Weight Loss Journey

Yes this is the same person....the picture on the left was taken October 2012, I was at 180 pounds...not super heavy, but not at a weight I wanted to be at. The picture on right is from October 2013, 15 pounds gone, longer hair (which will be cut in June--i think), and looking so much slimmer....I was one chubby monkey last year...I am very proud of myself and the weight loss journey I've been on since April 2013. It has been a lot of hard work, and I want to lose even more by June--like 10 more pounds at least. I would LOVE to be at my high-school/pre-college weight (135 lbs) but first the goal of getting down to 150---15 more pounds give or take a little to go. The holiday season has been tough, because I have a sweet tooth and been craving soda--but after the new year I shall get back to eating healthy again.

Five Minute Friday: Together

Greetings from my blog! I hope everyone is having a  fantastic Friday! I am joining Lisa-Jo and other bloggers from around the world for Five Minute Friday. A time where bloggers can come together and write for five minutes. Todays topic is TOGETHER.

Begin

Following Christ is much like a three-legged race. This came to me today watching my students do three legged races today during our fun day. If a three legged racer gets ahead of his partner they stumble and fall. This is how the Christian life is, and serving Christ. If I get ahead of where Christ wants me I can stumble and fall in my Christian life. If I walk directly with Christ I will be exactly where He wants me to be. I might still stumble and fall, and when I do Christ is always there with me to help me up, and help me get back to where I need to be to finish the race.

Done

Fall (according to Kindergarten)

It is amazing what gets done in class when your kids are being well behaved. You get things done, and get to do extra fun learning activities. Today we had time to write a "spider web" story--with the topic being "fall."
I am trying to do a writing activity or two with my kids this year. I was surprised at some of my kids answers! 

Here is the spider web story they wrote:

Starbucks Friday

Almost two weeks without Starbucks.....having coffee only ONCE this week...yes I was craving some. It worked out for my to get some Starbucks today! (yay me!)

I admit...I got a Viente and enjoyed every single drop of my Pumpkin Spice Frappuchino

Can't wait to dig into this!!! 

Five Minute Friday: Ordinary

It is amazing how God uses ORDINARY people to serve Him. He chose some simple fisherman to be his apostles. He told a lady at the well about Christ. He healed ordinary, poor sick lepers. He raised the dead and healed the sick. These people didn't live in mansions, have nice horses (or donkeys)--they lived simply. But yet GOD still used them. I want to be like these people--an ordinary person that God can use for Him to serve Him.

I am an ORDINARY single girl full of life serving the Lord. I hope though I am making an EXTRAORDINARY impact to those around me and making a difference. 

Five Minute Friday: TRUE

***repost from July 2010***

A few years ago I read a fantastic book by Elizabeth George called, "Loving God with All Your Mind." It focused on the passage in Philippians 4:8

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

This passage has really been a huge part of my life--my way of life and my thinking. Many times I have to stop and focus on what is true in the here and now. Its not always easy....but yet its Biblical, Here is the post from a few years ago....

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

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

How true that is. I know many times I will get frustrated when my mind is not focused on what Christ wants me to focus on. When my mind is not focused on Christ I am not loving God with all my mind. Every time I start having the wrong thoughts I am not loving God with all my mind. When I think of the “what if this was different” I am not loving God with all my mind. In my Christian life to focus on Christ and to love God with all my mind--I need to think “what is true and real about God?” “What does the Bible say?” The Bible is what is true not my thoughts, not my feelings, not even my emotions. If I use my thoughts, feelings, and emotions those will not help me train my thoughts. What I need to focus on is God’s Word.

Day 8

Just a quick post today...more to come later.

This is me after school today---tired, headache, and ready to go home and sleep---but things to do.

