Praise in the Storm got a facelift! When I started this blog, I had no idea how to do anything other than use the ready-made templates available in Blogger. So, I chose one and started blogging. I thought I was big time because I figured out how to change the font and font color!
Then, last summer, I created a new blog for my classroom ideas. I spent days and days searching the web trying to figure out how to customize everything about it. And, I was successful! But, after that, I couldn't stand this blog! It just looked so BLAH! But, I never sat down and took the time to recreate it... until now!
Thank goodness the process was much faster this time! I got to do a lot of copying and pasting from my teacher blog, so this time it only took me about 2 days. And now I really like how it looks!
I know I've said before that I was going to try to post more regularly.... Well, that was a FAIL! It didn't happen! But I really am going to post more regularly! The difference is that before, I was just saying that I was going to do it. But, this time I have been feeling extremely nudged to do it. It seems like almost everywhere I go, God is showing me something that I could share by writing about it. I had to start making a list on my iPhone of all the ideas He's given me, so that I don't forget them! He gives me these little nudges all the time... while I'm running, on vacation, even when I'm watching TV! So, I have lots of good stuff to share, and it will be coming soon!
If you read this blog, and you like it, please feel free to share it! You are more than welcome to share a link on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, or whatever your social media site of choice may be! Thanks for reading!
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Monday, March 4, 2013
Only One Mile????
By now most of you know that I like to run. I like it for a lot of reasons. It's good exercise, it's good stress relief, and it gives me a small window of time where I'm alone with my thoughts. I always listen to my Casting Crowns or Contemporary Christian stations on Pandora while I run. I just get lost in the music and let my feet do the work. And, every once in awhile I run without music. On these days, I spend that time time either praying or just listening to what God has to say to me.
But, since October, I think I've run a grand total of 4 times. (Pretty impressive, huh?) I've wanted to go more than that, but there was always a reason why I didn't...too tired, too busy, too cold, too late... Personally, I like to refer to these "reasons" as excuses. That's all they are. If I had really wanted to run, I would've gotten off my backside and done it! The really sad part is that I actually ran a half-marathon at the end of October! I was going to take a week off after that, but that week turned into over 4 months!
Well, as of last week, I am officially staying at home and am no longer working. So, most of my excuses are just plain gone. I was actually really excited that I would be able to run pretty much every day. But, I was really sick last week. So, there was no way I could. I couldn't do much of anything except lay in bed. Over the weekend I started feeling better, so today I decided it was a good idea to go run.
I have a route that I follow that is right at 3 miles. I walked out of my neighborhood and started running. It didn't take very long before my lungs were saying, "Are you serious right now? You want us to do what??" I only made it a mile before I had to slow down and walk. I switched back and forth between walking and running for the second mile, then I just walked the third mile.
During that third mile, I was thinking, "Why did I even come out here? This is so stupid! One mile? That's all I can do? One mile???" I mean, four months ago I ran 13.1 miles without walking at all. And now, all I could do was run one mile. Sounds pretty pathetic, I know. But then I started thinking about the first time I ever ran (by choice) about 8 years ago. I was all excited that I ran half a mile! I was so proud of myself because I thought half a mile was such a long distance!
If you would have asked me that day if I ever thought I'd run a half marathon, I would have called you crazy! Even 3 years ago I would have said there was no way I'd ever be able to run that far. But, last summer I decided I was going to do it...and I did! But, here's the catch...I did NOT do it by myself. I had to call on God to help me throughout the entire process. On days when I didn't want to train, He helped me get out there. On days when I was hurt, He helped me get through it. On the day of the race, He gave me the strength to make it to the finish line. And, I am convinced to this day that He carried me for the first 6 miles. I wouldn't have been able to do it without Him. I just wouldn't have.
The whole point is that there are lots of things that we are able to do, even if we think we can't. When you call on God to help you, You have the power to do anything! You still have to put forth the work and effort. You still have to be dedicated to what you are doing. But He can absolutely turn the impossible into the possible. All you have to do is take that first step and ask Him to help you with the second step.
