- New job
- Help grading papers
- Friendship
- Ukranian/English Dictionary
- Handmade scarf
- Paid for working
- Reinstated airline miles
Monday, January 05, 2009
Recent Blessings
The past few months of brought so many blessings, and quite a busy time period in my life. Just to name a few...
Sunday, November 16, 2008
SA Half Marathon
I ran the SA Half Marathon today. I was happy overall, not with my time, but rather with my energy levels. God gave me strength and endurance, throughout the course. It was cool to see different shirts--one of them said, "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:30-31. Another one had the classic, "I can do all things through Christ the Lord who strengthens me." Phillipains 4:13. On a sign posted, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1.
As encouraging as reading the shirts/signs, my favourite part were the little kids that would stand in line, with their hand out to high five you! There were a group of three kids that caught my attention. A little girl (probably about 3 1/2 years old), a little boy (about 5), and an older girl (maybe 6 1/2) all cheering you on! The children will probably never know how encouraging they were, and they themselves looked like they were having so much fun! :)
God provided me with a fantastic morning of strength, endurance, and encouragement! I must say, it was awkward not going to church! We even go on vacation!
As encouraging as reading the shirts/signs, my favourite part were the little kids that would stand in line, with their hand out to high five you! There were a group of three kids that caught my attention. A little girl (probably about 3 1/2 years old), a little boy (about 5), and an older girl (maybe 6 1/2) all cheering you on! The children will probably never know how encouraging they were, and they themselves looked like they were having so much fun! :)
God provided me with a fantastic morning of strength, endurance, and encouragement! I must say, it was awkward not going to church! We even go on vacation!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Mac HS
After a long two weeks, God has enabled me to be teaching in the classroom again! I will be teaching HS Algebra 1 at Mac HS for the 2008-2009 academia year! Yay! :) Jumping in mid-year is a challenge, but I am up for it. This position was given to me, denied to me, fought for, and then re-offered! As Churchill says, "When you're going through hell, keep going!" I look forward to sharing how God uses me for his glory throughout this school year!
Saturday, November 08, 2008
I love students
I love students, and they love me back! One of our speakers at church this past Sunday made that statement, and it hit me hard--I realized why I love teaching so much! My love for teaching is not because I'm good at it, or because I know the subject matter; my love for teaching is based on the love that I have for the students! When you love the students, they will love you back.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
And they were glorifying God!
Galatians 1:24 (New American Standard Bible)
And they were glorifying God because of me.
Wow, that's a powerful statement! I want to be able to say that! Looking back at my post a few weeks ago, Andy can say that about Red! It's because of me, he came to true freedom!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
I'm bored!
During the candidate week at The Mission Society we participated in a ropes course. The events were fun, and I enjoyed the team building exercises, although, at one point, I was sitting around waiting for other people to make some decisions. I found myself completely bored, wanting to move on, better things awaited us, and I could hardly stand it!
I was vocal, I stated that I was bored, but when my part came along, I gladly helped out and added my piece, although, I really just wanted to move on. Two big observations about myself; one, I was vocal, and two, I have this need to be doing something, pretty much all the time.
I was vocal, I stated that I was bored, but when my part came along, I gladly helped out and added my piece, although, I really just wanted to move on. Two big observations about myself; one, I was vocal, and two, I have this need to be doing something, pretty much all the time.
Ethiopian Food
One of the nights of missionary candidate week, we took a trip to a local Ethiopian Restaurant--Queen of Sheba. We did not know where we were going, other than to eat an international meal. We were told upon arrival of one caveat, we could not speak English, nor could English be spoken to us! This was by far one of my favourite experiences I had all week.
To order our food we could act like animals and point--to find out what type of meat it was, we could make faces, but under no circumstances could we speak English. I did cheat so that I could drink some sweet tea, but seeing a bunch of adults trying to figure out what to eat and choosing the most random of items (the menu was give to us in another language), was quite difficult, and absolutely hilarious!
The food was excellent. Ethiopian food is served on one big platter, "sponge" bread at the bottom, each persons meat order on top of the bread. We would take a piece of sponge bread and meat, and then eat off of the platter, each of us trying each others special dish! And yes, we ate with our hands! =)
At the end of the meal we celebrated Jennifer's birthday with a coffee ceremony. We were brought coffee beans to smell, before the coffee was brewed. The coffee was served in tiny--maybe 2 oz. cups, with popcorn. In Ethiopia coffee is typically served at breakfast. Popcorn or nuts are given with the coffee, because people do not want to eat a heavy meal, before manual labor. I did eat a little bit of popcorn and coffee--even though I do not care for either, it was a cultural experience that I enjoyed.
