Five Minute Friday:Reach

Yay! It is that time of the week to link up with Kate for Five Minute Friday.This weeks topic-Reach


As  I sat here thinking about what to write many things came to my mind....reaching for stars, reaching out to others, and so on. So for a few minutes please excuse my rambling thoughts.:D

First, I was thinking about the story in the Bible of the woman who had the disease of blood for 12 years! One who may have heard from her friends and family about Jesus. One day Jesus was walking through the city, and there was a HUGE crowd of people. With all her heart she knew if she touched the hem of His garment she would be healed--she had FAITH. She did all she could and finally made it to Jesus, and was able to touch his hem. I imagine this woman crawling,pushing, and doing all she could and reaching as far as she could just so she could be healed.This makes me think...am I reaching out to Jesus through hard times in my life.He is there to help and all I have to do it pray to Him.

Second, Jesus reached out to others...He did all He could to minister to them-young and old alike. He reached out to boys and girls. He even told His followers to let the children come to Him. He made the lame to walk, blind to see, deaf to hear, He even raised the dead to life again. He would go to people's home no matter what their life was like...Zaccheus who was a liar and cheater to those around Him. I need to be more like Christ my reaching out and helping those around me.

...And I could go on BUT time is up! Have a great weekend and see you all next week!

Five Minute Friday:Change

Joining the Five Minute Friday this weekend! :D Excited about getting to know Kate a bit more through her blog, and trying to get myself back into blogging once again! Click on this link here to see her blog  and join into the fun as well!

I am one who does not like change whatsoever...I like for things to stay exactly the way they are. Seven years ago, my dad and I packed two cars and drove down to Florida. I lived there for seven wonderful years. I met many wonderful friends.

Then CHANGE came. I felt the Lord calling me back to where my family lived. To move out of my home {well the mobile home I rented}, pack my life up {into 70+ boxes} and to say good bye.

For once I was excited about the CHANGE that was coming to my life...excited about what the Lord had in store.

I am now back home living with my family...its hard...sometimes I feel like a bit of my independence is gone...but I know the Lord has a reason. It has been a huge blessing, not only to me--but I hope I have been a blessing to my family as well! :D

I am working my first secular job {as a floating teacher in a learning center} {note: I've been in Christian education/work for 12 years including the things I did in high-school and college}. I know there may be some adjusting but I know the Lord has a reason--its my new mission field.

The Lord has a reason for everything~and I am excited for once for this new chapter in my life. So BRING ON THE CHANGE!


And since I only have five minutes....read the next blog post I wrote earlier on how the Lord provided a job and tested my faith this summer!

Waiting on the Lord (God is good)

When I decided back in March to move back home to NC, I went with a lot of faith and confidence that I would have a job for the fall. When several things fell through my heart was discouraged, I was falling deeper and deeper into discouragement, and my faith was being tested in ways that I have never experienced. I had a job for the summer, grant it part time...but I couldn't complain it was helping me pay my bills for the most part. I decided in July, to possibly take a break from teaching- but that made me really sad and dissapointed that I wouldn't be able to "hang out" with the kids. In late June, I really stared the job searching. I posted my resume online on multiple job search boards. I applied for several things and waited....If you know me I am not a very good "waiter"  I want things NOW...not later. I had one job interview for a clerical position, but I didn't have complete peace about it at all, plus it was only part time. I was still doing my best being persistent looking online, posting, applying, and searching. I then saw a job at a learning center, and sent my resume in on a Wednesday evening. The next day I received a call regarding my resume and they said they may want to set up an interview...Well I had the interview and found out that all my coursework and paperwork wouldn't transfer over to NC. I was discouraged once again...I wasn't quite sure what I was going to do. I then received a phone call I was put on the "short list" as a floating teacher. I called one day to see the status of my application and was told I would be called Monday. Well, all day Monday I never received a phone call and I spent most of the night in tears. I felt like a failure...I left a place I loved knowing God wanted me here and had the feeling I was going to be unemployed in a few days. My dad told me to keep my chin up and that God may be testing my faith and that I needed to trust Him. After months of trying to do this I felt strained and discouraged. I have to admit, I wasn't trusting in Him the way I needed to everyday. Then the time came and I received a phone call, the one that I have been wanting to receive. The Lord provided a job, a full time one just like I was praying for. I will still be around kids, and doing something I enjoy. God is good! God is so good! 

God is good all the time...all the time God is good! 

Let the Adventure Begin

Isaiah 6:8 has Isaiah saying "here I am Lord send me." This has been the desire of my heart since this became my life verse when I was in college. I wanted to be ready and willing to do what The Lord has for me. The Lord has opened the door for me to be in Jax for seven wonderful years...I always thought I would live here for a long time, maybe get married and have a family here. I always said I would NEVER move back home...but the time has come and The Lord is leading and I must be ready and willing to move. Three weeks from today I will say goodbye to a place that has been very near and dear to my heart...a place I have grown to love, and place where I have met many wonderful people that will always hold a special place in my heart. I am not saying goodbye, I am saying see ya later...the Lord has been good and it's time for the next adventure He has for me. Pray as I search for a job near my parents, as I transition living at home again, but most of all that I can be used of Him and willing to do His will. 