So, I don't think that God sees my miserable run today as the giant failure that I see it as. I think He sees it as a first step. It wasn't perfect. It wasn't fabulous. It wasn't even something I can believe I just admitted! But, it was a first step. If I stay committed to running and continue to ask Him to help me do it, I'll be running a full marathon before you know it!
No matter what it is that you are facing, don't make yourself face it alone! Ask God to help you and He will. Even if your attempts are so far from perfect you're ashamed to admit you tried! You can do it with His help. All you have to do is ask!
I can do all this through Him who gives me strength. ~Philippians 4:13
But, since October, I think I've run a grand total of 4 times. (Pretty impressive, huh?) I've wanted to go more than that, but there was always a reason why I didn't...too tired, too busy, too cold, too late... Personally, I like to refer to these "reasons" as excuses. That's all they are. If I had really wanted to run, I would've gotten off my backside and done it! The really sad part is that I actually ran a half-marathon at the end of October! I was going to take a week off after that, but that week turned into over 4 months!
Well, as of last week, I am officially staying at home and am no longer working. So, most of my excuses are just plain gone. I was actually really excited that I would be able to run pretty much every day. But, I was really sick last week. So, there was no way I could. I couldn't do much of anything except lay in bed. Over the weekend I started feeling better, so today I decided it was a good idea to go run.
I have a route that I follow that is right at 3 miles. I walked out of my neighborhood and started running. It didn't take very long before my lungs were saying, "Are you serious right now? You want us to do what??" I only made it a mile before I had to slow down and walk. I switched back and forth between walking and running for the second mile, then I just walked the third mile.
During that third mile, I was thinking, "Why did I even come out here? This is so stupid! One mile? That's all I can do? One mile???" I mean, four months ago I ran 13.1 miles without walking at all. And now, all I could do was run one mile. Sounds pretty pathetic, I know. But then I started thinking about the first time I ever ran (by choice) about 8 years ago. I was all excited that I ran half a mile! I was so proud of myself because I thought half a mile was such a long distance!
If you would have asked me that day if I ever thought I'd run a half marathon, I would have called you crazy! Even 3 years ago I would have said there was no way I'd ever be able to run that far. But, last summer I decided I was going to do it...and I did! But, here's the catch...I did NOT do it by myself. I had to call on God to help me throughout the entire process. On days when I didn't want to train, He helped me get out there. On days when I was hurt, He helped me get through it. On the day of the race, He gave me the strength to make it to the finish line. And, I am convinced to this day that He carried me for the first 6 miles. I wouldn't have been able to do it without Him. I just wouldn't have.
The whole point is that there are lots of things that we are able to do, even if we think we can't. When you call on God to help you, You have the power to do anything! You still have to put forth the work and effort. You still have to be dedicated to what you are doing. But He can absolutely turn the impossible into the possible. All you have to do is take that first step and ask Him to help you with the second step.
So, I don't think that God sees my miserable run today as the giant failure that I see it as. I think He sees it as a first step. It wasn't perfect. It wasn't fabulous. It wasn't even something I can believe I just admitted! But, it was a first step. If I stay committed to running and continue to ask Him to help me do it, I'll be running a full marathon before you know it!
No matter what it is that you are facing, don't make yourself face it alone! Ask God to help you and He will. Even if your attempts are so far from perfect you're ashamed to admit you tried! You can do it with His help. All you have to do is ask!
I can do all this through Him who gives me strength. ~Philippians 4:13
Monday, February 4, 2013
Thoughts of a Birthday Girl
It's so easy to go to God when things are bad, when you need something, when you are down, when someone is sick, or when you need help. But how often do you stop just to tell Him thanks? For some reason, when things are going well, it's so easy to take God for granted. Well, today is one of those days where I'm just thankful. Nothing more. Nothing less. Why am I thankful? Why am I thankful? Well, I thought you would never ask! Please, let me tell you!
