He Leads Us by Max Lucado

 Psalm 119:105 Your word is like a lamp for my feet and a light for my path, Max Lucado says,"God isn’t going to let you see the distant scene. So you might as well quit looking for it. He promises a lamp unto our feet, not a crystal ball into the future. We do not need to know what will happen tomorrow. We only need to know He leads us and we will find grace to help us when we need it."  Wow, Mr. Lucado certainly does put it in perspective for us. I am so glad I have his word to lead me.  His grace is never ending.  So as I go into the new year I am going to be sure I allow God to lead.  I need to listen. God calls for his people to listen. Psalm 81:8-16  As Charles Stanley puts it in one of his devotionals Learning to Listen to God  We sometimes miss out on his blessing because we don't listen. Prayer is important but what if we just sat with out Bibles opened and listened to God waiting to hear what he has to say.  Psalm 46:10  "Be still and know that I am God".  That is such a powerful verse to me.  There have been times in my life when the Lord has said just that to me.

As Mr. Stanley, goes on to say not only do we need to listen but we must have discernLetment to understands what he is saying.   "He’s not the only one who wants our attention. People around us readily offer us advice, Satan whispers his lies in our minds, and the world shouts loudly from almost every electronic device and form of media. Grounding in the Scriptures sharpens our discernment and protects us from deception."  He is so right!!  Make sure you are grounded in the scriptues.  Let God be your anchor! Allow time to talk to God but make sure you also take time to listen. A two way conversation is vital part of the Christian walk.

Love your Enemies

Matthew 5:43-46 (New American Standard Bible) 43"You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.' 44"But I say to you, (love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46"For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? This can be so hard. God shows his love to people without distinction. When I pray for people I do not care for I am filled with a geniune love for them. Something I didn't think I would feel. In Charles Stanley's Bible Study Treasures of the Heart He reminds us that we are not at war with people but with humans Eph 6:12 The following parable shows the best example of loving your neighbor Luke 10:30-37 He goes on to tell us that "Jews looked down on Samaritans because they had intermarried with pagans and allowed incorrect theology to seep into their religion. No Jew would expect help from such a person, an enemy. Yet in this story, the Samaritan man shows the most compassion on a Jewish traveler. " I need to more like the Samaritan. Too many times I let other things get in the way.

Washing of Feet

Todays devotional was found in John 13:3-15  Imagine the disciples’ surprise when the Son of God put Himself in the role of a lowly servant and knelt to wash their feet. The need for such a service was great, as they had been traveling for some time. But not one of them offered to do it. Mr. Stanley is right! So many times we see needs for different things but no one offers to do anything about it.  We all hope that someone else will step up. Yet, the son of God stepped up to the role of a lowly servant.  That brings tears to my eyes.

Mr. Stanley goes on to say:"In fact, the act itself is not the main point; attitude is what counts. Jesus desires that we be willing to humble ourselves to serve others. He is looking for men and women who will ignore pride, position, and power in order to do whatever must be done, wherever it needs doing, and for whoever requires assistance.Jesus performed His greatest and most humble acts of service within 24 hours of each other. He washed dirty feet using two hands that would be pierced by nails in less than a day. The message here is that every task God gives us is important to His kingdom."

Are we willing to humble ourselves to serve others?

Serving Without Holding Back!!

A devotion by Charles Stanley.  It is a portion of what has touched my heart. The entire devotional may be found at Charles Stanley Daily Devotional In the world’s thinking, great men are the ones with authority, prominence, and power. Though Jesus Christ had all that, He gave it up to become a servant (Isa.42:1)  

Jesus’ sacrifice spared us the penalty we deserve. Instead, we receive the gift of grace and have been declared no longer guilty. Moreover, we are elevated from slaves to sons and daughters of the Almighty!   He paid the price for us so that we may live and receive the gift of grace.

Jesus served the Father’s purpose faithfully. He gave up His righteousness to carry the weight of all our wickedness—and endured a crushing separation from His Father. To meet our needs, the Savior held nothing of Himself back, and thereby set a powerful example of servanthood for us follow.

We dont need to hold ourselves back from being a servant of the Lord!!! I think sometimes from our own insecurities we do.  Yet, our Father held nothing of himself back.  We need to lean on the one who gave up His righteousness to carry our weight.  He will lead and direct us. So as I go into the New Year I pray  about the path the Lord wants me to serve in.

