Thankfulness: Day 6 (Education)

November 6, Day 6: Education

I am thankful to have an education. While I am still paying for some of my schooling, it is amazing to think that I received my foundation of learning for free for 13 years. I know that I'm not brilliant, but I take pride in what I do know and continue to learn. I have been blessed by some incredible teachers. I thought it would be fun to go down memory lane and try to remember all of the teachers that I have had the privilege of knowing. I tried, but around junior high, all of the years starting flowing together. There are too many to remember!

This is where it all began: Wheelersburg Elementary School K-8. I am sad to say that this building is no longer in existence. I spent many days here even before and after I was a student in the school hanging out in my mom's classroom. 

Then came high school: Wheelersburg High School. Proud to be Pirate! Sadly, this building is no longer in existence either. I spent extra time here as well in my dad's classroom.

Next came 4 years of college at Asbury College (now University) where I studied elementary education. There are too many things to say here. It may end up getting it's own day of thankfulness. 

Last but not least: Ohio University (Southern) for my Master's of Education degree in educational leadership. 

Whew! I believe I am finished with my education, unless I come across a large sum of money or am forced to continue it for some reason. I am very grateful for the training that I received at all places. I am who I am today because of the people from within those buildings that challenged me, saw my potential, and pushed me to do my very best. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to learn and the ability to succeed. (That sounds like a graduation speech!) 

Thankfulness: Day 5 (Coffee)

November 5, Day 5: Coffee

I am thankful for coffee. Whoever thought to take a coffee bean, roast it, grind it, and drip scolding hot water through the grounds is a genius. And I thank them, whoever they are. I love coffee in many different ways: Hot. Cold. Black. Flavored. Lattes. Mochas. Cappucinos. Espressos. Fat. Skinny. Regular. Decaf.... It all just makes me happy. Right now, my favorite brew in the Keurig for the morning is Starbucks Pike Place Roast Medium. I also just realized that I have 3 coffee pots in my little kitchen: a regular one, a Keurig, and an espresso machine. Whew. It might be a problem, but I am thankful.

Thankfulness: Day 4 (Church)

November 4, Day 4: Church

I am so thankful that from before I can even remember, I have attended a church. I am thankful for my parents taking us as children and teenagers to build a  solid foundation of our faith. I am thankful for the freedoms that we have to choose where to worship and how to worship. I am thankful for teachers in the church who were called, listened, trained, and teach Biblical truths. I am thankful for families who choose to make up the church and fellowship together and the relationships that I have made with believers there.

There are two specials places to me that I have called my "home" church: Christ's Community Church in Portsmouth, OH, and Southland Christian Church in Nicholasville/Lexington, KY. I am thankful for both places for providing the teaching of God's word, the opportunities to serve, the ministries to people in need, the time to worship, and the fellowship.

Thankfulness: Day 3 (Rest)

November 3, Day 3: Rest

I am thankful for a day of rest. A sabbath. It has been a while since I have had a day with no agenda, no plans, no appointments. I spent day 3 in complete rest. Even though I am thankful for my job (as mentioned in Day 2), along with educating children comes being exposed to their germs. We had strep throat, pneumonia, sniffles, coughs, and sneezes all week and some of them found their way into my system. I was a little under the weather and spent the whole day resting. For that reason, I am thankful for the weekend to rest and relax a little.

I had a dirty house that needed cleaning, but I did not clean anything. I had laundry that needed done, but did none. I had school work that needed worked on, but did none of it. I wanted to go out with a friend, but I didn't really feel up to it. I just rested. I spent my day of resting doing enjoyable things that don't require much energy: spent quality quiet time with God, took a relaxing bath, watched movies, talked to my mom, painted my toenails and fingernails, paid bills, updated the blog, snuggled with the pup, and browsed Pinterest. It was a good day.

I am thankful for time to rest. I was able to give my body a rest and build up some energy. My sick symptoms seem worse today, yet I have some energy to get things done today. For that, I am thankful. 

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

*BONUS SIDE NOTE: I wrote this early this morning (extra hour of sleep + dog that didn't know that and awoke at 5:30 am) and was planning to not go to church this morning because of feeling pretty yucky. I took some maximum strength Mucinex D... made me feel SO much better. I quickly got ready and went to church.... guess what the sermon was about? Mary & Martha. Resting.

