january highlights.

This month has been incredibly relaxing. After the most crazy-insane holiday season I've ever experienced, I was ready for some down time. That being said, not a whole lot happened in the first month of 2015!

Stephen and I did have a fun day-date and we did have a Texas de Brazil one year anniversary, but other than that we didn't really do a whole lot.

We've been visiting a new church and both really like it! This past Sunday, the mini-sermon was all about what missions are, how we are supposed to be missional and what opportunities are available to get involved in the community. Stephen and I signed up to volunteer at a few of the non-profits that are affiliated with this church. I'm really excited to see where God leads us to serve and work for His Kingdom.

I really didn't have specific New Year's goals this year, but I do want to grow spiritually, emotionally and physically stronger in 2015. I believe having the opportunity to volunteer at a non-profit is definitely going to be a gateway for that. I'm also starting a new Bible study today! It's called the "Five Aspects." It teaches all about womanhood and femininity. I'm so excited to see what I learn through it. I also have felt convicited about the amount of time I spend on social media. So I have currently given up Facebook and Instagram until Easter. I don't think social media is bad by any means, but it was time for me to take a social media fast.

I'm so thankful for another new year! Four more new seasons to live, to experience, to play, to work, to learn, to teach, to grow, to seek, and to find.

purified.

"I will set you on high because you have known My Name, but it must be a purified you to be so exalted."

Purified you...most believers, including myself, when they think of purity their minds usually go straight to sexual purity.  Purity is a very common topic to a lot of teenagers and young adults and the point is usually the same, "Wait until marriage to do the deed." (which is extremely important!) But oh, how many other meanings Christ implies when He calls us to be pure! 

This morning Jesus convicted me of having other idols before Him. I think this can also easily be translated into a call of purity. I am definitely not a "purified me" if I am putting material things before my Savior. As would if I gossip, lie, cheat, covet my neighbor, act selfishly, criticize...these are all impure actions. Not only can one's actions be impure, but also one's thoughts. Not only one's heart, but also one's mind. Thoughts of envy, hatred, fear, doubt, worry...these are all impure thoughts.

Purified you---that means so much more than sexual purity. Wow. That's something to rejoice about! Thankful for a Savior that guards our hearts so tenderly and lovingly. Thankful for a Savior that cares enough to warn and convict His children. 

"The Mighty One, God the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting." Psalm 50:1 (ESV)

a poem from an angel.

So yesterday morning one of my former students/friends, Alex, joined Hannah and I for our workout. Like I mentioned in a previous post, our workouts always consist of prayer. At the end of our circuit, we all three prayed for one another and it brought tears to my eyes - especially Alex's prayer over me.

Her words were so encouraging, genuine and from her heart. I am so very proud of her and where she is in her walk with Christ! I know how challenging it is to be in high school and strive to live for Him. Later that night she sent me a text telling me she had written a poem earlier that morning. IT. WAS. BEAUTIFUL. I asked her if she wouldn't mind me blogging it and luckily, she didn't.

Here is a poem from an angel dear to my heart.

You see my dear, it is not that I have lost my joy, 

or when it comes to speaking of him, I have become coy.

No no, its the love that I miss, 

when he completely consumed my life in sensational bliss.

He was my reason for being, the only thought in mind,

not just someone I went to when I'm in a bind.

He was the one I went to for everything, the love of my life,

giving me peace and joy through all trials and strife.

Yet being the wretched sinner I am, I have lost focus.

Losing my main source of water, like an old dried up crocus.

I have allowed my life to become a distraction, 

and my communication with him a subliminal transaction.

So it broke my heart, reading my old prayers.

Remembering the depth I had in continuous layers.

But no he is not gone, and in him I have remained.

For he has conquered death and to sin I am no longer chained.

He is my heart and my everything, my joy and my smile :)

my love, my grace, my words and my style!

He will not be forgotten, no matter how hard satan tries.

Through thoughts and temptations and the numerous lies.

I will not give up, not give out and certainly not quit!

For it is to him and him alone my life I commit.

In light of his glory, everything else becomes dim.

Forever and always, I will choose Him. 

I was speechless after reading these words. Alex is so young yet incredibly wise.

