SOOOO thankful to be up here at Knit and Grace at the Lake weekend. As usual, I'm the first person up and about. I'm going to start putting breakfast foods out soon, but was taking a moment to check email, reconnect with the world in general first. Thankful for God's goodness in providing me safe (though long) travels here. Excited about what tomorrow may hold.
Kind of a hazy, gloomy morning. Not the morning of a gorgeous sunrise, not the morning of spectacular clarity of the water, not the morning of brilliant blue skies and puffy white clouds.
This does NOT mean that the lake this morning is not beautiful, or that I don't want to look at it. But it reminds me why I'm REALLY here. To encourage, love on, and bless the wonderful ladies who are here with me. Not to look at any "stinking" lake ;-).
Blessed to share this day with fellow daughters of the King!
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
Finally here!
So blessed to be here for Knit and Grace at the lake. So many wonderful, Godly women and young ladies to spend time with and to encourage and uplift one another.
Some of the things/people I'm thankful for tonight:
Kristin, and her generous spirit to open her home to all of us. We are blessed to call you friend!
Sarah, and joyous smile and cheerful friendship.
Trudy, and the wisdom that she bestows on each of our lives.
Nina, even though I barely saw her, she brings a smile to my face.
Cindy, who always brings such a different perspective everytime we talk.
Kippany, whom I've barely met, but who is such a precious, sweet daughter of the King. And a knitting prodigy!
Clara, Emma, Gretta, Amanda, those wonderful four sisters who are loving on and serving us this week.
Lynne, who taught me calligraphy once upon a time, and who is so fun to be around.
Miriam, whose sweet spirit blesses me whenever I am near her.
Brenda, my curly hair twin who has far more wisdom and experience than I! And who makes to-die-for Chocolate Decadence cake.
Meka, who got ENGAGED tonight!
All of the other ladies here and coming whom I'm not remembering all of their names.
Kristin shared a bit of wisdom with me last night. I am not a "big groups" person in general. She said what makes her happy is seeing all of the connections between people in small groups that would never have happened in normal life because they wouldn't have been around each other to connect. So cool that she desires to facilitate those connections for all of us and to glorify God within our midst. Blessed.
Some of the things/people I'm thankful for tonight:
Kristin, and her generous spirit to open her home to all of us. We are blessed to call you friend!
Sarah, and joyous smile and cheerful friendship.
Trudy, and the wisdom that she bestows on each of our lives.
Nina, even though I barely saw her, she brings a smile to my face.
Cindy, who always brings such a different perspective everytime we talk.
Kippany, whom I've barely met, but who is such a precious, sweet daughter of the King. And a knitting prodigy!
Clara, Emma, Gretta, Amanda, those wonderful four sisters who are loving on and serving us this week.
Lynne, who taught me calligraphy once upon a time, and who is so fun to be around.
Miriam, whose sweet spirit blesses me whenever I am near her.
Brenda, my curly hair twin who has far more wisdom and experience than I! And who makes to-die-for Chocolate Decadence cake.
Meka, who got ENGAGED tonight!
All of the other ladies here and coming whom I'm not remembering all of their names.
Kristin shared a bit of wisdom with me last night. I am not a "big groups" person in general. She said what makes her happy is seeing all of the connections between people in small groups that would never have happened in normal life because they wouldn't have been around each other to connect. So cool that she desires to facilitate those connections for all of us and to glorify God within our midst. Blessed.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
The Final Countdown...
...has begun. We are now at T minus 16 hours, give or take a few minutes, until I get to leave for Clemson and the most wonderfully awesome second annual Knit and Grace at the Lake!!! So can't wait!
I think it is time for a countdown of a different kind as well. Thus, I present:
Janet's Top Ten Reasons for Counting Down to Spring Break
Reason # 10:
Easter Bunny 5K with Grace, Rita, and Jessica. While I am looking forward to this THEORETICALLY, I am really kind of dreading it a little as well... I guess you can say I'm looking forward to it being completed ;-).
Reason #9:
Not living in an apartment by myself for 9 whole days! So awesome!
Reason #8:
No school for a whole entire week. Enough said.
Reason #7:
Birthday celebrations for friends and family spanning the whole week!
Reason #6:
Surprise plans. Can't tell--it would ruin the surprise!
Reason #5:
Aunt Jeanne and Nicholas coming to visit for Easter. SO excited! I miss my Nickle-boo!
Reason #4:
The Easter play at church. Can't wait to see what the vision has grown up to become!
Reason #3:
Family in general. I love my sisters...and my brothers...and my parents... Too much love!
Reason #2:
Knit and Grace at the Lake with some of my favoritest people in the universe! At one of my favoritest places in the universe!
Reason #1
Friends. Old and new. Siblings and those without family ties. Time spent with a friend is NEVER wasted. :-D
And, of course, it goes without saying that Easter is awesome!
I think it is time for a countdown of a different kind as well. Thus, I present:
Janet's Top Ten Reasons for Counting Down to Spring Break
Reason # 10:
Easter Bunny 5K with Grace, Rita, and Jessica. While I am looking forward to this THEORETICALLY, I am really kind of dreading it a little as well... I guess you can say I'm looking forward to it being completed ;-).
Reason #9:
Not living in an apartment by myself for 9 whole days! So awesome!
Reason #8:
No school for a whole entire week. Enough said.
Reason #7:
Birthday celebrations for friends and family spanning the whole week!
Reason #6:
Surprise plans. Can't tell--it would ruin the surprise!
Reason #5:
Aunt Jeanne and Nicholas coming to visit for Easter. SO excited! I miss my Nickle-boo!
Reason #4:
The Easter play at church. Can't wait to see what the vision has grown up to become!
Reason #3:
Family in general. I love my sisters...and my brothers...and my parents... Too much love!
Reason #2:
Knit and Grace at the Lake with some of my favoritest people in the universe! At one of my favoritest places in the universe!
Reason #1
Friends. Old and new. Siblings and those without family ties. Time spent with a friend is NEVER wasted. :-D
And, of course, it goes without saying that Easter is awesome!
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Random thoughts
Tired.
Could listen to The Piano Guys' music all day long.
Only 2 more days of teaching this week.
About to fall asleep if I can't get this typed really quickly.
Experiencing definite signs of blogger's block (similar to writer's block, but more pervasive).
God is good.
Journey Group was encouraging.
Not looking forward to how many tests I will need to grade over spring break.
My team teacher is amazing. I don't know how she does it all, coaches, and plans a wedding!
Still tired.
Realizing how stupid this whole thing sounds, but not willing to go back and change it.
Loving 1 John.
Excited about spring break and all the awesome people to see!
Knitting at the lake will be so wonderful.
Lake. Want lake now.
Blogger's block persists...
Going to sleep.
Good night.
Could listen to The Piano Guys' music all day long.
Only 2 more days of teaching this week.
About to fall asleep if I can't get this typed really quickly.
Experiencing definite signs of blogger's block (similar to writer's block, but more pervasive).
God is good.
Journey Group was encouraging.
Not looking forward to how many tests I will need to grade over spring break.
My team teacher is amazing. I don't know how she does it all, coaches, and plans a wedding!
Still tired.
Realizing how stupid this whole thing sounds, but not willing to go back and change it.
Loving 1 John.
Excited about spring break and all the awesome people to see!
Knitting at the lake will be so wonderful.
Lake. Want lake now.
Blogger's block persists...
Going to sleep.
Good night.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
M is for Melissa
I had the opportunity to catch up with Melissa over dinner tonight. She is my supervisor for after school care but also a friend. As we both have crazy, hectic schedules and lives, we haven't been able to spend time together for the last few months. Even though our time together was short, it was such a blessing to reconnect with her. I'm blessed to work with so many people who share my beliefs and values. Grateful for her friendship, her encouragement, and her desire to serve the people around her in a professional, caring, and most of all integrity-filled manner.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Growing Pains
This blog is a heartfelt confession. To protect the identity of the friend involved I'm going to refrain from using any names, and I'm going to be very vague about details and times. However, because God has used the experience in my life to teach me and grow me, I did want to share it.
I recently jumped to conclusions and accused a friend of, for lack of a better term, insensitivity. I accused this person of not being sensible of other friends' feelings on a specific issue. I misguidedly allowed myself to believe that I was doing this for the other person's good. To make that person stronger; to help point out an error in thinking. However, this was all really just a cover-up for hurt feelings. I had made an attempt to honor and bless this friend, and I felt like what I did had been rejected.
Now, this friend did not in any way indicate displeasure or insensibility toward the attempt I had made. It was through no fault committed by this person that I misunderstood the situation. In fact, had I considered the character of this friend, and prior discussions/comments, I would have had no reason to jump to this conclusion. It was a projection of my opinions on the situation solely based on the innocent wording of a few sentences and my own insecurities. One that was not warranted by any other outside causes. Not an intentional projection, but a projection nonetheless.