I have to admit it took a lot of circumstances that were very difficult to go through for me to finally realize some things in my life...God is good, His timing is perfect. It took a summer at home to help me realize that I can be used elsewhere, and that Gods ways are far better than mine. I am thankful for a good and faithful God that no matter what has shown me grace, mercy, and love. 

It is far better to be serving the Lord in the center of His will, rather than trying to serve Him in a place He is taking you away from...and where He had been taking you away from long before you realized it. 

Five Minute Friday: Hero

Welcome! Its Friday and I am doing a happy dance, literally. It was a busy week-but a good week. I was blessed by Rand Hummel's preaching at my church's revival this week. Today at school was one word--crazy....lets just say a fundraiser meeting and chocolate-enough said. But, my favorite thing about Friday is "Five Minute Friday" taking a break from the business of life and breathing and thanking the Lord that He helped me through another week at school. The writing prompt today is: HERO. As I thought of this word I wasn't quite sure where to go with it...but then I figured it out. =-) Yay me! 

BEGIN

There are many people who have been influential in my life to make me what I am today. If it weren't for each teacher, pastor, friend, and my parents I wouldn't be where I am today. In Science this week I taught my students how God has a plan for their life and how they need to take the time to learn from those around them, especially the adults in their life. I pray and hope everyday I am being that godly influence in their life. I have to admit, the past few weeks (since Christmas break ended) has been the hardest. 

I had many teachers that helped me a long the way, tutored me in math, spelling, and reading--they are my hero because they encouraged me not to give up when I wanted to throw the towel in. 

My parents are my heroes, because they gave me things I needed (and didn't always necessarily need) they were sacrificial and loving. They taught me how to love God, serve Him, and were willing to "cut the apron strings off" when I told them I wanted to move to Florida. 

The pastors I have had in my life were my heroes. They showed me how to live a godly life, taught me God's Word and were always there when I needed advice.

My current pastor's wife is a hero of mine because she shows what a Proverbs 31 woman should be. She is  encourages, a second mom, and someone who I know will give me godly advice. 

I may have taken for granted at the time the influence these people had in my life, but today I am very thankful for the time and the love people invested in me--after all most of them were teachers and I am now one. I hope to show the same to the students and kids around me~ 

Five Minute Friday: Visit

I just turned the music on, have a cup of water to drink before bed and ready to write. It is time for Five Minute Friday and today's prompt is VISIT. 

There are three widows in my church that are very near and dear to my heart. Every Sunday or Wednesday when I am at church and see them I have to go to them and hug their neck and talk to them. One of them always gets on to me for never having my sweater. I learn and glean much from these ladies, while at the same time I receive a blessing from them. Right before my Christmas break I was able to go visit two of them. One was more with a group to go caroling, the other I planned to be at her house for 30 minutes tops--since I had to do laundry, pack, straighten up a few things at the house I was house-sitting at, and go home to make my bed and get some sleep. I was at her house for almost two hours just chatting, and what a blessing I received sitting in her living room. My goal for the new year, at least once a month is to visit one if not all these ladies in their home. I can't image how lonely they get since they no longer have a husband. I am 30 years old and live by myself, and I get lonely...I can't imagine how it is for a 60+ year old. 

On the other hand, I love when people come over to my house. I enjoy opening my home up to others and cooking them a yummy meal, play games, or even watch a movie. It not only motivates me to really clean my house, but to also be a blessing to others. My other goal for the year is to have people over more, and different people rather than the same people all the time. So enjoy a few pics of a glimpse into my living room (its really the only part of the house that is presentable at the moment). ;) I also couldn't resist sharing a pic of my fish Gershwin! =)

I love how this pic came out! It is one fish--but the reflection of Gershwin . He is almost a year old! 

"Being the Kind of Person God Can Use"

If I can be honest with you for a minute...I tend to compare myself to others who seem to "have it together" who seem to be serving the Lord better than I am, and say to myself God can't use me. I was was humbled by this during Wednesday Night prayer meeting. Mr. Hollis filled in for my pastor and preached on I Samuel 17:40-51. I have to admit, when it comes to Old Testament passages I tend to "zone out" a bit. I am thankful I was able to keep focused on receive a blessing.

SIMPLY DESIRE TO BE USED OF God. God can take me and use me for His honor and glory in ways that I can't even imagine. I just have to be willing to be used of him because.....


1. God uses common ordinary people
   --- be willing to do and be honored of the Lord--be willing to do the mundane tasks

2. God uses consecrated people
   -- someone who has a relationship with the Lord and is willing to do what the Lord wants him to do. He demonstrates his relationship with Christ with other people

3. God uses committed people
    In spite of obstacles they still serve God; I need to be faithful and committed to the work that God has for me. 

4. Courageous People
  David was armed with the most unlikely weapons. Be willing to take a stand no matter how much it costs, and be willing to accept the results. 
   