Heavenly Father, Teach my to number my days that I may grow in wisdom. Psalm 90:12

Thankfulness: Day 2 (Teaching)

November 2, Day 2: Teaching

As much time that it consumes, I am very thankful for the job that I have. I am thankful that in my professional career, I have always had a job and even had the chance to switch jobs. I have worked in 2 schools that have challenged me, introduced me to new people, and have helped me become a better teacher. I am thankful to have learned what it means to have a good work ethic. I definitely work hard for what I earn and am thankful that I can support myself financially by working.

I was once asked to name the top 10 lessons learned from teaching kindergarten. I wrote this a couple of years ago, but here we go:

10. Even though you are their teacher, students will call you whatever first pops into their minds: mom, grandma, dad... or my personal favorite: papaw. Don't take offense.

9. One of the toughest challenges to conquer throughout the day: Trying to be serious and not laugh when someone on the carpet "breaks wind" and all the other kids snicker and hold their noses.

8. Apples don't fall far from trees. Ever.

7. The best teachers are made from the ones next door.

6. The sillier, crazier, dumber acting you are as the teacher, the more the students will participate, appreciate, and be engaged.

5. Every holiday and milestone calls for a celebration: missing teeth, birthdays, compliments, new siblings, new shoes, Groundhog Day, skills mastered, books read... and again, the crazier you make it, the better and more rewarding it is for everyone.

4. A bad day can be turned upside down by seeing a simple act of kindness from one student to another. (hah, thankfulness post Day 1?)

3. Nothing beats little notes scribbled on tiny scraps of paper such as: Mis Keller You are buteeful. or Miss Keller is the bestest techer in the wurld.

2. You can learn a year's worth of information about a child by visiting them in their home. It explains good and bad and gives a better understanding for why they are the way they are.

1. It is true: EVERYTHING you need to know you learn in kindergarten: fairness, patience, respect, diligence, work ethic, kindness, humility... Especially true of what the teacher learns. And we just hope that a little bit of each of those is instilled in the kiddos as well.

Where else can you help a child learn something brand new for the first time, break out into random song or dance, have people believe you are the smartest person in the world and want to be you some day, have many different careers all rolled into one (nurse, mom, actress, artist, musician, counselor, janitor...), and dress up with friends for the smallest of occasion? Yeah, it's kinda awesome to be a kindergarten teacher.

 Halloween 2009 with teachers at Clay (I was Hannah Montana.)

Jen & I dressed as Japanese dolls for Halloween

 Jen & I at Clay teaching our kids about opposites...

 ... in a way that a true OSU fan would understand.

 Brenda and I dressed up for the fairy tale ball.

 80s Day at JELV... just because.

Sturgeon and I rocking our 80s attire.

 More 80s day.

Community Helper Day 2011... I dressed up as Christy Chance. She was a vet.

Becca and I at the Family Fun Night hoe down.

And... last but not least, Becca and I on community helper day 2012. Booyah.

Thankfulness: Day 1 (Compassion & Kindness)

It's a common trend to use the month of November as a reflective time of thankfulness. While it is so very important to be thankful all throughout the year, it is nice to purposefully acknowledge the blessings that we have. I have decided to do a blog post each day of November to share 30 of the things/people/ideas/emotions that I am most thankful for. The things I choose each day will in no way be in any particular order. Some may be serious and thought provoking while others may be something silly and fun. So here we go...

November 1, Day 1: Compassion & Kindness

A little bit of kindness goes a long way. Over the summer I was asked to share my favorite part of my job. My response was that moment when I see students show kindness to each other on their own, with no expectation of a reward; when they come to a point of inner compassion toward others with no gain for themselves. Teaching 5-year-olds, this isn't a common thing to see happen. They are quite egocentric at this age; however, their desire to please and be accepted allows an open heart toward others.

I have been blessed this year with a very, very sweet group of children. Yes, we have our good days and bad and a few quirks here and there, but overall they are a loving, fun, sweet, smart, thoughtful little group of kids. This week has definitely proved that. I shared a map with my students at the beginning of the week to show them the weather changes that were coming. I talked about the hurricane and the effects it would have on many people's lives. We do not live close to where it hit, and I overemphasized that to them (to prevent fears). I explained how there would be a lot of wind and rain that could ruin people's homes and schools.