 

This is also the new addition to my door :)

Day 5:Fear and Being Observed

TODAY was a good day....I got up around 6:00, read my Bible/devotion book with one eye opened....literally--I was tired. Decided to close my eyed for 10 minutes around 6:20, eyes popped opened 40 minutes later. I rushed to get ready for work...went out the door with coffee in hand, and made it on time. Thankfully, I didn't have morning duty so I was able to get ready for the day/week. Mrs.Effler came in as well to "watch" class time, which always makes me NERVOUS! My nose has been running all day. My feet are feeling better. I wore a skirt today that has not fit for awhile--it now does (I've lost around  15 lbs since April). So today was a good day! 

In my devotions the main verse was:

I John 4:18 ~ "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." (NIV)

One thing I fear most as a teacher is not showing a Christlike example to my students, and not knowing  whether or not I am doing a good job as a teacher. There are times I am afraid a student will get hurt, and times I am afraid I will get hurt. I get nervous when I am observed. I get nervous when talking to parents. But then I look back, and in my heart I know God has placed me here to teach my students about Him. This is my mission field, this is my life. God is the one that loves me so much He helps me with the small and little fears.

Day 4:"Fishing for People"

It is hard to believe that this is Friday! (well yesterday was) The first week of school went fairly well. My kids are coming along in their habit training....but we still have a lot of work to do.

Today (er yesterday) I read how Christ went fishing, and how He called those to be "fishers of men." It amazes me how God used simple fisherman to serve Him. There are times I feel so inadequate to serve the Lord, and to be a teacher. It seems like a huge responsibly--having to teach these kids about Christ, being a good example to them, and discipline. It is hard work---but in the end it is worth it all. I am a "fisher of men: in my classroom. =)

Day 3-Show Kindness

Day three of school is here, I pressed snooze several times. Having my alarm clock in my kitchen seems to be helping me wake up, as well as turning the light on in the kitchen and leaving my bedroom door opened.

Colossians 3:12 "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long suffering."

Christ was patient and kind even in the midst of times he could have lost his temper. I know there have been times as a teacher I've lost it due to stress, tiredness, or frustrations. But as I look back at the times I've blown up I knew I was not reflecting Christ to my kids.  There will be some days that will be easier and harder than others. Days that I may want to "snap" at my kids. Days that they make me want to pull my hair out. But even during these rough days I still need to show Christ to my kids, I need to be a meek spirit, quiet, kinda, and long suffering. After all, my Christ is this way to me.

First Day of School

I walk in nervous. I am very thirsty when nervous. I spend the night before crying, not feeling prepared, and tossing and turning. I got 3.5 hrs of sleep. I had to meet parents, children, get supplies sorted, comfort children, and teach routines. I got up early to read my Bible, pray, and have coffee. Even after six times, and this being my seventh I was still a nervous wreck.

The Lord definitely helped me get through the day--I could not do it without Him. I am thankful for the prayers of my facebook family, and the encouraging words.

I entered into my apple themed classroom. I took a deep breath, drank almost half a Tervis cup of water, and prayed HARD! 8:15 came-parent began to come in with their kids, my classroom began to fill up with excited and scared boys and girls. I came out of my little comfort zone and met new parents and kids. I shared my verse of the year with them and my desire to be a Christ-like example to my students. The parents left and it was time to start a day. Coloring sheets in hand I passed them out, passed out crayons and got my kids busy coloring. It was time to start going through supplies. We also had to go upstairs to a different restroom since our restrooms are being worked on (brand new bathrooms)...what a time getting 18 kids up those steps, to the restroom, and their water. We went back down and went through supplies...before I knew it it was restroom time AGAIN and then lunch....oh I was late on my first day of lunch and my second day of lunch....hopefully I will be on time tomorrow. My class and I had time for a Bible lesson and a Phonics lesson. Then rest time and my "prep period" (a.k.a. break) came--oh how my feet were not happy. After school I prepared for the next day and went to Starbucks for a "Cotton Candy" Frappuchino...which is like happiness in a straw (a grande vanilla frappe with two pumps raspberry), and best of all its PINK! I came home, made dinner, attempted to watch a movie--and fell asleep in the middle of it.....Oh and I did soak my feet sometime in there too....

That said, I made it through Day 2, exhausted....but excited!