However, I was humbled and blessed by the reaction of my friend to my misguided and selfish behavior. Instead of arguing, the friend apologized for hurting my feelings and was willing to accept responsibility and blame in a situation where little or no fault could be assigned to anyone except myself. I had approached the situation blaming, demanding explanations. The friend responded with grace and humility, and was willing to take the blame.
Now, I will say that in no way was I intending to hurt or wound this friend. I really did want to figure out what was going on (even though it turned out that all that was going on was my own misunderstanding) because I truly did want to honor and bless the person. However, that did not, and should not, excuse the way in which I handled the situation. It was not done with grace and love as it should have been (on my side). And I learned far more from the example of the friend's response than I ever would have from someone who would have treated me back in the same manner I chose to use.
Thankful that through the kind response of a friend I was able to recognize a log in my own eye which needed to be removed. Especially thankful for a friendship in which all of the above could happen and I come out feeling like the relationship is actually stronger than weaker. Grateful that God treats me the way this friend does rather than the way I deserve. Even more grateful that Jesus took the punishment for my behavior when He did nothing to deserve it Himself. How do I not live in light of these facts each day?
I recently jumped to conclusions and accused a friend of, for lack of a better term, insensitivity. I accused this person of not being sensible of other friends' feelings on a specific issue. I misguidedly allowed myself to believe that I was doing this for the other person's good. To make that person stronger; to help point out an error in thinking. However, this was all really just a cover-up for hurt feelings. I had made an attempt to honor and bless this friend, and I felt like what I did had been rejected.
Now, this friend did not in any way indicate displeasure or insensibility toward the attempt I had made. It was through no fault committed by this person that I misunderstood the situation. In fact, had I considered the character of this friend, and prior discussions/comments, I would have had no reason to jump to this conclusion. It was a projection of my opinions on the situation solely based on the innocent wording of a few sentences and my own insecurities. One that was not warranted by any other outside causes. Not an intentional projection, but a projection nonetheless.
However, I was humbled and blessed by the reaction of my friend to my misguided and selfish behavior. Instead of arguing, the friend apologized for hurting my feelings and was willing to accept responsibility and blame in a situation where little or no fault could be assigned to anyone except myself. I had approached the situation blaming, demanding explanations. The friend responded with grace and humility, and was willing to take the blame.
Now, I will say that in no way was I intending to hurt or wound this friend. I really did want to figure out what was going on (even though it turned out that all that was going on was my own misunderstanding) because I truly did want to honor and bless the person. However, that did not, and should not, excuse the way in which I handled the situation. It was not done with grace and love as it should have been (on my side). And I learned far more from the example of the friend's response than I ever would have from someone who would have treated me back in the same manner I chose to use.
Thankful that through the kind response of a friend I was able to recognize a log in my own eye which needed to be removed. Especially thankful for a friendship in which all of the above could happen and I come out feeling like the relationship is actually stronger than weaker. Grateful that God treats me the way this friend does rather than the way I deserve. Even more grateful that Jesus took the punishment for my behavior when He did nothing to deserve it Himself. How do I not live in light of these facts each day?
Sunday, March 25, 2012
In memory...
Last night I had a really emotional discovery. However, it needs a lot of explanation, so here goes:
When I moved to our house in Clemson as a three year-old, there was a little girl who lived next door. Her name was Chrissy. I still remember the first or second day we were there, she invited me to go play in the cul-de-sac with her. Being the totally worldly-wise three year old that I was, I was very concerned by the request. I told her that I wasn't allowed to go to other people's houses with her, that I needed to get permission from my mom first. To my young astonished brain, what did I find when I asked, but that the cul-de-sac belonged to us too! How cool. I was the joint-owner of a cul-de-sac, whatever that was. Of course, I soon realized what it was, but I have never forgotten that conversation.
Chrissy became my (our...I had to share her with my siblings) playmate. Over the years, as soon as she got home from school we would walk over to see if "Chrissy can come out and play?" When I went to high school, I rode to school the first semester of our freshman year with Chrissy and her older sister Kate. No one at school really knew that we were connected; our schedules were very different and we didn't have the same lunch period either.
Right after the second semester of school started, we were awakened by a call early one morning from Jon, Chrissy's older brother, to say that I couldn't ride with Kate and Chrissy that morning. Chrissy had gone to the hospital and had a brain tumor. It was a scary time for me, even though I was in total shock and couldn't really process it. Over the next week or so, Chrissy's condition ping-ponged and eventually led to her passing. I was really broken up. However, as people throughout the school grieved, I felt like an outsider because no one really knew that we were close. One example: everyone started wearing pink ribbons to remember her. No one offered one to me. I was heartsick and made myself physically sick. I couldn't cry and began to feel nauseated as the days passed.
Going to Chrissy's funeral was one of the hardest decisions I ever made. I waffled back and forth, but eventually decided to go, which was good because I did need the closure. Later that week, I actually was able to cry with my dad, and I started healing emotionally. A while later, I wrote a poem about Chrissy, which I copied into her memorial page in my yearbook. It was not a well-developed poem from a literary standpoint, but writing it helped me to heal. There were certainly still scars, but they didn't reappear too often. A few years later at graduation, though, the pink ribbons reappeared. Again I was not offered one. That still stung.
In the midst of all of my grief, because of the situation at school, I wondered if my friendship had actually meant anything to Chrissy. I wasn't one of the ones the family called to visit her in the hospital; I wasn't one of the ones involved in the group healing at school; I was an outsider.
Anyway, to link to present day; prior to Chrissy's passing, her family had taken a cruise together...I think to the Bahamas. I had watched their many pets while they were gone, including a cute little ginger kitten (who has since grown up to be the Garfield of the neighborhood). As I was going through some old cards yesterday, I found a postcard that Chrissy had sent me from their cruise. I didn't even realize I had it. I probably haven't seen it since right after I received it. I know that Chrissy was saved and I'll see her again in heaven, and the pain has finally fully gone. I haven't really gone back to those memories in a long time, but seeing that postcard, was a final layer of closure for me.
When I moved to our house in Clemson as a three year-old, there was a little girl who lived next door. Her name was Chrissy. I still remember the first or second day we were there, she invited me to go play in the cul-de-sac with her. Being the totally worldly-wise three year old that I was, I was very concerned by the request. I told her that I wasn't allowed to go to other people's houses with her, that I needed to get permission from my mom first. To my young astonished brain, what did I find when I asked, but that the cul-de-sac belonged to us too! How cool. I was the joint-owner of a cul-de-sac, whatever that was. Of course, I soon realized what it was, but I have never forgotten that conversation.
Chrissy became my (our...I had to share her with my siblings) playmate. Over the years, as soon as she got home from school we would walk over to see if "Chrissy can come out and play?" When I went to high school, I rode to school the first semester of our freshman year with Chrissy and her older sister Kate. No one at school really knew that we were connected; our schedules were very different and we didn't have the same lunch period either.
Right after the second semester of school started, we were awakened by a call early one morning from Jon, Chrissy's older brother, to say that I couldn't ride with Kate and Chrissy that morning. Chrissy had gone to the hospital and had a brain tumor. It was a scary time for me, even though I was in total shock and couldn't really process it. Over the next week or so, Chrissy's condition ping-ponged and eventually led to her passing. I was really broken up. However, as people throughout the school grieved, I felt like an outsider because no one really knew that we were close. One example: everyone started wearing pink ribbons to remember her. No one offered one to me. I was heartsick and made myself physically sick. I couldn't cry and began to feel nauseated as the days passed.
Going to Chrissy's funeral was one of the hardest decisions I ever made. I waffled back and forth, but eventually decided to go, which was good because I did need the closure. Later that week, I actually was able to cry with my dad, and I started healing emotionally. A while later, I wrote a poem about Chrissy, which I copied into her memorial page in my yearbook. It was not a well-developed poem from a literary standpoint, but writing it helped me to heal. There were certainly still scars, but they didn't reappear too often. A few years later at graduation, though, the pink ribbons reappeared. Again I was not offered one. That still stung.
In the midst of all of my grief, because of the situation at school, I wondered if my friendship had actually meant anything to Chrissy. I wasn't one of the ones the family called to visit her in the hospital; I wasn't one of the ones involved in the group healing at school; I was an outsider.
Anyway, to link to present day; prior to Chrissy's passing, her family had taken a cruise together...I think to the Bahamas. I had watched their many pets while they were gone, including a cute little ginger kitten (who has since grown up to be the Garfield of the neighborhood). As I was going through some old cards yesterday, I found a postcard that Chrissy had sent me from their cruise. I didn't even realize I had it. I probably haven't seen it since right after I received it. I know that Chrissy was saved and I'll see her again in heaven, and the pain has finally fully gone. I haven't really gone back to those memories in a long time, but seeing that postcard, was a final layer of closure for me.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Ready, Set, Saturday!