The Misadventures of my Christmas Vacation

Most of you readers don't know me..I am known to be quirky, silly, and at times a bit scatterbrained...sometimes I feel that if I had to keep up with my head I would have a hard time finding it. My Christmas vacation turned out to be filled with some unexpected and funny adventures...what can I say there is never a dull moment with me around. I left Florida on Friday, December 20th, my car packed, my house semi-clean, and exhausted from a crazy crazy week. I left an hour and half later than I wanted to since I got busy trying to get my classroom cleaned, things at my house straightened, trash out, and a T.V. put into my car. I was all excited to finally be ready to go, but still had to put gas in my car and get my Starbucks for the road. As I went out of my house in a frenzy I grabbed my keys, or so I thought. Turned out by the time I locked my door and closed it I had grabbed my school keys...NOT my house keys. Thankfully, I have given a friend my keys so she can feed my dear fish, Gershwin while I was away. I don't live too far away from where we work, so I walked back to school to get my key, walked back home, then drove back to give her the keys back. I hopped in my car and drove and drove and drove to my first stop--the Davis' house. I stayed the night there, exhausted from a busy week and from driving slept pretty soundly. The next morning I woke up and looked at my phone...still being sleepy, the room being dark, and not having glasses on I put my phone in a cup of water (ARGH)....so now I had a water damaged phone. I then drove to NC to see a friend, Angela and we spent that time getting my phone figured out--thankfully she had an extra one and had my number put on the old phone--by this really nice looking Verizon salesperson. I then traveled the rest of the way to my families house....got my stuff in the basement and took a breath after the crazy misadventures. OH DID I MENTION THURSDAY NIGHT I WENT TO A FRIEND'S HOUSE AND GOT LOST ON THE WAY...YEAH I WAS THAT TIRED.....Anyway back to my vacation....I spent most of my time laying in bed watching my new all time favorite show--Chuck (Zachary Levi is now my new favorite celebrity crush--he is now only cute and handsome but hilarious--oh and he sings {Flynn in Tangled})! The Saturday after Christmas I traveled to VA to see my all time best friend, and we went to this creepy almost abandoned mall....compared to the malls around where I live this one was really creepy....I had a good time with Amy and he little one. The adventure continues to Tuesday where I went to see my other best friend Angela and to spend the week with her...We spent NYE at a friend's house celebrating till almost 3:30 A.M....We stayed up most of the night I was there just chilling....Thursday was a cold and rainy day and we spent it taking her dog to the vet, THEN as we were going out to eat I received a text from my bank...I had 27.00 in my account...turned out I double payed on a bill...so I called mom and dad and said HELP! We drove up to my parent's and ate dinner there and then drove back down. When we got back to Angela's I realized I had left my keys at my parents.....what can I say.. =) So, the next day we met my parents half way so I can get my keys...Saturday morning I left to come back home to Florida and could have kissed the ground when I got home...but the misadventures don't end there....I had received a T.V. and Blu-ray player for Christmas and was having trouble getting my blue-ray to work with my internet...I drove to Sears and the electronic guy didn't know how to set up the player with the internet...so me being tired and frustrated went back home and got my geeky, nerdy side going and figured it out myself....the next morning I slept way past Sunday school and made it just in time for church. I have rested up from my trip, but still need to unpack my clothes. It was a good vacation over all, and the unexpected adventures made it even more exciting. 

Just a post before bed time...

Well, I was headed to bed-it seems the times I am about to climb under my covers and go off to the wonderful land of sugar plum fairies, my dream wedding, meeting prince charming, eating cotton candy, or swimming in a large much of delicious coffee is when my mind starts racing! There has been a lot going on over the past couple of years, a battle on the inside that I feel black and blue over, a battle I am tired of fighting, and think I have come to the point I am putting the boxing gloves away and giving it to the Lord. I have to say giving things to the Lord is something that is hard for me to do...sometimes I think I can win this on my own, but in the end I can't.

Over the past several years I have been praying and seeking the Lord's guidance whether or not to move from the area I am in now or to quit teaching all together. I have to admit...I am not confident when it comes to teaching, sometimes I feel that there is someone better and more adequate to do my job. But then I look into the eyes of the students I stand in front of every single day, from 8-3 five times a week, their sweet words, their sweet and thoughtful expressions of love--from hugs, pictures, flowers (more like weeds), songs, and even using grass as confetti while singing a "we love you" song to the tune of Happy Birthday. All these expressions of love helps me know I am where the Lord wants me to be. The times a student comes to me and simple says "I love you" means the world to me. I look at my life and think that there isn't anything else I want to do except teaching my students about God, reading, math, science, and social studies. Telling them stories about me when I was a kid, reading books to them, and laughing with them on the playground in the classroom brings me more joy than looking up in the night sky and seeing the starts, or drinking coffee, or eating chocolate. I am very thankful the Lord has allowed me to be a teacher--this is His Will for my life-and this is what I am meant to do. Someday, I still hope some dashing young man on a white horse (well in my dreams at least) will waltz into my life and sweep me off my feet. But, for now I am going to be a single, carefree, Christian young lady who loves teaching and loves being around "her kids." 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS!