I have been pondering a situation with my neice for almost a week now. She turned 18 on January 7, 2010. Now she has decided that she is too old to deal with the expectations of her mother and father. She told told me that she could not handle the stress of living at home any longer. They asked her to go to school, hold down a part-time job, and make sure her room stays clean. It seems like the same situation that I lived in as a child.
I went to school, making a 3.8 GPA in all honor's classes, had a part-time job working at a day care, and was expected to keep my room clean and be involved in keeping the house clean. This never seemed too stressful for me. I did it with ease. I even had time to hang out with my friends, go to church, and have a relationship with my boyfriend (who is my husband now).
My husband had the same life. He went to school (made straight A's his entire Senior year), had a part time job working at a grocery store, kept his room clean, helped around the house, and had time for me, friends, and church.
I am just wondering what has made my neice's life so stressful, that she thought leaving home would reduce that stress. I have always been told that God will never give you more than you can handle. And we need to take time to stop and listen to His plans.
I am praying that my neice in all of her "stress" will take a moment to stop and listen to God's plan for her. I don't want her to have so many worries that she forgets to see what God has done for her. And she misses out on the glories that God has in store. I am asking for prayers to be raised up for my neice, that she will be able to take a step back from her life, to look and listen to what God has to say to her. I am also praying that I will be an example and a beacon of light in the darkness she is in right now.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
1 more day
Just one more day, and it is time for Christmas break. I love this time of year. I can't wait to get to spend time with my wonderful family, and enjoy my last days of break by hanging out at home on the couch, snuggled up in a blanket watching movies.
I have multiple blessings this new year, because my husband is going to be working day shift at the beginning of the year. I have a great family and wonderful friends both at home and work. I can't wait to begin a new year with new goals for 2010.
Hoping that God has blessed you all this year and in the next! Merry Christmas and Hapy New Year!!!
I have multiple blessings this new year, because my husband is going to be working day shift at the beginning of the year. I have a great family and wonderful friends both at home and work. I can't wait to begin a new year with new goals for 2010.
Hoping that God has blessed you all this year and in the next! Merry Christmas and Hapy New Year!!!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Teach Me to Pray
Jesus taught us to pray... He taught us the Lord's prayer.
"Father thou art in Heaven, hallowed by thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven, give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our trespasses, and those who trespass against us. Lead us not in to temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, the glory forever... Amen."
My family says this prayer every time we get together for a family meal (with everyone there). I can say it by rote memorization, as I am sure most of you can. We were all taught to say this prayer as children. It never hit me the power of this prayer, until the day that my grandmother died. I can remember standing around her kitchen with every member of my mom's family (which includes 9 of her children, spouses, and 16 grandchildren). Needless to say, that was a lot of people saying this prayer at the same time.
I look back on those times, and realize that I never said it understanding what it represented. This was the prayer that Jesus taught His disciples to pray. This is the prayer that we should use as an outline to prayer. This prayer begins by putting us in the presence of God. Then, it tells us and shows us that God is in charge, and provides us with EVERYTHING we need. It then takes us to forgiveness, God's forgiveness of us, and our forgiveness of others. It then prepares us to stand against evil. Finally it gives God all of the praises that He is due.
It has taken me a long time to understand these things, but God has given us a plan for prayer, and it is right in front of us.
Lord, thank you for showing me exactly how you want me to talk to you. Amen.
"Father thou art in Heaven, hallowed by thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven, give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our trespasses, and those who trespass against us. Lead us not in to temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, the glory forever... Amen."
My family says this prayer every time we get together for a family meal (with everyone there). I can say it by rote memorization, as I am sure most of you can. We were all taught to say this prayer as children. It never hit me the power of this prayer, until the day that my grandmother died. I can remember standing around her kitchen with every member of my mom's family (which includes 9 of her children, spouses, and 16 grandchildren). Needless to say, that was a lot of people saying this prayer at the same time.
I look back on those times, and realize that I never said it understanding what it represented. This was the prayer that Jesus taught His disciples to pray. This is the prayer that we should use as an outline to prayer. This prayer begins by putting us in the presence of God. Then, it tells us and shows us that God is in charge, and provides us with EVERYTHING we need. It then takes us to forgiveness, God's forgiveness of us, and our forgiveness of others. It then prepares us to stand against evil. Finally it gives God all of the praises that He is due.
It has taken me a long time to understand these things, but God has given us a plan for prayer, and it is right in front of us.
Lord, thank you for showing me exactly how you want me to talk to you. Amen.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Warden
"We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved" - Acts 15:11
I played 'warden' today to a student who is having a very difficult time in his life. He is about to be expelled from school because he has broken many different school infractions. I spent some time talking to him today, and asked him about why he was in my room, why he had to go to court today, and what he was planning on doing when he was older. It really saddened me to see this child lost and lonely in the world. When I ate lunch, and he had to sit in the office (after eating lunch before me), I asked my administrator what we were going to do with this kid. She stated that she did not know, because he would either end up dead or in jail. Something in my heart broke today, because this kids was not bad. He was a very sweet, polite young man that has just made some very wrong choices.
I wanted to counsel this kid so much about his life, and what the Lord could do for him. Yet, I was contrained by the law to just talk about school. So, I spent the day just loving this kid the way a teacher would. I talked to him, and was genuinely interested in what he had to say. At the end of the day, he told me that he appreciated being able to spend time in my room, and getting to talk to me. My prayer this evening, is that the Lord will show this child His way for him. That God in his infinite wisdom, has a plan for this kid. My prayer is that this child saw the light of God in me today, and will remember our time talking in class. I know that he will probably not be in school much longer, and he may have even gone to jail this afternoon, but I pray that he will begin to make the right choices, and think about the consequences before he reacts.
Lord, you see me through your mercy
I am guilty, still you love me
In your kindness there is justice
Through your goodness you have brought me here
Where truth and mercy meet
You triumph over me
Your love has won my heart again
And I am still so amazed, my guilt is washed away
Upon your cross of peace
Where truth and mercy meet
-- Joh Hartley and Garry Sadler
I played 'warden' today to a student who is having a very difficult time in his life. He is about to be expelled from school because he has broken many different school infractions. I spent some time talking to him today, and asked him about why he was in my room, why he had to go to court today, and what he was planning on doing when he was older. It really saddened me to see this child lost and lonely in the world. When I ate lunch, and he had to sit in the office (after eating lunch before me), I asked my administrator what we were going to do with this kid. She stated that she did not know, because he would either end up dead or in jail. Something in my heart broke today, because this kids was not bad. He was a very sweet, polite young man that has just made some very wrong choices.
I wanted to counsel this kid so much about his life, and what the Lord could do for him. Yet, I was contrained by the law to just talk about school. So, I spent the day just loving this kid the way a teacher would. I talked to him, and was genuinely interested in what he had to say. At the end of the day, he told me that he appreciated being able to spend time in my room, and getting to talk to me. My prayer this evening, is that the Lord will show this child His way for him. That God in his infinite wisdom, has a plan for this kid. My prayer is that this child saw the light of God in me today, and will remember our time talking in class. I know that he will probably not be in school much longer, and he may have even gone to jail this afternoon, but I pray that he will begin to make the right choices, and think about the consequences before he reacts.
Lord, you see me through your mercy
I am guilty, still you love me
In your kindness there is justice
Through your goodness you have brought me here
Where truth and mercy meet
You triumph over me
Your love has won my heart again
And I am still so amazed, my guilt is washed away
Upon your cross of peace
Where truth and mercy meet
-- Joh Hartley and Garry Sadler
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Faithful
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. -- Romans 12:12
I have to admit to everyone reading this. I have a serious problem. I am a fixer. I am that person, when things are tough in my life, I try to fix it. I don't mean home repair, I mean within myself. I am guilty of trying to be the strong one, and doing things myself. I don't ask for help. And even when help is offered, I always say "I am okay!" I can do all of this with a big plastered smile on my face. My first reaction to most situations is not prayer, but "What can I do to solve this problem?" I tell myself that God is too busy to listen to my piddly needs. He is working on bigger things and needs to be with those people who cannot solve their own problems. I was raised in a house where whining was not an option, you make a decision to solve your problems on you own.
After reading the verse above, I realize that Paul is calling us to be faithful in our prayer. It means that we should be committed, constant, and loyal to prayer. Paul was writing to the church in very difficult times, encouraging them to joyful, patient, and faithful. My question is, how can I be joyful, patient, and faithful in the hard times of my life?
I have faced some horrific times, and have tried to work them out on my own. When I can't do it, I go the Father like a whipped puppy and ask for help. Wouldn't it be easier to be faithful and pray for His help in the beginning? It has taken me a long time to understand what this verse truly means, but now that I do, I am trying to make a conscious effort be faithful in prayer. I know that I will face situations that I know that I can handle, and those that I know I can't. Whatever situations that I face, I am going to choose to lift all of my moments (good and bad) to God in prayer.