Today was pretty much a hodge-podge of many different events, errands, and work.
Morning:
Do dishes
Clean the apartment
Run laundry
Go to bank
Go to dance
Afternoon:
Go to state gymnastics meet :-D
--knit while there
--braid Amanda's hair into coolness while there
Eat early dinner with Maguires
Evening:
Quick quiet time
Lots of grading at Starbucks
--hang out with Nicole while I graded
Download Jon Schmidt's Bonus Tracks album :-)
Download The Piano Guys' album :-D
I love when Saturdays are productive. Thankful for friends, Starbucks, cooler weather, no "work" for Sunday, awesome music, and God's grace made evident in my life!
Signing out--
PS: Philippians 3 is convicting.
Morning:
Do dishes
Clean the apartment
Run laundry
Go to bank
Go to dance
Afternoon:
Go to state gymnastics meet :-D
--knit while there
--braid Amanda's hair into coolness while there
Eat early dinner with Maguires
Evening:
Quick quiet time
Lots of grading at Starbucks
--hang out with Nicole while I graded
Download Jon Schmidt's Bonus Tracks album :-)
Download The Piano Guys' album :-D
I love when Saturdays are productive. Thankful for friends, Starbucks, cooler weather, no "work" for Sunday, awesome music, and God's grace made evident in my life!
Signing out--
PS: Philippians 3 is convicting.
Friday, March 23, 2012
People I miss (abridged version ;-D)
As I look forward to this weekend, and especially to next weekend (SPRING BREAK!) I'm thinking about all the people I miss from Clemson. Of course, there are different degrees to which I miss them, but the list is overwhelmingly long, which just reminds me how blessed I am in how many people are meaningful in my life. Not all of them are close friends, but they still bring a smile to my face when I get to spend time with them, and it is encouraging to see how God works in their lives. Here is an extremely limited list of people I'm missing. If you aren't on the list, do not at all feel unloved or left out. I have way less time to write than would allow me to thoroughly detail what all of my friends mean to me.
So thankful that I actually get to see Emma tomorrow here in ye old Rock Thrill. She will be competing in level 9 for the state gymnastics meet. GO EMMA! Woot, woot! I'm so proud of the young woman she is becoming. Learning to balance school and gym and music is no small task, and she deals with it more gracefully than I would. Emma is like a mini-me in so many personality traits. However, I will definitely say that in terms of musical and athletic talent, she is by far and away my superior! So honored to know her and be a part of her life.
I'm also missing Daniel today. I haven't written much about my youngest brother. He and I have had a special relationship his whole life. When he was born, Mom was on bedrest for several weeks. As an 11 year old, I did my best to keep the house running smoothly--cooking meals, cleaning, taking care of the baby, etc. Dad was able to take some time off, but did eventually have to go back to work. So I was the one holding and bouncing and entertaining Daniel while Mom rested. It was so cool. And we've had a special bond ever since. When he was a toddler and fell and scraped his knee, he would often come running to me first to fix it. We loved reading together, and playing games both indoors and out. Now that bubbly little boy has become an energetic and enthusiastic young man, and I still love him dearly. Just an example of his servant's heart: I asked him to wash my car while I'm home for break, and offered him a fair price (based on what current places charge including tip for full detail). He basically told me that I wasn't allowed to pay him that much because he earned that much for 3 hours of yardwork, and washing a car was way more fun and took less time. We need more Daniels in the world. That's about all I have to say on that topic ;-). And I also am excited to see him performing his signature role as the crazy guard in the upcoming Easter play at church.
Speaking of the Easter play, I'm missing Gretta. She and I collaborated on the vision for the play this year, and she wrote a script that embodied the heart and soul of our idea. I am so impressed with how she has grown as a writer and also as a young lady who seeks to know that heart and will of Christ. Even though we've only recently become more close, I know that God will continue to grow our friendship and help us to encourage one another on in the Lord.
Really missing Grace this week as well. She has been in the great state of Alabama on a spring break trip, so we've not connected as much as we normally would. However, the card she sent me at the end of last week is still sitting on my table and makes me smile every time I look at it. I don't know why God chose to bless me with such amazing siblings, but I am so very thankful for each of them.
So thankful that I actually get to see Emma tomorrow here in ye old Rock Thrill. She will be competing in level 9 for the state gymnastics meet. GO EMMA! Woot, woot! I'm so proud of the young woman she is becoming. Learning to balance school and gym and music is no small task, and she deals with it more gracefully than I would. Emma is like a mini-me in so many personality traits. However, I will definitely say that in terms of musical and athletic talent, she is by far and away my superior! So honored to know her and be a part of her life.
I'm also missing Daniel today. I haven't written much about my youngest brother. He and I have had a special relationship his whole life. When he was born, Mom was on bedrest for several weeks. As an 11 year old, I did my best to keep the house running smoothly--cooking meals, cleaning, taking care of the baby, etc. Dad was able to take some time off, but did eventually have to go back to work. So I was the one holding and bouncing and entertaining Daniel while Mom rested. It was so cool. And we've had a special bond ever since. When he was a toddler and fell and scraped his knee, he would often come running to me first to fix it. We loved reading together, and playing games both indoors and out. Now that bubbly little boy has become an energetic and enthusiastic young man, and I still love him dearly. Just an example of his servant's heart: I asked him to wash my car while I'm home for break, and offered him a fair price (based on what current places charge including tip for full detail). He basically told me that I wasn't allowed to pay him that much because he earned that much for 3 hours of yardwork, and washing a car was way more fun and took less time. We need more Daniels in the world. That's about all I have to say on that topic ;-). And I also am excited to see him performing his signature role as the crazy guard in the upcoming Easter play at church.
Speaking of the Easter play, I'm missing Gretta. She and I collaborated on the vision for the play this year, and she wrote a script that embodied the heart and soul of our idea. I am so impressed with how she has grown as a writer and also as a young lady who seeks to know that heart and will of Christ. Even though we've only recently become more close, I know that God will continue to grow our friendship and help us to encourage one another on in the Lord.
Really missing Grace this week as well. She has been in the great state of Alabama on a spring break trip, so we've not connected as much as we normally would. However, the card she sent me at the end of last week is still sitting on my table and makes me smile every time I look at it. I don't know why God chose to bless me with such amazing siblings, but I am so very thankful for each of them.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Serving with a Smile
Okay, this is random. But I saw this You Tube video, and I was reminded of the ministry to Sterling House that my home church in Clemson does. Even though the video was made without reference to any spiritual significance, I know that the residents at SH are just as blessed as the ones in the video, if not more so because they have Christ's love demonstrated to them each month!
I also appreciated the attitude of the two serving the group in this movie. How wonderful to serve with a smile, and how much more effective would our ministry be if this was always our attitude? Enjoy!
I also appreciated the attitude of the two serving the group in this movie. How wonderful to serve with a smile, and how much more effective would our ministry be if this was always our attitude? Enjoy!
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Exhausted
(Yes, this is a fill-in post. Because last night I was too exhausted to come up with a topic for the blog...)
Wednesday was truly crazy. Between PASS testing, Patriot's Promise, and Partner Gathering (three Ps....hmm), I was totally wiped of energy. So looking forward to this weekend, no doubt about it.
PASS testing is done until May. HALLELUJAH!!!
My new driver's license came in the mail today. Since I moved, I was reminded that changing the address on that particular form of identification is a legal mandate, and thus I went through the process of updating it and ordering a replacement card. I was a little taken aback when it arrived and I found that my picture was replicated upon it, not once, but twice! Yes, the new vertical driver's license format has made its way into my purse. Not really sure how I feel about it, other than not so thrilled about seeing my DL picture in duplicate...
Journey group was cancelled because of Partner Gathering. It was a good time of updates, fellowship and worship. And chocolate chip fluff :). I was definitely a fan of that! However, my dreams of getting home earlier than normal because we were supposed to get out at 8 were pretty much obliterated. I should have known better. Got home around 9.
Was able to chat with Dana online tonight. So cool to catch up with her...it has been at least a month since we've been on at the same time. Thankful for our continued friendship.
Wednesday was truly crazy. Between PASS testing, Patriot's Promise, and Partner Gathering (three Ps....hmm), I was totally wiped of energy. So looking forward to this weekend, no doubt about it.
PASS testing is done until May. HALLELUJAH!!!
My new driver's license came in the mail today. Since I moved, I was reminded that changing the address on that particular form of identification is a legal mandate, and thus I went through the process of updating it and ordering a replacement card. I was a little taken aback when it arrived and I found that my picture was replicated upon it, not once, but twice! Yes, the new vertical driver's license format has made its way into my purse. Not really sure how I feel about it, other than not so thrilled about seeing my DL picture in duplicate...
