9 days are left....9 days with my little lovelies...I am going to miss this group of kids. While I am so excited and so ready for summer break, it also means I have to say goodbye to people I have spent 180 days with. People I have come to know so well and understand and love. It makes me sad to think of. It even scares me a little, because you never know what is in store for you in the coming school year. What these children will never know is how much I have learned from just being around them. They always teach me so much..each year I learn so many things about life and myself from my students. They make me a better person and teacher.
I am so proud of the growth of each student. They were hard workers who worked to impress me and they have so much to be proud of. Their love for one another will never be forgotten. They have been such an encouraging group for each other and have shown pride in each other's accomplishments.
I will never forget them and hope they know how much they mean to me and how much I do love them.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
He must become greater; I must become less.
John 3:30
John 3:30
I read this today and it put something on my heart. I am always trying to prove myself to someone...anyone who is willing to look or pay attention to whatever it is I am involved in. I am constantly trying to make myself bigger, better than I really and truthfully am. I must become less....Wow! What a thought! It goes against everything in our society. Everyone is wrapped up in making a name for themselves, proving themselves to someone, becoming better and best at something in someones eyes. But instead this is what I should live by-- "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." Romans 12:2 I need to let God be bigger. I become less and He becomes more. Even though this feels and may sound selfish, when I become less and God becomes bigger, he will still change me, mold me and make me perfect, pleasing and good.
I have to remember that I may not be destined for monumental things...I may not be an orphanage mom, I may not adopt a lot of kids like Katie in Africa (a blog I read), I may not be like the family in the movie Blind Side. I may lead an ordinary life, or I may not.
"Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?" Romans 9:21
Father, I pray that you will allow me to let you mold me and make me what you need me to be. I ask that you help me to be okay with who ever it is You have purposed me to be. More importantly, I pray that You will help me to live my life for the purposes You have brought me here and that I will always be the person You need and want me to be. It isn't always easy and I know there will be many times I fail. I am not being negative, but I am human. But Father, You are a God of grace and mercy and You love me no matter what. Help me to allow You to be the potter for the lump of clay that I am! :) Help me to remember that even if my life seems ordinary, as long as I am living it for You and doing what You want from me, then my life isn't ordinary, it is extraordinary!!!
I have to remember that I may not be destined for monumental things...I may not be an orphanage mom, I may not adopt a lot of kids like Katie in Africa (a blog I read), I may not be like the family in the movie Blind Side. I may lead an ordinary life, or I may not.
"Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?" Romans 9:21
Father, I pray that you will allow me to let you mold me and make me what you need me to be. I ask that you help me to be okay with who ever it is You have purposed me to be. More importantly, I pray that You will help me to live my life for the purposes You have brought me here and that I will always be the person You need and want me to be. It isn't always easy and I know there will be many times I fail. I am not being negative, but I am human. But Father, You are a God of grace and mercy and You love me no matter what. Help me to allow You to be the potter for the lump of clay that I am! :) Help me to remember that even if my life seems ordinary, as long as I am living it for You and doing what You want from me, then my life isn't ordinary, it is extraordinary!!!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
My Mom
My mom is a beautiful person inside and out! I am so lucky to have her in my life! My mom did a wonderful job raising me (if I do say so myself). She was very concerned with raising me to be a child of God. I will remember her always praying with me and teaching me in the way I should go. My mom was my mom first. She disciplined me, she taught me right from wrong and she loved me unconditionally. She has very high expectations for me still and has always believed in me. Now, she is not only my mother, but she is my friend. We don't always see eye to eye, we even drive each other crazy, but we are best friends. I am thankful for my mom and the rules she placed in my life. I am thankful that she made me go to a christian college. I am thankful my mom prayed over me. I am thankful she wanted me to meet a good christian guy to be my husband. My mother was always supportive of my dreams and has always wanted to see them through. Mom, there are not near enough words for me to say to you. But I want you to know I love you, I thank you for being a role model on how to be a good mother to my kids one day and I would never be where I am today if you did not love God and want Him to be a part of my life. God did well when He chose you to be my mom. I love you!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Big Dreams
I am a typical girl who had and has big dreams. When I was little I dreamed of being a little princess, marrying prince charming (which did come true :) and having a unicorn. I dreamed of being a professional equestrian jumper and rider, I dreamed of being a pilot for commercial airlines, I dreamed of being a irish dancer or playing the violin for the Riverdance, I dreamed of living on an island. But as I grew up, things in my life changed. I had to sell my horse because my mom was afraid Jazz wouldn't get a lot of attention with me going 16 hours away to college. It broke my heart to see my beautiful arabian mare go to a new home. My dreams of being a pilot were not long lived...that was a very temporary dream.
As I have gotten older, priorities changed. Paths changed, ideas changed, feelings changed, life changed, I changed!
When I would work with orphans during the summer I realized, I want to adopt or one day be the momma at an orphanage. I would also like to have a camp for children with all different needs where they can come and take care of horses, ride horses, anything involving horses. These are things that may not happen in the anywhere near future, but they are dreams that I could see in my future someday.
