           THE PIC ON THE LEFT IS BEFORE AND THE RIGHT IS AFTER


So I am finally getting around to posting a few pics on my blog from my surgical procedure/transformation. Lets say the past three weeks have been interesting watching the right side of my nose "shrink" down. The picture on the left is two days before my surgery. I am all smiles because my parents are there with me AND they are taking me to one of my favorite places to eat---Sweet Tomatoes. The picture on the right is three weeks after my surgery. Its still big on the right side due to swelling. I asked my doctor how much longer until all the swelling is down and he said a few months!!! Wow I can only imagine what its going to look like!
God has been so good with the events of the past months and even weeks with my surgery. He sure did give me the right doctor (see mom and dad this why I needed to wait all those years), worked out the insurance....and for the first time in my life (although people tell me I am beautiful) I am feeling that way. I am having more self-confidence and feel good about myself.
God is good!!!!

Five Minute Friday: Welcome

So many things comes to my mind and heart when I hear the word "welcome." Its a simple word that means a great deal. Its so hard to know where to even begin writing...but since its five minute fridays and I am random I am going to run with it....

1) I want people to feel welcome in my home. To be able to come and sit at the table or couch with a cup of tea (or coffee in my case), to be able to chat and feel at home. I want to be able to connect with people not worrying if something is out of place. I want them to be able to feel as if they can kick their shoes off and make themselves at home. I want to be able to be a blessing to them and serve them with a servant's heart.

2) Seeing a military man coming home from duty overseas is a humbling experience. Seeing it for myself is much different that seeing it on TV. Several months ago, a man in my church had gone over seas. The church prayed earnestly for him and that he would return safety and also that the Lord would use him. He came home late one night---his precious family, some friends, and the assistant pastor of my church were there at the airport---I even had made a sign that said welcome home, a friend bought balloons, and we stood there anticipating him coming. Seeing him walk into the waiting area brought tears to my eyes---and hearing the people around us clap, hoot, and holler to welcome someone they didn't even know.

Well times up =(
Good night folks

Five Minute Friday: Wonder

When I first read the topic for today and saw that it was "wonder" the song that came into my head was "The Wonder of it All." I have been humming it all afternoon until I can get to writing my post for the day. First, here are the beautiful lyrics (which I copied and pasted). =)

There's the wonder of sunset at evening.
The wonder as sunrise I see;
But the wonder of wonders that thrills my soul
Is the wonder that God loves me.



There's the wonder of sprintime and harvest;
The sky, the stars, the sun;
But the wonder of wonders that thrills my soul
Is the wonder that's only begun.




There's the wonder of God's revelation,
The Word who dwelt amongst men;
But the wonder of wonders that thrills my soul
Is that Jesus is coming again.


Chorus
Oh, the wonder of it all,
The wonder of it all
Just to think that God loves me!
The wonder of it all,
The wonder of it all -
Just to think that God loves me!

God's creation first of all is a wonder for me. I love looking at nature and seeing the smallest things through the simple microscopes, see the sun set (I am not a morning person so I probably won't see the sun rise too often), see the stars in the sky, see the plants go from a small seed to something big. But through all these "wonders" that God has given I even more amazed at God's love for me.
Sometimes, its hard for me to really see how God can love me so much! I wonder at times why God can love someone who feels that I fail Him. The wonder of God's love is so overwhelming and humbling---

Five Minute Friday: Home

So it has been a few weeks since I haven't been able to participate in "Five Minute Friday" the close of school, the excitement of my parents visit, and my surgery kept me busy. By the way the surgery was successful. I still have a lot of healing to do with the swelling but my nose is looking great and I almost have my smile back (the doctor had to go down further into my lip so therefore its been swollen and hard to show my full teeth smile). But, I now have my cup of coffee (with coconut milk and splenda) so here we go!