Journey group was cancelled because of Partner Gathering. It was a good time of updates, fellowship and worship. And chocolate chip fluff :). I was definitely a fan of that! However, my dreams of getting home earlier than normal because we were supposed to get out at 8 were pretty much obliterated. I should have known better. Got home around 9.
Was able to chat with Dana online tonight. So cool to catch up with her...it has been at least a month since we've been on at the same time. Thankful for our continued friendship.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
The day PASSes by
So, today was the first of two PASS testing days in March. Fifth and eighth grade students throughout the great state of South Carolina are required to take a two-part writing test today and tomorrow. Today, 5th grade students wrote a personal narrative in response to a prompt using less than two pages (single sided) for their final draft. Tomorrow they will do a multiple choice section that involves editing and grammar skills.
As much as this test is stressful for the students, it can be even more stressful for us teachers. Having the writing test so long before the end of the school year means that we have to cram as much writing content into the first three quarters as possible, and pray we did enough. While I understand the written tests take far longer to score, and this is often given as a rationale for giving the test so early, it is still difficult for the students and teachers to return back to the normalcy of everyday learning after such an abrupt departure into the realm of test-dom.
I'm so thankful that today, while having its many minor hiccups, went relatively smoothly. My students seemed overall to be very intent on doing their best, even the ones who don't like to write. So, while I'm still slightly stressed about the second day of testing tomorrow, I'm resting in the strength of the Father which brought me through today, and which will bring me through tomorrow as well.
Still have a busy afternoon and evening ahead. I'm typing this as I'm about to head into the gym to workout, then FPU tonight as well. I won't be getting home until around 8:30, and then it will still be several more hours before I actually hit the hay. But I'm so glad that there are only 8 more days of school until spring break, and only one more day of PASS!
As much as this test is stressful for the students, it can be even more stressful for us teachers. Having the writing test so long before the end of the school year means that we have to cram as much writing content into the first three quarters as possible, and pray we did enough. While I understand the written tests take far longer to score, and this is often given as a rationale for giving the test so early, it is still difficult for the students and teachers to return back to the normalcy of everyday learning after such an abrupt departure into the realm of test-dom.
I'm so thankful that today, while having its many minor hiccups, went relatively smoothly. My students seemed overall to be very intent on doing their best, even the ones who don't like to write. So, while I'm still slightly stressed about the second day of testing tomorrow, I'm resting in the strength of the Father which brought me through today, and which will bring me through tomorrow as well.
Still have a busy afternoon and evening ahead. I'm typing this as I'm about to head into the gym to workout, then FPU tonight as well. I won't be getting home until around 8:30, and then it will still be several more hours before I actually hit the hay. But I'm so glad that there are only 8 more days of school until spring break, and only one more day of PASS!
Monday, March 19, 2012
Heartsong
God has been faithful in so many ways today. One of them was in giving me this amazing song this morning--it has become my heart's cry today.
Some days I wake up and wonder, what's the purpose of me being on earth today? The reason is Christ. (Going back to Philippians 1 again here...I was serious when I said I needed the reminder hourly...To live is Christ!)
I want to fall in love with Jesus. Really in love. Not a flirtation, not when I feel like it. Not just because I know I should. Fall. In. Love. I want this to be my heartsong forever:
All of Creation (Mercy Me)
Separated until the veil was torn.
The moment that hope was born,
and guilt was pardoned once and for all.
Captivated but no longer bound by chains,
left at an empty grave,
the sinner and the sacred resolved.
[chorus:]
And all of creation sing with me now,
lift up your voice and lay your burden down.
And all of creation sing with me now,
fill up the heavens let His glory resound.
Time has faded and we see him face to face
every doubt erased
forever we will worship the King.
[bridge:]
The reason we breathe
is to sing of His glory;
and for all he has done
praise the Father, praise the Son
and the Spirit in one.
Some days I wake up and wonder, what's the purpose of me being on earth today? The reason is Christ. (Going back to Philippians 1 again here...I was serious when I said I needed the reminder hourly...To live is Christ!)
I want to fall in love with Jesus. Really in love. Not a flirtation, not when I feel like it. Not just because I know I should. Fall. In. Love. I want this to be my heartsong forever:
All of Creation (Mercy Me)
Separated until the veil was torn.
The moment that hope was born,
and guilt was pardoned once and for all.
Captivated but no longer bound by chains,
left at an empty grave,
the sinner and the sacred resolved.
[chorus:]
And all of creation sing with me now,
lift up your voice and lay your burden down.
And all of creation sing with me now,
fill up the heavens let His glory resound.
Time has faded and we see him face to face
every doubt erased
forever we will worship the King.
[bridge:]
The reason we breathe
is to sing of His glory;
and for all he has done
praise the Father, praise the Son
and the Spirit in one.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Crazy Sunday...Lazy Sunday
For the first time in a while, I'm not posting about the sermon today. Don't get me wrong: it was good. It just didn't hit me personally as strongly as the past few have. So I'm taking a break from sermon blogging this Sunday and instead blogging about something else...as yet to be determined.
To begin with, let me explain the title of this post. This morning was INSANE. I set my alarm for 7:30 because I was going to the early service. Long story short, I was asked to help set up for an event during the third service, so I knew I might miss the sermon if I didn't go to the early one. Regardless, it did not occur to me that while I usually set my alarm for 8:30 on Sundays, that gives me about an hour to get ready (the second service where I volunteer in Safariland starts at 9:45). However, the first service starts at 8:15. That means I had only about 30 minutes to get ready this morning. Which, of course, I didn't think about until it was, oh, about 5 minutes before 8. So, then I ran around like a crazy person getting ready to go and somehow made it there on time(ish)...they'd only just started the first song.
Then, Safariland giraffe room today (2 yr olds, basically) was pretty insane today. We had two or three who were in "a mood" and didn't want to behave. We had one who was super clingly, especially at first. We had several who were potty training, and that was *fun.* We also had one child who refused to go to the bathroom and...you can guess the rest. So yeah, it was quite crazy there. Then the worker for the next service didn't get there until after we were supposed to already be gone, and I ended up staying later than normal to help out.
After this I did have some down time to knit and talk to people while I waited for the end of the third service. Yes, when I was supposed to be helping set up the event. Apparently the pastor had forgotten to mention that he didn't actually need me until after the sermon. Go figure. Oh well. Then we had the event, and I helped break down tables and put away chairs at the end.
So, that was the crazy part of my day. Here goes the lazy part.
I finished pretty much all the stuff on my To Do list yesterday. Which is amazing. However, there was one minor drawback. I didn't have anything planned for the rest of the day. All of my close friends here had other stuff to do, so we couldn't hang out. So I ended up sitting around the apartment, bored. I hate living alone. Anywho, so I emailed and had a quiet time, and searched a bit on Ravelry, and was about to go stir-crazy. Thus, I decided to go window shopping. While this is a good way to fill time and not feel as bored, it still was pretty much totally unproductive. The only things I actually bought were some camisoles for several people (the kind we like are sold at Ross, and they sell out really quickly so I always try to stock up when I do see them). So all in all, it was a pretty boring experience as well. Now, of course, I'm sitting here writing this blog. And, apparently explaining the title took way longer than I expected, so I'll wrap it up quickly.
Quiet times are now focusing on Philippians in the break between the gospels and the worship study our Journey Group is about to start. Today and yesterday: Philippians 1. To live is Christ and to die is gain. To live is Christ. Even when I'm bored out of my skull. Even when I'm lonely. Even when I'd rather sleep the day away (even though I'm terrible at doing that anyway). Even when my computer overheats and crashes. Even when _______. Fill in the blank, regardless of the circumstance, my response should be, to live is Christ. I pray I get there. I'm closer today than last year, last month, last week. But it is a continual process.
PS--Update on my friend who had the stroke. I've been posting updates on the initial prayer request blog as I get them, but for those who haven't gone back to check there because they didn't know, she is now in a normal room, and talking! The doctors are starting to talk about a full recovery, though of course nothing is a guarantee, but that is a huge step from where she was on Friday. Praise the Lord! And thank you all for your continued prayers.
To begin with, let me explain the title of this post. This morning was INSANE. I set my alarm for 7:30 because I was going to the early service. Long story short, I was asked to help set up for an event during the third service, so I knew I might miss the sermon if I didn't go to the early one. Regardless, it did not occur to me that while I usually set my alarm for 8:30 on Sundays, that gives me about an hour to get ready (the second service where I volunteer in Safariland starts at 9:45). However, the first service starts at 8:15. That means I had only about 30 minutes to get ready this morning. Which, of course, I didn't think about until it was, oh, about 5 minutes before 8. So, then I ran around like a crazy person getting ready to go and somehow made it there on time(ish)...they'd only just started the first song.
