Inspiration

So...this past Sunday morning I was just sitting at the table having a waffle for breakfast...and some coffee. I happened to look down and saw a magazine that I thought I'd pick through while I was eating. It was from Liberty University - the college where Aaron and I have both finished Master's degrees. I was just scanning the articles, read the one about Glenn Beck speaking at Spring 2010 commencement. Then, I came across a small insert that shocked me. It was about a death in the Liberty community. As I read on, I was shocked even more to find out that, of the few professors that I actually met in person, (my coursework was mostly online) the woman who died was actually Dr. Jill Jones, one of my intensive class teachers. Intensives are 1 week long classes where you go from 8-5 Monday-Friday and receive 3 credit hours. (As a teacher candidate, you have to do this 3 times)! Man was my heart saddened. I remember the first summer I went for my first intensives, 2 back-to-back. All the people I saw in the "break room" were telling me how hard the next class I was taking was going to be - the one with Dr. Jill. I can still remember being so nervous to meet her. And then...it's like I walked into the room and met an instant friend. I loved Dr.  Jill's class...challenging, definitely, but also so enlightening about my career. I didn't go back to Liberty to take my last intensive until 2 summers later, and who did I see one day in the hallway? Dr. Jill. She remembered me! How crazy is that? She remembered about a specific prayer requested I had mentioned (2 years before, mind you) and asked me how the situation had been resolved. I walked away with such a smile on my face! But not before she told me that she would be looking for me in the doctorate program. Holy cow!


That particular class that I took with Dr. Jill was called Methods of teaching Middle School. I focused on the lack of foreign language programs in MSs and why it was so crucial and necessary. I don't think it's a coincidence that I just happen to be teaching that very thing right now! It was such an inspiration to have met her, and I know, even now that she's gone, she'd want all of us, her students, to continue working hard for our students. 


She played us a song one day in class, while asking if any of us had a "life song." Hers was "Legacy" by Nicole Nordeman. She just wanted to make a difference, and I know at least for me, she did. We all need a reminder by someone like her that how we treat people is the biggest key to making a difference, in any line of work. 


I won't ever forget Dr. Jill. And who knows, maybe I will end up in that doctorate program, crazy as it sounds. Sheesh

Surprise

I have been feeling so guilty lately for not studying my Bible like I should. Don't get me wrong...I love to study scripture. I have a great study Bible that has notes that are so interesting to me, and I'll find myself sitting for hours sometimes just checking all the cross-references! That is - when I have time! Don't judge me! I have to get up early every day for work and while those morning hours are the most quiet and practical times to do my Bible study, I just find myself wanting to snooze and get in more sleep.

So...I mentioned to Aaron the other day the idea of maybe getting the Bible on CD so that, in my 40 minute roundtrip commute everyday, I can at least use those minutes more efficiently. Much to my surprise he had ordered me the complete New Testament on CD to keep in my car and it was waiting for me when i got home today :)

Now...I know that I don't want this to be my only Bible study that I do all week. I still want to actually "read" my Bible but I am so excited to get in some time with Jesus on my way to work and I can't wait to see how it actually affects my attitude and my day with my 8th graders...

My husband is so great. He has proven to me again how much he listens when I talk about things that concern me and bother me. He is a great spiritual leader that I look up to and he helps me to want to be a better Christ-follower. I am so proud of him!

Oh and btw, he preached last Sunday at church...a great sermon on Evangelism. You can check it out at www.grace-bible.net - media resources.

First

Wow. What a day! Back to school I went...and not to learn this time, but to teach. It was a first day like I've never had before. I left and drove the 20 miles to Floresville while it was still dark outside, and while the rains were pouring down from Tropical storm Whatever-Her-Name-Is. With a mixture of nervous, scared, and excited emotions, I opened the doors to the middle school and was greeted by some of the nicest people I think I'll ever work with. I was in and out of the classroom all day, so luckily there was a sub already lined up to watch the classes after I basically introduced myself and left! I quickly became so overwhelmed with all of the things that need to be done: decorating, planning, familiarizing with new systems, etc. 4th period rolls around and we lose power for 2 hours! They brought us lunch on rolly carts because the cafeteria was too dark, as were the hallways for getting to the cafeteria. The kids were restless, it was hot, I was tired (already!) and still needing to do more "administrative" work before actually beginning with them! 2 weeks they have already been in school and I feel so behind! I met my mentor who is going to be such a big help! She is a veteran (yay!) and knows her stuff up and down. I am glad that she is there to answer my (stupid) questions. So here I sit, exhausted, ready for bed, but making myself think ahead to what I can get done now that will allow for more sleep in the morning (i.e. setting the coffee pot, laying out my clothes, deciding on lunch). And, you might think, feeling very positive that tomorrow will be a much better day. Wrong. I couldn't imagine a better day than the one I had today. Ok, so maybe without the electricity snags, blisters from my wedges, overwhelming sense of squeezing 2 weeks into 8 hours, and flat hair from humidity. I just feel so blessed. I know God's ordained my steps and has me in the exact spot where I should be so that He can use me. And the first day of that was filled with such an amazing feeling of following Him in obedience that I can't imagine anything better, but I know it will continue to get better. So for now, must sleep and spend time with husband. Can't wait to update on how God decides to move at FMS.

Sweet

Yesterday at GRACE Bible Church I watched a few people, young and old, be baptized in a feeding trough. Funny as it sounds, and I'm not sure that everyone approves, but it is just a reminder to me to strip everything down to the foundation when it comes to my faith. There has been so much added to the rites, rituals, and traditions (like baptism) of Christianity that often people are so caught up with having something "done right" that they forget why it's being done at all. One woman admitted on her "God story" that was previously recorded and played on the big screen that she had been saved and lived a Christian life as a child, strayed away, and came back to CHRIST. Not to religion or a church or a feeling, but to a committed relationship to follow Jesus. And her baptism that day, in the feeding trough, was a public statement of that committment. Isn't that what it's about? Does it matter if her baptistry was lined in gold, brass, silver, find woods, or even in its own spot behind the pulpit? There was water, there was a proclamation of faith, and there was a dunking. I loved it.

I'm really starting to love La Vernia. Not that I didn't like it at first and now it's growing on me; but I thought at first, I will like this place, and now I LOVE it. Small town, amazing people in church and outside the church that we've met so far, close proximity to everything, and a group of students in whom I see so much potential. It is overwhelming and sweet and scary and time-consuming and frustrating and awesome and funny and I could go on. This is the life of ministry that I live with Aaron day in and day out and I wouldn't change it.

Also, There is a possibility for a couple of long term substitute jobs in 1st and 3rd grade in a dual-language school in San Antonio. I am excited for the experience, for the contacts, and for friends who are already looking out for me and thinking of me in so many ways! I am blessed!

And, finally, just to wrap all this randomness up, I found my camera yesterday. It had dead batteries for who knows how long, so putting fresh ones in, I was amazed at some of the last pictures I took before it died. Sounds silly and cliche, but it's kind of a reminiscing of our life before we moved, some great memories, and now I have a fresh start to see what memories we will make in our new home. CAN'T WAIT!

guilt trips

So, we have a dog, Yoda, shih-tzu, 2.5 years old. He is like a child to me, I wouldn't give him up for anything. However, sometimes he does things that are so annoying and I never would have guessed that the reason for his paper-eating, panty-snatching, and annoying barking at the most inappropriate times was a lack of exercise?! Are you kidding me!?

We spent some time with the Barnett family last night (what a cool family, btw!) and Patti was telling me about a possible reason for the things I was describing to her. She said that dogs have this pent up energy that has to be worked off. If it's not, then they seek out these attention-seeking, nervous habits like the ones I was describing and that it could possibly be MY fault that he's doing these things. Whoa.

So, instead of being all sad and pity party-ish, I decided to give it a try. Here's to a 2 week session of run-Yoda-til-he-can't-breathe and hope that these little annoyances stop. I'll let you know how it goes.

battles

I learned this past week the true meaning of Ephesians 6:12, which says: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

 If you don't believe that these powers and authorities of darkness exist, trust me they do! I don't give Satan the credit, I give God the glory for bringing me through it. But, he, the devil, knows where we are weak and can twist reality into lies that are believable. It's scary! However, the two verses that precede this verse tell us to be strong in God's power and to put on the "full armor" so that we can stand against the attacks that WILL come! Trust me, when the devil knows you are up to something good, he will do whatever he can to stop it.

I am reminded of the verses that tell us that God, our father, longs to discipline the ones he loves. It makes me feel that He wants me to succeed against these attacks by trusting Him, but also by being strong, having on the armor (combating the attack with prayer, scripture, Godly counsel, etc.) I am working on that part!

¹⁰Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. ¹²For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ¹⁸And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

whew!

Wow have we been busy lately! School started back with a bang on Jan. 4th with a professional day. Unexpectedly, Aaron and I traveled to North Carolina the next day to be with my family in the loss of my stepdad (Dale)'s father, Mr. Bobby Kenneth (Deacon) Jones. It was a beautiful time for us to share love with my family and nothing in this world could make me happier than being able to do that! The ceremony in celebration of his life was beautiful! It was truly inspiring to see so many people and hear their thoughts and memories. It also reminded me of the unmatched hope that we have that "so shall we ever be with the Lord." And we should "comfort one another with these words" always! (1 thess. 4:16-18)

The tide won the national championship! #13 woo hooooooo (makes for a very happy husband!)

I have been back to "teaching" for 2 weeks now...however, do I feel like I am "back in the swing of things?" No!!!!! I started this week observing/helping/tutoring with the middle and high school Spanish classes here at my school, in addition to all my elementary classes that I already teach. This new schedule has me in a tizzy! I am not used to getting up so early, and the hardest part is switching my mind back and forth between catering to young minds and older minds. IT's hard!

This weekend is super busy...it's the biggest youth event we have all year...BREATHE weekend! And, I'm not so sure I'll be able to sit and just breathe! It is packed full of worship sessions (Hello August!), guest speaker sermons, small group time in the host homes, Saturday fun time, quiet time, and delicious meals prepared by lots of adults from the church. Did I mention I will have a house full of junior high girls? I am looking forward to it so much because I always teach Senior high girls and this will be a wonderful opportunity to get to know these young girls that are in their first year of youth!

If you read this any time during this weekend, take a sec and pray for our students. They have really made us proud this year, but we want to see them take their relationships with Christ to a new level and we are believing that this weekend will be their time to do that!

I am so tired after just writing this and thinking about how busy my life is! So thankful, however, that we have jobs, steady income, insurance, friends, loving families, and God as our rock.