First, I am thankful that I am the daughter of my God who loves me no matter what. There is nothing I could do to make Him love me more or less. There is nothing I could to earn the love He has for me. He knows that I'm not in as good of shape as I used to be. He loves me anyway. He knows that I procrastinate. He loves me anyway. He knows that sometimes my patience runs out and I'm not very nice. He loves me anyway. He knows that I can't carry a tune in a paper bag, but I belt out praise and worship songs despite my lousy voice. He loves me anyway. He sees me for exactly who I am, and He loves everything about me. For this, I am more thankful than anything else in my life!
Second, I am thankful for the amazing partner in life He has given to me. I am married to the most wonderful husband I could ever ask for! I know lots of people who are married, but I honestly have never met two people who have the relationship that Matt and I have. He knows more about me than anyone else on this Earth, and loves me in spite of my many faults. He treats me like a queen, even when I don't deserve it. There is never a moment of my life that I question his love for me. And, the beauty of it is, I love him back just as much, if not more! We have been together for almost 16 years, and I can't wait for the next 60!
Third, I am so thankful for the amazing family I have. My kids, parents, brothers, and sister-in-law are all loving, supportive, and there for me whenever I need them. Again, I know lots of people who have families, but very few of them have the amazing kind of family I have.
Fourth, I am very thankful for the support network of friends God has blessed me with. I have friends at work, at church, through Matt, from college, from high school, and even from elementary school, that support me each and every day. Each friend I have serves a different purpose in my life, but each one of them serves a very important purpose!
I'm really not trying to sound like I'm giving an acceptance speech at the Oscars! But, I just don't think I stop to thank God enough for the amazing people He's put into my life. So, today, when so many of you amazing people have reached out to remind me that you are a vital part of my life by wishing me a happy birthday, all I can think of doing is thanking Him for bringing you to me!
So, no matter what storms are going on in your life....what has He done for you that you are thankful for??
Rejoice always, pray continuously, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. ~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
First, I am thankful that I am the daughter of my God who loves me no matter what. There is nothing I could do to make Him love me more or less. There is nothing I could to earn the love He has for me. He knows that I'm not in as good of shape as I used to be. He loves me anyway. He knows that I procrastinate. He loves me anyway. He knows that sometimes my patience runs out and I'm not very nice. He loves me anyway. He knows that I can't carry a tune in a paper bag, but I belt out praise and worship songs despite my lousy voice. He loves me anyway. He sees me for exactly who I am, and He loves everything about me. For this, I am more thankful than anything else in my life!
Second, I am thankful for the amazing partner in life He has given to me. I am married to the most wonderful husband I could ever ask for! I know lots of people who are married, but I honestly have never met two people who have the relationship that Matt and I have. He knows more about me than anyone else on this Earth, and loves me in spite of my many faults. He treats me like a queen, even when I don't deserve it. There is never a moment of my life that I question his love for me. And, the beauty of it is, I love him back just as much, if not more! We have been together for almost 16 years, and I can't wait for the next 60!
Third, I am so thankful for the amazing family I have. My kids, parents, brothers, and sister-in-law are all loving, supportive, and there for me whenever I need them. Again, I know lots of people who have families, but very few of them have the amazing kind of family I have.
Fourth, I am very thankful for the support network of friends God has blessed me with. I have friends at work, at church, through Matt, from college, from high school, and even from elementary school, that support me each and every day. Each friend I have serves a different purpose in my life, but each one of them serves a very important purpose!
I'm really not trying to sound like I'm giving an acceptance speech at the Oscars! But, I just don't think I stop to thank God enough for the amazing people He's put into my life. So, today, when so many of you amazing people have reached out to remind me that you are a vital part of my life by wishing me a happy birthday, all I can think of doing is thanking Him for bringing you to me!
So, no matter what storms are going on in your life....what has He done for you that you are thankful for??
Rejoice always, pray continuously, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. ~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Monday, January 21, 2013
It's How You Wait
By no choice of my own, I was up at 5am this morning. Matt's alarm went off, I heard it, and that was it. I was up. And I was thinking, Really? There's no school today, I have absolutely nothing I have to do, and I'm up over an hour before I usually get up? I guess you could say I was NOT happy!
