Carpe Diem.......Seize the Day

Dare to Dream

2012-05-12T14:50:00.000-07:00

Dreams come true! My life is proof of this truth. A few dreams that have come true for me include: becoming a wife, a teacher, and most recently a mom. The Bible says in Psalms 37:4: Delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart! It goes on to say in Verse 5: Commit your way to Him and He will bring it to pass!

My Ariella

My Wedding Day

As I celebrate Mother's Day this year, I want to refocus on my other dreams and recommit them to God for surely He will bring them to pass. What about you? Where are you at? Perhaps you are seeing your dreams being fulfilled before your eyes, God is so good! Maybe you have forgotten some of your dreams, it is never to late to remember and recommit them to God. I love the lyrics of the song Dreamer by Bethany Dillion. It is about awakening the dreams in us. God is author of our dreams and the one who yearns to fulfill them! Your dreams can come to pass if you: Dare to dream and Commit them to Him!

If you are a Mom,

How Wonderous He Is!

2011-06-09T13:09:00.001-07:00

Today, I have been doing some thinking about our wonderful God! He is amazing and has done so much for me! He has always brought me through. He has brought jobs my way and made them easy to acquire. I have watched my loved ones win two custody battles, which seemed impossible at the onset. He has meet my needs over and over again. He has saved my life on more than one occasion (I almost completely fell through the ice as a five year old where I wouldn't have been found till spring and I walked away from my car being totaled by a semi). These are just a few things that God has done for me.

I have been thinking about a few amazing saints that God has put in this world to benefit us. A few of the saints I mention my not have benefited you personally but I am sure you can think of a few in your life, as well. One is John Wycliffe (My husband and I just watched this movie). He is responsible for the English translation of the Bible. He did it back in the 1300's and was labeled a heretic for it. I get to read the Bible for myself because of the courage of this man. Another is the Apostle Paul. This Jewish man wrote a large majority of the New Testament and preached Jesus to the Gentiles. The precious words he wrote are still ministering to us today after thousands of years. He was not very popular with many of the people he grew up with, survived shipwrecks, and was imprisoned amongst other things; so that the gospel would go forth. A few others are my amazing pastors. They have striven to be the best they can be and consistently encouraged me. My irreplaceable parents have been a constant blessing in my life. They worked very hard to be sure that I had all my needs met and I was blessed beyond. They have done so much for me and have continued into my adult life. Who are you thankful for today?

I have also been thinking about my future today. There are a few things that I am uncertain of. One example is where I will work. But I am certain that we have been called without repentance. God will not take back our calling no matter what our current circumstances are. It is not determined by how the market looks and the number of jobs available currently in a certain field. It is determined by Him who is the author of our dreams. I have been enjoying Jeremy Pearsons on the Believer's Voice of Victory this week. He is talking about "How to Live Bold Beyond Uncertainty." It has been full of great and timely reminders for me. Perhaps you are facing some difficult circumstances in your life. Remember God is always with you and He loves you! He is the King of all Kings and can help us overcome any circumstance in our lives. It doesn't matter what we have done or not done. We are what matters to Him. All we have to do is look to Him and put our future in His hands. It is a step by step walk of faith. This walk is not always easy and our steps our not always clear but He who walks beside us knows the way!

Current Read

2009-09-15T09:19:00.000-07:00

I am currently rereading Love The Way To Victory by Kenneth E. Hagin. I have gotten through the first chapter so far.

A few things that have stood out to me so far include:
"Put spiritual things first." (p. 27)
"Abide in Him and Let Him abide in you through prayer and the Word and communion with Him. Then exercise the love that you have on the inside." (p. 27)
"Spend time waiting on Him and then that love that is budding will blossom." (p. 27)

A few questions Brother Hagin would ask himself:
"How would God's love act?" (p. 42)
"What would God's love do?" (p. 42)

Finally, a great reminder he shares is: "The love of God never fails, so when you put the love of God to work in your life, you will never fail."

I am enjoying this read. It is a great review especially as a newlywed!

Meditations from Psalm 37

2009-09-15T05:26:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, I wonder what it would be like to only have a page or a chapter of the Bible. It would be hard to pick what part I would want. The Bible is so good. It makes me think of what Paul was saying in 2 Timothy 4:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness: 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work (NASB). There are some Christians in the world who only had the privilege of having a page, chapter or some small part of the Bible. It is inspiring to me that those Christians would guard it with their lives and do their best to live by it every day. I am so fortunate to have several copies of the Bible. This is a huge responsibility at the same time.