The past few months, I have been contemplating my job situtation. I love my children, I love teaching. I do not like the politics involved in it. It takes so much away from the actual job of teaching and knowing what our kids do and do not need. So much time is spent on worthless, meaningless, small things, that in the big scheme of things, DO NOT matter.
A dream that has recently come to me is one that involves the church I am now going to, Center City Church. Center City wants to start a coffee house called Ebenezer's Coffeehouse, here in Charlotte. Ebenezer's Coffeehouse is already in existence in D.C., but this church is trying to extend it to here. It is a multiple use venue where we can reach out to the community. One way David Docusen has mentioned reaching out to the community that really speaks to me is doing an after school. I would love to be in charge of that. I do not have a clue what that would entail, I don't know what I am doing, but God does. If you are reading this, please pray for this. Please pray for guidance and God's voice to be heard. I do not want to do something that He does not see favorable for my life or those at Center City or those in the community.
So those are my dreams. Ones that are closer than others, but exciting all the same! What are your dreams? Remember, you can have the best dreams planned out for you and your life, but Gods dreams and plans for you are so much bigger and better than anything you could ever imagine for yourself. Put your faith, trust, and hope in Him. He can work and will work miracles in your life if you allow Him to. He can make all your dreams come true and you will live happily ever after with Him for eternity!
As I have gotten older, priorities changed. Paths changed, ideas changed, feelings changed, life changed, I changed!
When I would work with orphans during the summer I realized, I want to adopt or one day be the momma at an orphanage. I would also like to have a camp for children with all different needs where they can come and take care of horses, ride horses, anything involving horses. These are things that may not happen in the anywhere near future, but they are dreams that I could see in my future someday.
The past few months, I have been contemplating my job situtation. I love my children, I love teaching. I do not like the politics involved in it. It takes so much away from the actual job of teaching and knowing what our kids do and do not need. So much time is spent on worthless, meaningless, small things, that in the big scheme of things, DO NOT matter.
A dream that has recently come to me is one that involves the church I am now going to, Center City Church. Center City wants to start a coffee house called Ebenezer's Coffeehouse, here in Charlotte. Ebenezer's Coffeehouse is already in existence in D.C., but this church is trying to extend it to here. It is a multiple use venue where we can reach out to the community. One way David Docusen has mentioned reaching out to the community that really speaks to me is doing an after school. I would love to be in charge of that. I do not have a clue what that would entail, I don't know what I am doing, but God does. If you are reading this, please pray for this. Please pray for guidance and God's voice to be heard. I do not want to do something that He does not see favorable for my life or those at Center City or those in the community.
So those are my dreams. Ones that are closer than others, but exciting all the same! What are your dreams? Remember, you can have the best dreams planned out for you and your life, but Gods dreams and plans for you are so much bigger and better than anything you could ever imagine for yourself. Put your faith, trust, and hope in Him. He can work and will work miracles in your life if you allow Him to. He can make all your dreams come true and you will live happily ever after with Him for eternity!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Devastation across the South
Life is just so daily. I think that quote is so true...life is daily, but what is important is how do I spend my DAILY LIFE? I am so consumed with the unimportant things, I take every second of my life for granted. As I hear about the devastation across the south, especially Alabama, I am saddened. Things can be replaced, but lives cannot. There is bad weather coming this way and I am thnking about all the things and people I take for granted. I am thinking about those who have lost their homes and belongings, I am thinking about those who have lost loved ones and I am truly sorry for their loss..Father, please provide comfort to those who are heartbroken right now in the southern states. I pray that you will wrap your loving arms around them and help them to see Your glory in this, somehow. I pray You will provide comfort and help to those in need. Thank you for your safety and love over my friends and family, but bless those who were not as fortunate.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Patience
So I have had my nieces here since Sunday. It has made me realize how ready for a family Curtis and I are. I have really enjoyed having them stay with us and will miss them when they leave. I know that God has a plan for me and Curtis...I just wish I knew what it was. I don't have the patience to wait and see. I never have the patience for anything. In fact, I stopped asking God to grant me patience because every time I did, He would present me with something to practice having patience for. When you are a teacher, you don't need any more reasons than you already have to be taught a lesson in patience. Therefore, every time I would get ready to ask God for patience, I thought twice and stopped. Awful, I know, but also so true.
But patience is what I need. "But for those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not grow faint." Isaiah 40:31
If I just wait on God I will soar on wings like eagles and will not be tired, stressed, anything, but strong and stress-free! Now that is awesome...here is hoping and waiting on you God!
On a funnier note though, my niece informed me today that you just need a pregnancy test to get pregnant...ohhhhh...the innocence of children....one more reason I love them and my job of working with children every day.
But patience is what I need. "But for those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not grow faint." Isaiah 40:31
If I just wait on God I will soar on wings like eagles and will not be tired, stressed, anything, but strong and stress-free! Now that is awesome...here is hoping and waiting on you God!
On a funnier note though, my niece informed me today that you just need a pregnancy test to get pregnant...ohhhhh...the innocence of children....one more reason I love them and my job of working with children every day.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
It's been a while
Wow! I can't believe how long it has been since I have last posted...