But, I started flipping channels, and Joyce Meyer was on. I really enjoy watching her, so that's what I turned it to. She was telling this story about a muscle car her husband bought and her attempts to get him to sell it. The whole gist of what she was saying was that patience is a fruit of the Spirit and patience is not just being able to wait on something. It's how you wait.
This really spoke to me and got me thinking. I'll be the first to admit...patience has never been one of my strongest characteristics! I'm the kind of person who will take forever to figure out what I want, what I'm doing, where I'm going, etc. But, once I do finally figure it out, I want it NOW! I've really had to make a big time effort to work on that, and I have been for years now. I do think I have become more patient, but I still have a long way to go!
But...hearing Joyce talk about patience made me wonder if I really have become more patient. I've gotten better at waiting for things. But that whole, "It's how you wait" part...that's the part that gets me. The more I think about it...I really pester God...A LOT! When I've decided I want something, or I feel like He's shown me something He wants me to do or a path He's going to send me on, I just hound Him about it until it happens. Everyday I will say something about it while I'm praying. And, at times, I'm not too nice about it. I know what I say to my own kids when they ask me the same thing over and over and over again! It makes me crazy! But, that's what I've been doing myself when I constantly bug God about doing something, showing me something, or giving me something.
I dug into my Bible and found this verse: ...hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not have, we wait for it patiently. ~Romans 8:24-25. And then I found this one: I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His word I put my hope. ~Psalm 130:5. I've read these two verses probably fifty times in the last hour. I've read the verses that come before them and after them to get the whole context within which they were written. What I've come to is that once I've asked God for something, I have to really, truly trust Him to decide what He's going to do. I have to be thankful for the things He has already done in my life while I am waiting on Him. I have to put my hope in His word while I am waiting on Him. I have to use the gifts He has already given me to help people, bless people, and bring Him to people while I am waiting on Him. But, I definitely do not need to nag Him!
See, here's what I know. God's timing is always perfect. If I try to change His timing, that takes the perfection out of the action. I may get what I'm asking for, but it won't work the way He wants it to unless I wait on Him to give it to me. And, if I truly trust Him, His plan, and His timing, then I won't ask for or expect anything other than that. And when I do, I am only showing Him that I do not fully trust Him.
I've never really looked at patience this way before, but I'm glad I have a new perspective on it. I guess in hindsight, that 5am alarm wasn't so bad!
But, I started flipping channels, and Joyce Meyer was on. I really enjoy watching her, so that's what I turned it to. She was telling this story about a muscle car her husband bought and her attempts to get him to sell it. The whole gist of what she was saying was that patience is a fruit of the Spirit and patience is not just being able to wait on something. It's how you wait.
This really spoke to me and got me thinking. I'll be the first to admit...patience has never been one of my strongest characteristics! I'm the kind of person who will take forever to figure out what I want, what I'm doing, where I'm going, etc. But, once I do finally figure it out, I want it NOW! I've really had to make a big time effort to work on that, and I have been for years now. I do think I have become more patient, but I still have a long way to go!
But...hearing Joyce talk about patience made me wonder if I really have become more patient. I've gotten better at waiting for things. But that whole, "It's how you wait" part...that's the part that gets me. The more I think about it...I really pester God...A LOT! When I've decided I want something, or I feel like He's shown me something He wants me to do or a path He's going to send me on, I just hound Him about it until it happens. Everyday I will say something about it while I'm praying. And, at times, I'm not too nice about it. I know what I say to my own kids when they ask me the same thing over and over and over again! It makes me crazy! But, that's what I've been doing myself when I constantly bug God about doing something, showing me something, or giving me something.
I dug into my Bible and found this verse: ...hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not have, we wait for it patiently. ~Romans 8:24-25. And then I found this one: I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His word I put my hope. ~Psalm 130:5. I've read these two verses probably fifty times in the last hour. I've read the verses that come before them and after them to get the whole context within which they were written. What I've come to is that once I've asked God for something, I have to really, truly trust Him to decide what He's going to do. I have to be thankful for the things He has already done in my life while I am waiting on Him. I have to put my hope in His word while I am waiting on Him. I have to use the gifts He has already given me to help people, bless people, and bring Him to people while I am waiting on Him. But, I definitely do not need to nag Him!
