My Journey-lessons learned

 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.~Psalm 107:1

My last post was eight months ago and it is fitting that I use the same scripture.  Eight months ago I was placed back into the classroom because of teacher shortages.  I was assigned to teach a grade level that I had never taught before.  I was walking into a classroom full of children who had been with substitute teachers, but I was not walking in alone.  God was with me everyday.  

God blessed me with a team of teachers and administrators who were supportive in every way.  I was in many ways a guest in their school, but they made me feel like one of them. The never got impatient as I asked questions. They never made feel like I was alone.  Meanwhile, my work family from my actual position also kept me lifted.  They included me where the could and kept me abreast of all the changes occurring in my other position.  I had support on all sides and I know this was God.

Being transparent, being in a classroom again was not where I wanted to be.  I wanted to be coaching.  I had gotten comfortable with having an office and making my own schedule, but God had different plans and those plans were and are for my good.  He was preparing for what was to come.  I knew this assignment would not be temporary, so God gave me wisdom to accept that I would be here until the end of the year.  I took one day at a time and asked God for help each and every day.  He answered and was with me every step of the way. He gave me a measure of patience and strength.  He taught me to lean on Him and to trust Him with my days.

Like I said, He was preparing me.  My job actually got dissolved and I am being placed in the classroom again.  God already knew so He had prepared me for dealing with youth again.  Teaching me to build relationships again with students I inherited.  Teaching me to love even when its hard.  Reassuring me that I still have the calling to teach on my life.  Reassuring me that I could do it.  

I will be back at home next year with my Alma Matta. God set that in motion too.  He had the right people in the right place for such a time as this.  I will be going back to the familiar,  teaching seniors and content that I love. I will also get a well needed break after five years of working year round.  I don't know why God wants me in the classroom, per haps it is my ministry field.  But I trust Him and will stay in the center of HIs will.  

I made it to the end of this school year with God's help because He is a good God and amazing Father and I give thanks.  I don't know who else has had unexpected twists and turns in their life this year, but I am witness that God keeps His promise of never leaving or forsaking us. He keeps His promise of HIs grace being sufficient.  He keeps His promise of love.  So hold on and choose faith over fear and praise over grumbling because God's got you just like He has me.

Father, I thank You for love and strength.  I thank You for being with me through it all.  I thank You for the courage to face  a new path or revisit an old one because I know even in that You are doing something knew.  Thank You for being God.  Bless all the teachers and educators out here.  Bless those who are going through changes and having their lives interrupted.  Let us remember that Your plans are for our good.  In Jesus name. Amen

Thanksgiving

 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.~Psalm 107:1

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. A day in this country where people pause to give thanks.  I propose that every day is a day that we should give thanks to the One who gives us so much.  May we position our hearts each day in gratitude to the One who is good.  To the God who saves.  

It is an awesome thing to know that we have a Savior who loves us with an eternal love.  It’s humbling to know that God looks beyond our faults and sees our needs, for that I say thank you.

God is good.  He is gracious and kind.  He is merciful and abundant in His love.  It’s His love that spurs praise.  It’s His love that gets us out the way so that we can focus on Him.

I thank You Lord for the breath in my body.  I thank You for eyes to see and limbs that move.  I thank You for a chance to fellowship with love ones.  I thank You for You sweet Jesus.

Regardless of circumstances and in and out of season I say thank You.  Keep me humble before You Lord and my heart overflowing with thanksgiving. Bless this nation and may we give You thanks for things both big and small.   In Jesus name Amen. 

Look up

I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.~Psalm 121:1-2

Look up.  When troubles seem to surround you, look up.  Look up to the Savior who surrounds you with loving care.  Look up to the God who will part your Res Sea.  Know that He exist and that He fights for you(Exodus 14:14).

I am on a high right now because I saw the Lord in action today.  He is always moving, but He allowed me to see His hand.  I know if He did it for me, He will do it for you because He loves us just that much.

Think about it.  God fights for our souls by sending His Son Jesus.  All we have to is believe in Him.  Jesus fought the battle and won.  Because of Him we are no longer condemned.  So when the day looks tough and problems feel like too much, look up to God.  Look up to Creator of heaven and earth.  He is your help.  He is your strength.

Lord,  thank You for always being there for us.  Thank You for being our help.  I personally thank You for the victory You gave me today and bless Your Holy name.  Be with my brothers and sisters.  Strengthen them and comfort them for Your touch is amazing. In Jesus name.  Amen

For the good

 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.~Romans 8:28

I’ve been called back into the classroom to teach.  I can respond with rebellion or expectation for what the Lord is going to do through me.  I choose expectation.  I choose to stand on the truth that God is with me and will be with me every time I step into the room.  He will be with me for every interaction with a young person.  

I choose to believe that He is preparing me for something and whatever that something is will be for my good and His purpose.  Change is not always easy.  I loved my job of supporting schools and building their capacity, but for now students need to be built up.  I choose to lean on God and trust His path. 

