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
Apr 22, 2011
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!!!!
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!!!!
Apr 15, 2011
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.
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
Apr 13, 2011
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!
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. =)
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. =)
Apr 8, 2011
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 =)
* 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
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
Apr 6, 2011
Daffodils
The following poem by William Wordsworth came to my mind this week when I saw a patch of daffodils in the road median...although the road was busy and cars were driving by I was taken to a lake with daffodils all around me (I know what an imagination I have).
I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,A host of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
Continuous as the stars that shine
along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
tossing their heads in sprightly dance.
The waves beside them danced; but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay,
in such a jocund company:
I gazed - and gazed - but little thought
what wealth the show to me had brought:
and twinkle on the Milky Way,
They stretched in never-ending linealong the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
tossing their heads in sprightly dance.
The waves beside them danced; but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay,
in such a jocund company:
I gazed - and gazed - but little thought
what wealth the show to me had brought:
For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.
Apr 4, 2011
Guys and Modesty
I found this video on a friend’s facebook wall. It really challenged my heart to be modest in my clothing—which is something I already attempt to do. I just hope and pray that I do not tempt the men around me and have a brother in Christ struggle by immodest dress or the way I act.
I need to make sure I wear things that are not low cut, show my midriff, or too much skin on my legs. Not only that making sure that I have "designers ease"---that my clothing are loose fitting and not form fitting.
According to the YouTube video this is only a partial sermon get the rest of the message here: The Soul of Modesty
Apr 3, 2011
Crossroads…Making Christ the Prince of My Life
I am at a crossroads in my life…A road that I can turn and be discontent in my singleness or a road I can take and be content in being single. I used to ling and pine for someone special in my life. I used to think that I HAD to have a boyfriend or a husband to complete me and make me happy. The world tells me I will only be happy if I have a partner, a boyfriend, or a husband to make me happy. The world lies….This is the world's view on relationships.
I do not have to have a husband or a boyfriend to complete me. I don’t have to have a husband or a boyfriend to make me happy. If I fall for the first guy that smiles at me…if I decide to give the most precious thing {my heart} away to the first guy that asks me out I am desperate. I have tried giving my heart away and having feeling for someone but those feelings were false and with emotions that I HAVE to have someone to make me happy were lying to me---I was lying to myself
Through the past few years I have fallen hard for several guys. Guys that were good Christian men that I thought would be perfect for ME. But that was my fleshly human mind that was yet again DESPRATE and wanted to SOMEONE to love me.
This past year the Lord has really been working in my life not to focus on every cute guy that walks into the room and think “Oh he’s the one.” Okay first of all that very immature of me….kinda like jr/sr high school type of thing to do. Instead, the Lord has helped me focus on them as a brother in Christ..as a friend…or as an acquaintance Instead of making guys the focus of my life and being determined to have that one guy fall for me…I have decided to turn things around.
I have decided to focus on Christ and making Him the Prince of my life. I need to read that love letter MY PRINCE wrote me. I need to take those words and truths He has given me and set them in my heart and fall even more in LOVE with GOD instead of earthly men that can hinder my focus.
I want to make Christ the Prince of my life---I want Him to script my love story—and have “HIM satisfy the longings of my heart” (Ludy, Authentic Beauty, back cover)
Currently I am reading a book called Authentic Beauty by Leslie Ludy. Her main thrust in this book is making Christ the Prince of YOUR life and being the Princess HE wants me to be. This is where my focus comes from—also along with God’s Word.
I do not have to have a husband or a boyfriend to complete me. I don’t have to have a husband or a boyfriend to make me happy. If I fall for the first guy that smiles at me…if I decide to give the most precious thing {my heart} away to the first guy that asks me out I am desperate. I have tried giving my heart away and having feeling for someone but those feelings were false and with emotions that I HAVE to have someone to make me happy were lying to me---I was lying to myself
Through the past few years I have fallen hard for several guys. Guys that were good Christian men that I thought would be perfect for ME. But that was my fleshly human mind that was yet again DESPRATE and wanted to SOMEONE to love me.
This past year the Lord has really been working in my life not to focus on every cute guy that walks into the room and think “Oh he’s the one.” Okay first of all that very immature of me….kinda like jr/sr high school type of thing to do. Instead, the Lord has helped me focus on them as a brother in Christ..as a friend…or as an acquaintance Instead of making guys the focus of my life and being determined to have that one guy fall for me…I have decided to turn things around.
I have decided to focus on Christ and making Him the Prince of my life. I need to read that love letter MY PRINCE wrote me. I need to take those words and truths He has given me and set them in my heart and fall even more in LOVE with GOD instead of earthly men that can hinder my focus.
I want to make Christ the Prince of my life---I want Him to script my love story—and have “HIM satisfy the longings of my heart” (Ludy, Authentic Beauty, back cover)
Currently I am reading a book called Authentic Beauty by Leslie Ludy. Her main thrust in this book is making Christ the Prince of YOUR life and being the Princess HE wants me to be. This is where my focus comes from—also along with God’s Word.
Apr 1, 2011
Five Minute Friday: A Few of My Favorite Things
Hosted By: The Gypsy Mama
Begin:
When I hear the title “A Few of My Favorite Things” I automatically start thinking of the scene on the Sound of Music when Maria is in her bedroom with the Von Trapp children singing to them to make them feel better during the thunderstorm. So as I am writing this I am humming the tune in my head (not necessarily writing words to go with the tune). My favorite things…hmmm where to I begin??!
Begin:
When I hear the title “A Few of My Favorite Things” I automatically start thinking of the scene on the Sound of Music when Maria is in her bedroom with the Von Trapp children singing to them to make them feel better during the thunderstorm. So as I am writing this I am humming the tune in my head (not necessarily writing words to go with the tune). My favorite things…hmmm where to I begin??!
- Warm cozy socks and blankets on cold wintery days
- Spring dresses that twirl
- Pandora and music in general
- Wind blowing my hair
- Laughter with friends…..and the fun of being goofy and not caring that people think you’re weird…being free-spirited
- Fresh flowers (esp fresh picked but grocery store flowers make me smile too)
- a viente quad carmel macciato from Starbucks (esp on a rainy day)
- a good book (like Pride and Prejudice)
- Watching Pride and Prejudice (1995) for the 10th time and it still seems like the first time I see it everytime I watch it…yes I *sigh* at Mr. Darcy
- Times with my friends…near and far
- A good talk on the phone with a friend who lives far away
- Instant Messenger
- Face book
- Strawberries
- Watermelon
- puppies and kittens
- warm smiles from friendly strangers
- kites
- the beach
- blogging
- Five Minute Fridays =)
- Dark Chocolate
- Cherry Lime-ades
- Passion Fruit tea from Starbucks
- Surprises
- A Clean House
- Daisies (for they are the friendliest flower)
- Netflix
- Simple things in life
- Thunderstorms
- Sunsets
- AND I CAN GO ON….BUT TIME IS UP
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