See, here's what I know. God's timing is always perfect. If I try to change His timing, that takes the perfection out of the action. I may get what I'm asking for, but it won't work the way He wants it to unless I wait on Him to give it to me. And, if I truly trust Him, His plan, and His timing, then I won't ask for or expect anything other than that. And when I do, I am only showing Him that I do not fully trust Him.
I've never really looked at patience this way before, but I'm glad I have a new perspective on it. I guess in hindsight, that 5am alarm wasn't so bad!
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Just Shut Up and Listen!!
I had a pretty amazing experience today that I just have to share with you! Well, I guess technically it was yesterday since it's now 2AM! Anyway, I went to a women's mini-retreat at my church. The topic was prayer, and it was lead by an amazing woman named Annette Sowell, who is a retired minister and is full of inspiring thoughts, experiences, and ideas. She was introducing us to a seven step process that she has used for years to pray. Before lunch, she pretty much gave us an overview of her process and explained each step. We broke for lunch, and when we came back together we spent about an hour going through the process ourselves. She wanted us to experience it at least once before we left.
When it was time to be in our quiet, individual prayer time, I went out into the concourse of the church and found a little spot where I could sit. I started going through the steps of her process one by one. About halfway through it, I was asking God to help me with a really tough personal situation I am going through right now. After I laid this particular issue on Him, I decided to just listen. See, I'm really good at talking to God. I mean REALLY good! I pray all the time! But I kind of suck at listening to him. So that's what I wanted to focus on today. So, I just sat with my eyes closed waiting and listening. After several minutes, I started seeing these images. They weren't really anything I could make out...just kind of flashes and blobs of light and color. But then all of a sudden, I saw the letters in the word "forgive" pass in front of me. To be honest, I was pretty shocked. But, His message to me couldn't have been any more clear! So, I said, "OK, God. I get it. I have to forgive her, and I will."
After I processed that for a minute, I went back to just listening. Again, the flashes of light and color were coming, and I felt like I was even seeing some faces, but I had no idea who they were. And then, out of nowhere I heard Him say, "James." And I thought, "What??" I don't know anyone named James that I can think of. But He said it again, "James." And then I got it. "You want me to read James? Wait, that is a book in the Bible, right? I'm pretty sure it is... So, what part of James do you want me to read?" And I kept sitting with my eyes closed listening for His answer. All I saw was a line of 1's running in front of me. So I thought, "OK...Is it 1:11? 11:1? 1:1?" And He said, "Just get your Bible and see."
So, I got my Bible, found James, and quickly discovered that there are only 5 chapters in it. There is no such thing as James 11. So, I knew He had to be sending me to James 1. I started with James 1:11, and nothing in it really jumped out at me. So, I kept reading, and when I got to James 1:12, I stopped dead in my tracks. It says, "Blessed is the man who endures trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him." This verse spoke directly to me! I am definitely enduring trials right now, and God led me right to a place in Bible that tells me that not only can I endure it, but there is something really good waiting for me on the other side! I never made it past that verse during the rest of our prayer time. I just kept reading it over and over again, soaking up the awesomeness of what it said and what I had just experienced!
This is the first time I have experienced something like this while I was praying. God gave me some very important advice and encouragement that will help me get through this situation I'm dealing with, but I think He showed me something even more important than that. He showed me how important it is to just shut up and listen! Prayer definitely has to be a two-way conversation, and I just never have prayed in a way that really allowed me to listen to Him before today. But, I can promise you I will be taking time to truly listen to Him a LOT more from now on!
When it was time to be in our quiet, individual prayer time, I went out into the concourse of the church and found a little spot where I could sit. I started going through the steps of her process one by one. About halfway through it, I was asking God to help me with a really tough personal situation I am going through right now. After I laid this particular issue on Him, I decided to just listen. See, I'm really good at talking to God. I mean REALLY good! I pray all the time! But I kind of suck at listening to him. So that's what I wanted to focus on today. So, I just sat with my eyes closed waiting and listening. After several minutes, I started seeing these images. They weren't really anything I could make out...just kind of flashes and blobs of light and color. But then all of a sudden, I saw the letters in the word "forgive" pass in front of me. To be honest, I was pretty shocked. But, His message to me couldn't have been any more clear! So, I said, "OK, God. I get it. I have to forgive her, and I will."
