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.