Count your blessings, name them one by one

Today as we leave a new year, I was contemplating about my year. Sadly, I was only dwelling on the disappointments and things that did not go my way. I was (not so gently) reminded by my family of all the amazing things that God did in my life this year. As we began to list them, I began to feel small as (as usual) God had worked in my life and I know that he will continue to do so.

Here's just a touch of what God did in 2010:

Provided the chance to take a graduate class at CIU (debt free)
A free ticket to Disney World for a day
A trip to visit several dear friends from Uganda who live in St. Louis
Continued blessings in not only a stable job, but one that I love

AND

Provided a beautiful home rent and utilities free for a year! And I must say, the opportunity to get to know a family that is becoming dear to me as I look out for their home.


As we finished up the conversation, I could only think of the hymn - Count Your Blessings. Yes, things will be hard in 2011, but I can rest assured that my God has my best interest in mind as he weaves the story of my life. Here's to praying that your 2011 is filled with many blessings as well!


Count Your Blessings
by Johnson Oatman, Jr.

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
*Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
[*And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.]

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Simon's Cat in 'Santa Claws'

I love Simon's cat! This Christmas version is pretty funny. However, I think my family's new beagle, Eloise, is more likely to do this to our tree than any of the two cats. Enjoy!

Meant to Be - Steven Curtis Chapman

You may or may not be familiar with VeggieTales, but in my line of work, I share many of these videos with my class. I just got the newest one, that spins off the story of It's a Wonderful Life. Anyway, this song kinda spoke to me, reminding me that my God has a purpose and a plan for my life. The holidays are hard sometimes because they remind me of what I don't have. I get around family and see others who already happily have their own families, and I have to work hard to be content with where God put me. I'm meant to be here in Dillon loving on other people's children, and I guess right now, I'm meant to be single. One day I'll look back and see the beautiful puzzle pieces that make up my complete life and see how things fit together perfectly. For now though, I'll keep on trusting that God is working on me and will maybe one day fulfill the desires of my heart.

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
Hebrews 13:5,6

Egypt Scrapbook

Click here to view this photo book larger

So, I'm pretty excited that I finally finished this scrapbook. Not only was this trip in 2008, but I've been working on it all fall. It's my first attempt at an online photo book. I thought it turned out pretty well, if I do say so myself!

WAITING

I wrote this tonight during my devotions. It kinda sums up what God has done and is doing in my life. I've been feeling a little discouraged lately about where God has my future and it helps sometimes to look back and see what God has already done. If there is anyone out there who is actually still reading this blog, I would covet your prayers as I continue to walk this path!


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WAITING

As a small child, I watched and waited and wondered what God would plan special for my life. I thought about all the awesome things that He would do, but most of all I thought about one very special dream.

Years went by and high school was coming to end, what would I do, where would God take me, and whom would he prepare for me began to go through my mind.

Of course I would study education, what else would prepare me for the one thing I wanted most – to teach my children about him.

Four years went by and college ended and God asked me to wait. No, my dear there is no one here for you. Wait some more and see what I have in store.

So off I went to teach and wait. More and more I wondered what was God up to, when would he answer my petition. Instead, he calmed the many fears I had in me and taught me to walk side by side with him.

Four more years went by and still God asked me to wait. No, my dear, I need you elsewhere right now. So instead of fulfilling my one dream, God said go to Africa and I will show you what I mean.

So off I went to teach overseas. Surely now God, this is what I desire - to teach overseas about you and to walk beside my helpmeet. But, still God said wait, I have more exciting things to show you.

Two more years went by and back to the States I moved. Surely you want me in a big city. That is where he’ll be, I just know. But no God said, my dear I want you back here. This is where you should serve. So again I waited, hoped, and trusted.

So off I went to teach in this small town. I loved on other people’s children. I taught them about Jesus and bandaged their many wounds. I wondered when would it be my turn and again my heart began to break.

Two more years went by and here I am now still waiting. Many days I think I can’t handle this – will God ask me to wait the rest of my life. I don’t think I can do this, I’m not strong enough.

