Galatians 6:2
I went out tonight. I don't normally just up and leave, but tonight I did. I had to. So, when I was out I was going over some stuff in my head and trying to convince myself of some things and trying to understand some things. I'm never going to understand some things though. I think it's good... It's good to not understand things and it's good to not have complete control because if we think we have complete control does that leave room for the Creator to be that to the created? Probably not.
So as I was driving and making some stops the radio station I was listening to gave the verse of the day. Galatians 6:2 says, "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." You fulfill the law of Christ. That's huge, is it not? We MUST carry each other's burdens. Think about the people who surround you... go through and think about each person. Is there someone with a burden that they shouldn't be carrying on their own? Help them!
The first 10 verses of this chapter in Galatians are about doing good to all. We need more of this in our lives. We need to be uplifted more, we need to be encouraged more, we need to stop making ourselves our top priority all the time. I'm not implying that you need not take an interest in your own life or look out for yourself... I don't mean that at all. We just need each other. We need to live our own lives and do our own things. What's more is we need God.
Needing others does not make you weak. Does needing God make you weak? Does needing Jesus to cover my sins make me weak? Quite the opposite. Here are the 10 verses I'm referring to...
"1Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, 5for each one should carry his own load.
6Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.
7Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."
Breathless
This is a song by Corinne Bailey Rae off of her self-titled debut album.
Breathless
Seems like everyone else has a love just for them,
I dont mind, we have such a good time,
My best friend, but sometimes, well,
I wish we could be more than friends,
Tell me do you know?
Tell me do you know?
oh..
I get so breathless, when you call my name,
I've often wonderd, do you feel the same?
There's a chemistry, energy, a synchronicity
When we're all alone,
So don't tell me
You can't see
What im thinking of.
I can understand that you don't want to cross the line,
and you know i can't promise you things,
will turn out fine,
But i have to be honest, I want you to be mine
Tell me do you know?
Tell me do you know?
oh...
I get so breathless, when you call my name,
I've often wonderd, do you feel the same?
There's a chemistry, energy, a synchronicity
When we're all alone,
So don't tell me
You can't see
Oh!
Cause ive tried to do this right in your own time
I've been telling you with my eyes, my heart's on fire,
Why dont you realise?
Tell me do you know?
Tell me do you know?
I get so breathless...
VIP??
Not much is new in my life and this week has been pretty much the same as every other. I subbed a lot and it was good. Again I had a few bad kids, but you'll have that. Lots of exciting things are happening to lots of people around so I'm sure it's just a matter of time before something exciting happens to me. At least I hope. :)
Well, there is one thing that's exciting and that's the Lord. The amount of little uplifting, encouraging events has sky-rocketed this week and I'm loving it. It seems like everyday God has done something to remind me of his sovreignty and grace. Through kids and other teachers and especially through some good friends.
I'd like to just pause for a moment and say that I love my friends and they've been really great lately with all the craziness that seems to surround my life sometimes.
Now back to normal things. So anways, there's not much to else to put. I'm busy for the next 15 weekends or so, which is insane! Lots of parties, holidays, and other events coming up... including my birthday!! Which (for those of you who have NEVER met me) is on Dec. 30th! Now I know you're thinking it's quite a while a way, but you're wrong. It's gonna be here before you know it, so consider this you're reminder... unless of course you're a VIP in which case you'll be getting email very shortly reguarding the occassion.
I'm going home this weekend and I'm really looking forward to it. lots of people to see and things to take care of. good times. Ciao
merry christmas
Middle school, 4th grade, 5th grade...
So far these are the kids I've subbed for. First let me just say that I LOVE subbing! I didn't think I'd like it as much as I do, but it's so fun for me! Now don't get me wrong... some of these kids are bad. Some of these kids make me wanna meet them after school by the oak tree if you know what I mean. BUT in spite of the few problem kids, it's great. I've decided I'm not too fond of 6th graders though I do feel bad for them. Its such an awkward age. Today I had a class of 5th graders and I loved it. They are an interesting group of people. I think I like it because I can remember sitting there being so excited about having a sub and thinking that they weren't going to know what they were doing. I remember passing notes and asking to go to the bathroom like 8 times during the day. I remember things I said to my friends about subs. AND sometimes, just sometimes I remember having a "cool" sub that we walked all over. I'm proud to be a mixture of cool and stern. Like today... I had to send 3 kids to the office, but those who were actually doing their work and being respectful had a fun end of the day playing games. Can I just say that "heads up, 7-up" is probably more fun for the teacher than you could have ever imagined. I wanted to play right along with them so bad!! Remember playing "around the world"? Also a very good time.