One little girl was really listening. She went home and told her parents that she was worried about the kids stuck in the storm. She wanted to help them. They asked her what she wanted to do, and she wanted to send them candy for trick-or-treating. Her parents fulfilled her request and sent bags of candy to Red Cross shelters in West Virginia (victims of the blizzard) so that the children there could celebrate Halloween. I. Love. This. Her dad sent me a picture tweeted by the Red Cross. These are some kids who received the candy that she sent.

This small act of kindness really brightened my mood. I'm thankful for the lessons that compassion and kindness can teach us. I'm thankful for the reminder from a 5-year-old of the importance to put others before ourselves. I'm thankful to have the chance to show kindness to children and teach them the importance of paying it forward. I'm also thankful for kind words from others. A simple little word of encouragement can make me feel on top of the world.

I'm thankful for the compassion and kindness that has been shown to me.

Colossians 3:12 - "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."

All things. Together. Good.

This should be an encouraging thing to hear: "You make all things work together for my good" (paraphrased from Romans 8:28 and a line from Your Love Never Fails by Jesus Culture). But lately, hearing that has been a challenge. Things don't seem to be going my way, or good in my opinion. I know this will sound whiney and complain-y of me, but I'll just throw it out there. My current stage of life is boring and lonesome. For once, I would like excitement, something to look forward to, promises that will not be broken, reassurance. I'm guilty of putting people (friends and family) on a pedestal and expecting them to fulfill these longings in my life. They can't. People fail. I know this yet I am continually hurt by it. This week, instead of keeping that frustration in, I shared it with some friends, who both unknowingly gave me words that were comforting and pushed me to accept more of the truth. Truth that I've always known, but sometimes is hurtful to hear.

This morning I begrudgingly pulled myself away from watching the men's final tennis match for the Olympic gold medal (Side note: Woot! Woot! for Andy Murray) to get ready for church. I love going to church, don't get me wrong, but the there was a strong temptation to stay on the couch. Satan has his ways. Anyways, I needed to hear the message today, as I do every time. It was wonderfully encouraging to hear about God's purpose and our misunderstandings and questions that we have when He works in ways we don't see. God is love. Love never fails. Do the math... God never fails. Praying (talking and LISTENING) to our Father and allowing Him control of even the mundane parts of life... He will work all things together for the good of those who love Him. All. Not just the exciting, life-changing parts. He is working right now. And I need to let him.

And of course, my devotional matched up well today. :) "Take time to rest by the wayside, for I am not in a hurry. A leisurely pace accomplishes more than hurried striving. When you rush, you forget who you are and Whose you are" (Jesus Calling by Sarah Young). And the scripture to follow:

Psalm 37:7 "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes." (sound familiar Bex?)


A friend gave me a card this week that said: "He goes before you (Deuteronomy 31:8), He's right beside you (Hebrews 13:5), He surrounds you on every side (Psalm 125:2)." Hello encouragement! God is good all the time. And though we can't always see it, He is ALWAYS working things together for good. He has fought battles for us and keeps doing so when we ask Him to go along beside us. I'll take the meaningless (to me), mundane life of right now and trust that my loving, all-knowing, good God has it all pieced together.

Being Crafty

Summertime allows for me to do one of my very favorite things: make crafts! I have made a few crafty things for my house and school. Thought I would share my newest creations.

For my house:

I made these for my kitchen. I just used scrapbooking paper and a Cricut. Inspired by the "Eat, Pray, Love" idea, especially for the kitchen, I wanted them to be in the order of importance.

I painted this back in March for Sarah Slusher's birthday party at Mad Potter. I finally bought a plate hanger and put it above my stove. The flower design I created was inspiration for the following project.

I rearranged my kitchen furniture and then had a very bare wall. I decided to make my own painting instead of searching for and buying something I liked. I wanted the fruits of the spirit displayed to remind me of living them out.

For school:

This was a Pinterest idea. My parents helped me put them all together. We made crate seats! And they're multi-purposeful in that books (Smart Stacks) can be stored inside when the top lifts off with the cute little ribbon handle. There is foam on the top to make it a soft seat the kids can sit on in the reading center. My room is polka-dot themed (black background with primary colors).

Another Pinterest inspired idea. Some teachers at school made these and I loved it!!! I love being organized and this is just the thing needed for all the little office supplies that float around the desk and cabinets. This was a tool organizer (for nails, screws, etc) that was blue and I spray painted it black (with plastic spray paint). I cut out card stock to fit right inside the drawers and printed off the labels from a blog.