So much for one weekly...haha...that's the way life goes sometimes. Well I am concluding my spring break as of tomorrow. I can't believe it is already over...tear... It was a terrific week. I did what I wanted when I wanted. There was no to do list for me...if I felt like doing something I did, if I didn't then I didn't....PERFECT!
This is so different from the norm for me. I have demands to be met and needs to facilitate. Life has been stress free for me this week....its been super nice..but it is back to reality.
We have about 8 weeks left of school...8 WEEKS!!!! I can't believe it. This year has flown by. I am going to miss my kids. It is really funny...I can remember at the beginning of the year thinking this class could never make me fall in love with them like last years group. But I was wrong...they are so wonderful. I love them all..they mean a whole lot to me and I am so proud of them. They have all made tremendous growth. I get to see daily why I chose teaching as my profession.
Now, onto a more pressing issue--tomorrow is Easter. I am lucky and get to spend it with my family (minus Curtis) :( What is Easter exactly? It is the celebration of Christ our Savior coming back from the grave. My savior died. MY SAVIOR CAME BACK FROM THE DEAD!!!Isn't the amazing? Christ died for my sins and yours. He laid his life on the cross-the punishment for those who committed the most horrible crimes-for MY sins. People yelled names at Him, people asked for His death, people beat Him, people enjoyed watching Him be beaten and get His hands nailed to a cross. Did He deserve any of this? No. We did, but He took the fall for us. Because of Him, I can be here today. I don't ever deserve any of what Christ did for me. I could never repay Him and a do a lousy job at even trying. But I am choosing to live each day for Him and to remember that it is for Him I do all things.
Father,
You watched your Son die a shameful death for no wrongdoing. You even asked Him to die for us. He prayed that You would come up with some other way, but ultimately He trusted in You and let Your will be done. I can't even imagine watching my child (when I ever have one) being beaten, scorned and nailed to a cross. You did and You could have intervened, but You didn't because You love me. You love me even when I am unlovable and lazy. You give me chance after chance to be more like Your Son. You grant favor over me even when I am least deserving. You continue to bestow blessing upon blessing on me. Father I love you. I am thankful for Your sacrifice and I am thankful for Your Son. He didn't have to die for my sins, but He did because He loves You and Your sons and daughters more than His life. Father, grant me the courage to stand up for You when I need to. Give me the love You desire from me. Help me to love others like You would love them. Help me to be honest and hardworking. Help me to surrender to Your will. Help me to be helpful, kind and friendly to others. Remind me that I am here because of You and for You I shall do all things. I love You.
In Your Holy and loving name,
Amen
So much for one weekly...haha...that's the way life goes sometimes. Well I am concluding my spring break as of tomorrow. I can't believe it is already over...tear... It was a terrific week. I did what I wanted when I wanted. There was no to do list for me...if I felt like doing something I did, if I didn't then I didn't....PERFECT!
This is so different from the norm for me. I have demands to be met and needs to facilitate. Life has been stress free for me this week....its been super nice..but it is back to reality.
We have about 8 weeks left of school...8 WEEKS!!!! I can't believe it. This year has flown by. I am going to miss my kids. It is really funny...I can remember at the beginning of the year thinking this class could never make me fall in love with them like last years group. But I was wrong...they are so wonderful. I love them all..they mean a whole lot to me and I am so proud of them. They have all made tremendous growth. I get to see daily why I chose teaching as my profession.
Now, onto a more pressing issue--tomorrow is Easter. I am lucky and get to spend it with my family (minus Curtis) :( What is Easter exactly? It is the celebration of Christ our Savior coming back from the grave. My savior died. MY SAVIOR CAME BACK FROM THE DEAD!!!Isn't the amazing? Christ died for my sins and yours. He laid his life on the cross-the punishment for those who committed the most horrible crimes-for MY sins. People yelled names at Him, people asked for His death, people beat Him, people enjoyed watching Him be beaten and get His hands nailed to a cross. Did He deserve any of this? No. We did, but He took the fall for us. Because of Him, I can be here today. I don't ever deserve any of what Christ did for me. I could never repay Him and a do a lousy job at even trying. But I am choosing to live each day for Him and to remember that it is for Him I do all things.
Father,
You watched your Son die a shameful death for no wrongdoing. You even asked Him to die for us. He prayed that You would come up with some other way, but ultimately He trusted in You and let Your will be done. I can't even imagine watching my child (when I ever have one) being beaten, scorned and nailed to a cross. You did and You could have intervened, but You didn't because You love me. You love me even when I am unlovable and lazy. You give me chance after chance to be more like Your Son. You grant favor over me even when I am least deserving. You continue to bestow blessing upon blessing on me. Father I love you. I am thankful for Your sacrifice and I am thankful for Your Son. He didn't have to die for my sins, but He did because He loves You and Your sons and daughters more than His life. Father, grant me the courage to stand up for You when I need to. Give me the love You desire from me. Help me to love others like You would love them. Help me to be honest and hardworking. Help me to surrender to Your will. Help me to be helpful, kind and friendly to others. Remind me that I am here because of You and for You I shall do all things. I love You.
In Your Holy and loving name,
Amen
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