There are so many things in Psalm 37 that I think this could be one chapter that a Christian could stick to and have a successful Christian life. The NASB titles the psalm: "Security of Those Who Trust in the Lord, and Insecurity of the Wicked." Selah (Pause and think on that). I added the Selah because I think this can be so helpful for the times that we are living in. This chapter talks about the things a righteous person needs to do and it outlines the results of being a righteous person. This psalm has so much in it. There are also some things that the righteous are instructed and reminded to do. I am going to share those in another post.

Here are some of the results for the righteous:
v4 He will give you the desires of your heart
v5 He will do it
v9 Inheritance of the land
v11 Inheritance of the land
v17 The Lord sustains the righteous
v19 And in the days of famine they will have abundance
v23 The steps of a man are established by the Lord
v24 When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong because the Lord is the one who holds his hand
v25 I have never seen the righteous forsaken or his descendants begging bread
v28 And He does not forsake His godly ones
v31 His (the righteous man's) steps do not slip

I am so thankful to God that He has made me righteous through the redemptive work of His son, Jesus.

v39 But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in time of trouble.
v40 The Lord helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them because they take refuge in Him.

How We Met...

2009-09-12T09:30:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a Sunday Night where you just wanted to stay home? Well, I have to say I have those on occasion. We had a visiting minister at church. I was doing a long term sub position at the time and just felt I wanted to go to bed early. But God kept prompting me to go to church. I was so back and forth but eventually got myself out the door and into church. Church was crowded that night. I just wanted to quickly find a spot to sit. I went down a random isle and asked this guy if the seat was taken next to him. He said, "no." I didn't think much. I just sat down. He introduced himself to me and we talked a little. Well, I remember that he talked a lot. He was even talking during the service. After church, He asked when I went to service and I told him. I have to say that I didn't think to much about it because we attend a rather large church. When you meet someone there are times you do not see that person again. But God had other plans.

Fast forward to a year later....This guy asked me to be his wife which is something I had been praying about since I was teenager.

Never disregard the small promptings of God. In this case, I know that I still would have met my Mr. because it was part of God's plan for me. Yet, I would have probably delayed things. I am so glad I obeyed that night. This is one night God showed me the importance of small promptings. The importance of obeying in what we might consider little things. It makes me wonder how God sees these things. Does He consider some things small and some big or does He see them all the same?

Meditations

2009-09-12T09:05:00.000-07:00

I Thessalonians 5:23 Faithful is He who called you, and He also will bring it to pass. (NASB)

First, I have to say God is amazing! He loves us and takes care of us! He does things in his own way. One thing He is always reminding me is that the plan of God for me is His plan and He wants to see it come to pass even more than I do! This is a good reminder because sometimes I wonder about it. The times I wonder is when there are changes in my life that I didn't see coming.

What is my part?
1. Trust Him.
2. Stay in His Word.
3. Stay in Fellowship with Him.
4. Do everything I know to do.

Update and Upcoming

2009-09-08T09:33:00.000-07:00

Update:
Well, it has been some time since I have updated my blog and kept it current. However, this is going to change. I have seen the faithfulness of God in the last year in so many ways and my life has changed dramatically. I got married in July to the one I have been waiting for. Waiting pays off! We have been married for a month and I am loving married life. The teaching position that I was in last year got cut due to budgetary restraints so I have been on the hunt this summer. I did a few interviews which makes me hopeful. However, I am going to be subbing. I am ready to go in one district and have a few things to get going to sub in three other districts. I have also applied in a few others which I haven't heard from yet. This does not change the fact that I am called to teach. God is just moving me. I am submitted to Him and what He wants to do through me. In subbing, I will get to focus on other things that I need and want to do.

Upcoming:
Psalm 37 - I have been meditating on this Psalm. It is amazing how much is packed in one Psalm. It made me think about people who have just one scripture or one page of the Bible and how it changed their life. It is also amazing to me how one chapter or verse is so life changing.

Current Reads - What I am reading and why....

How We Met - It is interesting on how small promptings from God can change your life!

Book List - I am going to create a list of books that I am going to read, am reading and have read.

Word Study - I have to get back to my Greek. I have had this as a goal for some time. All the books I need are downstairs. I just need to do it!