Mary Did You Know by Mark Lowry

I had the opportunity to meet Mark when he was just starting his career.  The Lord has truly blessed him!!! Turn off my music at the bottom so you can hear this!!

My Savior Understands

Hebrews 4:14-16:  Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are ..yet without sin.  Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.


So thankful that I can approach his throne and receive mercy and grace!!!

As Charles Stanley puts it in todays devotional:http://www.intouch.org/magazine/daily-devotional

We do not have a Savior who’s isolated in heaven with no idea what it feels like to have human struggles. No, our Lord left the glories of heaven behind and added humanity to His deity. He temporarily gave up the use of some of His attributes, applying them only as the Father directed Him.


Jesus understands precisely how we feel because He went through the same types of situations we do. Though details of our lives may not match His, the experiences and feelings are alike. Let’s look at several examples of how He identifies with us:

• Misunderstanding: People constantly misunderstood His claims to be the Son of God.

• Rejection: He was unappreciated by the ones He came to love and die for.

• Pressure: Crowds surrounded Him, begging for help and demanding His attention.

• Exhaustion: He experienced all the weakness of humanity.

• Loneliness: At Gethsemane, when He needed human companionship the most, His closest friends fell asleep.

• Temptation: Satan hit Him with every imaginable type of attack and temptation.

• Hatred: Religious leaders despised Him.

• Injustice: Though Jesus lived a sinless life, He died a criminal’s death.

• Pain: He suffered the excruciating pain of scourging and crucifixion

Have Faith by Max Lucado

If your faith is as big as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, "Move from here to there" and it will move.  Matthew 17:20

Don't measure the size of the mountain; talk to the one who can move it. Instead of carrying the world
on your shoulders, talk to the One who holds the universe on his.

Hope is a look away.

http://www.maxlucado.com/articles/daily/have_faith

140 Days Devotional 4: The Power in Prayer

140 Days Devotional 4: The Power in Prayer

I am so thankful for the power of prayer. He is always there whenever you need him.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. Lamentations 3:22, NRSV

Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays?

Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas?  I prefer Merry Christmas.  I am a little offended by someone saying " Happy Holidays". Employers are telling their workers that Merry Christmas might offend someone.  That is too bad in my opinion. The history of this country was built  on Christian principles and traditions.  Christmas has been celebrated in this country for a long time. They can politely smile and go on.  Why is it we have to stop and change what we have done for a century?

Luke 2:13

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Christ the Lord.



Although, the workers have to do what their Employers tell them.  I will be the one to say Merry Christmas.

 

Lessons of a Pencil

 http://www.jennifermaestre.com/portfolio.php  Cool art , I received this in a email with these pictures




A PENCIL MAKER TOLD THE PENCIL 5 IMPORTANT LESSONS JUST BEFORE PUTTING IT IN A BOX :


1.) EVERYTHING YOU DO WILL ALWAYS LEAVE A MARK.

2.) YOU CAN ALWAYS CORRECT THE MISTAKES YOU MAKE.

3.) WHAT IS IMPORTANT IS WHAT IS INSIDE OF YOU.

4.) IN LIFE, YOU WILL UNDERGO PAINFUL SHARPENINGS,

WHICH WILL ONLY MAKE YOU BETTER.

5.) TO BE THE BEST PENCIL, YOU MUST ALLOW YOURSELF

TO BE HELD AND GUIDED BY THE HAND THAT HOLDS YOU.

We all need to be constantly sharpened. This parable may encourage you to know that you are a special person, with unique God-given talents and abilities. Only you can fulfill the purpose which you were born to accomplish. Never allow yourself to get discouraged and think that your life is insignificant and cannot be changed and, like the pencil, always remember that the most important part of who you are, is what's inside of you.

Soar on Wings Like Eagles!!!

I remember the little boy I dropped off 13 years ago at his Kindergarten class.  He had his lunchbox and his little bookbag.  I took his picture outside of his door and off he went.  Today, that little boy got up, got in his car and off he went to begin his SENIOR YEAR.  Wow, how time flies!!!   He had his first home soccer game the other night.  He said "This is my last first home game!"  I guess it was.  There will be alot of that this year.  Last prom, last soccer game, last dance, last yearbook assembly, last swim meet, and probably he will play his last high school joke on someone.  However, there will also be  many new things that will await him.  There are so many possibilites out there.  I know with the Lord's help he will soar.  Isaiah 40:31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run, and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

I can't wait to see where his wings will take him!!