HOME:


Home is where the heart is.
Home is where mom's home cooking (and dad's grilling skills) lie.
Home is where dad's teasing is,
Home is where I feel happy.
Home is where I shiver even under 60 degree weather
Home is where I can be myself
Home is where my family lives
Home is where even an annoying dog is--and deep down inside I like
Home is where my ministry to my school parents and kids are. 


I am thankful to say I have two homes---my home here in Florida where I teach, where my friends are, where I minister in my church, and where my church family is. I love my Florida home!!!


My second home is where my parents are in NC. I only get there a few times a year, but each time is special. Dad is always the first one that gets the hug (he will get out of the car at the airport to give me one--even with traffic behind him--yes I am daddy's little girl), mom will cook my favorite meal, and for the first time in months I get to eat with my family. 


(and my five minutes are up but I HAVE to include this): Home is where I felt when mom and dad came down to Florida for my not so serious, but a big deal to me surgery. Home is where mom had to feed me jello-and where dad had to come and help me out of bed for the first few hours I was home. Home is where mom and dad where there to help me get through the surgery week. 

I'm Back!

Wow, its been a few weeks since I've really blogged. When I got on blogger a couple days ago I was surprised by the new look! I love it by the way!!!!

I haven't really written for awhile because I have been busy. I finished school, then my parents came, then this past week I have been recovering from my septo/rhinoplasty. The surgery went well. This is my second time having surgery on my nose and this time around the recovery was a bit harder---of course I had A LOT more done this time around.

My parents were both a blessing and a joy to have around. I felt bad that they came all the way here to sit in my house and take care of me, watch TV, and read....if only we had more time to do things. Mom was a blessing---even when she helped me get to the restroom the first day and had to feed me jello. My dad kept my spirits up by being his silly self---like pretending to rip the tape off of my face and telling my church I was getting my spunk back and becoming ornery.

My friends were a blessing too by coming by and checking up on me, bringing cards, flowers, and food. The Lord sure has blessed me with a great church family. It was wonderful to see them today!!! God is so good!

I will write more about my surgery later this week---I have my first post-op appointment tomorrow to get everything removed and see how I am healing. =)

I love the new look here of the blog posting by the way!!! =)

Dream Becoming Reality

Since I was first asked “What is wrong with your nose?” when I was about 10 years old I have wanted it to look better. I used to sit and dream what I would look like “normal.” Having a funny looking nose was a struggle for me through jr.high and high-school…it seemed like popularity was judged my looks and not personality. When I was 16, I had my first round of surgery on my nose---I expected it to look perfect---in one word-NORMAL. I was crushed when it looked almost the same…but a little better. The frustration grew as I began working with children and the constant questioning. There were times I wanted to hide under a paper bag or under my covers so I didn’t have to face the world. Then I went to college and met friends and people who saw past something I didn’t like and saw a funny girl with a quirky sense of humor. When in college my parents would ask me if I wanted to have surgery again and I would always say no. The Lord directed me to teach in Florida. He brought some precious people on my life---who very kindly asked me about having surgery and I was against it at the time. About seven years later after my mom and dad suggested to have surgery again and over two years later after a precious couple asked about it I have decided it is time.

I have to admit that I have had my doubts. I have to admit I wanted to change my mind and decide not to have surgery. I wonder if it’s the Lord’s will. Then I look back at last October when I went to the doctor for ringworm and how “I want to have nose surgery” came out of my mouth—without me planning it. I look at the neurologist who I went to and how he referred me to a plastic surgeon who specializes in plastic reconstructive surgery and was an ENT doctor. I look how the Lord worked out the insurance issues and the people praying who had no idea what was going on. I know that this is the Lord’s will.

I am doing my best not to have high-expectations on looking perfect or my nose being normal…it never will be. But I am excited about looking better and hopefully being able to use this as a testimony. I am hoping that this will not keep me from being embarrassed to go door to door visitation---

But as  I think of outward appearance's I hope people see past my flaws and see Christ in my life---that’s my prayer—that others will see Jesus in me.