Then, Safariland giraffe room today (2 yr olds, basically) was pretty insane today. We had two or three who were in "a mood" and didn't want to behave. We had one who was super clingly, especially at first. We had several who were potty training, and that was *fun.* We also had one child who refused to go to the bathroom and...you can guess the rest. So yeah, it was quite crazy there. Then the worker for the next service didn't get there until after we were supposed to already be gone, and I ended up staying later than normal to help out.
After this I did have some down time to knit and talk to people while I waited for the end of the third service. Yes, when I was supposed to be helping set up the event. Apparently the pastor had forgotten to mention that he didn't actually need me until after the sermon. Go figure. Oh well. Then we had the event, and I helped break down tables and put away chairs at the end.
So, that was the crazy part of my day. Here goes the lazy part.
I finished pretty much all the stuff on my To Do list yesterday. Which is amazing. However, there was one minor drawback. I didn't have anything planned for the rest of the day. All of my close friends here had other stuff to do, so we couldn't hang out. So I ended up sitting around the apartment, bored. I hate living alone. Anywho, so I emailed and had a quiet time, and searched a bit on Ravelry, and was about to go stir-crazy. Thus, I decided to go window shopping. While this is a good way to fill time and not feel as bored, it still was pretty much totally unproductive. The only things I actually bought were some camisoles for several people (the kind we like are sold at Ross, and they sell out really quickly so I always try to stock up when I do see them). So all in all, it was a pretty boring experience as well. Now, of course, I'm sitting here writing this blog. And, apparently explaining the title took way longer than I expected, so I'll wrap it up quickly.
Quiet times are now focusing on Philippians in the break between the gospels and the worship study our Journey Group is about to start. Today and yesterday: Philippians 1. To live is Christ and to die is gain. To live is Christ. Even when I'm bored out of my skull. Even when I'm lonely. Even when I'd rather sleep the day away (even though I'm terrible at doing that anyway). Even when my computer overheats and crashes. Even when _______. Fill in the blank, regardless of the circumstance, my response should be, to live is Christ. I pray I get there. I'm closer today than last year, last month, last week. But it is a continual process.
PS--Update on my friend who had the stroke. I've been posting updates on the initial prayer request blog as I get them, but for those who haven't gone back to check there because they didn't know, she is now in a normal room, and talking! The doctors are starting to talk about a full recovery, though of course nothing is a guarantee, but that is a huge step from where she was on Friday. Praise the Lord! And thank you all for your continued prayers.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Not a fan...
So I'm discovering that the worst part of living alone is Saturdays. Just because this is a little of the mood I'm in this morning, I'm posting a not-a-fan list:
Not a fan...
-of waking up at 6:30 on Saturday morning for no apparent reason
-of the fact that my head hurts right now
-of the ginormous TO DO list I have compiled for today and tomorrow
-of no dance today
-of my ankle hurting because I'm a klutz
-of my bedside lightbulb being burnt out for over a week (its a weird type I have to go find a replacement)
-of living by myself
-of the dishes that need to be washed in and around my sink
-of having a really, really stupid and annoying song stuck in my head
-of sore/cramping muscles
-of having to climb multiple flights of stairs to get laundry done today
-of thinking about going through umpteen million receipts and redoing my budget
-of the fact that the weather here is so variable, and that my a/c is so hard to figure out, and thus
-of being alternately cold/hot throughout the night (due to leaving the window open), plus
-of the fact that someone smoked outside my back porch this morning and so now my bedroom smells a little like cigarette
However, lest anyone think I'm too down-in the dumps:
Am a fan:
-of ibuprofen
-of PB&J...comfort food!
-of getting things done and checked off the TO DO list
-of knitting
-of prayer
-of God
-of friends
-of not being called a young lady anymore ;)...don't ask...
-of fans (the ceiling variety in particular)
-of cute summer shoes
-of my family
-of spring break AND knitting at the lake in two weeks!!!
-of Emma's gym meet in town next weekend
-of making the time to work out
-of candles (great for scent changing)
My goals for the day: Make the not a fan list diminish. Make am a fan list grow. Be productive. Focus on others, not me. Decide what to study next for my quiet time. Enjoy life and God.
Not a fan...
-of waking up at 6:30 on Saturday morning for no apparent reason
-of the fact that my head hurts right now
-of the ginormous TO DO list I have compiled for today and tomorrow
-of no dance today
-of my ankle hurting because I'm a klutz
-of my bedside lightbulb being burnt out for over a week (its a weird type I have to go find a replacement)
-of living by myself
-of the dishes that need to be washed in and around my sink
-of having a really, really stupid and annoying song stuck in my head
-of sore/cramping muscles
-of having to climb multiple flights of stairs to get laundry done today
-of thinking about going through umpteen million receipts and redoing my budget
-of the fact that the weather here is so variable, and that my a/c is so hard to figure out, and thus
-of being alternately cold/hot throughout the night (due to leaving the window open), plus
-of the fact that someone smoked outside my back porch this morning and so now my bedroom smells a little like cigarette
However, lest anyone think I'm too down-in the dumps:
Am a fan:
-of ibuprofen
-of PB&J...comfort food!
-of getting things done and checked off the TO DO list
-of knitting
-of prayer
-of God
-of friends
-of not being called a young lady anymore ;)...don't ask...
-of fans (the ceiling variety in particular)
-of cute summer shoes
-of my family
-of spring break AND knitting at the lake in two weeks!!!
-of Emma's gym meet in town next weekend
-of making the time to work out
-of candles (great for scent changing)
My goals for the day: Make the not a fan list diminish. Make am a fan list grow. Be productive. Focus on others, not me. Decide what to study next for my quiet time. Enjoy life and God.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Teacher Work Day (for real this time!)
Had a great TWD today. Slept in an hour late. Had my quiet time...finished the book of John. Had breakfast provided from Chick-Fil-A. Worked on my class rank. Had my evaluation :P. Went to lunch at Panera with my AWESOME team (minus the sick member). Finished my class rank. Cleaned my desk area. Cleaned my classroom. Graded some papers. Went to our staff meeting. Talked to the Director of the afterschool care program. Packed up. Drove to gym and called Mom to catch up on the way. Worked out. Took a nice, long, refreshing shower. Went home. Got an awesome card from Grace. Ate dinner. Texted with Grace. Chatted with Kristin. Chatted with a couple other friends. Graded some more papers. Kept chatting. Wrote this blog. Went to bed. Night, y'all!
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Praying tonight...
For a friend and co-worker who suffered a stroke yesterday. She was only a year behind me in college. She is not doing well. Please join me in praying. Thanks!
Update on Friday 3/16: She is making progress! Praise Jesus! Still a long way to go. Please keep praying!
Update on Saturday 3/17: She is talking! And in a normal room! Doctors are starting to talk about a full recovery. Thanks for the prayers, and please keep praying!
Update on Wednesday 3/21: She has been moved to a rehabilitation center! God is so good. Long road ahead still, prayers are still coveted.
Update on Tuesday 3/27: She is making progress; gaining strength of speech back, working on basic skills like showering and walking with a walker. Keep praying!
Update on Friday 3/16: She is making progress! Praise Jesus! Still a long way to go. Please keep praying!
Update on Saturday 3/17: She is talking! And in a normal room! Doctors are starting to talk about a full recovery. Thanks for the prayers, and please keep praying!
Update on Wednesday 3/21: She has been moved to a rehabilitation center! God is so good. Long road ahead still, prayers are still coveted.
Update on Tuesday 3/27: She is making progress; gaining strength of speech back, working on basic skills like showering and walking with a walker. Keep praying!
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Company calls!
I love having people over. Susanna came over tonight, and even though she couldn't stay long, her visit totally brightened my day. Thus, a Susanna-inspired list of blessings:
1) A friendly face
2) GORGEOUS flowers
3) A dear sister in Christ
4) Chai tea
5) A sympathetic ear
6) Laughter
7) An encouraging smile
8) Taking off shoes to get comfy
9) Sharing prayer requests
10) Susanna
1) A friendly face
2) GORGEOUS flowers
3) A dear sister in Christ
4) Chai tea
5) A sympathetic ear
6) Laughter
7) An encouraging smile
8) Taking off shoes to get comfy
9) Sharing prayer requests
10) Susanna
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Falling asleep at the keyboard
Not much to say tonight. My brain is tired, my body is tired, and my eyes are tired.
John 16 is awesome. Just saying. *Note to Janet's future self reading this blog...go back and reread John 16. Then think about all the stuff God told you through it tonight.*
Amen and Amen.