Lord, today I offer my life to you. In all the places where I am capable and even those places where I am not, I ask that you be present in all of these... Amen!
I have to admit to everyone reading this. I have a serious problem. I am a fixer. I am that person, when things are tough in my life, I try to fix it. I don't mean home repair, I mean within myself. I am guilty of trying to be the strong one, and doing things myself. I don't ask for help. And even when help is offered, I always say "I am okay!" I can do all of this with a big plastered smile on my face. My first reaction to most situations is not prayer, but "What can I do to solve this problem?" I tell myself that God is too busy to listen to my piddly needs. He is working on bigger things and needs to be with those people who cannot solve their own problems. I was raised in a house where whining was not an option, you make a decision to solve your problems on you own.
After reading the verse above, I realize that Paul is calling us to be faithful in our prayer. It means that we should be committed, constant, and loyal to prayer. Paul was writing to the church in very difficult times, encouraging them to joyful, patient, and faithful. My question is, how can I be joyful, patient, and faithful in the hard times of my life?
I have faced some horrific times, and have tried to work them out on my own. When I can't do it, I go the Father like a whipped puppy and ask for help. Wouldn't it be easier to be faithful and pray for His help in the beginning? It has taken me a long time to understand what this verse truly means, but now that I do, I am trying to make a conscious effort be faithful in prayer. I know that I will face situations that I know that I can handle, and those that I know I can't. Whatever situations that I face, I am going to choose to lift all of my moments (good and bad) to God in prayer.
Lord, today I offer my life to you. In all the places where I am capable and even those places where I am not, I ask that you be present in all of these... Amen!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Hope
"My integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you." Psalm 25:21
This is the passage from my devotional this afternoon. I don't get time in the morning to do my devotional, unless I really want to be up at 4:ooam. As you can see it was all about hope. I really think that hope is a wonderful thing. My hope lies in God's word. He has made promises to me, and I must have faith that those promises and His will, will be revealed.
If you know me a little bit, then you know that my sweet husband are struggling to have a family of our own. We have been trying for 4 years to have a baby. I have prayed, cried, screamed and yelled, asked the "why me?" so many times that I can't count but still no sweet little baby. I know that my husband would make a wonderful father. I however have been doubting my abilities lately because my thoughts were that maybe God was punishing me somehow for the MANY things that I have done wrong. I know that He is not that kind of God. But you know how your mind wonders to those thoughts because we are really only human.
I strayed from church for a while, being selfish and saying that I needed a break to get done what I needed to do. All the while saying that God will understand how busy I am. I now realize how blessed and filled I am every time I set foot in my church. God brings me to my knees with every song and message. I know that He has forgiven me for being lost for that time.
This new year is like a clean new page for me to write on. And that gives me hope ever lasting. I prayed for the new year, because in December we (my husband and I) had an IUI done to try and get pregnant. It did not work, and we were crushed. I thought for a while that I would absolutely not be able to handle what turn my life had taken. But then God spoke to me at church one day in song and told me that He was in control and I was not alone. He loves me no matter how far away I may go, and He will forgive me for the mistakes I make. I know now that every new year holds unexepected joys and sorrows. And I just have to have hope that God will do as He has promised.
My husband and I have made some strides in what we have planned for our life. And if God does not wish for me now to have a baby with my husband, then He will definitely want us to give our home to a child in need. I have prayed so many times to be a mother, and God has told me that no matter how I have a child, that I will be a great mother to someone.
This is the passage from my devotional this afternoon. I don't get time in the morning to do my devotional, unless I really want to be up at 4:ooam. As you can see it was all about hope. I really think that hope is a wonderful thing. My hope lies in God's word. He has made promises to me, and I must have faith that those promises and His will, will be revealed.
If you know me a little bit, then you know that my sweet husband are struggling to have a family of our own. We have been trying for 4 years to have a baby. I have prayed, cried, screamed and yelled, asked the "why me?" so many times that I can't count but still no sweet little baby. I know that my husband would make a wonderful father. I however have been doubting my abilities lately because my thoughts were that maybe God was punishing me somehow for the MANY things that I have done wrong. I know that He is not that kind of God. But you know how your mind wonders to those thoughts because we are really only human.
I strayed from church for a while, being selfish and saying that I needed a break to get done what I needed to do. All the while saying that God will understand how busy I am. I now realize how blessed and filled I am every time I set foot in my church. God brings me to my knees with every song and message. I know that He has forgiven me for being lost for that time.
