His Word Sunday

The first Sunday of Summer 2012...

It feels good.  Yesterday, I got to spend quality time with my kids.  It was wonderful!  We went swimming, washed the car, had lunch at Chick-fil-A, and watched a movie.

I'm looking forward to a summer that is not consumed with school stuff - preparing for a new career.  I am  so thankful for all the Lord has brought my way in the past 17 months.

I thanked the Lord for His ever-present faithfulness in my life this morning as I read Psalm 119..

Psalm 119:73-77 (ESV)

Your hands have made and fashioned me; 

give me understanding that I may learn Your commandments.

Those who fear You shall see me and rejoice, 

because I have hoped in Your word.

I know, O Lord, that Your roes are righteous, 

and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.

Let Your steadfast love comfort me 

according to Your promise to Your servant.

Let Your mercy come to me, 

that I may live; for Your law is my delight.

Have a great Memorial Day Weekend - as we remember those who gave everything for our country!

Never Once

This is a very different kind of Friday.  This is the last day of school!!! This last day marks the completion of my first year of teaching!  Success... Victory!

I didn't do this year on my own.  I had many many praying and still to this day have a very faithful God carrying me through each new day's adventure.

You may not have realized it - but it was you and God that were there in all those testing rooms - in those classrooms that were beyond challenging - And today I thank you!  I thank you for believing in me.

Today is also a sad day.  I have loved this year being a part of Panther Nation.  I have immense pride teaching at the school where I graduated.  And yet... today is my last teaching day at Lufkin High School.

This was not a decision that was met with ease - but was bathed in much prayer and counsel.  Next year, I will start a new adventure teaching Chemistry and Advanced Chemistry at Hudson High School (for all my non-local friends - this school is still in this area - no I will not be moving).

I'm really excited about this opportunity God has brought my way and am looking forward to what He has in store for me there.

One thing I know about the past year and the ones to come - I'm never alone!  Never once has God ever left me and I know He is always faithful.  That's why this is the perfect song for this week.

Have a great Friday - enjoy your summer!!!

Roaring Like a Lion

Yay Friday!  Today I'm traveling to New Orleans to celebrate a beautiful relationship.  My dear friend and John's former secretary is getting married.  I can't wait to get there and share this wonderful time with them.

But before I get there - I still must do Friday.  That means run 3 miles and give the last IPC test for the year.  Since I've been running I've been listening to some fun, fast, Jesus music to keep me going.

Today's song is one of my new favorites.  It helps me to keep going for sure!  One of my favorite lines is "this world... I'll overcome!"

Whether it be the next mile that I'm wanting to finish or the last week of school, or any challenge that I'm facing - Jesus tells me that HE lives inside of me and I'm sure to overcome!

Enjoy your Friday!

This Life

Have you ever gotten to the end of the week and thought, "I meant to do _____" (fill in the blank) - but it just didn't get done?

This week, I meant to have more patience.  This week I meant to spend more time in prayer.  I meant to teach more than just Science.

One morning as I was preparing for the day in my classroom - I heard this song come across my Pandora.  It actually made me stop what I was doing and really listen to the words.

Whatever is on your "To Do List" - we are meant to shine - for as long as we're here.    God knows this is not our home - we're not supposed to settle in and get comfortable.  But we are supposed to shine.

This weekend - here are the places I can shine:
1.  I'm running another race - The Fredonia 5-Miler

2.  JP's T-Ball Game - somehow I've become the Dugout Mom.  I'm in charge of making sure the right kid goes out to bat, and maintain order with the rest of them in the meantime.

3.  Cheering on & encouraging all my little friends as they try out for Drill Team (Panther Pride)

Wherever you go this weekend - remember to shine!