John 16 is awesome. Just saying. *Note to Janet's future self reading this blog...go back and reread John 16. Then think about all the stuff God told you through it tonight.*
Amen and Amen.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Gloriously Emptied
I am currently feeling as though I've taken one of those quizzes where you have to answer questions about your life through song titles or lyrics. So, enjoy a (very) brief snapshot into my life as a musical this evening:
Empty Me
Jeremy Camp
Holy fire, burn away
My desire for anything
that is not of You and is of me
I want more of You and less of me
Empty me, empty me,
Fill, won't You fill me
With You, with You.
Oh won't You empty me?
Oh won't You empty me now?
Cause I want more, cause I want more,
I want more of You, Jesus
Thank You Jesus.
This song was coursing through my head a few weeks ago. I was reminded of it tonight, and it is quickly becoming my heart's cry once again. I feel as though I've been emptied several times over the past week, and I know Jesus isn't finished yet. It is one of those things you pray and believe by faith but also realize that it means life isn't going to be easy when you're going through it. Kinda like praying for patience ;).
As I was looking up the lyrics, however, another song came across my screen, and it also spoke to where I am right now:
Everything Glorious
David Crowder Band
The day is brighter here with You
The night is lighter than its hue
Would lead me to believe
Which leads me to believe
(chorus)
You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
And I am Yours
What does that make me?
My eyes are small but they have seen
the beauty of enormous things
Which leads me to believe
there's light enough to see that
From glory to glory
You are glorious You are glorious
From glory to glory
You are glorious. You are glorious
Which leads me to believe
why I can believe
I am glorious because I am His. Not because I am amazing in or of myself. But He has made me, claimed me, redeemed me. He will continue to empty me of myself and fill me with Himself. So blessed.
Empty Me
Jeremy Camp
Holy fire, burn away
My desire for anything
that is not of You and is of me
I want more of You and less of me
Empty me, empty me,
Fill, won't You fill me
With You, with You.
Oh won't You empty me?
Oh won't You empty me now?
Cause I want more, cause I want more,
I want more of You, Jesus
Thank You Jesus.
This song was coursing through my head a few weeks ago. I was reminded of it tonight, and it is quickly becoming my heart's cry once again. I feel as though I've been emptied several times over the past week, and I know Jesus isn't finished yet. It is one of those things you pray and believe by faith but also realize that it means life isn't going to be easy when you're going through it. Kinda like praying for patience ;).
As I was looking up the lyrics, however, another song came across my screen, and it also spoke to where I am right now:
Everything Glorious
David Crowder Band
The day is brighter here with You
The night is lighter than its hue
Would lead me to believe
Which leads me to believe
(chorus)
You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
And I am Yours
What does that make me?
My eyes are small but they have seen
the beauty of enormous things
Which leads me to believe
there's light enough to see that
From glory to glory
You are glorious You are glorious
From glory to glory
You are glorious. You are glorious
Which leads me to believe
why I can believe
I am glorious because I am His. Not because I am amazing in or of myself. But He has made me, claimed me, redeemed me. He will continue to empty me of myself and fill me with Himself. So blessed.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Missionary Living
Another awesome sermon today. Pastor Jay discussed John 15:16 and the importance of missionary living.
John 15:16 " You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you."
Pastor Jay explained that being on mission means proclaiming Christ where He is not known. He used a quote from John Piper to illustrate this: "Missions exist because worship does not." In other words, we are here to proclaim Christ wherever we are that He is not currently worshiped--neighborhood, workplace, gym, grocery store--that's our mission field. My school is my mission field. Even though I'm restricted from sharing my faith with my students, I am not restricted from demonstrating Christ's love to them 24/7.
Another thing that really grabbed my attention was when he said that a disciple is not actually a disciple until he/she has made another disciple, and that if we aren't making disciples there is a level of intimacy with God that we are missing out on. He used Matthew 28 as his rationale here: Jesus said in the Great Commission that He would be with us as we made disciples. That doesn't mean He isn't with us otherwise, but there is a certainly connection between disciple making and our personal walk with Christ.
We were also reminded that God doesn't want an audience; He wants an army. To quote Pastor Jay: "As we take responsibility for making disciples, we begin to have our heart transformed into His heart, and our desires come in line with His will." That leads us to pray for the souls of the people around us, and "that is a prayer He will always answer with all the power of heaven. We [become] broken over lostness wherever it exists, and we are compelled to action."
This hit close to home because I know that I wonder sometimes why I don't feel as deeply connected to God as I want to. But thinking through whether my focus is on evangelism and disciple making; I know that it is frequently not. This is certainly an area where I can grow.
As if that all weren't enough to get me thinking, tonight I went to a Bible study with a good friend. Guess what the topic was there? You guessed it: Disciple making! It was a good discussion of practical steps to making disciples using the illustration of how Jesus interacted with the Samaritan woman in John 4. (Additionally, although I didn't know this prior to going to the study, the only requirement for joining the Bible study group is that you commit to walk through any doors for evangelism that God opens, which I thought was a really awesome way to think about evangelism and discipleship).
So, I guess I'll be learning more about living as a disciple who makes disciples this week. Can't wait to see what God has in store, and what doors He opens for me to walk through.
John 15:16 " You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you."
Pastor Jay explained that being on mission means proclaiming Christ where He is not known. He used a quote from John Piper to illustrate this: "Missions exist because worship does not." In other words, we are here to proclaim Christ wherever we are that He is not currently worshiped--neighborhood, workplace, gym, grocery store--that's our mission field. My school is my mission field. Even though I'm restricted from sharing my faith with my students, I am not restricted from demonstrating Christ's love to them 24/7.
Another thing that really grabbed my attention was when he said that a disciple is not actually a disciple until he/she has made another disciple, and that if we aren't making disciples there is a level of intimacy with God that we are missing out on. He used Matthew 28 as his rationale here: Jesus said in the Great Commission that He would be with us as we made disciples. That doesn't mean He isn't with us otherwise, but there is a certainly connection between disciple making and our personal walk with Christ.
We were also reminded that God doesn't want an audience; He wants an army. To quote Pastor Jay: "As we take responsibility for making disciples, we begin to have our heart transformed into His heart, and our desires come in line with His will." That leads us to pray for the souls of the people around us, and "that is a prayer He will always answer with all the power of heaven. We [become] broken over lostness wherever it exists, and we are compelled to action."
This hit close to home because I know that I wonder sometimes why I don't feel as deeply connected to God as I want to. But thinking through whether my focus is on evangelism and disciple making; I know that it is frequently not. This is certainly an area where I can grow.
As if that all weren't enough to get me thinking, tonight I went to a Bible study with a good friend. Guess what the topic was there? You guessed it: Disciple making! It was a good discussion of practical steps to making disciples using the illustration of how Jesus interacted with the Samaritan woman in John 4. (Additionally, although I didn't know this prior to going to the study, the only requirement for joining the Bible study group is that you commit to walk through any doors for evangelism that God opens, which I thought was a really awesome way to think about evangelism and discipleship).
So, I guess I'll be learning more about living as a disciple who makes disciples this week. Can't wait to see what God has in store, and what doors He opens for me to walk through.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Distracted
I don't know what's going on with my head today, but I can't seem to focus on anything. I had planned for this to be a really productive day of grading, but I've barely started that. And it hasn't been any one thing that has distracted me--it's many different things of different levels of importance (some don't even show up on my priority radar). Maybe my brain's just tired, I don't know. But I'm hoping that somehow I can shake this lethargy and make the rest of this day count for something worthwhile.
So, I'm setting a goal for myself. I want to finish grading at least four tests in the next hour or so. Will update this post to display the results of whether or not this plan works. Maybe that will give me enough motivation to actually focus, but who knows?
ETA: An hour later, I'm realizing that I was a mite bit overzealous in my goal, but I have finished grading two different tests, so at least I've been more productive! Thank You, Lord!
So, I'm setting a goal for myself. I want to finish grading at least four tests in the next hour or so. Will update this post to display the results of whether or not this plan works. Maybe that will give me enough motivation to actually focus, but who knows?
ETA: An hour later, I'm realizing that I was a mite bit overzealous in my goal, but I have finished grading two different tests, so at least I've been more productive! Thank You, Lord!
Friday, March 9, 2012
The best things in life...
Say it with me: "Aren't things!"
I am not inspired by any one thing, so time for another list of blessings (not in any particular order, and definitely not in order of importance, other than number 1):
1) Jesus loves me
2) School is over for the week
3) Olive Garden salad and bread sticks for lunch from the PTO today
4) A fantastic team teacher
5) An even more fantastic lead teacher
6) The school production of "Hansel and Gretel" tonight
7) Chat conversations with good friends
8) No alarm clock tomorrow morning
9) Teacher Work Day next Friday (praying it will be extremely productive)
10) Spring Break in 21 days (not that I'm counting)
11) Beat my previous 5K time by almost 5 minutes yesterday (and only slightly sore now)
12) John 8:34-36 (I am FREE!)