Late Night Thots

Three more Tuesdays...thats it after this...three more Tuesdays then I will have my operation. People at church ask how I am feeling about it....


MIXED EMOTIONS: this is a BIG change...I mean the doctor is removing the right side of my nose then rebuilding it...scary---I wish I knew what it would look like after he's done...but THAT my friend will be a surprise even to me...I think am I doing the right thing? I think  am I ready for this. I've even had thoughts of I don't want to do this....is this the Lord's Will? 


NERVOUSNESS: nervous about being "put under"--- nervous about the pain...nervous about how I am going to look after the surgery

EXCITED- The years and years of my parents and friends suggesting I have surgery again and not wanting to and finally seeing how the Lord has worked it ALL out in HIS timing....excited about the possibility of looking normal and not being scared or embarrased to go out in public....to go to visitation....to think they are staring....


Worried: how am I going to pay for a expensive operation even though insurance is helping with it...but deep down I know the Lord will provide and I try NOT to worry.

But then I look at myself in the mirror and I do not see a big nose on the right side, nor a crooked mouth....I see someone that God made special and someone that God is allowing to have a surgery and a normal nose a young girl has so longed for for many years. 

As I write this there is only 21 days until my surgery...seemed like yesterday it was over 100!!! (maybe if I am brave enough I will post before, recovering, and after pics--but better yet maybe just before and after!)

Five Minute Friday: Deep Breath

Well, yesterday it was hard to sit down and actually write for five-minutes--one blogger was down most of the day and two I went from teaching, to Starbucks, to daycare work, to running errands, and to a friends birthday party. But its that time now for me to turn on Pandora radio and join the Gypsy Mama for my favorite time of the week---Five Minute Fridays. This weeks topic Deep Breath----

Begin

BREATHE----May is the busiest and most tiring part of the year for teachers....we are winding down everything trying to get everything done before school ends. The students are anxious and I am anxious. They know even at four and five years old school is almost over and I am ready for school to be over so I can see my family  and have my surgery. This is the time of the year I may be short-tempered with my students because they KNOW how to act...but DEEP BREATH!

I need to enjoy the last few weeks with my student and make them memorable and special. I have only a few more weeks to reach out to my parents and to my students---it may be the last time I see most of them at school....

Five Minute Friday: Motherhood should come with...

It is Friday and that means three things....1) Five minute fridays 2) staying up late 3) No annoying alarm clock....This weeks topic is "Motherhood should come with..." Well, how will I do this one since I am not a mother??? Have no idea...well I do have an idea so here it goes...(cough cough) I am doing my own twist...from a daughter's perspective and what I thought mother's HAD when I was growing up (which now that I am older I know they don't) and also my tribute to my mom----time to stop babbling and write (if you know me...well it takes me awile sometimes to get to my point).

Begin

My mom was a nurturer, provider, and my teacher. Mom and I had (and at times still have) our moments of dissagreement. I think its because mom and I are a lot of alike...high strung and dramatic. =) But growing up I always thought that the doctors and nurses and the pastor gave my mom books on "How To Bring Up Your Daugher" "How to Embarass Your Daughter" and "What Not to Do" Boy was I wrong. =)  Now just to let you know I am a bit witty sometimes and the previous sentence is my wittiness coming through--seriously.

I love my mom and would do anything for her---there were times I drove all the way from Florida to NC in one day to make sure mom was okay- My mom sacraficed a lot so I can get a good education and the things I needed. Several years would go by when I would get a new church dress and mom wouldn't because she wanted to make sure Beth and I had a nice Sunday dress. She would stay up late helping me with my homework. She would take the time to sew a button on a shirt or sew a rip in the seam of a dress. She took my black formal and added straps to it so I can wear it. She would stay at schoool late when I had ball pratice or a game. She made sure my tummy was full before going to bed. Mom introduced me to reading and taught me how to read (and for that I am very thankful)---she brought the Little House on the Prarie series of shows into my life and I have loved the series ever since. She would let me play in the rain and mud (making sure I was hosed off before).
But best of all MOM brought me to Christ and led me to the Lord on December 15, 1989. I love my mom and wish I could be in NC with her this weekend---
Oh can I add more thing although my times is up??? Mom dislikes traveling because of her fibromyalgia (sp?)--mom (and dad) are coming down next month to be with me when I have my surgery---=)