God Be With Me!!

I saw this today on another website and It spoke to me.  I pray it will speak to you too. 

Better To Be A Slow Buddy Than No Buddy At All!!! (Pause player at bottom to enjoy this)

Lets remember our friends!!

Appreciated by a stranger!

I was shopping in a teacher store today and was approached by a older lady.  She asked."Are you a teacher?"  I said "Yes Mam"  " You are buying this stuff for your students aren't you?"  I again replied,"Yes"  She said "It touches me to see teachers like you in here buying these things for your students.".  She continue"Does your school board give you money for this?"  "I replied "No mam" "I didn't think so."  She smiled and told me to have a good year. I guess just as much as I touched her today. She touched me by telling me she was touched.  It felt good to be appreciated by a stranger. 

Tennis Balls, Anyone?

So, I am standing in line at a department store.  Some ladies behind me have their child's school supply list.  Something I don't have yet!!!  They were wondering why they had to buy tennis balls.  I knew immediately why.  So I turned to tell them they would be used to put on the bottom  of the students chair legs.  I said it saves on the floor and children moving their desks so much.  They did not like the idea.  They immediately replied " Doesn't the school buy anything anymore?"  I turned with a smile and said "Yes, they do." I could tell by the look on their face they knew I was with a school system. That was my clue to turn around and let them complain and be quiet.  The fact is we don't have as much money as we use to have.  We have to let valuable employees go because we can't afford to pay them.  So, please don't complain about having to buy a package of tennis balls!! Parents do have to supply alot more than they use to but that is just the way it is.  Teachers, also spend alot of their own money on their students.  Someone is always going to be unhappy about buying school supplies. Just wait until you have to buy college supplies.  You will be wishing you were buying tennis balls!!

 

I hope you are drinking from your SAUCER!!!!

I've never made a fortune, and it's probably too late now.

But I don't worry about that much, I'm happy anyhow                               

And as I go along life's way,

I'm reaping better than I sowed.

I'm drinking from my saucer,

'Cause my cup has overflowed.



Haven't got a lot of riches,

and sometimes the going's tough

But I've got loving ones all around me,

and that makes me rich enough.

I thank GOD for his Blessings,

and the Mercies HE 's bestowed.

I'm drinking from my saucer,

'Cause my cup has overflowed.



I remember times when things went wrong,

My faith wore somewhat thin.

But all at once the dark clouds broke,

and the sun peeped through again.

So LORD , help me not to gripe,

about the tough rows I have hoed.

I'm drinking from my saucer,

'Cause my cup has overflowed.



If GOD gives me strength and courage,

When the way grows steep and rough.

I'll not ask for other blessings,

I'm already Blessed enough.

And may I never be too busy,

to help others bear their loads..

Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer,

'Cause my cup has overflowed.



When I think of how many people in this world have it worse than I do, I realize just how BLESSED I really am..



Don't be too busy today...Share this inspiring message with friends and family.

Just A Dog(Hit pause button on my player at bottom so you won't hear both songs)

How many times have you heard someone say "It's just a dog"  Yes, it is!! But it is MY DOG!!! Those people just don't understand!!!  I wish they did!! God understands!! This is touching video a friend showed me.  Enjoy!!!

Today was an Alexander Day!!!

Image via Wikipedia

Well I hope there is some relief in this heat soon!! I just had someone tell me they went to Disney World and it was HOT!  I said tell me where it is not hot?!!! That's true they said.  I went out at 7:00 p.m. and the temperature read 100!  That is just wrong!
Have you heard of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day?  I feel like that today.  It was too hot to do anything.  Hubby came home late last night from work. He no more got showered and sat down to watch a movie with me than he got called back in.  He arrived back home around 5 this morning. Needless, to say he has slept all day!! Which he needs too.  I am ready for another beach trip!! I have one more week of teaching soccer.  Then I will have 3 weeks off before I have to go back to teach.

My son leaves tomorrow for a mission trip to Philadelphia, PA.  He is pumped! I am praying the Lord will use him in a mighty way.  I am not liking the part about no cell phone!!  In today's world you need your technology with you.  No matter where you are or what you are doing. Concentration is one thing but safety is another.  I know the Lord will keep them safe. 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own
understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make 
your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6

104 Degrees!! in North Carolina

Well, we had one of the worst winters here in North Carolina this year and now we are having one of the hottest summers.  I am teaching soccer for enrichment at my school.  Boy, has it been hot.!!!!!! We have 3 different groups.  The second and third group did not stay out long today.  The air was so thick it was hard to breathe!  There are other teachers teaching things like, drama, cooking, line dance, step team, computer and basetball.  (All inside in the AC)  What were my partner and I thinking?  We did this last year but it wasn't as nearly hot as it is this year already.  We need rain so badly.  The farmers and their crops are suffering. 


                                                                

Summer Begins!!

Well, we didn't get out of school til the 18th of June!!! Many people had already started their vacations.  We packed up and went to the beach.  We went to Nags Head!! Then while we were there my Dad called and told us the condo was available at Myrtle Beach.  We ended our stay at Nags Head and came home and washed, repacked and headed to Myrtle Beach! There is nothing like the beach to relax your body, mind and soul!!!   Ohhh I so love the beach!!!! I hate saying Good bye!  I am home now and reality has set in.  It was good to see Sophie!!  I am dog sitting my grand dog.  That has been so much fun.  I am not going to want to give her back.  My daughter is in New York.  She went to a Yankees game and got a hot dog.  They asked her what she wanted on it.  She said,"Chili".  They looked at her like she was crazy!  I thought chili on hot dogs was

a common thing everywhere.  I guess not!  Not even at a Yankees

Baseball game in New York!!!  We have something to teach our New  Yorker friends!!:)

   

Well I will start my soccer instruction in few days!! This was so much fun last year.  This is an enrichment program at my school.  We offer alot of different things.  It is 4 days a week for 4 weeks.  Yes, this middle age woman teaches soccer.  My kids laugh at me but I don't care!!!

Bag Lady

My husband has started calling me the "Bag Lady"  because of the little side business I got going.  Every time I wonder if the Lord wants me to keep doing this.  He shows me He does.  I was a little discouraged in April but May has been good!!  Instead of saying "popcorn, popcorn" I just say "bags, bags anyone?"  Now, June is not going well. 

School is out in 4 days!!  I will be so excited to send my babies to the 1st grade!! I  got my 25 year pin the other day.  I also got perfect attendance for the first time in 25 years.  I wasn't expecting that at all.  I had already decided the day before that I was taking Friday off.  It was the next day.  Oh, well!!  They did say thus far!!! 

Time Flies!

It just seemed like yesterday I was bringing my youngest home.  Today, he is getting ready for  the prom.  My daughter came home for the event.  She said she felt old.  She doesn't know anything yet about being old.   He woke up early which he never does.  He washed his car inside and outside!!!  I wish he could be that motivated every day like that.  We took pictures and more pictures.  Then they left to go eat.  I got a call to come take pictures there from one of my friends.  She said there were parents there.  So off we went!  He was not happy with my friend for calling.  He made the best of it.  They grow up so fast.  I guess that is what our parents said about us.  Treasure each moment you have because before you know it  will be gone!!

God's Glory Showing Up Everywhere!

What a beautiful day!! Spring is here and God's amazing glory is showing up everywhere.  I went for a walk today and got some great pictures.

Such vibrant colors

Even the birds are enjoying the weather.

Amazing to see all this beauty!!

We Have Forgotten Sabbath, by Wayne Muller

We Have Forgotten Sabbath, by Wayne Muller

It has nothing to do with the bunny!

I read a sign today it said:  It has nothing to do with the bunny but it does the Lamb!!! How true that is!
           
With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” – Mark 15:37-39 (NIV)

How thankful I am that Jesus died on the cross for me and everyone else.  How awesome is it that he rose again on the third day.  I can't imagine as a Mother watching my son die in the way that Mary did.  However, I can only imagine her rejoicing when she knew he was alive!  That is a story in the bible that I always loved hearing as a child and I still love it as an adult.

A New Approach

What a beautiful day it was today!!!  The air was crisp and the sun was shining!  Perfect weather for the end of the week.  What a week it was!!! Spring has sprung in the classroom.  I had someone cut a hold in my tablecloth.  I was not happy to say the least.  My principal told the parent  they should give me $5.00 towards it.  This is much less than what I paid for it.  Boy, let me tell you that parent came right up the next day to say her child said they did not do it.  This is after her child told me and the principal they did it.  So finally the child admitted the truth to Mom.  I tried all year to get this parent in for a conference.  They are told they have to pay $5.00 for replacement of something their child did and boy do they come flying in.  Maybe, I can work this to my advantage so I can get some  more parents in.:)!!

The child did not have a side when I went to school.  What the teacher said was gold. In my house we didn't think about messing up because we knew the consequence would far out way any pleasure we would have in doing the deed.  Wow, have we changed.  I am reminded of a story a co-worker told me.  She got in trouble once in school.  Her Dad took away her bike.  He just didnt take it away from her.  He took it apart, piece by piece.  When she got a good report she would get a pedal back, then a wheel and so on.  I have to admit I had never heard anything like that before.   I thought my Dad was tough!  I thank God for my Mom and Dad.

A Somber Day

It was a somber day today.  I had half my class out.  The reality of my friend not being with me next year hit her hard today.  I feel so bad but there is nothing I can do.  Trust in the Lord with all your heart !! That's all we can do.  His ways are not our ways.  Someone who has just lost a job really doesn't want to hear that.  I have a feeling it is going to be a long 3 months.  She got our Christmas cookie exchange started two years ago.  I actually made cookies for the last two years something I never really did.  She said "I guess somebody will keep it going."  I smiled and said "I'm sure somebody will." My favorite spot to look for cookies is http://www.bettycrocker.com/ .  My Dad sold cookies for a living so baking cookies at my house never really happened.  We would just go to the garage and open up a box.   So when I had to come up with homemade cookies it was really stretching me!!  This year I did the Fiesta fudge cookies!! MMM Good!!!

Sad times in Education

You know you hear how bad the economy is but when it strikes home then you really realize how bad it is.  I was on my way outside with my children to play.  It was nearly the end of the day.  I came back in to find my assistant clearly upset.  While I was outside with the children she got a call to come to the office.  As she entered the room, there was our principal and personnel director.  Now, you know your heart skips a beat when you see them sitting together.  They proceeded to tell her that she would not have a job next year.  This being done because of the budget.  Then they gave her an official letter.  We were both devasted.  I had to rush off to a class I am taking so all I could do was give her hug and cry with her.  They cut several assistants but not all.  Kindergarten has always had an assistant per teacher.  She's only been with me for 2 years.  She's wonderful!  As I went to my class which was at Central Office I had to walk right by the superintendents office.  A part of me felt like walking in and telling him how I was feeling.  There was this little voice that showed up and said "Don't do that Vicki".  The 24 years I have taught I have never been in his office but I so wanted to go!!!  I couldn't hardly concentrate in my class.  I went to dinner with some fellow teachers afterwards.  There was another one at dinner that had lost hers too.  The other two had not lost theirs.  Questions were flying..."What are we going to do"?"How are we going to do the reading program?""Who is going to get our babies of the bus and bring them to our room the first week of school? "Who else are they cutting?' I guess we will get the answers sooner or later.  Some of the ones they kept are the ones who need to be leaving.  I am guessing they are going by the years they have in.  Unfortunately, mine only had 3 years in.  I don't quite have enough in to retire!! So my prayers are with my good friend and the others who were told they would not be back for the 2010/2011 school year.

I was reminded this week how short life can be. We have no guarantee for tomorrow. Death is not just for the old. That is why it is so imporant that our heart is right with the Lord. It is not just believing in the Lord but having a relationship with the Lord. A verse spoke to me today. it was Isaiah 54;10 "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

My prayers go out to people in the last couple of weeks who have lost special people in their lives. May God wrap his arms around you and hold you.

An Introduction

I have taught for 24 years. It amazes me that it has been that long!!! I taught 1st grade for 17 years and now I teaching Kindergarten. Kindergarten is truly what I love. If they would just let 5 year olds be 5 instead of trying to get them into college!!! Wow, how things have changed. Some is for the good but some is too much.

I have been married for 23 years to a wonderful man. We have two amazing chidren. Kristin is a junior in college and Logan is a junior in high school. My how time flies. I have truly been blessed. I have recently started as a consultant for the company Thirty-One. I don't know where it will take me. I may not do it long. I am not the greatest saleswoman!! Check out my website www.mythirtyone.com/13619 we sell purse, totes, thermal totes and much more!! I have never understood why people blog. Now I am trying it out and not sure someone will think I am crazy. We will see what happens. I have been reading a couple of blogs lately and they are so inspiring that I thought well maybe I could inspire someone.