Through the valleys of life

I was chillin to Pandora this morning and this song started playing. I had heard it before, but I never really listened to the words. As the Lord used the words to speak to my heart about the things that have happened over the past few years, I felt like some of the burdens I have been carrying for so long were lifted.

The song is "If You Want Me To" by Ginny Owens. It's kind of old (1999) but it's truths are still so real. It talks about how we choose to follow the Lord despite the difficulties of life. We choose to persevere through these things because we know God is going to use them to shape and mold us to be more like Him. His promise is perfect though: it's not going to be easy, but he will walk through it with us.

Each phrase of the song made me think back to where I started with my Diabetes diagnosis. It hasn't been easy. It has sucked sometimes. BUT I know that the Lord has walked me through EVERY step, change, and challenge. It has completely shaped the way I have followed the Lord over the past three years. I have chosen to continue being faithful to God's calling for my life not because of anything I did, but because he chose to die for me. His suffering was way worse than anything I will ever face.

It was such a blessing today, that I think Chris and I might sing/record it together. It'll be cool to share these special truths with my brother!

Enjoy...

The pathway is broken and the signs are unclear

And I don't know the reasons why you brought me here.

But just because you love me the way that You do

I'm gonna walk through the valley if you want me to.

Cause I'm not who I was when I took my first step

And I'm clinging to the promise You’re not through with me yet.

So if all of these trials that bring me closer to You

Then I will go through the fire if you want me to.

And it may not be the way I would've chosen

When you lead me through a world that's not my home

But you never said it would be easy

You only said I'd never go alone.

So when the whole world turns against me

And I'm all by myself

And I can't hear you answer my cries for help

I'll remember the suffering that your love put you through

And I will go through the valley if you want me to

Faithful Friday!

Praise the Lord!! Spring Break is here!!

After two long weeks of testing, covering nontesting students, and crazy schedules, some rest and family time is going to be great!

Looking back over the last few weeks/months, I have had an overwhelming awareness of the faithfulness of God. Prayers have been answered, peace has been given, friends have been comforted in the loss of family members, and so much more.

This week especially, the Lord has been my Provider and Sustainer. School has worn me out, but He has used sweet people in my life to build me back up.

Monday: Claire had her Pre-UIL Concert where I got to witness her piccolo playing in a full band setting for the first time. It warms my heart to see how my choices in life have affected and challenged hers.

Tuesday: We finished our study of 1 & 2 Thessalonians with Beth Moore. It has been a great time of learning and growth in the Lord. All I can say is "for not all have faith, BUT the Lord IS faithful." Such a blessing.

Wednesday: Growth Group is always fantastic, but we have been talking about evangelism and different ways to talk to others about our faith. Through those conversations/scriptures, the Lord has reminded me of my need for Him. My pride so often gets in the way of my relationship with Him, but recognizing my brokenness has been crucial in seeing his faithfulness this week.

He has been so gracious in ways that we have not earned. I am thankful for his faithfulness and being able to recognize it despite the busy week. The more I spend time in his word the more I see his hand in my daily life.

Spend time with him today and watch for his perfect plan. You will be challenged, but it will be worth it.

I am so thankful my life belongs to Him!

New Year, New Stuff

OMGoodness! It has been too long since my last blog! ...Teacher life is busy!

Well, I know its almost the end of January (not exactly brand new year), but I wanted to share with you some of the cool things that have happened since 2013 began.

School stuff:

1. I started REALLY using the iPads that I have for my classroom. We had a couple trainings that got me super excited and motivated to just jump in!

2. My kids were excited about learning math...WHAT?!

3. Amanda and I are attempting a "flipped" classroom. Videos teach so I can move around the room and ask questions.

*More to come on this stuff*

Personal Stuff:

1. Claire's volleyball team at the YMCA is in beast mode! Friday nights are the best!

2. I am currently addicted to Downton Abbey. I describe it as "An early 1900's classy British version of Gossip Girl." ha. Same drama. Less sex.

3. My bestie graduated from college and I have seen her more in the last month than in the last 2 years. Time to plan her wedding! Bridal Extravaganza was CRAY!

4. My Bible study group at Grace is amazing, and I have a new motivation to allow God to stretch me in my prayer life.

5. My puppy came to stay with me at my apartment! 

6. I signed up for the Color Run in Houston. Goal: run the whole thing!

All in all a pretty great first monthish of 2013!

So thankful my life belongs to Him.

Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes!!

I have Type 1 Diabetes. There I said it...as if I haven't said it a zillion times before. :)

BUT now instead of wallowing in my disease, I am doing something about it.

On November 17, 2012, I am walking in the Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes Houston edition. 

But, I can't do this without you!!

First, I need donations to help me reach my goal of $500.

Click here to Donate!!

Second, I need people to walk on my team with me! I have lots of friends in the Houston area and would LOVE it if they joined me in this endeavor. Connie's Team has a goal of $1000, and I need your help!!

Click this link to Join Connie's Team!!!
Then click the join Connie's Team link and it should walk you through signing up. The default goal for each member of the team is $200, but feel free to change it.

I'm a third year teacher!!

Time flies!! Here I am starting a new school year--my third one! CRAZY! 

Everyone says your first is the hardest, it gets a little better during your second, and your third you finally start to get the hang of things. I disagree. My situation has definitely not happened that way.

My first (1/2) year I survived but was laid off.

My second year was at a new school and the administration made me team leader.

Now my third year, I am teaching a new subject that I get to create because of the effects of EOC testing. (Thank you State of Texas)

So no my third year does not feel like I have things together. I feel more like I am falling apart than ever before. (this is probably not true, but I don't feel ready AT ALL!!)

However, the Lord has been faithful through it all. As ALWAYS!

It's usually whispers that He is still standing right next to me when I am ready to fall apart. Sometimes it's verses, songs, or prayers that I come across during the day. Sometimes its friends that remind me they are praying for me and that they know I will triumph through this tough challenge that lies before me.

Bring on Monday because MY life belongs to HIM! :)

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DWIGHT! :)

Praying for all the little kiddos that will be sitting in these seats on Monday.

So happy and colorful!

Wordish wall! I'm doing more with this than I did last year.

Teacher space!

I love Mom's gifts and Jessica's Star Wars figurines!

Best part of my room! Wreck 'Em!!