Mom I love you----Happy Mother's Day
The attached song is for YOU! (and for all the other moms out there too)

The Lost Art of True Beauty

Leslie Ludy's book The Lost Art of True Beauty was an encouragement and convicting book. True beauty lies deep in a woman's heart. It shows throught her eyes, her speech, and her smile. True Beauty really is skin deep.

The Lord (and the book) spoke to me about several issues in my own life that I need to work on.

--My cell phone use: I have gotten into the habit of texting when I am in groups of people and texting when I am even with a friend. Texting is not bad---but when I sit and text around my friends it had hinder my serving and blessing them and really being a friend/

--My house the way I keep it is a reflection of me. When it is messy it can tend to make me unhappy and also once again hinder being able to serve others in my home

((MORE TO COME)) =D

MIxed Emotions (What Should a Christian's Response Be?)

September 11, 2001- a day that I will never forget--a day that every time is comes around I think about where I was and the sadness in my heart that terrorists attacked us.

May 2, 2011-Nearly 10 years later the most wanted and saught out fugitive was finally found and killed---did I celebrate? NO Did I post on my facebook with tons of exclamation points that Osama was dead--no.

Instead of celebrating I have to admit I didn't know how to feel. I mean part of me wanted to run in the street and whoop for joy another part of me was sad because a man died without knowing Christ. Then I laid my head on my pillow and began to think...and thought hard---

Osama Bin Ladden in man's eyes was an evil and hateful man. But who am I to judge someone's actions?  Not me....although I also believe that mankind is responsible for what he does and should be punished for his sin---and Osama was punished he was killed.

But--Osama was a sinner I am a sinner and as a sinner I deserve the same thing Osama did---punishement in Hell. Thankfully, I saw my sins and my need for  a Savior and will not spend  eternity in hell. I am NO BETTER than Osama because of my sins---

When I heard the news my heart was saddened to hear of another soul that is perishing in hell. In this situation is is really hard to know how to feel about what it going on...

Five Minute Friday: If I Knew I could I would...

Five Minute Friday has turned into a five minute Saturday. Yesterday my brain wasn't working to write....lets say a 3:45 am morning made my brain foggy....but the Royal Wedding was totally worth it.
But it is time for me to join Lisa-Jo in Five Minute Friday so here it goes

Begin
- have a bigger impact on the people around me
- change the fact babies have to be killed by mothers who do not want them
- change the policies in the public school about prayer and Bible reading
- change that many of my students come from split/single parent homes
- Write all the stories down on paper that are in my head
- Write poetry like I used to
- Sing my heart out more (afraid to sing out-since I think I can't carry a tune)
- Play the piano with the NY Philharmonic Orchestra or the Boston Pops

End


(This was a bit of a harder post but I wanted to write it) Have a great Lord's Day!
Love--Rebecca

Five Minute Friday: Hard Love

Hosted by: The Gypsy Mama
Hard Love— I think about our Lord—the ONE who gave His life for me and for all you readers out there.
I cannot imagine how hard it was for the Savior to have one of His own to betray Him, to be arrested (and yet he replaced the ear of one of the men who arrested Him), to have His own followers run away and hide—and even one betraying Him and another denying Him. But yet He still loved these people.
But, the greatest LOVE that was shown was the death upon the cross. Jesus was “wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities (Isaiah 53:5). My Lord and Savior took beatings, a crown of thorns, carried a cross, and was nailed to it because He LOVED me. His own Father turned His back on Him when He took upon my dirty—nasty---rotten sins…my lying, my anger, my bad thoughts…etc.
As I write this and every Easter I think and wonder how hard it must have been for Christ to die on the cross-but He was doing His Father’s Will.
Christ died---and that is the ultimate LOVE….best of ALL HE AROSE!!!!