After I processed that for a minute, I went back to just listening. Again, the flashes of light and color were coming, and I felt like I was even seeing some faces, but I had no idea who they were. And then, out of nowhere I heard Him say, "James." And I thought, "What??" I don't know anyone named James that I can think of. But He said it again, "James." And then I got it. "You want me to read James? Wait, that is a book in the Bible, right? I'm pretty sure it is... So, what part of James do you want me to read?" And I kept sitting with my eyes closed listening for His answer. All I saw was a line of 1's running in front of me. So I thought, "OK...Is it 1:11? 11:1? 1:1?" And He said, "Just get your Bible and see."
So, I got my Bible, found James, and quickly discovered that there are only 5 chapters in it. There is no such thing as James 11. So, I knew He had to be sending me to James 1. I started with James 1:11, and nothing in it really jumped out at me. So, I kept reading, and when I got to James 1:12, I stopped dead in my tracks. It says, "Blessed is the man who endures trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him." This verse spoke directly to me! I am definitely enduring trials right now, and God led me right to a place in Bible that tells me that not only can I endure it, but there is something really good waiting for me on the other side! I never made it past that verse during the rest of our prayer time. I just kept reading it over and over again, soaking up the awesomeness of what it said and what I had just experienced!
This is the first time I have experienced something like this while I was praying. God gave me some very important advice and encouragement that will help me get through this situation I'm dealing with, but I think He showed me something even more important than that. He showed me how important it is to just shut up and listen! Prayer definitely has to be a two-way conversation, and I just never have prayed in a way that really allowed me to listen to Him before today. But, I can promise you I will be taking time to truly listen to Him a LOT more from now on!
Monday, December 31, 2012
The Grass is Always Greener...
OK...I know it's been awhile since I've written anything on here.
Almost seven months, in fact. I won't make any excuses. Lots of other
things started occupying my time, and I just haven't made the time to
write. There have been a TON of times that I thought, that would make a perfect blog post, but
I just never got around to getting on the computer and doing it. I
won't make any promises I can't keep, and I'm not one who's big on New
Year's resolutions, but I will say I'm going to try and get on here much
more than have I over the past year!
I think it's normal that at this time of year everyone starts reflecting on the previous year. We look back at what we did...and what we didn't do. We look at our success and our failures, our gains and our losses, the challenges we faced and the obstacles we overcame. I think it's also normal that everyone is looking forward to the New Year with all of the possibilities that it holds. It's like a fresh start every 365 days. I've always looked at it that way, too. But this year, I'm looking at it much differently...
I'm sure you've heard the old saying, the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. But, isn't it true? For some reason, we are never content with what we have. We always look for something different to make us happy. Around January 1, it's the prospect of a New Year that we look to. The grass during 2012 wasn't quite green enough, but maybe 2013 will have grass that's just a little bit greener.
It would be VERY easy for me to say exactly that, especially after the year we've had! But, guess what? I said that last year after the horrible 2011 we had. We were so anxious to say goodbye to 2011. We were so excited to put all of that behind us and move into 2012. But, 2012 has had its own challenges for us. It has been equally trying and stressful. And it would be so easy to say, once again, "I am SO glad this year is over!" But, not this time!