But then I remember the comfort of Psalm 37. He does not forsake his own. He holds me with his right hand. I can confidently wait on the Lord and keep his way, knowing that He alone is my strength in times of trouble and times of waiting.

It Says Right Here – inspired by Susie and Blackjack

Just stumbled upon this sight! Cartoonist Jim George (who used to draw for Disney) now draws dogs daily. Anyway, enjoy this one that is so true about a cat and a corgi!

It Says Right Here – inspired by Susie and Blackjack

I should have figured this was coming . . .

One of my students excitedly came in last week and happily reported that there was a mouse in his house. A few days later, I was updated that it was in the garage and his mom had set a trap. Last Friday, I was informed that the mouse had been caught and now had taken up residence in a jar. Yesterday, he talked about his mom bringing it to show after school. To which I wasn't concerned as he was referencing during after school care.

Yes, I shouldn't have been surprised and I should have seen it coming, but I didn't. Well, I'm guessing you've figured out what came today! Today, he excitedly said first thing in the morning, "Guess what I have Miss Peeler?", and withdrew a jar. With, you guessed it . . . a MOUSE! A very small field mouse, which had been dubbed Cutie.

Personally, I don't mind rodents. Well, let me clarify. Nice, tidy rodents that are healthy and you buy at the pet store. Not field mice that are caught in the garage and may be carrying who knows what diseases. Plus, I really didn't want to deal with 10 six/seven year olds all day excited about a mouse visitor. So we marched to the office to call mom (who may or may not have known the mouse came to school), when the school secretary came to our rescue. She also thought he was cute and agreed to mouse sit for the day. Thanks Mrs. Kim!!!!!! You're the best!!!!

I checked on the mouse once during the day when I had my planning period, and was informed that it spent quite a bit of time jumping to the top of the jar. It then fell into so deep a sleep that when the jar was shook, Mrs. Kim was concerned that the mouse had passed on during her watch. Fortunately, it hadn't!!

After nine years of teaching, I should have seen it coming, but oh well, at least it makes another fun story under my belt!!!

Today I enjoyed walking to church - both morning and evening worship. It was nice to be able to take the time and enjoy the time I spent walking in God's beautiful creation. The thing that got my attention was that I didn't feel rushed. Yeah, I was running late, and yeah, I was still the first person in my SS class :), but aside from that it was nice to be able to enjoy life and not be so busy. I can't wait until it starts getting cooler (not cold, though!). It made me remember all the times I walked places in Uganda and how I wish we were able to do more walking in America. I think people who passed me thought I was a bit strange. We are so programed to think why would I walk if I have a car. I even had two people stop and ask me if I wanted a ride! I think living two blocks away from church will be a nice thing - I can walk most Sundays that are nice and if it happens to rain (or be too cold), I can drive. Which gives me the advantage over Uganda! There it was walk - rain or shine. :o)

Oh, I need to give credit where due for the pic of my church - thanks to whoever put it on our website!

My friend Stephanie in Texas just shared this with me. I'm excited to try out online scrapbooking for 65% off!! We'll see how it goes. If you're interested in this, it is only good until tomorrow, and you don't have to be in a major city - I just chose the closest big city.

A God thing!

Like I hinted at before, God is doing some amazing things in my life. Three weeks ago I received a phone call from some acquaintances of mine in Dillon. He is a respected pastor in the PCA and a teacher at RTS Charlotte; she was a teacher in a classical school (kinda intimidating people, till you get to know them). Anyway, they called and wanted to know if I was willing to house sit for them - rent free. Now, this is not your average house sitting. You see, he was going on sabbatical and they would be living in Scotland for the next 11 months while he worked on a book he was writing. So here I am, three weeks later, almost moved into their beautiful home, almost done packing up my apartment, getting ready to put my furniture in my wonderful Father's warehouse, and feeling blessed at what God has provided for me this year. How amazing is that?! I knew things would be tight for me financially this year, but then God poured this blessing on me. I'm so thankful for his care, and now wondering where He is going to lead me next. Part of me wants to consider overseas work again in two years, but part of me knows that I didn't want to go back overseas long term until I was married. So, here I sit content and knowing that God knows my future and hoping He will reveal it in His timing!