Meditations from Ephesians 2

2008-08-13T10:06:00.000-07:00

Today, I am meditating on Ephesians 2. The following verses really stuck out to me.

v4 because of His love for me v5 He made me alive v6 He seated me in heavenly places
v7 so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace
v8 saved by grace through faith; and that not of myself, it is the gift of God
v9 not as a result of works
v10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them
v13 He has brought me near
v18 through Him we have access to the Father

He is so good to us! It is not something we earned or are able to earn by the things we do (works). At the same time He prepared good works in advance so that we could walk in them. He brought us near and gives us access to the Father.

What are you meditating on?

Meditations

2008-08-13T09:48:00.000-07:00

I am going to start a new type of post which I plan on making a regular thing here.

In Joshua 1:7-8, it says:"Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that that you may have success wherever you go. This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success." (NASB)

In Psalms 1:1-3, it says: "How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinner, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does no wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers." (NASB)

In Psalms 119:105, it says: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

In this post I plan on sharing what I am meditating on from the Word.

Keep Running

2008-08-11T08:49:00.000-07:00

Today on my run, I encountered someone who encouraged me. There she was heading towards me on the path with her cane in hand. I saw her from a long way off coming down the hill I was headed up. I was thinking about how I wanted to be done but I turned my focus on her instead. She was struggling along one step at a time but she was doing it. Watching her made me think about how thankful I am for my health and where I am at. I have not reached my goal but I am on the way. It made me a little ashamed about how I complain to myself about my progress. It also reminded me that I cannot compare myself to others. I have to go from where I am at. If I keep running, I am going to continue to see progress and results.

When I caught up with her, I had to say, "You are looking good, keep it up." She laughed and said "Thanks." I should have stopped and told her what an encouragement she was to me. If I see her again on my run, I will do exactly that.

It reminds me of what Paul said in Philippians 3:12: "Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus." He continues on in verses 13-14 saying: "Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead. I press on toward the goal for that prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." I am going to keep running.

We are all at different places in our walk with God. Sometimes I feel like I am moving so fast towards where I should be going and at others I feel like I am struggling along. I cannot compare myself to others. How can I compare an apple to an orange? There is no one else on earth like me. No one else is called to do exactly what I am called to do. No one else is called to reach those I am called to reach. (Of course, if I neglect what I am supposed to be doing God will send someone else to do it.) If I am focused on someone else and what they are doing, my focus is not on what I am supposed to be doing and it is likely that I will miss something. The same is true for you.

Keep running. Keep pressing. Don't worry about the pace of your progress unless you are not working towards your goal. If you keep going, there will be progress. If you quit, there won't. It is pretty easy, isn't it? Why do we complicate it sometimes?

Running

2008-08-11T08:11:00.000-07:00

I have been running since December. I have to admit when I started. I was saying "I am not a runner." It was very true at first. It took time. It helped that I have a friend that runs because I was meeting someone many times so I couldn't change my mind. I also have somewhere indoors to run. Our local high school has an indoor track that is open to the public. My ipod helps me too. When the run gets hard, I focus on the music instead of thinking about how I want to be done.

Another thing that helps me is running right away in the morning. I get up, get dressed to run and I am out the door within a few minutes. (I am sure I am quite a sight to some of my neighbors. If you are one of them, honestly I do look in the mirror and freshen up a bit.) This helps because I focus on getting ready (which takes all of my mental capabilities when I first get up) instead of thinking about how I don't really want to go outside, hit the pavement and get all sweaty. It is also much cooler at this time of the day. I have found that when I run in the morning I don't tend to suffer the afternoon tiredness which is very helpful.

I have seen a lot of benefits from running. I feel great. I have also dropped two pants sizes. I am sleeping better.

One website that a friend mentioned to me was Map My Run. I have enjoyed using this for about the last few weeks. You can use it to keep track of your workouts. I even joined the Asics challenge which is to run 100 miles in a month. I am 32 miles towards my goal.

How do you challenge yourself? Is there something you thought you could never do? Have you tried it? If you have and found it very difficult, do you have a support system? If you need encouragement, I will volunteer because I know how helpful it is to both of us.

Remember Philippians 4:13. Paul said, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." I know you have probably heard it before and perhaps it seems a little overused but does that make it untrue? The key is "through Christ." Perhaps it seems like your goal would be unimportant to Christ but Paul said "all things." Your goal is important to God.