Pink Frappuchino (Cotton Candy)

18 Desks

First Day Coloring

Day 2: "Called by Your Name"

John 20:16 "Jesus said unto her, Mary."

You may be wondering what I could get from this short passage...and I did to. Then I read the story to go along with the passage. When Jesus lived here on earth He knew every one by name, and called every one by name. He didn't say "hey you there." I have a tendency to be very bad at names...especially getting them mixed up. I have 18 precious names to remember--names that will impact my life for the next 179 (now 178) days. Some names I will call more than others...some names they will be said when I call on them in class. I want these precious children know how much I love them, and how much I desire them to love God.

Day 1: Walking in Jesus' Footsteps

John 2:6 "He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk even as he walked."

I recently downloaded a teacher devotional book on my Kindle app, called Morning Meetings with Jesus: 180 Devotions for Teachers. I decided this would be my devotional book this year. Devotions in fact is one thing I have struggled with. This means I am getting up at 5:45, having devotions along with my morning coffee then getting ready for the day. I also decided to attempt to write 180 blog posts this school year....to share what I am learning.

Day 1 was the verse above. This is the verse I shared with my school parents this school year and have claimed it as my personal teacher verse. I want to be a teacher that is like Christ. A teacher that my students can follow after, and be a good Christlike role model to my kids. In order to do this I need to watch and learn God's ways---as I do this I will become more like him. I need to better understand Him to imitate Him.

Please pray as I do this this year. I want my students to see Christ in me.

My 2013-14 VCA classroom

Calendar Board

Five Minute Friday: Story

It is finally Friday, and today I am linking up with LisaJo for Five Minute Fridays. This is a time when bloggers, writers, and friends come together and write for five minutes on a topic--no editing...just writing. I have been joining in on Five Minute Fridays for the past few years.So here is goes....the prompt of the day is STORY

BEGIN

We all have a story. We all come from different backgrounds. We all come from different families, cultures, and different places around the world. We have our sad stories that make us cry as we tell them or listen. We have the funny stories that make us laugh so hard we can hardly get the words out. We have the inspirational stories--and even those that make you scratch your head. 

I think of my life--very simple life as a single Christian school teacher. One that the Lord is writing and has writing for the past 30 years. A story that only God can pen down and has the whole book written already--I am just waiting for the rest. I wonder if the story the Lord has for me has me getting married, having a family--or if its being single and teaching for the rest of my life. I want God to be the author of my story, and I want to live out the story He has for me--not my own. I do/can have my own story written out...my own dreams, but ultimately the best story of all is the one God has planned for me. 

~THE END~

Lessons from Childhood

This blog post has been on my mind for a long time...I knew what I wanted to say in my mind--I knew what my heart felt, but getting it on paper is the hardest thing. I also have to admit I didn't want to write it because its hard to "talk" about. So here we go---ready?! I don't think I am. 

Growing up was hard. My parents were wonderful, supportive, helped me academically, gave me the food I needed to eat, taught me to love God, taught me right vs. wrong--they were part of who I am today. I had all these wonderful things, but growing up was still hard...you may ask why. The answer is---the way I looked. I grew up being stared at, being laughed at, being called names, having lots of questions asked to me at a young age. The question was "What is wrong with your nose?" That question haunted me for years--to the point that I didn't care the way I looked because all people saw was my big, fat, ugly nose. I was called ugly, the boys laughed at me, the girls made fun, adults stared, kids stared. I finally asked my dad, "What do I say when people ask me whats wrong with my nose?" Dad's reply was, "Tell them God made you that way." So I did, half-heardedly told them that is the way God made me." But it still wasn't easy. There were all these gorgeous girls around me--guys paying attention to them---then there was me...plain Becca...well we will leave it at that. It was hard. I couldn't help it though because that is how God made me. 