Made my own dry erase board! Dry erase markers wipe off of glass and mirrors. I used a simple picture frame, some card stock and stickers, and ta-da! Marker board!

I made one for my assistant, too!

Here it is in use. :)

I have one more idea of something I'm making for school and some artwork for my living room. I'll add those pictures to the collection once they're complete.

A Message for the Singles

Just watched this this morning as suggested by a friend. This is the weekly message from the church where I attend. There are multiple services at my church and I attend a different one from the one they record and post online. On the Sunday this message was given, I didn't hear this portion in the service I attended. I definitely needed to hear it, especially as of lately. If you want to watch the whole thing, it's great. The singleness message begins at 29:30 and goes until 37:30. So encouraging to hear this stage of life presented Biblically and coming from someone who understands.

http://www.southlandchristian.org/series/twitter-confessions/i-have-a-lot-of-questions-for-god-doubt/

Spring Cleaning

I am proud to say that this post is being written from my desk in my office/craft room. This is a huge accomplishment because prior to Friday night, my office/craft room looked like I hadn't stepped foot in it since August and a tornado swirled all around. It looked that way because I pretty much hadn't spent time in this room since August. You know that room that you always close the door when people come over? Yeah, this is it. It is my place to accumulate all the "stuff" that I don't want to take the time to properly put where it goes. Paperwork. Tax stuff. Birthday cards. Christmas cards. Empty boxes (?). Junk mail. School stuff. Crafty things. Whew. The room isn't completely finished yet, but I'm taking a break because I was feeling inspired for a post.

ADD comes out when I start cleaning. Meaning that I start on one pile, find something that makes me think of something else, move to a different thing to clean, and the whole process continues. I have to talk myself into getting one little thing accomplished before moving to something else. For example, while writing this, the dryer stopped. I checked on the sheets in the dryer and realized I needed to put clothes away that were on the bed. I put the clothes away and I noticed my tissue box was empty. I went to the bathroom to get a new box of tissues and saw the sheets in the dryer reminding me to finish putting clothes away so that I could put the sheets on my bed. Yeah... it's exhausting. It annoys me yet I always clean this way.

Going through this process and cleaning through piles of stuff has really had me thinking today. Lately I've been really grumbly and complainy (is that a word?) about life. I've been tired, grouchy, irritable, and just overall unhappy. In trying to figure out the reasons why or the culprit for these feelings, and I've come to a conclusion. I am exhausting myself by trying to do life on my terms, running around from one thing to another, searching for acceptance and approval... and coming up short. It's leaving me feeling inadequate, lonely, bored, and tired all at the same time.

I'm stepping back. I'm looking at the things that are frustrating me in life and realizing that I don't have to do it all. God has spoken to me the last couple of Sundays at church. A main point in the messages was "what you do the best, you should do the most." God has given us talents and gifts that we use in our careers and everyday life. When we push ourselves too much in a direction that He has not prepared us for or gifted us for, it becomes a struggle. Here are some points I wrote down from the past couple of messages:

• He packed you on purpose and for a purpose.
• What we decide is worthy is what we worship.
• The only mistake is to not risk taking one.
• The greatest risk we can take is to find our way back to the simple.
• When you are full of yourself, God cannot fill you with Himself.

That being said, I'm going back to the simple. I hear God telling me to slow down. Cleaning out my room of "stuff," I realized things I used to do that made me happy and that I enjoyed, but I just don't do anymore. I'm going back to that. Some of those things are gifts given to me and I'm not using them. The whole risk thing mentioned above..... that's for another post. Be blessed.

All the Single Ladies (and Gents)

I have had a very heavy heart lately. My mind has been racing with thoughts and frustrations. Being a 28 year old single gal is definitely not the norm in the current world around me. There are daily reminders of being in this stage of life by myself which leads to questioning why I'm here. Sometimes those reminders could be prevented (facebook is a discouragement and chick flicks don't help), but oftentimes the most hurtful reminders come from other people. People say things that I'm sure are well-intended, but can be quite hurtful at the same time.

I've really been in prayer and thought about this stage of life called singleness. I wish I could offer up words of wisdom that have been given to me to share with anyone else in this stage, but the more I think on it, the more frustrated and discouraged I become. And quite frankly, I haven't received much advice from anyone older in the same boat or anyone who has really experienced singleness for a long time. I feel like the last 3 years especially, I've become more of a cynic toward love and marriage because of this. I don't want to read books about finding my mate. I don't want to hear "reassurances" that "I'm still young." I don't want to think how it's better to be in this stage than to be with the wrong person. Hearing and doing those things make the realization of being alone even more painful. I purposefully try to avoid these conversations, yet sometimes that's all others seem to want to talk about. I come home to visit. "Have you found a man yet?" No. "Are you dating anyone?" No. Never fails. Because apparently that's the whole significance of my life right now.