 I am not alone in this journey.  Others are taking the same path as me.  I pray that we all use it as an opportunity for growth and to be a light to the youth. I pray that we stay humble as we face different challenges.  I pray for a spirit of cooperation as we remain obedient to His call.

Lord, You know what we stand in need of and what is best.  Help us to trust You.  Help us to build relationships with the youth in our classrooms sharing your love.  Help us to be firm, but fair.  Protect us in the climate of Covid.  Help us to be your ambassador.  In Jesus name. Amen

Loving others

 

8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. 

9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 

10 Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.~ Romans 13:8-10

Love from God is a great privilege.  Having  the chance to share His love with others is an honor.  Today God gave me a gift of opportunity.  The opportunity to show kindness to a stranger.  It felt good.  It felt good to do even a small thing for someone else.  I'm only sharing this fact because I am grateful for God to have had the chance.  I miss so many opportunities, so when I get another chance I have to give Him praise.  For it is HIs hand that I ultimately seeing move through me.

God tells us to love your neighbor as yourself (Romans 13:9). Our neighbors are our fellow mankind.  The lady or gentleman in the grocery store.  Our physical neighbors and our brothers and sisters in Christ.  Our neighbors include those who don't look or think like us.  That means loving even when its might be hard.  Treating others as you want to be treated.  A smile to encourage. An hello to let them know that they are seen and valued.  It doesn't take a lot.  Sharing a meal. Caring for the less fortunate and praying with someone who is having a challenging time.  It's giving of self.  Loving God through them. 

Want to keep the law?  Want to please God? Love.  Be indebted to love others.  It will change your life.

Father, thank You for the chance to share your love with someone else today. May my small act of kindness make an impact for Your Kingdom.  May I see people as You see them and may I love.  Help us all love each other well, for You love us well.  In Jesus name.  Amen

Putting on the Armor of God

 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  ~Ephesians 6:10-11

One day I bemoaning having to put on my mask to go into a store, but I reminded myself that "masking" up is a way of protecting myself.  It's one small simple thing that I can do to add a layer of protection for myself and others.  I put on my mask everywhere.  Then it hit me, I need to be "masking" up spiritually by daily putting on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:11).  I need to be strong in the Lord and protected from the schemes of the enemy.  I need to be just as conscientious and intentional about being protected spiritually.

I need to  have the belt of truth securely around my waist(Ephesians 6:14).  Truth holds things together.  Truth allows me to have light and walk securely in the mist of darkness.  I also need the breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14) to guard my heart.  Keeping my heart pure and centered on Christ.  

I need to have my feet "fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." (Ephesians 6:15)  I can be ready to move when God says move and advance against the enemy when I have the gospel of peace.  The gospel that declares that man can be saved if they just believe in Jesus.  Believe that He shed His blood for us that we might be forgiven of our sins and reconciled to the Father.  Believing in the redemptive power of our Lord.  This brings peace between God and man and between mankind (uniting humanity).

I need to take up the shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16) that extinguishes the flaming arrows that the devil throws at us.  We are not defenseless.  We can put out arrows of shame and condemnation. Arrows that would have us forget who we are in Christ Jesus.  Arrows that would try to distract us from the promises of God.

I need to make sure I cover my head with the helmet of salvation, protecting my mind.  Guarding my thoughts.  I also need the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:17) The Word will let me combat the lies of the enemy. And finally I need to pray, always. Pray for myself and for others (Ephesians 6:18). 

God has given me all that I need to be protected from the enemy.  I need to "mask up" on all occasions and put on the full armor of God.

Father, I thank You for giving us all that we need to be protected spiritually.  Thank You for Your strength and Your armor.  Help us to be intentional about wearing it so that we can stand firm when the enemy attacks.  Thank You for love, wisdom, grace, and mercy.  In Jesus name. Amen

Following God

 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children. Ephesians 5:1

The Fair is in town.  Its annual tradition for my co-workers and I to walk over during lunch and fellowship.  Well today I noticed something as one of my colleagues took the lead in the trek.  I noticed that I followed his steps and movement.  My head was down, but my eyes were on his feet.  He stepped and then I followed suit.  Once we got to the fair, I looked up and kept my eyes trained on him.  I didn't want to loose him in the crowd as he walked ahead.

My awareness today got me to thinking about Jesus and how need to follow Him just that intently.  I need to be purposefully moving when He moves and putting my feet where He orders my steps.  I need to have my eyes on Him and  not loose sight of Him in the day to routines of this life.  I need to follow Him with confidence, knowing that He will lead me safely to my destination.  My trust needs to be in Him.

Lord, let me follow your example.  Your example of extending grace and forgiveness and showing mercy and kindness.  Let me follow your example of how to love my fellow man.  Help me to keep my eyes focused on You, trusting You to direct my path.  May others be drawn to You as I follow You.  In Jesus name.  Amen