Here's where my attitude has changed. In 2011, we dealt with a LOT!!! But, when we said that we were so glad 2011 was over and behind us, we were neglecting to recognize all the amazing things that happened during that year. For example, even though Matt was in the hospital for 21 days, and it was one of the most exhausting, trying experiences I've ever had, God went to work during that time. Out of that situation came a new church home for us filled with some of the most caring, loving people we've ever met! And many of them are now very dear friends to us. Had he not been in the hospital, those things might have never happened. And the same holds true for 2012. We have been through a lot this year as well. I could make a list, but I'll spare you the details! But, a lot of really wonderful things have happened too! So, this year instead of saying, "Thank goodness 2012 is over! I'm ready to start over in 2013!" I'm going to say lots of prayers thanking God for the hundreds of ways He's blessed us this year. I'm going to thank Him for using the adversity I faced to make me a better person. I'm going to thank Him for holding me up when I couldn't hold myself up. I'm going to thank Him for giving me a joy that can't be taken away by anything that could ever possibly happen to me. And, I'm going to ask Him to continue to use me and work through me in 2013. Happy New Year!
However many years anyone may live, let them enjoy them all. But let them remember the days of darkness, for there will be many. ~Ecclestiastes 11:8
I think it's normal that at this time of year everyone starts reflecting on the previous year. We look back at what we did...and what we didn't do. We look at our success and our failures, our gains and our losses, the challenges we faced and the obstacles we overcame. I think it's also normal that everyone is looking forward to the New Year with all of the possibilities that it holds. It's like a fresh start every 365 days. I've always looked at it that way, too. But this year, I'm looking at it much differently...
I'm sure you've heard the old saying, the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. But, isn't it true? For some reason, we are never content with what we have. We always look for something different to make us happy. Around January 1, it's the prospect of a New Year that we look to. The grass during 2012 wasn't quite green enough, but maybe 2013 will have grass that's just a little bit greener.
It would be VERY easy for me to say exactly that, especially after the year we've had! But, guess what? I said that last year after the horrible 2011 we had. We were so anxious to say goodbye to 2011. We were so excited to put all of that behind us and move into 2012. But, 2012 has had its own challenges for us. It has been equally trying and stressful. And it would be so easy to say, once again, "I am SO glad this year is over!" But, not this time!
Here's where my attitude has changed. In 2011, we dealt with a LOT!!! But, when we said that we were so glad 2011 was over and behind us, we were neglecting to recognize all the amazing things that happened during that year. For example, even though Matt was in the hospital for 21 days, and it was one of the most exhausting, trying experiences I've ever had, God went to work during that time. Out of that situation came a new church home for us filled with some of the most caring, loving people we've ever met! And many of them are now very dear friends to us. Had he not been in the hospital, those things might have never happened. And the same holds true for 2012. We have been through a lot this year as well. I could make a list, but I'll spare you the details! But, a lot of really wonderful things have happened too! So, this year instead of saying, "Thank goodness 2012 is over! I'm ready to start over in 2013!" I'm going to say lots of prayers thanking God for the hundreds of ways He's blessed us this year. I'm going to thank Him for using the adversity I faced to make me a better person. I'm going to thank Him for holding me up when I couldn't hold myself up. I'm going to thank Him for giving me a joy that can't be taken away by anything that could ever possibly happen to me. And, I'm going to ask Him to continue to use me and work through me in 2013. Happy New Year!
However many years anyone may live, let them enjoy them all. But let them remember the days of darkness, for there will be many. ~Ecclestiastes 11:8
Monday, June 25, 2012
Just Tell Me What I'm Doing!
The last few weeks have been such a whirlwind for me.
It started with my principal telling me there was a "very slight" chance he may be moving me to pre-k next year. He said he really didn't think it was going to happen, but he wanted to give me a heads-up just in case it did. I really wasn't very happy about the idea of moving to pre-k. First, I was supposed to loop with my K class, and I really didn't want to have to break it to them that I wasn't going to be their teacher next year. And second, I've gotten pretty attached to my teaching partner, we work VERY well together, and I was really sad about not working with her anymore. But, I just started praying really hard for God to put me where He wanted me to be.
Well, not too long after that, my principal told me that I was, in fact, moving to pre-k. I was NOT happy! I spent a lot of time trying to wrap my brain around what was happening and praying, praying, praying for God to help me with that. And...of course...He did! I was able to find some peace with the "divorce" as my teaching partner and I have nicknamed it. I had the very difficult talk with my K kids about next year. I went to some pre-k trainings. I was actually able to start getting excited about this new chapter in my career.