In 9th grade, I had surgery but the doctor couldn't remove the entire neuroma--only part of it. It looked better--but still wasn't a pretty sight. Then college came...once again I was plagued with stares. I also worked with a bunch of kids and they asked ALL THE TIME...."Whats wrong with your nose?" Then it all came back to me--the memories of being made fun of---I also hated the way I looked. I wished there was a way to change it. There were times I would close my eyes and imagine myself looking "normal." But then something happened...I was at a breaking point. I snapped. I literally lost it---that is a whole other story. The day I lost it, dad took me on a drive. We talked. It helped, but it was still hard. I finally came to the point that I had to start liking myself and the way I looked. I started taking better care in the way I looked, took the time to do my hair, and apply makeup. I decided people can stare but I am "fearfully and wonderfully made." God made me this way for a reason--not sure why, and how He will use it for his glory, but he made me this way for a reason. I changed my attitude and learned to accept it. I see people every day who may not be the prettiest  or most good looking people---but I learn from personal experience to look past it. There could be something going on in their life, they may have had a bad day, they may just need a smile. Every one is beautiful in their own unique way. 

I have learned to laugh at myself, learned that there will people who will accept me and people who won't, learned that having a quirky sense of humor is the easiest way to help people look past my flaws, and learned to SMILE--always smile. A smile can make anyone's day. 

I have also learned that judging someone by the way they look isn't always what it seems. A person can be ugly or "different" and have the biggest heart out of anyone. A person can be beautiful and be mean, ugly, and a snob. Looks aren't always everything---its what is on the inside that counts. 

Lord, Send Me Anywhere

I haven't talked much about some hopes and dreams I have had for awhile. I have a lot of dreams--like going to Paris, getting married, having a family, and traveling the world. What can I say I am a dreamer--I can be caught daydreaming or talking about things I want to do. Over the past year, the dream--and hope and wishes of going into foreign missions has dwindled for a number of reasons. For one, I am very comfortable where I am right now. Second, I have been willing (unfortunately) to give up the fact I want to go to the foreign mission field to teach just so I can do what I want to do. Third, I am afraid, nervous, and unsure where to go and what to do. When I was in elementary school I talked and talked about being a missionary. Trust me, you can ask my teachers. I would talk about being a doctor on the mission field.. I would talk about being a nurse on the mission field. I would talk about being a teacher. When I was in high-school I dedicated my life to be a missionary--whether it was to stay here in America or go to another country. This time last year, I wanted to go to Africa, Germany, or to some third world country to teach boys and girls. Then something happened...that desire went away. I thought about it-- a lot. But then I thought, "No its not for me" or "No I don't want to." During the past few weeks, after a lady in my parents church asked me about my still wanting to go to Africa it hit me--I haven't thought about it for months. That desire to go help the Whitfields or the Coleys one summer dwindled away like a flame of a candle being blown out. The Lord is bringing that desire back. I still want to be a missionary outside of America--someday. I want to be willing to go anywhere. For now, the Lord is preparing me for this as Jacksonville, Florida, is my mission field at the moment. I pray that someday whether single or married I will be willing to go anywhere. I want to live out my life verse--Isaiah 6:8.

"When I Fall in Love"

I am 30, single, and content. I cannot trade this life for anything. I was asked this past week if I have ever had a "first love." My reply was, "No, I want my first love to be the man I marry." Which is true--I want to love one man, and give one man my heart. For now, my Prince--Jesus--holds my heart, and when that time comes for me to give a heart to someone I hope its to my one and only. The following song comes to my mind---

This is an encouragement every time I read this....I hope hope whoever the Lord has out there for me asks God for me before anything--I want God's Will. I hope someday though that "prince" will come. 

2012-2013 School Year, My Sixth Year of Teaching

In 2007, the Lord led me to Victory Christian Academy. I was unsure, apprehensive, and scared when I first moved here wondering what the Lord had for me. Six years later-over 100 student's lives touched, eight classes (the two years I had two classes in the am and pm)--and lots of smiles, hugs, tears, and kisses I have completed my sixth year of teaching. It is hard to believe how far the Lord has brought me.