Be Still and Know

2008-08-08T11:47:00.000-07:00

The other day I was reading a post by Heidi at Find Me... Find Life... Real Life... . It got me thinking about how I deal with unpleasant things. A lot of times I try and conquer them or figure out some way to get to the other side of them. I was an "All my problems will be solved by Wednesday" type of child. I would honestly think through my week and ponder everything going on and figure that it when all my problems would be over. I am a thinker, which can be a good thing. It can also be a very bad thing because it can be hard to shut off at times. Those are the times that God reminds me of Psalm 46:10. In the NASB it says, "Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

There are many times in the Bible that God mentions to be still. In Saul's day He said, "Even now, take your stand and see this great thing which the Lord will perform before your eyes" (1 Samuel 12:16). In King Jehoshaphat's day, He said: "You need not fight in this battle; station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem, Do not fear or be dismayed for the Lord is with you" (2 Chronicles 20:17). In Nehemiah's day, He said: "The Joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10) and the Levites encouraged the calmed the people and said: "Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved" (8:11). In Mark 4:39, Jesus told the storm to "Be Still."

I typically find it easier to believe God for the things I consider to be more important or larger. But when it comes to the smaller things, I find myself thinking that not only am I able to deal with them but that they are my responsibility. Yet, God never said that. He is cares about the little things just as much as the big things. I am faced with smaller things more often then larger things. When I deal with the smaller things on my own, they are much more difficult than they need to be because I complicate them.

Do you trust and involve God in every area of your life?

How is your summer?

2008-07-21T12:56:00.001-07:00

I am really enjoying my summer. There are many things going on in my life at the moment! Yet, it seems like I have time on my hands, which is strange. I am going back to work in a month and starting a new position. It will be interesting. I thought today would be a good day to go back to blogging since I have been quiet.

I am currently reading a book called The Shack by William P. Young. It is a great book, if you are looking for a book to read. I will warn you that it is not an easy read but it is well worth it!

The Saturday Survey

2008-02-03T14:19:00.000-08:00

I missed last week and I am a day late. I believe that it is better late than never.

To Do This Week
1. Work out at least 3 times
2. Modify this post
3. Organize my reading list
4. Post here at least 3times
5. Look to God
6. Clear the Clutter from my desk file drawer, closet and dresser drawers

I will say that I have been doing well working out. Today, I ran 2 and a half miles and walked more than a mile in addition to that. I have been running in half mile intervals with a lap of walking in between. I am running about 7 minute half miles. I feel like I am getting somewhere. Running is most often easier each time.

The Saturday Survey

2008-01-20T09:36:00.000-08:00

Last Week's To Do List
1. Work out at least 3 times
2. Make this post more exciting
3. Start the worldview book.
4. Add more posts
5. Look to God
6. Koine Greek- come up with a plan

My progress on last weeks goals was not what I would like. I worked out twice and I only posted once. I did Look to God and trust in Him last week.

This Week's To Do List
1. Work out at least 3 times
2. Modify this post and be sure to post on time
3. Start reading Naming the Elephant by James W. Sire
4. Post here at least 4 times
5. Look to God - My desire is to believe for Him to meet all my needs. (I will expound later.)
6. Clear the Clutter from my desk, closet and drawers

The nice thing about this week is that I am not working on Monday because it is a holiday.

The Importance of Confidence

2008-01-14T06:35:00.000-08:00

B.elieve in Yourself

After writing the Bloom poem, I was getting ready to give a devotion to my cheerleaders. (I am actually a long term sub coach, but I count them mine. The really nice factor is that I am getting to enjoy all the hard work they have put in since August.) I have a book called Dare To Dream...Then Do It by John Maxwell that I like to find quotes in. In looking through the book I found a chapter titled "Believe in Yourself" which stresses the importance of confidence. One thing that can have an effect on our confidence is past mistakes. On page twenty-seven John mentions "Don't build a monument to your mistakes." He goes on to talk about Arnie Palmer, the golf legend. After the 1961 Los Angeles Open a bronze plaque was placed at a hole that Arnie Palmer, who was the greatest golfer in the world at the time, did terrible. Stunting in cheerleading can be a lot like golf. There are so many different factors that can hinder a stunt from going up or make it come down prematurely. Cheerleading routine is that they are very fast moving and short. Mistakes need to be put behind you quickly so that they don't have an effect on the rest of the routine. (I have to say my cheerleaders are doing very well in this area!)

We should treat mistakes in life the same way. Of course, we have to deal with the effects of them at times. Then we should put them behind us as quickly as possible and move on. I am not saying that this is easy to do. One thing that will help is to monitor our thought lives. Philippians 4:8 says to think on things that are "true, noble, pure, lovely, of good report." We also need to remember that when He forgives us, He forgets about it. We have to remember that He does not condemn us (Romans 8:1) but the enemy of our souls does. Joshua 1:8 reminds us to meditate on the Word of God and be a doer of it then "you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."