Then...two weeks ago, my principal told me he may NOT be moving me to pre-k after all. My first though was, "Are you kidding me?????" I packed and moved my entire room. I've spent every day since school got out reading about and planning for pre-k. I even had to organize and pack the pre-k room before summer school started. I was finally at peace with moving to pre-k, and now it may not be happening anyway. Can we not just make a decision and stick with it? Once again...prayers. This time I was praying for God to keep me at peace AND for Him to show me where He wants me to be!! Ugh!
And then on Friday, the final gust from the whirlwind (for now) came. I got a call to interview for a literacy specialist position that I applied for about 2 months ago. I have wanted a position like this for as long as I can remember! My interview is today in about 4 hours! From the minute I got the call, I have so badly wanted to pray for God to help me get this job. But, I haven't. I have continued to pray for Him to show me where He wants me to be.
So, I have NO idea what I will be doing when the school year starts in August! But I am certain that whatever I am doing, I will be there because I listened to what God told me to do! I'm not going to lie though, this is one time when I REALLY hope His plan for me is the same as my plan! But if it's not, that's OK. Like Matt said yesterday, if I'm praying for the right thing to happen, I should be happy no matter what happens. Whether I get the job or not, whether I teach pre-k or K/1, it's what God wants me to do right now, and following His plan is always something to be happy about!
Stay on the lookout for an update once all the dust has settled!
Give me a revelation, show me what to do.
Cause I've been trying to find my way, I haven't got a clue.
Tell me should I stay here, or do I need to move?
Give me a revelation, I've nothing without You.
~Third Day
It started with my principal telling me there was a "very slight" chance he may be moving me to pre-k next year. He said he really didn't think it was going to happen, but he wanted to give me a heads-up just in case it did. I really wasn't very happy about the idea of moving to pre-k. First, I was supposed to loop with my K class, and I really didn't want to have to break it to them that I wasn't going to be their teacher next year. And second, I've gotten pretty attached to my teaching partner, we work VERY well together, and I was really sad about not working with her anymore. But, I just started praying really hard for God to put me where He wanted me to be.
Well, not too long after that, my principal told me that I was, in fact, moving to pre-k. I was NOT happy! I spent a lot of time trying to wrap my brain around what was happening and praying, praying, praying for God to help me with that. And...of course...He did! I was able to find some peace with the "divorce" as my teaching partner and I have nicknamed it. I had the very difficult talk with my K kids about next year. I went to some pre-k trainings. I was actually able to start getting excited about this new chapter in my career.
Then...two weeks ago, my principal told me he may NOT be moving me to pre-k after all. My first though was, "Are you kidding me?????" I packed and moved my entire room. I've spent every day since school got out reading about and planning for pre-k. I even had to organize and pack the pre-k room before summer school started. I was finally at peace with moving to pre-k, and now it may not be happening anyway. Can we not just make a decision and stick with it? Once again...prayers. This time I was praying for God to keep me at peace AND for Him to show me where He wants me to be!! Ugh!
And then on Friday, the final gust from the whirlwind (for now) came. I got a call to interview for a literacy specialist position that I applied for about 2 months ago. I have wanted a position like this for as long as I can remember! My interview is today in about 4 hours! From the minute I got the call, I have so badly wanted to pray for God to help me get this job. But, I haven't. I have continued to pray for Him to show me where He wants me to be.
So, I have NO idea what I will be doing when the school year starts in August! But I am certain that whatever I am doing, I will be there because I listened to what God told me to do! I'm not going to lie though, this is one time when I REALLY hope His plan for me is the same as my plan! But if it's not, that's OK. Like Matt said yesterday, if I'm praying for the right thing to happen, I should be happy no matter what happens. Whether I get the job or not, whether I teach pre-k or K/1, it's what God wants me to do right now, and following His plan is always something to be happy about!
Stay on the lookout for an update once all the dust has settled!
Give me a revelation, show me what to do.
Cause I've been trying to find my way, I haven't got a clue.
Tell me should I stay here, or do I need to move?
Give me a revelation, I've nothing without You.
~Third Day
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