Promises

Not feeling myself today. I don't know why, but I'm sad. I miss my family, but I don't think that's it. I miss being close to Him. Today at church reminded me of what it's like to have him there. And, I know that even though I'm feeling alone and sad that he's there- with me. He's never going to leave me. Even when others feel distant, he's there right next to me.

I had forgotten that simple promise. We get carried away in our day-to-day lives that we forget who he is, and whose we are. My prayer is that, Lord, you would remind me of your love, mercy, grace, and presence everyday! I'm so thankful to have YOU and you alone. Because, in you alone is where I find my comfort- not in others, or things, or whatever else we can think of to put before you. I'm not anybody's but yours. Take me.

Word from the Father

Our Lord is amazing. It seems to me that he knows how to speak and what to say to us just when we think everything is going to fall apart. He spoke to me on Facebook, of all places, in a friend's status. Emily Pilotte wrote, "I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?--Jeremiah 32:27 #ourGodisgreater". These past three weeks have been very taxing. It just seemed like being an RA was going to be more than I had originally bargained for, and I'm the type of person who likes to know exactly how something is going to be before I sign on the dotted line. So, needless to say, I was kinda discouraged. But, in the moment that I saw that post I knew that he had greater plans for me in this position than I had thought to begin with. I knew I was supposed to do this to push me and to get me out of my comfort zone. I heard a man say during training that if you're comfortable, then you're not growing. This is a growing opportunity for me, and I'm learning more and more everyday that I can't do it. There's no possible way. But, with God all things are possible. I know that he can do through me more than I could ever imagine doing on my own.

My prayer is that he would use me to reach my residents, fellow RA's, and people I meet this year. That small reassurance has given me the confidence to keep pushing through, even when it feels like I'm all alone.

He's also teaching me more about my sinful ways. I'm a selfish person- we all are, really. He recently showed me in Philippians 2 that in order for me to be an affective RA and girlfriend I need to, in humility, value others above myself. I can't be focused on my wants because I have to focus on my residents' needs and wants.

Also, Josh's. He's been super busy with band camp and I've been alone alot. It's put me in a sour mood for the majority of the past two weeks. I've been missing my family too, so that helps none. But, I think God is preparing us for our future together, and how it's going to be with us both having hectic schedules and other things going on. I know he will see us through, though. He always has. Always will. And that's a promise.

Ignorance is your new best friend.

People irritate me. They can be so incredibly ignorant, it's not even funny.  They think that just because they can hide behind a fake name they can say whatever the heck they want to about your family, friends, you- whoever they want.  (I'm seriously ticked right now, and I've found that one way to release this frustration is to blog.)

But, I pity those who can't seem to find anything in their own lives to worry about, and have to go pick apart somebody else's decisions.  We try so hard to do the right thing, but those that should know how hard you've worked to get to where you are can't seem to appreciate the time you've spent agonizing over the decision.  The people that have been so loving and kind all of your life suddenly turn their backs on you when you get into a position of high regard.  You're not in it for the right reasons, trying to make a name for yourself, or you don't have the credentials to be in that position in the first place. I'm sick and tired of people judging your every move, especially when you're not doing anything wrong.  Are you God? Didn't think so.  We've got our life, people, get your own.

You're making a mistake...Moleskins

Josh recently got me this really cool Moleskin recipe journal for my birthday, and I LOVE it.  I love not only what it means to me now, but also what it will mean to me in the future. It's something that I can pass down to my children and grandchildren- a journal filled with only the BEST recipes.

My dad thinks that I'm making a mistake by putting my recipes in this oh so sentimental journal and not on the internet.  But, quite frankly, I don't care.  I love that my journal is something that my best friend gave to me, and that I can use it to keep recipes of mine, my mother's. and my grandmother's all together. It's perfect! :D

Nerves.

Well, I should be studying for finals right now.  I'm sitting in the library, thinking. I'm thinking about what's coming up for me.  In two days, I'll find out which dorm I'll be assigned to for RA.  I'm a little nervous about this just because I don't know where I'm going to be, who I'll be working with, and how God will use me to reach others with this position.  Being an RA is a challenging task.  Some people don't think I'm up for the job.  I say BRING IT ON!

I know that God's got me where He wants me.  This is an awesome opportunity for me to grow in my faith and put my trust in Him.  You know, I hope that I can't do this job.  I hope that it's so difficult for me that I daily ask for His help.  We often forget that we can't do it alone.
I'm also nervous about finals, but more importantly this summer.  I'm going to be a Summer Missionary for the Covington County Baptist Association.  I'll be helping smaller churches in our county with things like VBS and Outreach.  THIS will test me, I know.  I believe, though, that God has me where He wants me, and that He's got things under control.  I just have to continuously remind myself of that truth.  I'm also nervous about Josh and I being away from each other again.  It's been a year since we've really done the long-distance thing.  This summer will be interesting. I know we will persevere, but it will be challenging.

Ha! Seems like I've got some pretty big things ahead.  And, finals on my butt!!  I know that He is with me and He won't let me falter. Thank you, Lord!

Food for liberal (or not so liberal) thought.

What is liberal?  Who is considered liberal?  What makes these people's thoughts liberal?  What does it take to be considered liberal?  Do we have to vote to the left three times in a row?  Or maybe just once?  Why do people hate liberal thinkers? Because they aren't afraid to stir the pot?  Because they grew up, and found an opinion that is slightly different from their parents' views?  Isn't that what parent's want?  Their child to grow up and be able to form their own thoughts and make their own decisions?  


For the record, I consider myself a conservative liberal (to use the label).  Josh and I have been discussing ways to implement new teaching techniques into the old system.  He's got TONS of cool, innovative, and interesting thoughts about how he wants his classroom to be run.  


The most horrible thing is that when he does get into a school system and tries to make his dream classroom a reality, he is going to have those who do not agree with his methods.  He will get very little support from his co-workers; they will just be waiting for him to fall flat on his face.  He will be considered liberal.  

Just because he has got a fresh look on an ooooooooooooold system, he will be labeled and judged.  


And really, what will he have done?  Shake things up a little bit?  Try to actually engage the students in the things they are learning so that they literally LEARN? 


Is this really the way we want to live our lives - stuck in the same old rut in the mud? Is this not the reason why adults of a certain age experience a mid-life crisis?  Did Christ not say that if we were lukewarm that he would spew us from his mouth?  


Revelation 3:16 "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth."


Does Christ not tell us that in everything we do, to do it for His glory?  
1 Corinthians 10:31 "So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."


I know that education, liberality, and God's Word don't really go together, but yes, they do.  We should learn a few things from the Prince of Peace and the Lord of Lords!  We should never settle for what we have now, in our spiritual walk, in our education, and in our lives.  Whether it is a new way to reach more students, or a closer walk with the one who loves us so, we should always strive for more!

A Day Without Shoes

Today is "One Day without Shoes" day.  And , yes, I've been walking around all day without shoes on.  Things I've learned is that concrete is hard on your feet and we don't know what we've got, shoes.

With every step, I thought "those poor poor children in Africa".  We take advantage of the things we have like, food, shelter, and shoes.


Think about poverty.  Think about Jesus.

Today is not just about those poor children.  To me, One Day without Shoes is much more.  Think about the sacrifice of the soldiers.  Think about those who live in poverty and who are homeless.  Think about the life lived by our Savior, one of humility.  Think about the person we're called to be, a loving, compassionate one.  Think about what you're saying when you leave your shoes at home today.