Thankful and so encouraged by this sweet girl. 

my Jesus lives.

Before reading, I want you to know that I am not writing this post about a girl who got her dream job. I am writing this for one purpose. To share about the goodness of our Jesus and the activity in His children's lives NOW - on this side of heaven.

Here it goes.

For the past six months I have been praying and seeking discernment about where I am supposed to teach next school year. At the beginning of this past spring semester, I didn't know whether or not I was being called to stay in DeRidder or apply for a new job in the Dallas area. But by April I felt pretty certain that I was being called to apply for other jobs. So I signed up to attend a job fair the first weekend in May for Plano ISD. That weekend was incredible. I got to meet some really sweet principals and I had such a peace in my spirit about moving forward. See my "the heavens declare" post about the sign I received in the sky! Jesus lives #1.

After the job fair I did a lot of sitting, waiting and praying. School doesn't end until the first week of June in Texas so I knew I wouldn't be hearing back from any principals anytime soon. I went to Boston the second week of June (here) and hadn't heard a word from anyone at that point. I was definitely starting to get anxious, but trying my best to be confident in what Jesus had already spoken. While on my trip to Boston, my cousin and I road tripped to New Hampshire for a day of hiking. My "miracle on the mountain" post explains the exciting thing that happened once we hiked to the top of the mountain! Basically, after three grueling hours of hiking we finally made it to the top. Once we were up there I had cell phone reception and got a call from a school in Plano that was wanting to interview me! But it wasn't just any school - it was THE school that I wanted to work at more than any of the others! Jesus lives #2.

So I flew home and had my interview on a Tuesday. It was the longest interview of my life, but I felt really good about it. A few days after the interview, I really started to doubt. I thought I actually had a shot at getting the position which led me to start worrying that I wasn't capable of working at a big Texas school. I let Satan in and he started stealing, killing and destroying.  Quickly. Fast forward to the following Tuesday. I was having my quiet time and Jesus led me to Matthew 14:31. "Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him saying, 'O you of little faith, why did you doubt?'"  In that verse Jesus is talking to Peter. Peter and the disciples are on a boat in the middle of a huge storm. And Jesus calls Peter by name and Peter WALKS ON WATER. But then Peter starts looking around him and sees the huge waves and the rain pouring down and he starts to doubt - worrying that he will drown and then he starts to sink! Jesus reached down and grabbed his hand and asked him why he had doubted. But Jesus didn't let Peter drown! He gave him a second chance. After reading that verse I was totally aware that I had doubted and my belief about what Jesus was doing had wavered....later that evening I got a call informing me that I did not get the job I had interviewed for. I doubted Jesus even after all He had confirmed up to that point. Jesus lives #3.

After not getting what I thought was the perfect job at the perfect school and knowing Jesus had ordained it all, I was pretty bummed out. On Wednesday (the day after I had gotten the disheartening phone call) I felt like my boyfriend had broken up with me! Not that I actually know what that feels like because it's been so long since I've had one of those but... you get the point. Then on Thursday morning I sat down to seek Jesus and see what He had to tell me. He had something to say all right. My devotional for that morning was titled "Miracles Again." The part that stood out to me the most was this: "I cannot do many mighty works because of unbelief. So only in response to your belief can I do miracle-works now." Wow. I don't think I have ever been convicted so quickly! After receiving Matthew 14:31 about doubting and then this about unbelief, I knew I needed to repent and ask for forgiveness. So I laid my hand on my Bible and repented of my unbelief and doubt and worry. I pleaded with Jesus to forgive me and give me a second chance like He had given Peter. Then I prayed and affirmed my belief in what He had done, what He was doing and what He was going to do. Then immediately my phone rang....it was another principal wanting to schedule another interview. Jesus lives #4.

