Provision

Being a teacher my paychecks stop when school ends. I had one job lined up this summer—teaching summer school three times a week for three hours each day. I wasn’t sure what to expect with my paychecks…although I know I should have asked ahead of time. Another job fell through, the only time they needed me was when another teacher would be out. On Tuesday the financial secretary at my school stopped me and told me I would not have enough money to pay my rent for the summer….therefore which meant I was not making a lot. I thought “great” I have to admit my thoughts did not focus on Christ just on worrying. She suggested I talk to my administrator about what to do about my job this summer. I have a hard time going up to people talking about earning money because I don’t want to seem “money hungry” all the time. But, I also looked at it as humbling myself and being truthful and doing something about my situation. I bravely went to Mrs. Effler and mentioned to her about the rent (which God handled that well…share that in a sec) and then went on to tell her I had bills to pay and even groceries to get. She told me “let me think about it.” I went home that day and prayed all afternoon on and off about a possible job. I mean I was willing to clean toilets or scrub floors with a toothbrush. Later in the afternoon Mrs. Effler called and told me she would have be working from 6:30-12:00 everyday….that would be 6:30 AM! If you know me well enough you know I am NOT a morning person at all. I told her that would be great and thank you. I tried to look at my situation as God’s Will. I mean I prayed and HE answered. I am thankful for the work although it has been a tiring first week. But, I made it through each day with only the Lord’s help.

Back to the rent….I am still paying rent BUT it has been arranged that I will play “catch up” when school starts back up.

Oh and one more thing….every extra hour I work like TODAY from 6:30- 4 I look at it as God’s Provision for bills, my eye exam, and food.

God is good and God is the Great Provider. Only he can provide ALL my needs. All I need to do is look to Him, trust Him, and He will take care of the rest.

Bible Study

I have been praying and thinking about what can I do in my devotions and as a Bible Study. I have to admit I have deviated from spending time with my Best Friend, listening to what He has for me and even talking to Him. I have come to the point I am unhappy and frustrated at myself. A few days ago at work one of my co-workers mentioned to me I haven’t been smiling as much….(if you know me well enough I try to smile as much as I can). My reply was “just tired, lot on my mind.” But that is no excuse.

So this summer I am going to be studying the verse Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are of pure, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue if there be any praise, think on these things.” Along with studying the scriptures I will also be reading Loving God with All of Your Mind by Elizabeth George. In my heart I want to get to know my Lord even more this summer and this year. 

Saturday Visitation

This past Saturday I reluctantly went on visitation. I was not in the best mood because my birthday was the next day and I missed my family a lot. But through a friend’s persistence I went. I went into the morning with a grumpy attitude and was apprehensive when I went with Mrs.Masitto, my pastor’s wife. She asked me why I was hesitant and my only reply was “I don’t know.”  I am sad to say that I did not go with my heart I went because my friend was assisting I go….at least I am honest about it. But I look back and see the Lord wanted me to go although I really did not want to. Mrs. Masitto and I went to a house of some children who had visited the church a few times. I am the “quiet partner” and more of a listener nodding and smiling when needed. The the grandma asked me a question. ME!? The question was…. “What happened to your nose?” Number one that is a VERY sensitive topic for me….one that is easier to share why with children instead of adults.

Me: “:I was born like that”

Lady: “What is it, I mean is it something?”

Me: “neurofibromatosis” (explained what it was)

Lady: “can it be operated on?”

Me : (thinking) this is getting a little too personal BUT I simply said “It already has been there is not much more that can be done that I know of.”

Lady": “Wow”

Me: “I know the Lord made me like this for a reason. It took me a very long time to accept it and I just know God made me like this for a purpose and I need to use it as a ministry for Him instead of complaining about it like I used to.”

It is amazing to see how the Lord had me go to that house with Mrs. Masitto although I was very reluctant. Mrs. Masitto told me later she felt the Lord wanted me to share that and it was a good testimony. I am thankful now many days later I was able to go to this home and share something that is difficult for me and share the testimony on how the Lord can use it for good. God is good and I know God gave me those words to say.

I am looking forward to many more opportunities to share this with others around me….although at times it may be hard. God can use it all for good.

 

27 years

June 20, 1983, was a day my parents would never forget…their “little joy” came into the world. Twenty-Seven years have past and it is amazing to look back to see what the Lord has done in my life. At age 6, I was saved. When I was a teenager I surrendered my life to Christ. I have gone through college and now I am working in full time ministry. I am looking forward to this coming year and hope that I am able to grow closer to my Lord and Savoir Jesus Christ even more.

My Best Friend Amy

Eight years ago there were two girls. I was from North Carolina and Amy was from Virginia. I was homesick, into my first week of college, and all i wanted was to go home. Being a freshman we had all these required meeting we had to go to. I went to the society introduction meeting by myself which made me extra unhappy and super grumpy. I was walking back to my dorm thinking a perky and friendly girl came up to me. She introduced herself as Amy. I was very apprehensive since I never really made friends too easily. From that day in August 2002, Amy and I became instant friends. I thank God for her and for her friendship. I remember the nights we would sit under the steps in Mary Gaston and talk about relationships and life in general. We would not only talk but we would pray together. I miss those times with her. Eight years have passed and the Lord has brought someone wonderful into her life. Just recently I had the honor to stand next to my best friend to see her marry the one the Lord had for her. It was a beautiful wedding ceremony and yes, I did cry. I cried because I was happy I cried because in my heart I knew that things would be vastly different between Amy and I. We would still be best friends but she had a husband and well…in my mind I thought the same thing that happened with my other friends and I when they were married would happen between Amy and I. I know in my heart Amy would forever and always be my best friend. I have come to the point to realize that I may not be able to call her after I had a rough day or right after something hilarious happened.  God has been so good to give me a lifelong friend like Amy.  
I am so happy for Amy and Clay and hope and pray the Lord will bless them! 

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.