This new year is like a clean new page for me to write on. And that gives me hope ever lasting. I prayed for the new year, because in December we (my husband and I) had an IUI done to try and get pregnant. It did not work, and we were crushed. I thought for a while that I would absolutely not be able to handle what turn my life had taken. But then God spoke to me at church one day in song and told me that He was in control and I was not alone. He loves me no matter how far away I may go, and He will forgive me for the mistakes I make. I know now that every new year holds unexepected joys and sorrows. And I just have to have hope that God will do as He has promised.
My husband and I have made some strides in what we have planned for our life. And if God does not wish for me now to have a baby with my husband, then He will definitely want us to give our home to a child in need. I have prayed so many times to be a mother, and God has told me that no matter how I have a child, that I will be a great mother to someone.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Hello All...
Okay this is my first blog, and I have to say... I am scared. I have never randomly put my thoughts online for the world to see.
I guess I need to tell you a little about myself first. I was born in a small town called Nashville, TN. I was raised by two wonderful parents, who love me unconditionally. My mother works for a very prominent bank, and my father is a retired marine/ police sargeant. I use the word marine (which he actually was), because he was tough when I was younger, but now I consider him my best friend. I am married to a beautiful man named Russell who is my heart and soul. I could have never found someone who is better suited for me. He has been there even when I have not been the best me I could be. He loves me just as I am, and wants nothing more in this world than to make me happy.
I am an alumni to the Glencliff Colts '95. I miss MOST the people that I talked to back in high school. It seems like when I went off to college, the world I knew back home moved on. Which I am sure is what happens everywhere. I just miss those people who were closest to me 'back in the day.'
I am a high school teacher and now I am a proud Cane Ridge Raven. I love teaching as much as I love my family. I think high school students can be crazy, but if you love them, they know it. I teach students who have special needs (ie. learning disabilities, emotional disorders, and behavioral disorders). My job keeps me on my toes, and now that I am department head, I have to really be on my toes and listen to my colleagues' problems. I love my co-workers, because they help keep me going when the day gets tough.
My only random thought today is that I am glad to be here, and I want to be the best me I can... I have made a few resolutions (some have fallen to the way-side).
First, I want to be healthier, not just for me, but because my husband and I are trying to start a family. We are having some issues, and I think being more healthy will be good for those problems.
Second, I have determined that I am going to go to church as much as I can. I miss not only my friends, but being filled with my Father's word.
Third, I am spending a little time each day in my Father's word, and in prayer.
Finally, I am going to spend as much free time with my family and friends as I possibly can. I don't want to ever regret that I didn't get to see them.
Here is my favorite quote:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
I guess I need to tell you a little about myself first. I was born in a small town called Nashville, TN. I was raised by two wonderful parents, who love me unconditionally. My mother works for a very prominent bank, and my father is a retired marine/ police sargeant. I use the word marine (which he actually was), because he was tough when I was younger, but now I consider him my best friend. I am married to a beautiful man named Russell who is my heart and soul. I could have never found someone who is better suited for me. He has been there even when I have not been the best me I could be. He loves me just as I am, and wants nothing more in this world than to make me happy.
I am an alumni to the Glencliff Colts '95. I miss MOST the people that I talked to back in high school. It seems like when I went off to college, the world I knew back home moved on. Which I am sure is what happens everywhere. I just miss those people who were closest to me 'back in the day.'
I am a high school teacher and now I am a proud Cane Ridge Raven. I love teaching as much as I love my family. I think high school students can be crazy, but if you love them, they know it. I teach students who have special needs (ie. learning disabilities, emotional disorders, and behavioral disorders). My job keeps me on my toes, and now that I am department head, I have to really be on my toes and listen to my colleagues' problems. I love my co-workers, because they help keep me going when the day gets tough.
My only random thought today is that I am glad to be here, and I want to be the best me I can... I have made a few resolutions (some have fallen to the way-side).
First, I want to be healthier, not just for me, but because my husband and I are trying to start a family. We are having some issues, and I think being more healthy will be good for those problems.
Second, I have determined that I am going to go to church as much as I can. I miss not only my friends, but being filled with my Father's word.
Third, I am spending a little time each day in my Father's word, and in prayer.
Finally, I am going to spend as much free time with my family and friends as I possibly can. I don't want to ever regret that I didn't get to see them.
Here is my favorite quote:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
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