My mom and I just cried. We cried because we had seen the hand of God SO at work through this whole process. He was so aware of what I had been thinking and feeling and He was so quick to convict me of my sin and then, once I repented, so quick to bless me!!! He gave me 2 Timothy 3:10-17! I still can hardly believe what I experienced. I didn't jump the gun though - I knew I still had to go through another interview process and another short period of waiting. My interview was the following Monday morning. My sweet friend, Lauren, let me stay with her the night before the interview. She just got a new teaching job (Congrats, Lauren!) so she helped me practice. After the interview, I felt confident as I was walking out of the school's front door, but as soon as I got in my car to leave I had a huge rush of doubt wash over me. Satan started throwing the doubt arrows at me once again, but this time I didn't believe them. Out loud I prayed affirming my trust in Christ and believing that He had not gotten me this far for no reason. I literally prayed that the principal would call me and offer me the job. 45 minutes later my phone rang....it was the principal offering me the job! Jesus lives #5.

I am still speechless when I think about the past two weeks. To think that the Savior of the world cares enough about me, a nobody, to plan every little detail of this job process. He blessed me all along the way too. Indescribable.

I do want to be clear about a few things though. The first being that just because Jesus didn't grant my heart's desires right off the bat because of my unbelief doesn't mean He would do that with every other person in their own situation. Jesus works differently in each person's life. I believe Jesus has hundreds of ways of speaking to His children and teaching them about His sovereignty. For me, He used this job process to show His control, provision and activity in my life.  I totally believe that He works on and through everyone according to each person's heart and where they are in their spiritual walk. Yes, there is only one way to Heaven and that is through Jesus Christ, but there isn't just one way to know and see Jesus Christ. He is everywhere - the mountains, the trees, the flowers, the animals, and His people. He is a multi-tasking God!

I hope you are encouraged through reading this post. I hope that you strive to live Heaven in your heart today and not tomorrow.

My Jesus lives and yours does too.

miracle on the mountain. bartlett, nh.

"Road trip to New Hampshire starts now!" -Me

 In the picture above, that is Austin's roomie, Ben, in the driver's seat, Austin is behind Ben, and behind me is another one of Austin's friends, Steve. Around 9 p.m. in the pouring down rain, we were headed for a little town in the White Mountains called Bartlett. It's about a two and a half hour drive from Boston - Steve rented us a cabin there (thanks, Steve)! We didn't end up getting there until about midnight due to rain, stops at Dunkin' Donuts and having to watch out for wild moose. Austin and Steve kept Ben and I very entertained by giving us the entire history of country music. When I use the word "entire" I mean Austin read the full Wiki article on it. Ben and I eventually decided to listen to Blue Collar Comedy... 

 

On Saturday morning, we slept in which was wonderful. I woke up to a pot of coffee made by sweet Ben, sunny skies and beautiful mountains. Once all the guys were up we all sat around and visited until after lunch. Then it was time to head to the mountains for some hiking! Another one of Austin's friends, Jess, had our hiking trail all mapped out. We met up with her and her boyfriend at the trail. So we all assumed that the hike would be a leisurely stroll down a well worn path in the forest. That being said, I was wearing my Chaco sandals, Austin had on a polo and we brought no water or snacks. Our assumptions couldn't be farther from the truth. The trail started out flat and easy to walk along... for about a mile. And then it pretty much became a MONSTER. As Austin put it, "This hike just went from fun to straight up military boot camp." Boy was he right! It was pretty much straight uphill, but the "hill" contained massive rocks, fallen trees and rainwater running down from the top of the mountain. It was A LOT of work. It took us about three hours to actually make it to the top, but it was totally worth it once we made it up there. The view was incredible.

Not only was the view incredible, but also a miracle took place. Let me first give a little background information. This past May, I attended a job fair for a school district north of Dallas. A very competitive school district, I might add. I got to meet all of the high school principals and fell in love with one school in particular. The principal was extremely sweet and personable. Since the job fair, I have been waiting very patiently and praying daily to hear back from any one of the principals. I had sent thank you letters and emails, but never heard a word back. Before I left for my trip to Boston, I had gotten discouraged thinking that I may not hear back from anyone at all. Fast forward to our hike up the monstrous mountain. We were close to the top when I started thinking about things Jesus has told me over this past year - words about persevering, trust and keeping the faith. I thought it was awesome that I was persevering and pushing myself up this mountain, even though I was completely exhausted. This verse explains it perfectly: "More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." Romans 5:3-5 (ESV)