I am so thankful to God that He never forsakes us. In Deuteronomy 31:6 it says, " Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you He will not fail you or forsake you." Even when I repeat mistakes, He doesn't give up on me. I am so thankful that we are "called according to His purpose" with a calling that is "not according to our works" (2 Timothy 1:9). Our calling is not reliant upon the things we do or don't do.

Be encouraged today! God has called us. He has begun a good work in us and He will carry until completion (Philippians 1:6). He has given us open access to Him so that we can go before him with boldness and confidence (Ephesians 3:12). We can be confident that God created us and He will help us do what we are called to do. In fact, we cannot do it in our own strength. But He enables us so that the glory goes to Him. (By the way, the routine went very well and all the stunts hit!)

Saturday Survey

2008-01-13T15:22:00.000-08:00

Last Week's To Do List
1. Physical goals - work out at least twice
2. Refine this weekly post....add a graphic and think about it
3. Start on a book about worldview
4. Keep up with my posts on this blog
5. Continue to Look to God for everything
6. Come up with a plan to study Koine Greek and think about how to incorporate it into my blog. (I have a minor in it from college. I believe that if you don't use it you lose it. It is time to get back at it.)

Last week, I worked out three times and met my physical goals. I located my book on worldview but didn't start it. I looked for graphics for this post but didn't find one. I did not do really well keeping up with my posts on this blog. I am going to move the things I didn't do very well with to next week.

Next Week's To Do List
1. Work out at least 3 times
2. Make this post more exciting
3. Start the worldview book.
4. Add more posts
5. Look to God
6. Koine Greek- come up with a plan

This is coming a day late because I spent some time with my brother yesterday. Have a good start to the week!

Bloom

2008-01-13T07:22:00.000-08:00

This poetry stretch comes from The Miss Rumphius Effect. She provided us with the picture as inspiration to write a poem.

BLOOM

Believe in yourself and others.
Learn continuously.
Organize yourself.
Overcome obstacles in your way.
Make every effort to celebrate accomplishments.

This year I have had to bloom where I am planted. I am going to spend some more time expounding on each of these lines more. This post is from my other blog.

Yesterday

2008-01-08T09:09:00.000-08:00

I got up without a job; so I got to watch the web and listen for the phone. I have to admit I did go back to bed for like ten minutes but I couldn't get back to sleep. When I went back to check the computer, there was an opportunity to teach first grade. I took it before I could think about going back to bed or I would have missed the opportunity to see the hand of God on my life.

On the way to work, I listened to Everyone Overcome by the Desperation Band. It is an amazing CD. I really enjoy it! It is praise and worship that was done by the youth band from New Life Church. (I do not attend church here. An over 20 hour commute would be way too much for me. Besides I have a great church that I belong to.) My favorite song is Counting On God. Some of the scripture that the song reminds me of is: Ephesians 6:11-13, 1 Peter 1:6-9, and Matthew 6. (I just included verses 33-34.)

Ephesians 6:11-13
11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.

1 Peter 1:6-9
6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while,if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8 and though you have not seen Him, love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.

Matthew 6:33-34
33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

I found the scriptures at Bible Gateway. (And no I don't work for them. I will get one of those non-disclosure agreements soon.)

Yesterday, I chose to get up and trust the Father to guide my steps to the right classroom. I prayed over the classroom and my students for the day during my drive. The result was a peaceful day because I looked to and trusted in God. The decision is a daily one. It is a choice whether we will trust God and seek Him. There are times in our lives that it is easier to do this. I have been there. I don't have the luxury of being there now but I am growing closer to the Father because of it.

How about you? Are you in a place that it is easier to trust God? Are you just going through the motions? Or are you in a place like I am where each day is full of unknowns? I am not in a comfortable place. Yet, I am choosing to be content, focus my eyes on God and trust that He is taking care of me.

The Saturday Survey

2008-01-05T10:56:00.000-08:00

Happy Saturday!
I am following any of my goals not related to teaching on this site. I am following my my other goals at my teaching blog.

Last Week's Progress
1. The starting of this blog was one of my goals.
2. Look to God - I have found some scriptures to stand on for my theme. I have never had a theme for the year but I felt lead to this year.

