Christ Confident

Starting a new school year in T-Minus 4 days!

Any time you start something new or go into the unknown...it can be a little scary at first. Anxiety, worry, doubts can all start to play on your emotions, and the overwhelming power of those things can destroy someone without warning. This year I am going to be teaching a new grade level, and I am looking forward to it and moving ahead in Christ confidence! This is something a little new to me...I am usually the formerly listed mess above...but not this year. I am attacking this year with positive speaking and a confidence that will not be shaken because it is firmly rooted in the solid rock of Christ. I am excited for the new adventures and learning growth. I also know God will continue to give me the daily strength, energy, and wisdom I need not only to be a wonderful teacher...but also (and more importantly) to be a rockin' awesome mom to these two goofy boys that keep me smiling :)

Weather you are a parent of children starting school, a college student, a pre-teen/teenager facing middle school for the first time, a high school student lost in the jungle trying to sort your way through the chaos and find your own independence and assurance of who you are...my prayer is that you face this year in confidence. Christ confidence. Know that you are created by a powerful God who loves you, and He created you with a purpose. In that you can stand tall and smile this year! Remember no matter what you face this year...YOU DO NOT FACE IT ALONE!

I was just at a work party and this cute little boy (maybe 2 years old) was running all around the gym in such excitement and confidence not worried about what was going on around him...now the amazing thing was...it was in the middle of a major dodge ball game! Lots of teachers, their husbands (some pretty tall, strong men), and their kids of all ages spread across the gym throwing balls with a mighty strength, and big threats--showing no mercy! Yet here was this little man running around happy as can be while balls flew right by him! At one point he even laid back on the floor...just chillin'! This is how I challenge all of us to walk through this year--no matter what we face, no matter what goes on around us, no matter what bully we may run into, no matter what peer pressure seems to be swarming madly all around trying to strike us in many directions, no matter how overwhelming the work seems to be...STAY CONFIDENT! KNOW THAT CHRIST IS YOUR STRENGTH AND HE PROMISES ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM!

Count The Ways

Oh, Summer...How do I love thee? Let me count the ways...

1. flip flops

2. chasing the waves with the boys at the beach

3. spending more time with family in OH.

4. out on the boat...wish I had one...lol

5. more time with my boys (teacher off work)

6. summer reading

7. sleeping in

8. flip flops (I have an obsession)

9. water parks

10. cookouts

11. the ditch lilies come out

12. relaxing at the beach...sand between my toes...soothing sound of waves crashing

13. bright Carolina blue sky

14. sleeping in

15. cool pool water on hot day

NOW YOUR TURN: comment/count the reasons why you love summer! see if we can get to 100 :)

old t-shirt

God's comfort is like the old t-shirt you never want to take off or give up. It is like your favorite pair of pajama pants that you throw on the minute you get home to relax, breathe, and sink cozily into. God's comfort goes even deeper still...it is there when your pillow is flooded with tears and all seems to be crashing in. His comfort is there in the perfect hug he sends in a special person. His comfort is there as you stare at the powerful, yet peaceful ocean waves allowing the beauty to calm your soul. His comfort is there in the words of an encouraging text from a loved one. His comfort is there in the cuddle time with your kids as their sweet, chubby, little hands wrap around you allowing you to once again know that all is well. His comfort is there in a sweet surprise, a sunny day, fresh flowers, laughter with friends, and phone calls with family. His comfort is there when you get terrible news...but yet you keep pushing forward in faith. His comfort is there in the promises of His word.

God's comfort is ever present. Allow Him to soothe your soul today, and give you peace and strength to press on with diligence...becoming victorious in Christ against all odds. No matter what you are facing today...you are not facing it alone. God is there always as He has promised. My heart is aching for many reasons, it is aching for many I know that are hurting...but I lay it all at the feet of my father and breathe in His peace. The comfort of Christ comes at the call of His name. Be here with me Jesus. And be with my loved ones who are suffering and allow Your comfort to override the pain. Thank you Lord.

8th Dwarf

Snow White has seven dwarfs not eight; therefore, I need to stop being Mopey!! Although many of my friends would tease that I could pass for one of her dwarfs by height requirements alone; I don't need to become one by personality plunge--diving deeper into a Mopey pouting pit. So instead why don't I try and pass for Snow White...pale skin-check...and begin to whistle while I work; staying positive while praising my Savior no matter what the circumstances!!

While I was in Ohio I went to my sister's church and heard a great message that really helped put me in check. Her pastor from Faith Family Church, Mike Cameneti, was talking about faith and how we are to ask things from God in faith...and here's the kicker...not begging/whining/crying for what we want....yeah...ouch...hurt me too! Soooo that is what I have been doing wrong. All these years of being alone and crying myself to sleep every night, I was begging God for a Prince Charming after torturing myself by watching another sappy chick flick marathon. My negative mouth kept the complaints coming about how lonely I was, how long it has been since I have been touched by a man, or talked to by a man, or even looked at by a man and how miserable it all was; well still is, but with the words of that Pastor my attitude was snapped back into place. Yes we can ask God for things, but ask in confident faith.

My outlook needed to change. The boys and I are blessed, very much taken care of by a faithful Father, and we are doing very well. I am finally at the stage where I can say I am content with the place I am at. I am asking and believing God for things in faith, but then letting it go and letting him work...without any back talk from mouthy little me! :) Stay positive and speak positive-- that equals positive results!