Also let me add that I had no cell phone service all afternoon, until we made it to the very top of the mountain. As soon as I got service, my cell phone went off notifying me that I had a voice mail. I didn't recognize the number, but proceeded to listen to the voice mail. IT WAS THE PRINCIPAL FROM THE SCHOOL I HAD BEEN WAITING ON. She notified me that there was a math opening and that she wanted me to come in for an interview. I was speechless. Speechless. I immediately called my mom and of course started balling my eyes out. I call this a miracle because our Jesus is so gentle and loving and good. He could have very easily allowed the principal to call me before my trip or afterwards, but He wanted me to a. see His glory, b. see His goodness, and c. show me just how much He cares! What a glorious blessing He gave me at the top of that mountain! "It's celebration time," as my friend, Hannah, put it. Oh yes, it is celebration time. Praise HIM!

All right, now back to our adventure. Luckily, we all made it back down the mountain with no broken bones and before dark. We were all extremely hungry and thirsty. We immediately went to a restaurant even though we were decently smelly and dirty, haha. After a five hour hike, I wasn't about to order lettuce. Instead, I went for a bacon cheeseburger with fries. We were so pleased about completing our hike that we went to Dairy Queen and treated ourselves to blizzards. It was the perfect way to end a perfect day.

On Sunday, we slept in again which was even more wonderful after a long day of hiking. We all had coffee together and relaxed before packing up and heading into town for brunch. It was a lovely day in New Hampshire to eat outside. We picked a little hole-in-the-wall called Peach's. It was great! Austin and the guys were very intrigued by our waitress - she was pretty. After brunch, we did a bit of shopping and then hit the road for Boston. Once we made it back, it was dinner time! We decided on a Mexican restaurant in Davis Square. Austin knew every Latino song that they played. :) After dinner, we went on a long walk on a trail that was down the street from Austin's house. More than once Austin played "the song of the summer" (according to him) on his phone. It's called "I don't care, I love it" by Icona Pop. I had never heard it before the trip, but I don't think I'll ever forget it now - thanks, Austin! :)

I had the best time with my cuz and getting to know his friends. I adore his two roomies, Ben and Dylan. They are so stinkin' sweet!! My last night with my cousin was great. We just sat in his room and talked for hours. I am so so grateful and thankful for our time together in Boston and the White Mountains. Our visit was long overdue. He means so much to me and I cannot wait until our next travel adventure. I wonder where it will be next time? Dallas? Greece? 

I love you, Austin!

warrior three.

with Austin and his "rooms" Ben & Dylan.

sweetest guys ever.

So blessed to experience Boston and the White Mountains. So blessed to spend time with family. So blessed to meet new people and make memories.

one really good question.

I felt Jesus tugging at my heart with this question today:

What do I thirst for first?

Examine your words, thoughts and actions.

Examine your motives. 

Examine your heart.

Examine your soul.

a call of conviction.

"And now thus says the Lord God of hosts, the God of Israel:...They have not humbled themselves even to this day, nor have they feared nor walked in my law and my statues that I set before you and before your fathers." Jeremiah 44:7, 10 (ESV)

"He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good." Romans 2:6-10 (ESV)

Conviction. Comfort.

Jesus is so kind to give us so many teachings through His Word. We need and we must be convicted--continually. After reading these verses tonight, I sit reflecting. Am I humble? Am I fearing my Savior? (by fearing I mean--reverence for Christ, not scared of Him) Am I doing what is good in action, word and deed?

If I am honest with myself, there were multiple incidences this week that I would answer "no" to the questions above. And this is precisely why we, as human sinners, must reflect and let Jesus convict our hearts every single day. With conviction comes repentance. And when I sit at my Savior's feet repenting and weeping for His forgiveness, He gives it. But He doesn't forgive grudgingly, He forgives freely and lovingly. O, what a Savior! 

I am comforted tonight because my Jesus paid it all for me and all to Him I owe. I am comforted tonight because even with the sin that remains, He still chooses to make me new. pure. holy. Christlike.

May I continue to strive for the selflessness and humility of Jesus Christ.

the heavens declare.

This past weekend was one of those weekends that my Spirit felt total peace.