To order our food we could act like animals and point--to find out what type of meat it was, we could make faces, but under no circumstances could we speak English. I did cheat so that I could drink some sweet tea, but seeing a bunch of adults trying to figure out what to eat and choosing the most random of items (the menu was give to us in another language), was quite difficult, and absolutely hilarious!
The food was excellent. Ethiopian food is served on one big platter, "sponge" bread at the bottom, each persons meat order on top of the bread. We would take a piece of sponge bread and meat, and then eat off of the platter, each of us trying each others special dish! And yes, we ate with our hands! =)
At the end of the meal we celebrated Jennifer's birthday with a coffee ceremony. We were brought coffee beans to smell, before the coffee was brewed. The coffee was served in tiny--maybe 2 oz. cups, with popcorn. In Ethiopia coffee is typically served at breakfast. Popcorn or nuts are given with the coffee, because people do not want to eat a heavy meal, before manual labor. I did eat a little bit of popcorn and coffee--even though I do not care for either, it was a cultural experience that I enjoyed.
Real worship!
While I was in Atlanta, GA, for The Mission Society candidate week, I had some fantastic opportunities to try and experience new ways/things. Among them, my favourite had to be going to a refugee church--Celebration Fellowship.
Our group arrived at church a few minutes late and took some seats in the back of the school auditorium, where the church meets. Immediatly we were welcomed and became active participants of the service. Sitting next to me was a Thai man and his family. As I would sing in English, he would sing his praises in Thai. In front of me were some Bhutanese, and behind me were some Asian people. I was surrounded, right here in America, by a wealth of different nationalities and each of them were praising God in their heart language, and in their own way.
A Bhutanese man, who was sitting a couple rows in front of me started singing, in his native language, in his chair. He continued to sing, making his way up to the stage area, his three year old son following, where he began to lead the worship in song and praise. After this man and his son had left, another black woman, walked up to the stage to lead songs of praise and worship. A father came up to the stage, playing the guitar, his young daughters singing. No one ever questioned if they were good enough, or if they belonged on the stage, people responded to Christ, without fear of rejection, without wondering if they would be accepted! The praise and worship was amazing, heartfelt, they glorified and exalted God, showing their loyalty and admiration to Jesus Christ!
Our sermon was preached in three different languages--thus we received three sermons over one text. I loved worshiping with people in Thai, Bhutanese, Swahili, English, and other various languages!
Our group arrived at church a few minutes late and took some seats in the back of the school auditorium, where the church meets. Immediatly we were welcomed and became active participants of the service. Sitting next to me was a Thai man and his family. As I would sing in English, he would sing his praises in Thai. In front of me were some Bhutanese, and behind me were some Asian people. I was surrounded, right here in America, by a wealth of different nationalities and each of them were praising God in their heart language, and in their own way.
A Bhutanese man, who was sitting a couple rows in front of me started singing, in his native language, in his chair. He continued to sing, making his way up to the stage area, his three year old son following, where he began to lead the worship in song and praise. After this man and his son had left, another black woman, walked up to the stage to lead songs of praise and worship. A father came up to the stage, playing the guitar, his young daughters singing. No one ever questioned if they were good enough, or if they belonged on the stage, people responded to Christ, without fear of rejection, without wondering if they would be accepted! The praise and worship was amazing, heartfelt, they glorified and exalted God, showing their loyalty and admiration to Jesus Christ!
Our sermon was preached in three different languages--thus we received three sermons over one text. I loved worshiping with people in Thai, Bhutanese, Swahili, English, and other various languages!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Another book donation!
I will be receiving my 2nd book donation shortly! Yay! :) Neighbors and friends from church are the best! =)
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Get busy living, or get busy dying!
My headphones broke about a month ago. They are still under warranty and I am waiting on a replacement set. In the meantime, I run on the treadmill and use the Nike+. I am also training for the San Antonio half marathon. Today was a 14 mile run. Due to my lack of headphones, I chose to watch Shawshank Redemption while running. Perfect movie to watch!
What struck me interesting was in the past, my favourite part of the movie was when Andy Defresne had escaped, his moment of glory, the first taste of freedom in 19 years. That is no longer my favourite part.
I am now most excited at the very end when Red rejoins with his comrade Andy. Red was not just free from prision, he was redeemed--set free! Red made a conscience choice to get busy living! Another character in the movie, Brooks chose to get busy dying, and later committed suicide. It was through Andy, that Red had the hope, the dream, the vision, to get busy living! I want to be like Andy, the person that shares the hope, the dream, the vision, of living for Jesus Christ!