13) Acapella music
14) Forgiveness
15) Aldi (can you tell my refrigerator is practically empty? ;-) )
16) Sunshine
17) Dance class (even though I don't actually have it tomorrow due to spring break for WU)
18) Two awesome church families (one at home in Clemson, one here)
19) Knitting
20) All the other stuff I didn't mention :D
I am not inspired by any one thing, so time for another list of blessings (not in any particular order, and definitely not in order of importance, other than number 1):
1) Jesus loves me
2) School is over for the week
3) Olive Garden salad and bread sticks for lunch from the PTO today
4) A fantastic team teacher
5) An even more fantastic lead teacher
6) The school production of "Hansel and Gretel" tonight
7) Chat conversations with good friends
8) No alarm clock tomorrow morning
9) Teacher Work Day next Friday (praying it will be extremely productive)
10) Spring Break in 21 days (not that I'm counting)
11) Beat my previous 5K time by almost 5 minutes yesterday (and only slightly sore now)
12) John 8:34-36 (I am FREE!)
13) Acapella music
14) Forgiveness
15) Aldi (can you tell my refrigerator is practically empty? ;-) )
16) Sunshine
17) Dance class (even though I don't actually have it tomorrow due to spring break for WU)
18) Two awesome church families (one at home in Clemson, one here)
19) Knitting
20) All the other stuff I didn't mention :D
Thursday, March 8, 2012
The Word
Something about John's gospel has always spoken to me in a powerful way. I love the symbolism and the beauty of the language he chooses to portray the life of Christ. Usually, I get so "stuck" on the symbolism of the Light and the Word that I don't even notice all that is going on around them in the passage.
Reading through John 3-6 tonight, while I enjoyed the literary grace and flow of the passage, something that really stood out to me was verse 30 of chapter 3. I think this is a verse that we hear quoted a lot, but we take it out of context. What struck me most tonight was the context, so I'm going to share it and the preceding few verses as well:
John 3: 25-30 (ESV) Now a discussion arose between some of John's disciples and a Jew over purification. And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.” John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease.”
I don't know that I had ever connected this verse to John the Baptist. In fact, if I was asked I probably would have guessed that Paul said it somewhere in his epistles. But no, this is John the Baptist's response to the people around him who were questioning him, maybe even badgering him or taunting him (it is difficult to tell without any inflection), regarding Jesus who was apparently seen by some as John's "replacement." And yet, how does John respond? "He must increase, but I must decrease."
Now, I will tell you what my natural response is whenever someone starts to replace me or to do a better job than me at something, especially if it is something I feel a strong calling to be doing. And it is not such a flattering response. I get jealous, and sometimes even angry. And if I don't allow the Holy Spirit to put a stop to such a fallen response, I may even allow bitterness to creep in. How ridiculous is that? The whole point of me serving is to glorify God. If someone else is better suited or qualified to glorify God than I in a particular area, why should I care?
I'll tell you why. It's because of pride. That nature within us ever since the fall that refuses to let us simply abide in the grace and love of the Father, because somehow we have to be involved, we have to be recognized and admired for what we do, we have to be acknowledged among our peers. The hardest part about pride, in my opinion, is just how subtly it works its way into our lives. One moment, we truly are doing and serving with a heart intent on glorifying God...a few minutes later we may have allowed our flesh to deceive us into believing that we are somehow giving something to the world around us (or even to God) that no one else could, that we are special, unique, and people should be thankful for all the ways we serve them.
What a lie. My sin is as stinky, repulsive, and disgusting as the sin of anyone else. It is only by grace that I experience the forgiveness of my most precious Savior and the freedom and power through the Spirit to live a changed life. God could choose to use me, or He could choose to use another member of His family. I am honored that He chooses me, but it is not something I should take as a compliment to myself and my ability to do things well. Instead, I should focus my dependence more fully on God as I realize my inadequacy to perform the good works He has laid out in advance for me to walk in. It is by His strength alone that I can make that journey.
It amazes me how God uses one little, seemingly insignificant verse that is often quoted out of context to seriously put me in my place. I pray that God will continue to soften my heart to the admonishment of His Word in my life. I cannot change, but I can allow Him to work the change in His unconditional love and perfect timing.
Reading through John 3-6 tonight, while I enjoyed the literary grace and flow of the passage, something that really stood out to me was verse 30 of chapter 3. I think this is a verse that we hear quoted a lot, but we take it out of context. What struck me most tonight was the context, so I'm going to share it and the preceding few verses as well:
John 3: 25-30 (ESV) Now a discussion arose between some of John's disciples and a Jew over purification. And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.” John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease.”
I don't know that I had ever connected this verse to John the Baptist. In fact, if I was asked I probably would have guessed that Paul said it somewhere in his epistles. But no, this is John the Baptist's response to the people around him who were questioning him, maybe even badgering him or taunting him (it is difficult to tell without any inflection), regarding Jesus who was apparently seen by some as John's "replacement." And yet, how does John respond? "He must increase, but I must decrease."
Now, I will tell you what my natural response is whenever someone starts to replace me or to do a better job than me at something, especially if it is something I feel a strong calling to be doing. And it is not such a flattering response. I get jealous, and sometimes even angry. And if I don't allow the Holy Spirit to put a stop to such a fallen response, I may even allow bitterness to creep in. How ridiculous is that? The whole point of me serving is to glorify God. If someone else is better suited or qualified to glorify God than I in a particular area, why should I care?
I'll tell you why. It's because of pride. That nature within us ever since the fall that refuses to let us simply abide in the grace and love of the Father, because somehow we have to be involved, we have to be recognized and admired for what we do, we have to be acknowledged among our peers. The hardest part about pride, in my opinion, is just how subtly it works its way into our lives. One moment, we truly are doing and serving with a heart intent on glorifying God...a few minutes later we may have allowed our flesh to deceive us into believing that we are somehow giving something to the world around us (or even to God) that no one else could, that we are special, unique, and people should be thankful for all the ways we serve them.
What a lie. My sin is as stinky, repulsive, and disgusting as the sin of anyone else. It is only by grace that I experience the forgiveness of my most precious Savior and the freedom and power through the Spirit to live a changed life. God could choose to use me, or He could choose to use another member of His family. I am honored that He chooses me, but it is not something I should take as a compliment to myself and my ability to do things well. Instead, I should focus my dependence more fully on God as I realize my inadequacy to perform the good works He has laid out in advance for me to walk in. It is by His strength alone that I can make that journey.
It amazes me how God uses one little, seemingly insignificant verse that is often quoted out of context to seriously put me in my place. I pray that God will continue to soften my heart to the admonishment of His Word in my life. I cannot change, but I can allow Him to work the change in His unconditional love and perfect timing.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Biblical Community
Even though I wasn't present for the service at NRHC this Sunday, I found out tonight at Journey Group that Pastor Jay's sermon was basically along the same lines as the one Dr. Baum gave at CCC this past weekend. The idea of Biblical community is one that I have always appreciated, but hearing the ideas of these two different men of God has definitely given me a new perspective.
There are so many opportunities in my life where I get to practice Biblical community with the people around me; at church, journey group, when hanging out with friends, or even over the phone or chatting online with people who live farther away. When we focus ourselves on honesty with one another, correcting one another, encouraging one another, serving one another, and investing in one another, we can live out the community to which God has called us, and we demonstrate His glory to the world around us. So powerful. A lot to meditate on, for days and weeks and months and years to come.
There are so many opportunities in my life where I get to practice Biblical community with the people around me; at church, journey group, when hanging out with friends, or even over the phone or chatting online with people who live farther away. When we focus ourselves on honesty with one another, correcting one another, encouraging one another, serving one another, and investing in one another, we can live out the community to which God has called us, and we demonstrate His glory to the world around us. So powerful. A lot to meditate on, for days and weeks and months and years to come.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Good night, moon
Tonight I'm tired. Looking forward to rest, and thankful for all that God has brought my way today.
Enjoyed seeing the nearly-full moon on my way to church tonight. It was so bright and seemed so close. Saw the same moon (albeit slightly smaller) from Clemson on Sunday. Amazing how that works. I draw a parallel to our connection with God. No matter where I am, the same God smiles down on me, cares for and protects me.
Feeling loved in the light of the moon tonight.
Enjoyed seeing the nearly-full moon on my way to church tonight. It was so bright and seemed so close. Saw the same moon (albeit slightly smaller) from Clemson on Sunday. Amazing how that works. I draw a parallel to our connection with God. No matter where I am, the same God smiles down on me, cares for and protects me.
Feeling loved in the light of the moon tonight.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Living Sacrifice
The sad thing about going home? It reminds me how much I miss being there. Today I was feeling a bit down that I still have the same job issues, family and friend concerns, and same general lack of desire to live in Rock Hill anymore. Thankfully, a friend gently but firmly reminded me to focus my contentment on Christ, and suggested Romans 12 as a place for me to meditate today.