My mom and I went to Dallas and my sweet sister got to meet us up there! I hadn't seen her since Christmas break. A visit way long overdue. On Saturday, early evening, my mom and I were headed to the mall--killing some time before Katelyn made it to Dallas. And I was thinking about Jesus and how I need Him to direct my footsteps over the next few weeks and wanting Him to speak to me clearly and then my mom said, "Look at the sky!"

"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaim his handiwork." Psalm 19:1 (ESV)

Do you see the Christian fish in the clouds?! Jesus straight up ANSWERED me. He told my heart, "Do not worry, Mary Kathryn, I have it all under control."

Be encouraged that Jesus always keeps His promises.  He has promised to love His children unconditionally.  He has promised He will never leave us nor forsake us. 

"He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies." Psalm 25:9-10 (ESV)

all for His glory.

As I sit reading on the balcony of our condo in Orange Beach, I realize that the author (James Bryan Smith) put perfectly what I have been striving to pursue over the past year. I am awakened to a new sense of healing. Healing of my heart and healing of my mind.

Tears streamed down my face as I read it aloud to my mom.

"When I get out of bed tomorrow morning, I will arise with the sense that I am okay. More than okay, actually. The world around me, the one I step into when I leave my house, will tell me that my value and my worth are found in my abilities or performance. But I know better now. I have died to that old way. I have risen with Jesus, who lives in me and loves me. In other words, I am safe and secure. The old me that needs to compete, to impress, to dominate and to control has died. I am putting on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of Jesus. I don't need to worry today. I am at peace, because my life is securely hidden in Christ. I will set my mind and heart on the victory of Jesus, my Lord and King and Teacher, who has created me for something wonderful." 

from The Good and Beautiful Community by James Bryan Smith (you can find it here)

As soon as I get home, I am writing that down on paper and sticking it on my bathroom mirror to read each morning before leaving for work.

Praise the Father for His Mercies!

Today is Easter Sunday. The day that we celebrate the resurrection of our beloved Savior, Jesus Christ. "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." 2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)
Jesus died on the cross... all for His Glory and our good. All because He loved us and wanted to save us from our own sin. He died for us so that we could become holy and righteous as our Father is Holy and Righteous.

May we remember this sacrifice, Jesus dying on the Cross, each and everyday of our lives on this earth. Waiting patiently for our future eternity in heaven with Jesus!

blessings. that i often overlook.

A dear friend of mine, Carla, told me about a 3 book series by James Bryan Smith that I should read. I didn't hesitate and immediately bought two of the three. I am now reading through the first one titled The Good and Beautiful God: falling in love with the God Jesus knows. Already I have been reminded of many truths.

This book is a "curriculum for Christlikeness." Its goal is to teach and actually train one how to become more Christlike through "soul training." Each chapter ends with a particular training to try for the week. I just finished chapter three and the "training" for this chapter was to "count your blessings."

I started writing.

Blessings---that I often overlook.

Jesus                                                     compliments
the Cross                                               coffee
the Holy Spirit                                       running water
new life                                                 fans on a hot day
forgiveness                                            paved roads
grace                                                     pizza
mercy                                                    having a childhood
love                                                       laughter
peace                                                     cool sheets
joy                                                         doctors
God                                                       vacuum cleaners
Creation                                                wisdom from elders
lady bugs                                               bike rides
birthday cards                                        the ocean
life-long friends                                     legs that take me places
sneezing                                                a child's smile
birds                                                      new socks
blue skies                                              the Bible
my 5 senses                                          our immune system
pop sickles                                            banana muffins
my car                                                   random acts of kindness
worshiping with other believers             swinging
sharpened pencils                                  encouragement
puppies                                                  nail polish
prayer warriors                                      morning greetings from my co-workers
candles                                                  community
pictures                                                  sunshine
education                                               solitude
nature                                                    naps in the afternoon
books                                                   warmth from a fireplace
rocking chairs                                       lunch with my grandmother
fishing                                                  water with fresh lemon
curiosity                                                faith
family                                                   people
hugs                                                     spaghetti squash

This is just the beginnings of my list of overlooked blessings.

you can find this book on Amazon.

this one is for my friends.

I follow John Piper's blog.

Yesterday the post was titled, "How do I help my friends stay satisfied in God?" Since friends and family follow my blog I wanted to share what he had to say.