All I know is this. My God is in control of my life. He knows who I need and when I need him. He has the answers, and I won't find them in a book or hear them from a person. God is having me wait for a reason. He has given me patience, which makes me really annoyed by impatient people. I feel blessed to have this time to myself. I have learned more about myself: my strengths and weaknesses, my likes and dislikes, my values, my personality. And I know that He is shaping a man to compliment all of those areas of my life. God is writing my love story. I honestly believe that. While mine seems to be one of those really annoying chick-flicks where you just want the couple to be together already but there are always obstacles in the way... I know the outcome will be beautiful. His timing is perfect.

Would I rather be married now? Honestly, yes. Do I daily pout and and whine because I'm not? Definitely, no. I'm not going to go "searching" for the right man to come into my life. It's not my decision. I'm not going to spend my weekends out on the town because that's not me, nor do I want my husband to be a man that lives that lifestyle. I'm not going to try online dating because I don't feel comfortable with it. If that's how God wanted me to find him, I believe He would give me a peace about it. I wouldn't mind at all being setup by a friend. My parents met on a blind date and have been married for 38 years! :) However, the importance of knowing both people involved in the setup is extremely high. If he "looks like a cool guy at church" but you don't know him, how do you know he would be a good match for me?

While I don't always like this stage of life, I accept it. I keep living. I don't let it define me. Sometimes I wish others would do the same. For those of you who are not single, I would like to possibly open up your eyes to ways that you could encourage your single friends as opposed to making them feel worse. The following quotes have been said to me and while I know not purposeful, have been hurtful. People may not even empathize with how these statements can make a person feel, but here we go:

• "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." That's a great Psalm, a great promise. I do appreciate it. However, please refrain from telling a single person this verse as an encouragement. The desire of my heart is to have a husband to be sharing life with. If that's the case, I now feel like I must not be delighting in the Lord. Or it makes me question what the desires of my heart really are. And are my desires God-given or created by myself? Just opens up feelings of insecurity. 
• "There's just no guy good enough for you." Wow. Really? Just think about that for a minute and maybe the frustration will hit. That really sounds encouraging to ever find someone. I am in NO way perfect. Nor do I intend to find the perfect guy. I want the perfect guy for me.
• " ___ is such a great guy. I just wish he could find someone." When said with the above mentioned quote, knife in the heart. I guess I'm not good enough for him.
• "Why aren't you dating anyone?" Gee, if I knew the answer to that question, I'd give it to you. Because I guess no one is good enough for me, or so it's been said.
• "Someday you're going to make a great wife and mom." Thanks for the heads up!

Single friends: Be encouraged! Keep living life! We have a Father that knows us better than we know ourselves and loves us as His children. He is writing our stories. He knows who we need and will bring him/her along to fit in His plan. It's good!

Married friends: Be there for your single friends. Don't offer advice if you've never lived through a significant amount of time being single. I've never had a child, so I wouldn't give advice about being pregnant to a pregnant woman. I've never experienced it. Listen to us. Pray for us. Pray for our story.

Life Defined

In a recent conversation, someone said to me, "Oh, you're not married? I thought you were. So your whole life really is this school."

Annoyed. Disappointed. Discouraged. Frustrated.... my feelings, just to name a few.

I'm single. Not married. Unattached. I never thought that "my life," or anyone's life for that matter, is defined by marriage or singleness. To me, my current marital status is just that. Marital status. Not my life. Nor do I think that my married friends' lives are just that they are married. I think it makes more sense to think of it that way. Most of my friends are married, but their lives consist of so much more than their marriage. Surprise: Single people also have a life that consists of so much more than not being married.

And taking the other part of that conversation, my life is not my job. Yes, right now it's a HUGE aspect of my life. But that's the key. It's an aspect. It's not my life. The whole meaning behind the name of my blog is to remind me of all the things that I am, all the things that God has created me to be. He has created me to be a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a friend, a teacher, a dog-owner, a fitness instructor (lol). Yes, I spend a good deal of time at my job and doing things for my job. I don't do things half-heartedly, so if it requires more time, then yes, I'll put more time and effort into it. It's not my life though.