A brand new school year . . . and adventures!

Sooo, I've kinda dropped off the radar the past few months. God has definitely been working in my life. He's been teaching me that He does know what is best for my life, and even if I might think otherwise is better, HIS plan always is. Just as I begin to despair that I've been forgotten, He reaches tenderly into my life and drops me another, Yes, I love you and love you passionately moment. Take this summer for instant. Many of you may not know that I was getting to know a young man in hopes that he would be the one I would marry. While, he was a godly man, he just wasn't the right one for me. As I was processing all this, I began to wonder why God would allow me to go through this. However, I have gained much knowledge and am glad for what I learned during this time. Although it was bittersweet in that I had a glimpse of hope in one day being married. Well, God's not finished with me and has many more adventures to bring me though. So as I begin a new school year, I'm looking forward to seeing what God is up to!

#550. Surviving church as a single.

Okay, I have to admit this totally cracked me up . . . I can't tell you how true and how hard I laughed on some of these! It did lead to the discovery that I go to a very single sensitive church! Enjoy!


#550. Surviving church as a single.

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Snow!

Two weeks ago it snowed here in SC! I was home for the weekend, so I was able to enjoy the snow with my family. Enjoy the pics!








Plus, if this wasn't enough fun, the weather powers that be are forecasting more winter weather for tomorrow night! Maybe I'll be posting even more snow photos!

Small Towns!

If you've never lived in a small town, then sit back and enjoy the cultural lesson, and if you have, then I know you will be nodding in agreement! When I moved to Dillon, I quickly realized that everyone knew everyone's business. However, I naively thought that, I'm not part of one of the major families in Dillon, I have no life (of interest to local gossip) and why would anyone want to talk about me? Seriously, I'm about as boring as they get. Although one of my co-workers does try to tease me about the alleged "two years in Africa" - and what was I really up to?! :o)

So imagine my surprise at church this morning when several people, that I know but not that well, greeted me with, "So, I hear you are going back to school?"

Some of you may not know, but I've decided to work on my masters at CIU this summer (and the following summers . . . ) It took me a while to make this decision and I've only told people close to me (who wouldn't have run into these ladies at church), my headmaster, and my pastor (whom I was asking for a reference).

I responded back to one of the ladies who knew, how on earth does everyone know this? Her reply, "Girl, you don't know this town!"

Well, this girl is slowly learning about this town and is now in fear and trepidation about what will happen if she actually goes out on a date/ gets married! Maybe one day I'll be able to post an ending for that!

Valentine's Day

It was my turn to share in morning staff devotions this week, and our theme this year has been our testimonies/ what is God up to in your life. I shared briefly on Tuesday about why God sent me to Africa - which was to change and mold me. I ended on the note that I left very happy to leave and return to the U.S.

Wednesday, I focused more on the longer I was away, the more I’ve seen the value of what God did in my life while I was there. Seeing as this Sunday is Valentine's Day, I wanted to try to tie this in as well, but well, I don't exactly have any experience with dating/marriage! I'm really not the best candidate to talk about this, but I am an excellent candidate to talk about God's unconditional love.

While the media might hype about this being a special day for couples/romance, as a believer, I can use this day to realize that God is seeking and pursuing me (and His bride, the church). I can look back just during my time in Uganda and see God’s unconditional love pursuing me throughout the entire time. He was pursuing me and saying I love you while I had no family there; he was pursuing me when my luggage was having a week’s holiday in the UK and my teammates who were practically strangers reached out to me; he was pursuing me when I was afraid I’d get Malaria, Ebola, (insert other weird African diseases); he was pursuing me when all my friends left after the first school year and I thought I was alone; he was pursuing me when the bus from Rwanda crashed. I saw how he does have plans for me, awesome plans for me (even though I try to keep telling him my plans are better.;o))

I’ve felt fortunate to grow closer to Him as I cried out to him daily. While I might not know earthly valentine type love, I can def. say I know the heavenly love of my gracious and amazing Father. It reminds me of what Matthew 10:29-31 says: "Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."

So Happy Valentines Day everyone and take time this weekend to remember who our true Lover is!