Pastor John recently tweeted, "Christian relationships have this as their goal: to help each other stay satisfied in God. To learn more about how this gets worked out in practice, we asked him. In part, he said this: 

It comes down to whether we taste and see that the Lord is good. I have said this to the church and I have said to pastors, and I have said to my wife. What I want from you, Noël, what I want from my staff, is for them to be happy in Jesus. The greatest ministry you can have to me is for you to enjoy Christ. And so I think when we turn that around and say, “Now how can I be the greatest blessing to the people around me?” The answer is: Get up in the morning. Go to the Word of God and, like George Mueller said, "Get your heart happy in God before you meet other people."

Words from a wise follower of Christ.

Happy Monday y'all.

lack of faith.

I want to share a Jesus story.

I call it a Jesus story because that is precisely what it is. I want people to know that Jesus really did rise from the grave. He really is alive. He really does answer prayers. He really is still performing miracles.

This past week has had its challenging moments. On top of being super busy at work, I was under the weather. As in I had a terrible cold. And it rained. Everyday. 

By Thursday, being sick combined with the yucky rain, I had the "blahhs." Big time. And I was doubting. Everything. 

Doubting my job. Doubting this. Doubting that. Feeling like a crazy person! Satan was stealing, killing and destroying. That is fa sho. So I just went to bed early praying for some help from my Savior.

I get up every morning at 5 a.m. to sit and drink coffee with Jesus. MmHm. I do. I also read a devotional called "God Calling" and my ESV Study Bible. On February 22nd, the morning after my day full of doubt, this is what GC said:

"You must trust me wholly. This lesson must be learnt. You shall be helped, you shall be led, guided, continually....Remember always, doubts delay. Are you trusting all to me or not? I have told you how to live and you must do it. My children, I love you. Trust My tender Love. It will never fail you, but you must learn not to fail it. 

You have much to learn in turning out fear and being at peace. All your doubts arrest My work. You must not doubt. I died to save you from sin and doubt and worry. You must believe in Me absolutely."

Speechless.

He knew exactly what I needed to hear and what I was struggling with. GC used the word doubt FOUR times! I was totally convicted about my lack of faith the day before, but He wasn't done speaking yet. I put down my devotional, picked up my Bible and turned right to James chapter one. It read:

Count it all joy when you meet trails of various kinds, for you know the testing of your faith produces steadfastness....

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose he will receive anything from the Lord, he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.  James 1:2, 5-8 (ESV)

Speechless.

Jesus had straight up spoken to me. He had straight up told me I am unstable in all my ways when I doubt! Hallelujah! I needed to hear this. I needed to be reminded that it is not okay to doubt God. Just because we can't see nor do we know everything He is doing doesn't mean He isn't working!

Yesterday I was convicted of my lack of faith by the Savior of the world. He. Is. Alive.

oh. my fortune from dinner that same night.

sunday soul food.

I just love the Words Jesus gave me this morning.

"We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him. We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. 

And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols." 1 John 5:18-21 (ESV)

I remember my college pastor, Kyle, doing a sermon on just verse 21. [Pause. Dig in my drawer to find my journal with the sermon notes] Sermon date: April 29, 2012. 

One question he asked and answered was this: "Why is keeping yourselves from idols so critical? a. you were made to be satisfied by the beauty, perfection, and superiority of Jesus Christ. b. if Satan cannot make you destined for hell, he will work to make your heart divided and your years wasted. c. Satan wants to pervert your sense of happiness, contentment, and satisfaction." 

AMEN to that. I have a little notecard in my car that reads "Dive into Jesus. Rid yourself of idols." Those were the words that Kyle left us with that Sunday and they have stuck with me. Good soul food. 

After my quiet time and breakfast. Mom and I headed for the hiking hills at Hodges Gardens. It couldn't have been a more perfect day--not a cloud in the sky and 60 degrees. I have been going to Hodges Gardens since I was little. Not very often, but here and there over the years. We walked five miles! I enjoyed it so much! We packed a picnic lunch. Quite healthy actually. Grilled chicken, carrots, spinach, and grapes. Yum yum. I brought my mini-ESV to lunch and read a bit from Psalms (see pic below). 

