Life

How do the "daily" bloggers do it? I haven't posted since last April....I don't have what I consider is an "ordinary" life, though. Most people my age are winding down in their careers, enjoying their homes and their grandchildren, and are looking toward financial freedom in the near future. In many ways, my life is like that of people in their twenties and thirties....I have begun many new ventures including returning to classroom teaching in public school, getting my ESL certification, remodeling the preschool addition into a rec room, and still continuing on the journey toward preparing for retirement financially, but in no way seeing that time on the horizon. Whew! One of my favorite phrases from my grandmother was "It's a great life if you don't weaken." STAYING STRONG!

In many ways, my transfer by the district to teaching First Grade at Washington has been like moving to a foreign country. This is the closest to being a missionary that I have ever come. The culture and socioeconomic status of the students is different, the home language is different, the accent is different, the customs are different, the climate of the school is different, and the teachers and administration is different. Different is not bad, different is just something to adapt to and learn to fit in with. So far, I have been like a duck out of water, but I am trying to fit in. One of the biggest changes I made was to try and be more social, and less work-oriented. My natural nature is to stay in my classroom and complete more tasks for my classroom and students. But if I do that, I won't get to know the teachers and develop the bond that is necessary for working as a team. I am really trying to be a team member!

Another challenge I have had is to be less judgmental and replace it with grace and forgiveness. One of the most important articles I have ever read from Kenneth Copeland was in the recent partner letter when he challenged believers to forgive. The way he uses the word is not in the traditional sense--a moment of forgiveness, but to LIVE forgiveness. To go in to work every day and say "I forgive the students, I forgive the teachers, I forgive the administration, I forgive the parents" and I added one yesterday--"I forgive myself."

I will keep "keeping on " for Jesus. I couldn't do this without Him. He is my Savior. He has commissioned me for this, though  i have tried to deny it. As I sit here with a stack of books for planning measuring one foot high, and my whole house is in a dirty, cluttered state, I commit this day to Him. Be with me Jesus, as I live out this day for You, and plan the upcoming week with You in mind.

Holiness

What a wonderful day "Easter Monday" is...there is a holiness, a feel of spring and new birth and new beginnings...As I look out the window at the rose-colored blossoms and smell the faint smell of an overnight rain, I am reminded of God's provision and deep care for His children.

Springtime, and particularly Easter and stopping to recognize the death and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ is a time to pause and BELIEVE. So many times on a daily basis, I am running from one activity to another. First: getting ready for work, then full days teaching, then errands, then supper, dishes, laundry, preparing for the next day, and trying to catch some sleep before doing it all again! Weekends never seem long enough, and are filled with family activities, technology to update or handle, problems to solve....and the list goes on. Rarely do I take time to exercise or do things for myself, and praying and time with God is usually on the run!

So on this glorious spring day, I am taking time to reflect on God's goodness, His mercy, His plan for us, His righteousness, and His love. He is allowing me to have this day to devote to seeing Him in everything. The struggle is over, the finished work of Jesus on the cross, and the light of His heavenly body and realm is shining brightly into the dark areas.

The things that have been worrying me--the local drought, the financial hit we took, the near loss of my husband's life in a truck accident, the state of affairs and deficit for our local school district, friends who are suffering with health issues, job loss, rebellious children, and an uncertain future of America in general--is all paling in comparison with the hope of Jesus returning and eternal life granted. I am ready to face the day, the challenges, and the future. My future is in His hands. As the poster above says, once you trust Him, the more you'll open up your hands in absolute obedience. I am saying "yes" to God today and for His plan for today, a day of "holiness."