This year was wonderful. I prayed over my class during the summer and the kids who would be in my classroom. Summer came and went--August came and it was time to prepare my classroom for school. I was busy filling the walls with apple themed things, making a tissue paper tree bullitain board, and making a special room for my kids to come in. The week before school I had a 18 kids (if I remember correctly), then the day before school--19 kids. WOW 19 kids--I couldn't complain because I prayed for them. The school year started--parents came in with wide eyed kids...some of them scared. I was nervous....thankfully I knew some of the kids/parents already. After the parents left I looked at my class from the door and took a deep breath. I felt overwhelmed all of a sudden....a few days later the Lord blessed me with Jenny--a senior girl who came in twice a week and helped me sort papers, look through them, and with other odds and ends. The school year was in full swing---my kids were doing great and I was one happy teacher. In January, the Lord blessed me with one more student---which totaled to 20 kids! I had 20 kids in my class!!

What a fantastic year we had--making apple sauce, learning to read, math, science, Christmas party, valentines, 100 day, circus day, teddy bear day, spring fling day, graduation, field day, the zoo,and our end of the year party. As I said goodbye to my kids--with a big hug and a kiss on the forehead I was teary eyed....I felt like a piece of my heart was going away with these "little blessings."

I pray as my students go on to first grade they remember a teacher who loved them very much. A teacher who made the center of her world "her kids." I am thankful for the awesome group of parents who were supportive and easy to work along side. I hope that each student saw Jesus in my own life-and I hope 12 years down the road I can see them graduate from high-school and venture off to do what the Lord has planned for their life.

Its Graduation Night!

May 24, 2013, my third kindergarten class graduated. They were excited, full of energy, and nervous. Here are a few pics, and more to come once I get some more....

Calling my student's names. :) Yes I was nervous. 

A dozen roses from my students and parents :)

One of my graduates and I 

Silly Faces

Love this girl--gunna miss her sweet smile in my class

My friend, Sarah

My kids marching in

I love directing

Totally focused

 

Ready to march across the stage

Smiles because we made it! 

Mother's Day 2013

I love my ministry in Florida. I miss my family in North Carolina. I wish I were in the generation of Star Trek where I can beam myself from place to place in a matter of minutes. Unfortunately, I can't....so I spent Mother's Day away from my mom. I miss being home for Mother's Day. When I was in college it became a tradition for me to cook dinner for my mom---a day she didn't have to spend in the kitchen. These days I celebrate by sending mom a sweet card,  call her, and post of  Facebook how much I appreciate my mother. Thankfully, the Lord has put many mother figures in my life at my church in Florida. I enjoy going around my church hugging the older ladies and wishing them a Happy Mother's Day. Today in church some mothers and daughters sang "My Mother's Gentle Love." 

I have a video I want to share....but need to get it off my phone first. :-)

Friday Night Muffin Baking

Tomorrow my church is having a special Ladies Day. I wanted to help in some aspect...but not sure what I could do since Mrs. Masitto was lining people up for workshops and such. I was praying about what I can do to help, and for the Ladies Day as well. A few weeks ago she asked if I could possibly bake some muffins. I was excited to help in this way--especially since I love being in my kitchen, and love baking. So Friday Night was spent baking for the Lord. :) I had a wonderful time with my friend Crystal baking together. We had a good system going as well. She had one part of the counter I had the other. We took turns baking our batches of muffins. It helped we had our own measuring things and mixing tools as well. The muffins all came out yummy because I was the official batter taster....I kinda ruined my diet for the day as well---but I will walk extra tomorrow to make up for it. 

My nice little area I used. Loved using "Beatrice" (my mixer I got for Christmas) again...been awhile since I have had a chance to really use it. 

Vanilla Creme Powdered Sugar Muffins

Proud of my Orange-Cranberry Muffins
Wearing my favorite apron-- it says "Rejoice in the Lord"

Crystal's area :) 

Orange-Cranberry Muffins

Salted Caramel Pumpkin Muffins

Banana Nit

Muffins ready for tomorrow

The finished products of the night
AND
a nice clean kitchen counter :)