So anyway, Romans 12 definitely "rang a bell" in my head, but I couldn't come up with the words, so I turned to good old biblegateway.com. (Confession: In case you're reading this blog and for some reason haven't figured this out yet, I'm good at memorizing verses and having a general idea of their placement in the Bible. Really bad at linking specific references. Thus, my profound thankfulness for online searchable Bibles :D)
Of course! Living sacrifice! This is exactly the painful truth I needed to hear today. I was not called to have an easy life, a fun life, a life I always enjoy for the pleasure that I can obtain from the situations or people around me. I was called to spend each moment sacrificing my will to His, having a heart-transplant made by the most skillful Surgeon ever.
And, typical for me, after reading the chapter again, all I could hear coursing through my head was the Scripture song melody we used to sing at church when I was a kid. I am so thankful for all of the Bible memory which happened for me so effortlessly through singing God's Word. I don't recall which translation the song was taken from, but for those of you who, like me, need a brain jog now and then, enjoy the "Romans 12" song:
I urge you therefore, bretheren, by the mercies of God
To present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice,
Acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of love.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed,
By the renewing of your mind.
That you approve what the will of God is
That which is good and acceptable and perfect.
So anyway, Romans 12 definitely "rang a bell" in my head, but I couldn't come up with the words, so I turned to good old biblegateway.com. (Confession: In case you're reading this blog and for some reason haven't figured this out yet, I'm good at memorizing verses and having a general idea of their placement in the Bible. Really bad at linking specific references. Thus, my profound thankfulness for online searchable Bibles :D)
Of course! Living sacrifice! This is exactly the painful truth I needed to hear today. I was not called to have an easy life, a fun life, a life I always enjoy for the pleasure that I can obtain from the situations or people around me. I was called to spend each moment sacrificing my will to His, having a heart-transplant made by the most skillful Surgeon ever.
And, typical for me, after reading the chapter again, all I could hear coursing through my head was the Scripture song melody we used to sing at church when I was a kid. I am so thankful for all of the Bible memory which happened for me so effortlessly through singing God's Word. I don't recall which translation the song was taken from, but for those of you who, like me, need a brain jog now and then, enjoy the "Romans 12" song:
I urge you therefore, bretheren, by the mercies of God
To present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice,
Acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of love.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed,
By the renewing of your mind.
That you approve what the will of God is
That which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
The "present"
So, that corny phrase, "Today is a gift...that's why it's called the present." Yeah, it is pretty corny and sounds kind of ridiculous. However, that's how I feel about today.
So many moments that were God-given to me. Gifts of His love and mercy. Gifts of time with people who are meaningful in my life.
Time spent this morning with Meka, who is an early bird like me.
Time spent in the Word and journaling.
Time spent at breakfast, just enjoying the company of friends and good food.
Time spent in worship with a wonderful body of believers, both local and those visiting from the spring break teams. Powerful time of focusing on Christ and His love in our lives.
Time spent listening to a message that was obviously on God's agenda for me personally to hear today.
Time spent talking with friends whom I rarely see from church.
Time spent holding a precious little one.
Time spent loving on the little one's not-so-much older sister.
Time spent in conversation with one of my pastors and friends.
Time spent at coffee with family and close friends, just deepening relationships and trying to stay warm!
Time spent wandering through the Botanical Gardens, admiring the glory of God's creation with the few who did not have to leave directly from coffee.
Time spent eating dinner with Emmalouwho (and the rest of her awesome family).
Time spent reading a powerful passage of Scripture (see Hebrews 2:9-18).
Time spent writing this blog while Gretta rubs my back: double blessing--gift of time AND gift of touch :-).
Time to be spent driving back to Rock Hill, listening to my book and basking in the presence of my Heavenly Father.
Thankful today for the present time.
So many moments that were God-given to me. Gifts of His love and mercy. Gifts of time with people who are meaningful in my life.
Time spent this morning with Meka, who is an early bird like me.
Time spent in the Word and journaling.
Time spent at breakfast, just enjoying the company of friends and good food.
Time spent in worship with a wonderful body of believers, both local and those visiting from the spring break teams. Powerful time of focusing on Christ and His love in our lives.
Time spent listening to a message that was obviously on God's agenda for me personally to hear today.
Time spent talking with friends whom I rarely see from church.
Time spent holding a precious little one.
Time spent loving on the little one's not-so-much older sister.
Time spent in conversation with one of my pastors and friends.
Time spent at coffee with family and close friends, just deepening relationships and trying to stay warm!
Time spent wandering through the Botanical Gardens, admiring the glory of God's creation with the few who did not have to leave directly from coffee.
Time spent eating dinner with Emmalouwho (and the rest of her awesome family).
Time spent reading a powerful passage of Scripture (see Hebrews 2:9-18).
Time spent writing this blog while Gretta rubs my back: double blessing--gift of time AND gift of touch :-).
Time to be spent driving back to Rock Hill, listening to my book and basking in the presence of my Heavenly Father.
Thankful today for the present time.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Good times, great friends!
Spent the past day and evening before with family and friends. Such a blessing and encouragement!
Unfortunately, my brother's play was cancelled for Friday night, so I didn't see him perform his role as Mr. President in The Mouse That Roared, but I really enjoyed some family hang-out time on Friday evening. We played some games and just enjoyed one anothers' company.
Today, I was able to spend the afternoon with a wonderful friend, Meka, and also with my BFF Kristin :). I met Meka through Kristin, and I really enjoy the discussions we can have as teachers, sisters in Christ, and genuine friends. I always come away feeling like I learned something interesting or important. So thankful for the friendship of two strong, Godly women in my life!
This evening went to the rodeo with another friend's family. It was a different experience... Although I have been to a rodeo before, I definitely enjoyed this one more. However, to be truly honest, my enjoyment was completely based on the company I had rather than the actual rodeo events. Too many opportunities for injury=Janet worries about all the competitors. Thankfully I brought my knitting to help me keep my mind off such worrisome matters; however, I finished the entire project by intermission, which left me to watch the most dangerous part of all--bull riding--without the comfort of yarn to knit. Oh well, it was worth it. Plus, I got cold, so having my quick-and-easy cowl to put on was actually a benefit at that point!
Looking forward to another wonderful day of seeing good friends and encouraging one another in the Spirit. Praying that your Lord's Day is blessed and restful!
Unfortunately, my brother's play was cancelled for Friday night, so I didn't see him perform his role as Mr. President in The Mouse That Roared, but I really enjoyed some family hang-out time on Friday evening. We played some games and just enjoyed one anothers' company.
Today, I was able to spend the afternoon with a wonderful friend, Meka, and also with my BFF Kristin :). I met Meka through Kristin, and I really enjoy the discussions we can have as teachers, sisters in Christ, and genuine friends. I always come away feeling like I learned something interesting or important. So thankful for the friendship of two strong, Godly women in my life!
This evening went to the rodeo with another friend's family. It was a different experience... Although I have been to a rodeo before, I definitely enjoyed this one more. However, to be truly honest, my enjoyment was completely based on the company I had rather than the actual rodeo events. Too many opportunities for injury=Janet worries about all the competitors. Thankfully I brought my knitting to help me keep my mind off such worrisome matters; however, I finished the entire project by intermission, which left me to watch the most dangerous part of all--bull riding--without the comfort of yarn to knit. Oh well, it was worth it. Plus, I got cold, so having my quick-and-easy cowl to put on was actually a benefit at that point!
Looking forward to another wonderful day of seeing good friends and encouraging one another in the Spirit. Praying that your Lord's Day is blessed and restful!
Friday, March 2, 2012
Thankful for faithful friends
Nothing like being sick to your stomach for hours to make you appreciate your blessings. If I had to choose one thing in the world to never experience again, an upset stomach would be it!
God is gracious though. He blessed me with amazing friends who supported me in prayer, and one who even spent the night helping distract me from how miserable I felt. You know the old saying, "A friend in need is a friend indeed"? Well I'm thankful to have many such friends indeed.
Praying that God will allow me to still come home this weekend, but even if not, trusting in His Sovereignty. Thanks to all for their prayers, they were much appreciated!
God is gracious though. He blessed me with amazing friends who supported me in prayer, and one who even spent the night helping distract me from how miserable I felt. You know the old saying, "A friend in need is a friend indeed"? Well I'm thankful to have many such friends indeed.
Praying that God will allow me to still come home this weekend, but even if not, trusting in His Sovereignty. Thanks to all for their prayers, they were much appreciated!
Thursday, March 1, 2012
When I don't understand...
I still have to trust that God is in control. Feeling under the weather tonight. I'm praying that a good night's sleep will suffice to get me in working order for school tomorrow and my weekend plans.
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