What struck me interesting was in the past, my favourite part of the movie was when Andy Defresne had escaped, his moment of glory, the first taste of freedom in 19 years. That is no longer my favourite part.
I am now most excited at the very end when Red rejoins with his comrade Andy. Red was not just free from prision, he was redeemed--set free! Red made a conscience choice to get busy living! Another character in the movie, Brooks chose to get busy dying, and later committed suicide. It was through Andy, that Red had the hope, the dream, the vision, to get busy living! I want to be like Andy, the person that shares the hope, the dream, the vision, of living for Jesus Christ!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Book Donation
I received my first book donation today! And as always, perfect timing from God. I finished my last book, on Thursday afternoon, and Saturday evening a friend brought "Basic Christianity" by John Stott for me to read. =) Yay for blessings!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Help, I’m taking Pre Calculus!
One of my students, from four years ago, texts me every morning to say, “Good morning!” Occasionally I will respond, although, not every day. On Thursday morning, I happened to respond with a “How’s math?” Her response, “Bad.” My reply, “Call me, tonight.” Her response, “Okay, I will :).” Come later that evening, she had not called, but I know she is a smart girl and it can be hard to take the initiative, especially when you need help with something.
I called her and asked if she was busy, and if she had time to work on her math. She dropped what she was doing, and over the phone we discussed her math problems. I was pleasantly surprised at what she remembered from my math class and future math classes. In speaking with her, I discovered it was not the math that she did not understand; rather it was the steps and the process. Once she realized that it was a bunch of algebra in one big package, she was excited and well on her way!
It makes me wonder how often we miss a step in the process and God is saying, “Silly, girl!” Maybe we were too hurried, or too busy. It also makes me wonder how often we really do know what to do and how to do it, but we are so caught up with what we do not know that we are not moving on. I often tell my kids, “Don’t tell me what you cannot do, show me what you can do!” Are we not moving on because we cannot, or is it because we are not asking for help, when it is directly in front of our face? Once my former student got past that sticky step in the problem, she was golden! God showed me through this situation that I am still connecting with these students and He can and will use me, even if it is not in the way I “planned.”
I called her and asked if she was busy, and if she had time to work on her math. She dropped what she was doing, and over the phone we discussed her math problems. I was pleasantly surprised at what she remembered from my math class and future math classes. In speaking with her, I discovered it was not the math that she did not understand; rather it was the steps and the process. Once she realized that it was a bunch of algebra in one big package, she was excited and well on her way!
It makes me wonder how often we miss a step in the process and God is saying, “Silly, girl!” Maybe we were too hurried, or too busy. It also makes me wonder how often we really do know what to do and how to do it, but we are so caught up with what we do not know that we are not moving on. I often tell my kids, “Don’t tell me what you cannot do, show me what you can do!” Are we not moving on because we cannot, or is it because we are not asking for help, when it is directly in front of our face? Once my former student got past that sticky step in the problem, she was golden! God showed me through this situation that I am still connecting with these students and He can and will use me, even if it is not in the way I “planned.”
Friday, September 26, 2008
Pythagoras and other fun people...
Monday afternoon I had the opportunity to meet with my friends, Derek and Claire, and their daughter Noelia, to discuss their upcoming trip to Bolivia. This was a great time of encouragement and excitement for me. This family will be joining a ministry in Bolivia with Food for the Hungry. Derek and Claire are 99% pledged fund raised for the next three years! I had the pleasure of learning about the different trainings they have gone to and will be going to, as well as the the joy of spending time with people I love most dearly.
Today was another Habitat build day! I spent the morning and afternoon on the roof. I helped measure, draw chalk lines, shingle, and hold down stuff so people could nail. The less vibration the better. And YES, we used Geometry! Pythagorean triples--3, 4, 5 triangles, and 6, 8, 10 triangles were used to make straight lines on the roof! See, isn't math cool? I used it on the roof today. Who would've ever thunk? You never know when those classes come into use.
God continues to show me his faithfullness. I should start substitute teaching next Monday. Yay for a job! :)
Today was another Habitat build day! I spent the morning and afternoon on the roof. I helped measure, draw chalk lines, shingle, and hold down stuff so people could nail. The less vibration the better. And YES, we used Geometry! Pythagorean triples--3, 4, 5 triangles, and 6, 8, 10 triangles were used to make straight lines on the roof! See, isn't math cool? I used it on the roof today. Who would've ever thunk? You never know when those classes come into use.
God continues to show me his faithfullness. I should start substitute teaching next Monday. Yay for a job! :)
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