Which led me to thinking... what is my life? What is Christ calling my life to be? How do others see my life? How do I want my life to be defined?

I want my life to be love. What do you want yours to be?

Omnipotent

Warning: This may be a complete "need to get this off my heart/mind" post.

My previous blogs have been as a result of a devotional book that I started January 1. I am reading and dwelling upon the passages in this book daily and am absolutely AMAZED at how God is speaking to me through this. I mean, I guess I shouldn't be all that surprised. He truly knows what I'm going through and speaks to me in a way that I'll listen.

The last week or so has been rough. I've been sick all year (haha, sounds funny to say that). School has brought more drama in the last week than I want to deal with in a year or even teaching career. Worry about the future and doubt has set in. My house still hasn't sold, thus causing anxiety over my living situation right now (including a call from my landlord). Loneliness.

I have been very diligent in my prayer time, devotional time, walk with Christ. Does anyone else ever feel that the more you lean on Him and grow in your relationship, the more the world throws upon you? I know, I know. "Take heart, I have overcome the world..." it's encouraging, and I'm not saying that He will let me down and not help me through this. I feel like I'm trusted with more. I'm challenged with more. I'm brought to a point to say, "Yeah, God, I can't do this." Which I'm sure is the point...

Enough ranting and raving. I just want to put today's entire devotional on here for all to read. I can't even summarize this. I just bawled my eyes out reading it. This is from "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young. If you listen to K-Love, they have been reading excerpts of this devotional daily. I am going to enter my own thoughts and connections that I reflected on while reading. Here we go, January 9:

"I am with you and for you. When you decide on a course of action that is in line with My will (moving to KY), nothing in heaven or on earth can stop you (selling my house). You may encounter many obstacles as you move toward your goal (being confused about living here), but don't be discouraged -- never give up! With My help, you can overcome any obstacle. Do not expect an easy path (people are cruel) as you journey hand in hand with Me, but do remember that I, your very-present Helper, am omnipotent (Thank you, Lord).
Much, much stress (seriously way too much stress lately) results from your wanting to make things happen before their times have come (husband? house?). One of the main ways I assert My sovereignty is in the timing of events (I need to let You). If you want to stay close to Me (I do) and do things My way, ask Me to show you the path forward moment by moment (please show me). Instead of dashing headlong toward your goal, let Me set the pace. Slow down, and enjoy the journey in My Presence." Read Romans 8:31; Psalm 46:1-3; Luke 1:37

Presence

Thank you Jesus for Your presence today. Thank you for your protection and peace when I feel like I'm being torn down. Thank you for carrying my burdens, for lightening the weight I've been carrying around on my own.

In Christ, we can overcome anything. His presence in our lives is evident when we invite Him and seek His peace in the biggest and smallest of situations. He loves us. He has conquered it all. Why not ask for His presence? Nothing is too big for Him. He wants to give us peace.

"I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world!" John 16:33

The truth that means the most to me today: In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling, you keep them safe from accusing tongues. Psalm 31:20

Martha, Martha

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed." Luke 10:41-42a

I am worried and upset about many things. But reminded through scripture and prayer to "look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always." Psalm 105:4

Spending time with my Lord is just the refreshment and renewal I need for the day's troubles. He is speaking to me, reminding me to rely on His strength, not my own. I can't do it. My friends can't do it. My coworkers can't do it. My family can't do it. One thing is needed. Devoting my time and attention to the One who equips me to handle any and all situations.

Lord, be my strength. You know what I need. I give You the things that are making me upset. Only You can take away my worries. Amen.

Jesus Calling

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

When reading, reflecting and truly listening to the depth in this verse, I am confident that I need to claim these truths this year. I need to listen. I need to hear Him. I need to find His peace and understand His purpose and calling for my life. Renewing my mind. Filling my mind with His truth and allowing Him to transform my life and reveal His will.

How can I do this? It's a journey that I'm re-beginning today. I say re-beginning because this isn't a brand new thought or idea, but more of a fresh start to something I've strived for in the past. I love the start of a new year because I feel encouraged to make changes. Changes for the better. I'm digging down deep, purposefully devoting more time, energy, emotion, thoughts, and heart into what matters most.

Ready to join me on this journey? Jesus is calling and I am seeking to hear Him.