Today is my sister's birthday and mom told me that her and dad went to HG just a few days before she was born. Way back in 1992. I thought that was cool. Here are a few pics from our adventure!                                       

                       

So happy that I am able to take advantage of the time that I have now with my parents. I know there aren't that many weekends left that I'll be living with them. These memories and adventures are precious. 

kids just need love.

I just finished my second week of the SECOND semester of my first year teaching. Time is flying by. Flying.

Tonight I've got sweet faces on my mind. My precious students.

Many times over this past year, other teachers have made the comment, "You don't get paid over-time outside of school so don't spend your time worrying about your students." Wait. Really? I am a teacher. And I am not supposed to worry or care about my students? Isn't that why I chose teaching? To care. To teach. To grow. To nurture. To motivate. To encourage. To love. 

Aren't we, as believers in Christ, called to love and to encourage others? To pray for others? To confront others? To discipline? To keep accountable?  Why yes, I believe we are and THAT is why I've got my kiddies on my mind.

I got nine new students this semester. One in particular is my favorite. He moved here from Texas and calls me "Mizzz." It reminds me of all my inner-city Waco students... they all called me "Mizzz" too. Last week he came to class and I could tell he was on the verge of tears all throughout the class period. I found out a few days ago, his mom got arrested and went to jail. he just needs love.

Right before Christmas break, another one of my boys came to class all slumped over and looking miserable. Half way through the class, I had a minute to chat with him and ask him what was up. He told me his house had gotten broken into the night before and had most of his belongings stolen. he just needs love.

Last week, one of the brightest girls that I teach mom passed away. I know that she was very close to her. She is 16 years old. she just needs love.

One of my weakest students hardly ever comes to class with a smile on her face nor has anything to say. She informed me one day last semester that she would be out of school for a funeral for a week. I wanted to ask more, but could tell she didn't want to offer any information. I later learned that her aunt had committed suicide. The aunt that she lived with because her own parents aren't in the picture. she just needs love.

What I wish that educators could see is that if we approached our students with love and care through prayer and the power of Jesus, students would change. It says so in the Word of God. He reminded me of this this morning before I headed to work.

"And now, Lord...grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus." Acts 4:29-30 (ESV)

So we, as believers in Christ, speak the Word and proclaim the Word and do the Word and JESUS stretches out His hand and heals and works the miracles. 

So I, as a teacher, let Jesus speak through me. Work through me. Love through me. Because kids just need love. 

a new week. a new church.

A song of praise of David.

"One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness. They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness." Psalm 145:4-7 (ESV)

This is what I was lead to this morning in my quiet time before church. The part of the above verses that struck my heart the most was the first sentence, "One generation shall commend your works to another." Why did this strike my heart? Because in my job I am surrounded with people (students and co-workers) from another generation than myself and most of the time, I am not declaring anything in my actions nor my words about our Lord's "mighty acts."  If I was completely honest, there are many days, outside of my job, that I make choices---through my actions, behavior, and words, that do not commend my Savior's "awesome deeds." Why is it so difficult to give praise and honor to Jesus Christ? To a Savior that is "slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love," and to a Savior that "...is good to ALL." [emphasis mine]  I like what Paul says in 1 Timothy chapter one starting with verse 12.

"I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost." 1 Timothy 1:12-15 (ESV)

It is difficult to give praise, honor and glory to our Savior because we are born filthy sinners, but thanks be to God that He gave His only Son to save us. It is through His mercy and unending grace that we have the opportunity to become holy and righteous and pure and loving and kind and good. I thank Jesus for not giving up on me. For having unending patience with me! Whew. Thank goodness that He is patient, otherwise He would've said "Peace out, MK," a LONG time ago. 

Today is the first day of a new week. Another fresh start. I got to visit a new church and meet new people. The Lord is gracious and good. My prayer this week is that I remember what His Word says in Psalm 145 and 1 Timothy---at my job, at my house, in every area of my life. I pray that I would go to war with the sin in my life and that I would strive to proclaim my Savior's "wondrous works...abundant goodness...mighty deeds...everlasting kingdom..."

"Your kindgom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations." Psalm 145:13 (ESV)