Christian Books

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

Summer Book List

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

Paul

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

My Mom

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

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

A Day at the Beach with God

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

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

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

3) A verse that God spoke to my heart.

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

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

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

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

Lessons from a Kindergarten Class

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

God is More Than EnoughTrusting God

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