Five Minute Friday: On Distance

Yay its Five Minute Friday hosted by The Gypsy Mama. I get write for "5 minutes flat for pure unedited love of the written word." This week's topic is--on distance. So here I go...

Begin:

The ocean is deep, wide, and far. It stretches from one coast to the next and somehow all of them run together. The beach is one of my favorite places to go and I am thankful I do not live too far away from it =) I have flown across the ocean from North Carolina to Germany--{that was one LONG plane ride--and noisy too}. But on my return from Germany and to my move to Florida I traveled many miles.

When I go to the ocean now my heart and thoughts go to the people across that wide ocean {that is wider than God's love} in Germany, Austria, {Europe in general}, Africa, Australia, and Asia. My mind thinks about those who may never hear of Christ--to those who need Christ. My heart wants to go over and visit each country and wishing I could speak all the languages to talk to the people there about God's love...but being far away I can't I can only pray for them from a distance.

Well like always I can say more...but....TIMES UP

A Tender Heart

A Tender Heart
By: Ron Hamilton


Take me now Lord Jesus take me; I  would give my heart to Thee.They devoted servant make me, Only Thine to be.
Use Me now Lord Jesus use me; As I tell of Calvary. May They sprit move within me, Bringing souls to Thee.
Send me now Lord Jesus send me, Lead me in They perfect way. They command shall always guide me; Gladly I obey
Chorus: Savoir while my heart is tender, I would give Thee every part. All my talents I surrender; I am Thine, Lord, here’s my heart.
 This song has been going through my head the past few weeks. I find myself humming along and thinking about the words. This song is also a prayer of mine. I long to be a servant of God. Just recently, I fully gave my heart to God—as in the giving Him everything and letting Him have in control of my life {although at times I still struggle giving every little thing to Him). But in order to be a devoted servant I need to give Him my WHOLE heart.
I also would like the Lord to use me in anyway they can. my life verse is Isaiah 6:8, “Also I heard the voice of the Lord saying WHom shall I send and who will go for us then said I here am I send me.”
I also am willing to go wherever the Lord sends me to go. Wherever He leads I will follow. 
But in order to me Used and sent I need to be humble before God. I need to realized that EVERYTHING needs to go to Him and during the process to have a tender heart. The things I am good at needs to be used for Him and for His glory—not mine
SURRENDER—AND GOD CAN USE ME!

"Praise Jesus"

Teaching four and five year olds I never know what I expect from my little angels. Some kids just say things that makes me laugh--while others say things that make me smile and astound me. Today was one of those days...

This week and next in Bible time I am discussing Easter with my students. Today, I talked to them about what Easter was--and that it wasn't about the candy, egg hunts, coloring eggs, and new dresses/suits but about Jesus' death, burial, and resserection. As I told my students what easter was NOT about but about JESUS one of my four year old boys threw his hands up in the air and declared "Praise Jesus!" I couldn't help but smile. =) I am thankful for the opportunity to teach these little ones about HIM and that they DO listen and that they are learning about God. =)

My Students Are Sponges {and other kids too}

Pastor Masitto has been going through a study about one of the kings in Israel and how although his father was godly his son was a wicked king. I thought why can this be...maybe his dad was so busy with being king that he didn't make time to give his son godly coucil. Although I do not have any kids I have 16 students that I am to be an example to. These students are with me from 7:45-11:15 and my afternoon class from 12:00- 3:15. Theses kiddos are like sponges. They soak up everything I say.... This is why I need to make sure I am a godly example to them--not saying things to them that I shouldn't and acting the way I should. These students of mine absorb everything I do and say and follow me. Sometimes I have even seen some of my students act like me---which is scary at times...

I am thankful I went to the service on Wednesday..especially since at the time there was somewhere else I wanted to be (at the Five Browns Concert) but God wanted me at the service and He spoke to me about how I need to be around my students.

Influential People in My Life

There are many people (both dead and alive) who have been influential and an inspiration in my life…Where do I begin though???
* My Parents: I have to put my mom and dad at the top of the list since they were the ones who brought me into this world. They both were a godly example and although they sheltered me and I hated it at the time they were influential because they made sure my life was not infested with the junk of the world.
* Pastor Roy Harris “Preacher” : My first pastor that I can remember. As a little girl I could remember looking up into “preacher’s” eyes and apologizing for being disobedient during church. He may have looked scary to a little five year old but he was a man who loved God and preached God’s Word. I remember I would hug him almost every Sunday. To this day when I see him (which is once every ten years) he still gets a hug.
*Aunt Phyllis: Gave me my love for books. She bought me my set of Little House on the Prairie and several of my books she has given me. I remember her always reading. She would also take the time and braid my hair for me. I miss her hugs and kisses. She was always at the special events in my life: birthday/s until I was 13, Graduation from high-school and college. I will miss her being at my wedding when that day comes.
*Uncle David: We shared something special…a heart condition. I had open heart surgery he had open hear surgery…we compared “zippers.” He was a wonderful uncle and very loving…
*Aunt Theresa- Love for music, sewing, and drawing. The last thing I received from her was a drawing on notebook paper that said “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” It is now framed with her picture…the last I saw her. I think she knew that would be the last time she would see her extended family but as a 8—9 year old I didn’t know that….I remember her being the first person that went to heaven in the family and I remember the late night phone call (because I answered it) and had to wake my dad up to take the phone call.
*Pastor and Mrs. Masitto- My “parents” away from my parents. Two people that have a heart for others and are caring. They took the time years ago to intervene and talk to me (and let me talk to them) about a situation I was in. They were loving and caring and never reprimanded me when I needed the reprimanding. They have taken the time to talk when my friend and I stop by. Even the simple hugs Mrs. Masitto gives is an encouragement. Pastor Masitto preaches the Word of God and you can tell it comes from His heart and from God’s Word—I am thankful for his pastorship.Plus they never mind (or at least seem not to mind) when Angela and I hops by and visits them.
*Mrs. Smolder- My "adopted grandma". I grew up without a grandmother and Mrs. Smolder has almost made me know what it felt like to have a grandmother.


The list can go on and I may add to it as I think of some more things =)

If You Met Me

*Smiles* its Five Minute Friday! This is ONE thing I look forward to during the week..amongst other things such as sleeping in on Sat, lots of coffee, hanging with my friends, cleaning my house, cooking, and just recently now that the weather is nice---the beach! Today’s writing prompt is “If You Met Me.” So here we go! By the way thanks Lisa-Jo for these fun writing prompts! =D So here we go…”If You Met Me.”
Begin:
If you met me you would see crystal brown eyes that sparkle with mischief, humor, and happiness. I may be wearing a twirly spring dress or a denim skirt (or sometimes a pair of jeans)with a cute top.
You may wonder what happened to my nose but will see that it doesn't really bother me and if you ask what happened I will just simply say "God made me like that."  You will find if I am in a room of people I do not know I would be standing in the corner by myself hoping someone would come talk to me. You would most likely see a Starbucks cup in my hand. I may be twirling my hair or biting my nails. Once we meet I am tend to talk and talk and talk….about me, my family, and my students. You will find that I am passionate about things around me….I am a good listener….I may not always know what to say when you tell me your problems except “Praying For You.” I laugh very easily and sometimes its hard for me to stop...I am a naturally joyful and happy person. But when you meet me you will always see a bright smile and maybe just maybe get  a big hug. So who wants to meet me? hmm…we shall see.
Stop