Spring

SONG OF SOLOMAN 2:12 The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;

Spring has to be one of my favorite seasons. I love seeing the bare trees spring back to life after months of being bare. I love seeing the brown grass turn a lush green. The popping up of daffodils and flowers in the grass make my heart smile. It blooming of trees, the cool air, the smell of grass, and the twittering of birds. Spring reminds me of how great of a God we have, and seeing the earth being painted with new things. It reminds me of the Resurrection of Jesus after He died on the cross for our sins. It reminds me of new things to come. Spring is a beautiful time of the year. 

Five Minute Friday: Plan

I have always been a planner...have had my mental to do lists, reminded myself of things via my phone...had my own little plan for my life. When I was in high-school my plan was to go to college, and study Elementary Education and minor in missions. The Lord had other plans for me...I did go to college, but studied Practical Christian Training {a.k.a full time Christian ministry} and minored in child-care. My desire at the time (and still is) was to go to the mission field and teach...I graduated from BJU, and moved back home in January 2007. My plan was to stay home, live near my parents, and get a job near home. But, the Lord had yet another plan for me...to move to Florida, live there for seven years and to teach in a small Christian school. Those were the best years of my life, although there were many years involved--years of heartbreak and homesickness. My plan in January of last year was to stay around Jacksonville, and teach...but yet again, the Lord had another plan, and I felt the push to move back home. The Lord put me in a place that has been a whole different world for me, a place that I really have had to learn to show Christ in my life. I now work in a secular daycare--and I enjoy it. I miss teaching my kids Bible stories and singing Bible songs. But I am learning the way I live my life shows my kids, the parents, and my co-workers Christ. I feel like at times I have failed...but yet with the grace that God gives He has helped me. He has placed several Christian co-workers in my life, many who have been an encouragement. 

My plan when I went off to college was to meet my Price Charming..my Mr. Darcy {or my Jane Austen hero}...my knight and shining armor. I had several guys that I "went out" with, but nothing ever came from hanging out with them at artist series and dinner. I thought by the time I went through school I would meet him..that was my plan...I wanted to be married by the time I was 25. I am now 31 (32 in three months) and haven't had a date in 12 years with a guy...a guy hasn't shown interest...and that is okay because at this point in my life it isn't God's plan for me to be with someone yet. I much rather be in the center of God's will than with the wrong person.

With all that said...I have learned through the years that my plans are not always the plan that God has for me...and that the plan that God has for me is far more amazing than my own. He has written each chapter of my story...He is the author of my life and I am excited about what each chapter holds!

P.S. I took longer than five minutes...(so sorry) but I had so much I wanted to write and couldn't stop....:) 

A Fault in Our Stars {Movie Review}

The romantic sappy side of me is always a sucker for a good love story. It takes me out of the reality that in my non-romantic life and puts me in a fictional story filled with flowers, romance, and a first kiss...you all probably didn't know I once wanted to write a book on "Different ways to propose" thinking of romantic scenarios...yeah that never happened. But this post is not about be used to wanting to write a book, or on my lack of a love life...(I am okay somewhat with the lack of having a guy like me...I think}. Now that is said and done, I recently just saw the new movie "A Fault in Our Stars." I have heard about this movie all summer long, heard about the book and all the raves and hype about it, and I wanted to see the hype about this popular movie about two star-crossed lovers with cancer, fighting cancer, and meeting each other in support group, and falling in love. Saying that just makes my heart go pitter-patter. But sadly the movie wasn't what I expected....some parts of it was good...others I was like "What?!" Not I am not writing this to start a debate...this is a matter of opinion. 

I first started listening to the book on audible, because I wanted to "read" the book before seeing the movie. The book has so many curse words in it, I am embarrass to say I just kept on listening...oh and I never finished it. Take the curse words out and then it would have been better. The same with the movie, like anything take out the bad language and the movie would have been better. There was a surprising scene that was filled with bad words that I wished I had a censor on my DVD player to bleep them out. At the beginning of the movie they talked about the "literal heart of Jesus." I kinda took offence over this because Jesus in in my heart...and saying the "literal heart of Jesus" didn't sound right for me...kinda felt sacrilegious. Now, I know this whole scene of these kids going to a counseling/support group may have seemed helpful, but with the support group being in a church setting it certainly wasn't Biblical. 

Last, near the end of the movie it shows this couple sleeping together--it was very much implied. 

Now I won't tell you the end of the movie...or the book for that matter...but it is sad...very very sad

I can't really say if I liked this movie or not...I liked the story line...but I didn't like the language of the movie. I didn't like the reference "literal heart of Jesus" This is definitely a movie for older teens/adults. I will most likely not watch it again...for me its one of those okay I've seen it once and I don't want to see it again. 

My Living Locket {Origami Owl} Story

When I lived in Florida a friend was wearing this beautiful necklace with all these interesting charms in them. I commented to her it was pretty and asked what it was. She explained that it was an Origami Owl Locket and that you can customize it with charms. I thought that was pretty awesome, and really wanted one (especially since I at one time wanted a charm bracelet--but hate to wear bracelets). I wanted something that told a story, and if people asked I could say what each charm represented. For my 31st birthday (2014) I asked for an Origami Owl locket and a few charms. My mom and dad bought me a bigger locket than expected (I was expecting a smaller one) and the few charms that I wanted. I realized that I would have a lot more room left and can have more charms.
A few weeks ago a friend was having a Origami Owl party, and I decided to buy some charms. They came today and I couldn't be happier, and guess what I  still have room for some more. :D So here is my Origami Owl story (and a picture of my locket).

Palm Tree represents two things: My time spent in SC to go to college (4 1/2 years) and my seven years in Florida.
Apple; My love for teaching. I taught in Florida for seven years, and now I am currently an assistant teacher. I love teaching kids and spending time with them.
Travel coffee cup: my love for coffee & Starbucks
Eiffel Tower. My dream to go to Paris someday
Flip Flops: My favorite foot wear on beautiful days & my love for the beach and Florida
Coffee Cup: I love coffee
Peal: I was born in June
Sunflower: Although not my favorite flower, I love sunflowers and they make me happy.

I am deciding which charms to get next...can't wait to finish filling it up in the upcoming moths.
For sure I am going to get the cupcake one because I love cupcakes, and the daisy one because I love daises....and perhaps some of the pink Sikorsky crystals! When the locket is complete I will update this post!

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!