Next Week's To Do
1. Physical goals - work out at least twice
2. Refine this weekly post....add a graphic and think about it
3. Start on a book about worldview
4. Keep up with my posts on this blog
5. Continue to Look to God for everything
6. Come up with a plan to study Koine Greek and think about how to incorporate it into my blog. (I have a minor in it from college. I believe that if you don't use it you lose it. It is time to get back at it.)

It was a short week. I think it was a good start towards my goals. Now to keep up the momentum. How are you progressing towards your goals for the year? It is not to late to make a list of goals for the year.

Heavenly Minded

2008-01-04T18:34:00.000-08:00

Colossians 3:1-3
1Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

2Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.

3For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

This is another scripture I am going to focus on this year. I believe that sometimes I am too earthy minded and much to focused on what is going on in my day to day life. It is amazing how earthy trials pale when I set my eyes on things above.

Scripture Focus for the Year

2008-01-03T20:10:00.000-08:00

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

16Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.

17For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,

18while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

I found the scripture on Bible Gateway.

Scripture Focus for the Year

2008-01-02T18:07:00.000-08:00

Psalm 27
1The LORD is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the defense of my life;
Whom shall I dread?
2When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh,
My adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell.
3Though a host encamp against me,
My heart will not fear;
Though war arise against me,
In spite of this I shall be confident.
4One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the LORD
And to meditate in His temple.
5For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle;
In the secret place of His tent He will hide me;
He will lift me up on a rock.
6And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me,
And I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.
7Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice,
And be gracious to me and answer me.
8When You said, "Seek My face," my heart said to You,
"Your face, O LORD, I shall seek."
9Do not hide Your face from me,
Do not turn Your servant away in anger;
You have been my help;
Do not abandon me nor forsake me,
O God of my salvation!
10For my father and my mother have forsaken me,
But the LORD will take me up.
11Teach me Your way, O LORD,
And lead me in a level path
Because of my foes.
12Do not deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries,
For false witnesses have risen against me,
And such as breathe out violence.
13I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD
In the land of the living.
14Wait for the LORD;
Be strong and let your heart take courage;
Yes, wait for the LORD.

This is one of the passages that I am going to focus on this year. I plan on memorizing the scriptures that go along with my theme this year. I have a few others.

Look to God

2008-01-01T18:16:00.000-08:00

My personal theme for the year is Look to God. I would like to place more emphasis in my life into going to God first about things. Last year was a bit difficult. After finishing my M.A., I thought I would be back in the classroom last fall. I was trusting God and doing everything I knew to do. I filled out applications and applied for more than 50 different positions. I even did a few interviews. I did that all spring, summer and into the fall. I had followed the direction of the Father for when to complete my degree yet in the fall I did not have my own classroom. Instead I began working for 3 different school districts and one private school. Because I was subbing I didn't work for a whole month, but God took care of me and my needs were met. At this time, I was still feeling like I had missed it somewhere.

I was so nervous to sub that first day. In fact, I had a few opportunities prior but chickened out. In retrospect, it was partly due to some circumstances beyond my control. The first job I excepted was in a Kindergarten classroom. I thought it would be doable because of my Pre-K experience. When I was looking for the room, I ran into my fourth grade teacher and she remembered me. She called me by name and showed me to the classroom I would be subbing in. What are the chances of that? I was subbing in the school district I attended grade school in but not at the school I attended. I had also not followed the directions to the classroom that I had been given very well. Looking back I can see God's Hand upon that morning. He lead me right to someone who encouraged me and helped me.

After subbing these last four months I can tell you I have seen God's hand more than once. He has sent me to so many different classrooms. Not every day has been easy but there are many that I am so glad I got to experience. I have gotten to use a SMART board, be a library media specialist for a day, meet lots of different students, experience what it was like to be an English Language Learner, be in classrooms from K-6 grade, and become more confident in my ability. It has been an adventure. If I had gotten the opportunity to be back in my own classroom I would have taken it. I didn't miss it...I just relied on what I thought this fall was going to be.

The Saturday Survey

2008-01-01T09:05:00.001-08:00

I know that many people make goals or resolutions at the beginning of the year. Some people are very successful in keeping resolutions or meeting goals. I will admit my track record is spotty. I would like this year to be different. As I was pondering this for a few days, I heard Dr. Rosenfeld mention Healthy Monday, which is a day started at Stanford to check on physical goals. I wanted to include my other goals as well. I picked Saturday because it is the last day of the week. I think it is a great day to look back and evaluate the progress I am made towards my goals. It is also a great day to refocus myself on my goals for the beginning of a new week. It is also a non work day so I have the time to do it.