Anyway, all that to say I love subbing so far. The calls at 6:30am aren't as fun (especially when you go to bed at 3), but I'm finally making some money so I'm dealing with it.
How 'bout this weather?? I'm loving it! (I'm so old... who talks about the weather?) But seriously it's beautiful and the trees are beautiful. not really looking forward to the snow we're supposed to get on friday, but it's Indiana what can I expect?
So the church job... it's mine if I want it. I'm actually not going to take it which is probably a shock to most of you, but feel free to give me a call and ask why.
I carved more pumpkins today! We actually went back to the orchard that trent and I got our apples and pumpkins from. My newer pumpkin is pretty rockin if I do say so myself... and I do. Here's a picture of it...
Yeah, be amazed!
Teaching has been keeping me pretty busy which has been a huge blessing. Let me tell you, not having a job for almost 6 months gets real old. I actually look forward to the weekends now because it differs from the week. Whoa, what a concept. This weekend either trent is coming or I'm heading up to naperville. Either way its gonna be a good time, thats for sure. If you know me at all you know I love Christmas music. And if you know me at all you know I love Third Day. What this means is that Tuesday was a great day for me because the Third Day Christmas cd came out! Good stuff. Mac Powell can sing to me any day. Now that the weather is colder I'm already excited for Christmas. I'm tempted to change my general ringtone on my phone to jingle bells, but I'm going to try and contain myself until the thanksgiving (or at least november).
I'm still stuck on God honoring and teaching patience right now. It's such a simple concept, but often not so easy to practice. There are so many things going on right now that I just want to see the end result in or I just want to know the answer, but a good friend has had great timing in reminding me to be patient and God is following through on that and will continue to follow through. I had a free period in one of my sixth grade days and I turned on the tv in the classroom and they had all of the good channels that I just got rid of because I'm at war with brighthouse networks. as I was flipping through I stopped to watch a silly commercial and right after the commercial Beth Moore (hugely popular women's bible study author and speaker who I've talked about a ton on here. I'm doing one of her bible studies right now.) came on the screen and began to continue the sermon she had been preaching before the break. she was talking about contentment and patience with the Lord and in the Lord. It was brilliant because God timed it perfectly. it ended just as the bell rang and students began to file back into my room. Funny how that worked out, isn't it?
Great is Thy Faithfulness!
I know you've all been dying with anticipation to get an update on my life. Who wouldn't?? But really...
I had an awesome time when my dad came to visit. He had a blast with Kayla of course! It was nice to just hang out with everyone together. We did end up going to a Cubs game, which was exciting and they actually won while we were there. Shocking, I know! So, from Naperville I went to Florida to visit Stacy and Jeff. It was a really good time. I only wish I could hang out with them more often. They're really fun to stay with! We went to the beach and all that fun Florida stuff.
When I got back from there I stayed up in Naperville because I got a call for an interview at a church called River Glen. The interview was last wednesday and it was with the associate pastor, interim youth guy, and two elders... really intimidating stuff, but aparently it went well because they called me the next day for a second interview! Pastor Doug suggested that we do a phone interview so that I didn't have to drive back up if I was back in Marion. That was really nice of him. So my second phone interview is this wednesday afternoon. By the way, the position is for jr. high youth director. Prayers are welcome. I'm really excited at the possibilty of being able to work in a church. I'm thinking this is something that I could end up doing for the rest of my life. We'll see.
I was planning on staying in the 'ville through the weekend just to hang out some more, but Trent called and said he was coming to Marion. I hadn't seen him in a little while so I drove back late friday night. He stayed at my place so we got to spend the weekend together. Always an adventure with Trent.
He just left today and now I'm focusing on preparing my self to substitute teach here in town. I applied a couple of weeks ago and they've been calling me, but obviously I've been gone. I have 2 days scheduled this week at a middle school right down the road. I'm pretty excited. I think it'll be fun. I've never taught and I'm not a certified teacher and they just throw you in the classroom, but it's an adventure/challenge and I'm definitely ready for it (and to be making some money)!
That's all I've got right now. There's a lot going on these days and it's really nice. I think I need to be crazy busy. It keeps me focused.
Anyway, something I've been remembering is how much God honors patience. He is faithful! And now, as always a song for your viewing pleasure...
Great is thy faithfulness, O God my father
There is no shadow of turning with thee
Thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not,
As thou hast been, thou for ever will be.
Great is thy faithfulness
Great is thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed thy hand hath provided
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me
Great is thy faithfulness
Great is thy faithfulness
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To thy great faithfulness, mercy and love
Great is thy faithfulness
Great is thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed thy hand hath provided
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me
Great is thy faithfulness
Great is thy faithfulness
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside
