The Apple of His Eye

My God is Able

2010-11-30T17:01:00.000-08:00

Whenever David and I visit my parents we always get the treat of going to James River Assembly. I'm not sure why, but this church has become a sort of therapy for me. I always come away with a renewed heart and a fresh word from God. It may just be that this is usually the only time I am ever at church without a thousand other things on my mind, people to talk to, or responsibilities to shoulder. I'm just Sara, visitor.

Don't hear what I'm not saying. I love my church and the position God has put me in there, but it's been quite some time since going to church has been that simple. There is something about coming into a place where you are completely anonymous and being able to let it all go. There's no one waiting to talk after service, there is no one coming in whispering that the power has gone out in the Family Center, there is nothing but me and God. I love visiting JRA because I know that my visit has been covered with prayer, I know that the ministry team is rooted in Gods word, and I know that God is going to meet me if I simply surrender. (You don't always know that visiting a church.)

This past Sunday, I was highly blessed by the service and I will be writing future blogs about it, but this is just one of the ways God spoke to my heart and I am so grateful. A simple worship song, that brought me to tears of joy because I believe my God is able.

Mark 11:23-24 tell us, "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

If you are wounded, wandering, wondering, worrying, or just wavering sing these words out to the Lord. If you believe it and you say it-you will have it! That is the amazing way of God!

You part the ocean

You calm the raging sea

You are able to do this in me

You said You're with me

So who can stand against

You are with me Lord I know that

Nothing is to hard for you

I know my God is able

I know His love never fails

I know my God is able

I believe in You

I trust in You with all that I am

Cause I know You have the master plan

So I'll throw my life into Your hands

For Your glory

Spread the Word

2010-11-01T15:16:00.000-07:00

Psalm 40: 1-3
I waited patiently for the Lord;
And He inclined to me,
And heard my cry.
He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,
Out of the miry clay,
And set my feel upon a rock,
And established my steps.
He has put a new song in my mouth-
Praise to our God;
Many will see it and fear,
And will trust in the Lord.

Reading this familiar passage last night, I felt a warmth come over me. It is so good to remember what God has done; what He has brought me from and what he is bringing me through. But last night, it was the last two lines that really had me in awe. It's not just about what God has done in my life, it is about how He will work in the lives of others through what He has done in my life. This is the miraculous way in which God works but it relies on our obedience. I have begun praying this scripture over my life and asking the Holy Spirit to lead me to always be obedient to His calling, so that not only will my faith be built up, but the faith of many.

October 25th

2010-10-25T17:59:00.000-07:00

Today is the birthday of one of my favorite people in all the world! Paro, as we affectionately call her, was born this day some time ago. When I started teaching she welcomed me with open arms not only to the school, but into her home and family! She has been like my mom away from home. I don't know what life would be like without her funny antics at school, her generous spirit, and her sweet personality! I love you Paro! Thank you for being in my life!

If I couldn't laugh I just would go insane, If we couldn't laugh we just would go insane, If we weren't all crazy we would go insane.
Jimmy Buffett

Wishful Thinking

2010-10-24T14:01:00.000-07:00

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

AKA: If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.

Wouldn't it be nice if we could all put this into practice...just sayin'. I'm talking to myself here too.

Friends Forever

2010-10-15T19:58:00.000-07:00

There are some people in my life who I know will be life-long friends. People that, despite distance and time, will always hold a piece of my heart. I have been blessed to have a few deep, life-changing friendships. Some of the best and worst memories of my life include these people. They know me in a way that takes real time and real adversity. Some I may only talk to as little as every few months, or only see once a year if I'm lucky, but I treasure those times. I wish I could keep these friends close. I wish I could see and talk to them everyday, but life moves on and we all have to go our own ways. I love these people more than words can say and know that because of them I am a better person. After a short FB chat with one of my friends forever tonight I kept singing my old Girl Scouts song in my head...

Make new friends, but keep the old.

One is silver and the other gold.

You are more precious than gold to me friends! I am so thankful for you!

A man of many companions may come to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24

To Do List

2010-08-30T18:25:00.000-07:00

I love lists! Grocery lists, packing lists, supply lists, name lists, honey-do lists, any kind of list! I always have a "to do" going on in some respect. I just find the action of crossing things off refreshing. I feel like I have accomplished something, made headway, gotten things done!

The other night, I was reading my Bible and really looking at prayer. I was reading all the prayer verses and of course the whole "pray without ceasing" came to mind. So I found the verse (1 Thessalonians 5:14-22) and as I read it this time, God spoke a fresh word to me. "This should be your to do list Sara. These should be your goals everyday." So here it is....the new and highly improved to do list....

-Warn those who are unruly

-Comfort the fainthearted

-Uphold the weak

-Be patient with all

-Pursue what is good for all

-Rejoice always

-Pray without ceasing

-In everything give thanks

-Do not quench the Spirit

-Do not despise prophecies

-Test all things

-Hold fast to what is good

-Abstain from every evil

This is a pretty tall order, but I am really trying to implement this into my daily life. I know that shifting my priorities to God's to do list will help me to have a larger impact that any to do list I could come up with. I will let you know how it goes.

Rainy Day Treat

2010-08-28T09:34:00.000-07:00

You gotta love a lazy, rainy Saturday! I had a bag of butterscotch chips sitting in my cabinet so I decided now would be a great time to whip my hubby up some yummy Butterscotch Chip Cookies! He has been super sweet this week with me starting back to work and being under the weather. I have been coming home and going straight to the bed with NyQuil. I am so blessed to have him by my side! So here we go...

I got out my ingredients (sans nuts...didn't have any on hand)

Got it all together

On the pan

In the oven

To the tummy....Happy Guy!

Here's the link to the recipe if you want to make your own rainy day treats! http://www.cooks.com/rec/doc/0,1910,156189-236193,00.html

Better Business

2010-08-07T18:27:00.000-07:00

If you know me, you know I am not a tuber. I do not enjoy floating in a river due to my fear of snakes and other strange creatures that inhabit said river. However, because I am a loving wife and devoted youth leader :) I do go on one tubing trip a year. We usually head to the standby Adventures Unlimited, but this year we heard about another place-Perdido Natural Adventures. It's only 15 mins. from the church and 1/3rd the price! We thought we would try it out.
We pulled up to Fran's Country Grill to meet the bus to pick us up. At this point-it's a little sketchy! Fran's is a shack next to a truck repair shop in the middle of nowhere! As we walked up to the bus I was expecting red-neck Bob to meet us. Much to my surprise and delight we were greeted by Hannah and William. Hannah is from Finland and has a marvelous accent! William is the nicest guy! They welcomed us and were so excited to have us with them. We piled the kids in the bus with Mr. William and the leaders rode in "the SUV" -as Ms. Hannah called it-down to the river. They were the most helpful and genuinely sweet people. They got all the tubes, canoes, and kayaks down. They loaded and tied the coolers into tubes for us, got all the kids flip-flops and shirts organized and back on the bus, and made sure everyone had applied sunscreen! They sent us off with waves and no time limit. Just have fun and they would be there when we were ready.
Hannah and William took care of everything when we got back. They got all the coolers out, put all the boats away, made sure the kids all had extra time to swing on the rope swing and that they all got the rights shoes and shirts. This was the best service I have experienced anywhere in a long time! We had a great day and the Lord blessed us by keeping the storm away until we were all safe in our cars.
If you live in the Pensacola area I highly recommend Perdido Natural Adventures-great time, great location, great prices, and the sweetest people!

'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' – Matthew 22:37-39

Better Blog

2010-07-26T14:25:00.000-07:00

I wasn't able to check my blog updates until late this afternoon and when I did there were a ton! As I scrolled through the plethora of coupon updates and free offers I was discouraged. I just wanted to find something real, something to nourish my spirit not my wallet. Surely someone had something profound to share that would touch my heart.

I stopped myself and thought how outrageous that sounded. Why am I going to a blog for encouragement and teaching? Don't get me wrong, there are lots of great bloggers out there that often write from their hearts and touch mine, but I have 24 hour access to the greatest "blog" of all time. So I did what I should have done in the first place...I got out my bible and read words straight from the father of my soul, the one who will always speak words of life to me, the source of my strength and joy. I will be forever grateful and full of praise for my God who has moved mountains for me!

“Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”
John 4:13-14

My All-Star

2010-07-09T20:40:00.000-07:00

I was listening to K-Love today and heard about their all-star contest. Who is the most encouraging and influential person you know? Tell them about that person and they could win a prize. I immediately thought of my person and how what an amazing all-star they are. So here is my 250 word entry about my All-Star!

My husband David is my encouraging and influential all-star because he plays so many positions with all his heart as, Pastor David. He’s played many positions-the good, the bad, and the ugly. I’ve seen him play janitor, scrubbing toilets and trashcans. I seen him play maintenance man, screwing in light bulbs and fixing broken chairs. I’ve seen him play lawn care man, sweating bullets to mow and pick up trash. I’ve seen him play worship leader to children, teaching them to dance, sing, and raise up hands of praise for the Lord. I’ve seen him play teacher to students who have never heard the words of Jesus and are desperate for the Living Water. I’ve seen him play the hard role of protector for kids who are being abused. I’ve seen him play the role of disciplinarian to those who are bullying others. The most influential position I’ve seen him play is father. God hasn’t yet given us our own children, but he has given us many spiritual children. I’ve seen David step in and play the role of father to children of all ages who are physically, mentally, and emotionally fatherless. I suppose the reason he’s an all-star is because he always plays his positions out of overflow! His best position is as a disciple of Christ! The Lord is his first priority everyday, and it influences everything he does and everyone he meets, especially me.

Wrestling is a dad's job!

Without Excuse

2010-06-28T16:49:00.000-07:00

Praising God today just for who He is.

For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.

Romans 1:20

Warrior Man

2010-06-13T20:17:00.000-07:00

This is a poem my Grandma (Sweetie) wrote about my Papa just before he passed away. I couldn't be more proud of either of them!

Warrior Man

He was just a country boy-Small knowledge of the world-Slight of frame-Bright blue eyes-Coal black hair that curled

Finished high school when seventeen-Played baseball ran track-Won state medals-Silver and gold-Endurance he didn't lack

His dream was to be a farmer-But land was hard to find-He made a choice-His country called-Was young and in his prime

Traveled the world, sometimes alone-When fighting in two different wars-Korea, Viet Nam-Was hit by a bomb-Has mental and physical scars

Came back to the Bootheel to choose a wife-Soon had three kids in tow-All were beautiful-All were bright-These children he loved so

Had many medals to pin on his chest-Representing the best of the best-He did what he could-For America's good-Was A-One when put to the test

A soldier at dawn, a student at night-He finally had his degree-Promotions came fast-The die was cast-A college degree was the key

Finally retired after twenty four years-Was offered Bird-Colonel to stay-With kids in their teens-Who needed some roots-Retirement would be the best way

Taught school ten years, principal for two-Has finished his Masters at last-Job offers Middle East-Boston, D.C.-For him that time had passed

Truth and Justice, Honor and Courage-That's how he chose to live-To do what's right-With all his might-He had so much to give

To know him now, this gentle soul-Except for his biggest fan-The things he's done-You'd never know-He once was a "Warrior Man"!

Radical-1

2010-05-23T18:14:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer: This is a little heavy, but where I'm at.

God was really speaking to me today. During worship this morning He confronted me with a question that has been on my mind the past few days....do you believe what you say you believe?

I have been reading a new book that takes a "radical" look at how we should respond to who Jesus is. Do we really believe that Jesus is so good and satisfying that we would leave everything and everyone to obey him? Do we really believe he is all we need?

I sang it this morning in "Healer", but do I really believe it? It is so hard to think about. Would Jesus be enough for me if I lost everything? There are somethings I know I could make it through, but there are others on which I NEVER let my mind stay very long.

Would Jesus be enough for me if I lost David?

As I am writing this my throat is closing up and my eyes are burning. Just the smallest thought of it makes me sick to my stomach. I want the answer to be yes, Jesus would be enough for me. How can I be sure though?

Jesus told me this morning that if I want to be sure, if I want to live radically for only Him, I have to draw closer and just like Pastor was saying, I HAVE to put him before David in all areas. I have to speak out what I believe and then live it out every day. I have to walk in radical obedience to Him.

Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' Matthew 7: 21-23

This is my prayer-create in me a new heart that is radically and only for You.

The Luckiest!

2010-05-16T17:30:00.000-07:00

I may have mentioned this a few times before, but over the past few days I have been reminded again and again of the most amazing blessing in my life, my husband. If you don't know him, you're missing out! He is the most amazing person I have ever met. Here are just a few of his amazing qualities...

-funny (he keeps me laughing)
-playful (he keeps me young)
-passionate about God, me, family, youth, kids, and life
-loving to everyone-even those most people aren't loving to
-adventurous (he gives me gray hairs in a good way)
-brave (I always feel safe and secure)
-honest (I never doubt him)
-enthusiastic
-dependable (he always keeps his word)
-considerate (he always thinks of others before himself)
-imaginative (of my!)
-hopeful (he gives me hope)
-faithful
-generous with his time and resources
-trustworthy (I can always count on him)

-great with kids of all ages and abilities

As his wife, I get to see the side of him no one else does. I get to see the David behind closed doors and I can honestly say he is an even better man at home than he is out in the world. I'm not sure how many women can say that about their husbands, but I am so blessed and grateful that I can. He has changed my life forever in so many ways. He has shown me the truest picture of God's love for me. I thank God for him all day, every day! I'm so in love with my God and my husband!

Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find?

Proverbs 20:6

If you know him, you know what I'm talking about! What do you think is one of his best qualities?

Irony

2010-05-06T18:19:00.000-07:00

I was talking with a friend today about the sometimes ironic way God works. We were talking about how God often places us in the very situations we feel most uncomfortable or that we least want to be in.

I was saying how I used to think teenagers were the worst. Mid

dle-schoolers made me want to run in the other direction. That's why I chose to be an elementary teacher. Being around pubescent teens was on my list of least favorite things. The gossip, giggling, cockiness, back-talking, attitudes, boy-crazy, girl-obsessed, DRAMA was just to much.

Wouldn't you know it, I married a man whose passion is youth ministry. I have to admit, I was quite intimidated at first, but was willing to give it a try. God has softened my heart towards them and now they are my passion too.

I can't tell you what I feel about these teens, there just aren't words enough. All I can think to say is I LOVE THEM. They have filled up my heart and blessed my soul beyond anything else.

Yes, there is drama, attitudes, and LOTS of giggling. But, there is so much joy in watching them grow and become amazing young people of God, despite the worst life circumstances. Sometimes there are disappointments, but I just

pray this verse everyday.

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

My First Time

2010-05-04T18:55:00.000-07:00

Today I had my first full force coupon shopping experience. I have been motivated by some of you wonderful ladies to start the savings. I searched, clipped, and studied for several days. I made my lists and organized my coupons and finally I was ready to shop!

I hit CVS, Winn-Dixie, and Publix. It took me a little more time than I thought, but I have to admit I had a pretty good time. It was great "me" time!

I got body wash and shampoo to last until Christmas, toothpaste for months, make-up, razors for the summer, deodorants, pizzas, ice cream, lots of pasta and sauce, chicken, lots of tortillas, taco dinners, 10 boxes of Pasta-Roni, string cheese, strawberries, grapes, bananas, Organic milk, Nutri-Grain bars, and 5 cases of Coke for under $200.00. I saved $163 on $350 worth of groceries and stuff we needed or will need. Even better, no bargain brands-not that there is anything wrong with those. It was all the good stuff.

Not bad for my first time, I think. So, how did I do ladies?

God Knows

2010-05-02T15:45:00.000-07:00

A miracle happened this week. A most precious baby girl was born. She is perfect in every way and the apple of her family's eye. God fulfilled the desire of my friends heart and gave her the daughter she has always wanted. I don't know how you can see a newborn baby and deny that God exists or that He is in control.

I have loved seeing her and holding her and watching her mommy dress her up in dresses and bows. Most of all, I love seeing her moms eyes light up with that amazing realization of what God has given her.

It has been a little bittersweet though. It makes my desire that much stronger, my struggle that much more acute.

So I have chosen to let my own eyes light up realizing what God has given me. Even though my heart is aching, I cannot deny how God has blessed me. I know He has much more in store for me.

God reassured me today, believe it or not, through Elton John. I heard the song "Blessed" and I knew that God was speaking to me-don't give up hope, blessing is coming.

David and I have had the name Asher picked out for our first son for quite a while. It means blessed and happy. God knows.

God speaks to different people in different ways. God often speaks to me through music, but never before Elton John. Whatever works!

Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you . Joshua 3:5

Held Captive

2010-04-10T12:22:00.000-07:00

Looking outside my windows, all I see is a cloud of yellow dust and clumps of fresh off the tree pollen buds covering the yard like a thick blanket. This, to me, is like a

scene out of a horror film.

I feel like a prisoner being held captive inside. If I dare to venture out, misery and woe will overtake me. It is SO beautiful outside this time of year and all I want to do is go out and work in the yard, plant some flowers, or go to the beach. However, this would result in hours of pain and suffering for me.

Usually, recess is one of my favorite parts of the day, but now it is the most dreaded part. I know that spending those few minutes on the playground are going to make me miserable for the rest of the day. I might as well be this chick.

I'm so blessed to have David with me. I know he wants to go outside and do things, but he stays inside with me. He goes to the store and searches for Kleenex with lotion and then deals with my not so flattering use of them. He tells me I am beautiful when my face is puffy and my eyes and nose are red. I couldn't ask for more.

Praise the Lord, Oh my soul, and forget not all His benefits-who forgives all your sin, and heals all you diseases Psalms 103:2-3

I'm gonna need another box...

2010-03-30T18:24:00.000-07:00

This Sunday we are doing cardboard testimonials for the Easter services. I'm sure you have seen them and if not just type it into youtube and you'll get a bunch of hits. The basic idea is to display something that had been a struggle for you in life on one side and on the other side you show how God has changed that struggle into good for His glory. So I was thinking about what I would put on my piece of cardboard and realized I would need several boxes. God has changed me so much I don't know how I could narrow it down to one thing. So what better way to glorify God than to tell the many ways he has changed me! Here we go!

overwhelmed by guilt from my past ---FORGIVEN

lonely from giving myself to meaningless relationships--COMPLETELY LOVED BY GIVING MYSELF CHRIST

fearful---SECURE IN HIS PROMISES

stressed from relying only on myself---AT PEACE FROM PUTTING ALL MY TRUST IN GOD

felt like I didn't belong---ADOPTED IN AS A CHILD OF GOD

not good enough to be used by God----CONFIDENT IN HIS CALLING ON MY LIFE

angry---JOYFUL

consumed with grief---FULL OF HOPE

have no children of our own---GOD BLESSED US WITH 100'S OF KIDS AND YOUTH

Those are just a few and right now I am on the up-hill side of yet another testimony.

inconsistent and shallow prayers because of disappointment--????????

My goal is to pray everyday for the true desires of my heart-even if it hurts, even if it takes a lifetime. I am trusting God to meet me where I am and can't wait to see the testimony.

What's your "cardboard testimony"?

Rehearsal Starts Today

2010-03-25T16:28:00.000-07:00

I listened to a great audio blog today at www.stevenfurtick.com that really stirred something in my heart. He said we should "rehearse the blessing of ministry, not nurse the curse".

The past almost 3 years have been a blur. Things seem to happen at such a fast pace it's hard to keep up sometimes. Life has become completely different than anything I ever imagined. Yes, things have been hard and I have felt stretched further than Gumby at times, but what a BLESSING it has been. I'm not going to nurse the curse of our calling, I'm going to rehearse the blessings that come with this amazing calling. I am going to have an attitude of gratitude that I get to have a first hand part in ministry. My husband is not working at a job he hates feeling like he is making no eternal impact. He has a job that he LOVES and is passionate about.

I love my job too and feel passionate about teaching, but sometimes I wish I could be more involved. I sometimes wish I could be there full time to work on ministry with David, because I know that these kids and teens are at a critical stage and that they are our future. I know that the part I do play is a blessing straight from God and so I will give it my all and be quick to rehearse the blessings of being in ministry has brought me.

I am blessed by being in ministry because...

-I get to see peoples lives changed for eternity!

-I get to go to places and minister to people I would never be able to otherwise.

-I know LOTS of people who are almost always willing to lend a helping hand with

whatever I need.

-I have a husband who commits a LOT of time to serving God, worshiping God,

praying to God, and studying His word everyday, which provides me with an

amazing covering and a husband who is leading our marriage with the direct

instruction of Christ.

-I get to influence the lives of young kids and teenagers and watch them grow.

-I get to use all the things I thought would never let me be used for Christ, to help

and minister to people.

-I get to dress up, play games, decorate, go out, have parties, ride crazy roller

coasters, and laugh until I can't breath because it is my job!

-I have more "children" than I ever thought I would!

-I get lessons on leadership daily though situations.

-I have lots of people praying for me.

-I am being molded into the image of Christ and made into the ultimate version of

me one day at a time!

It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some t be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Hebrews 4:11-13

Produce

2010-03-21T17:45:00.000-07:00

I have felt on the verge of tears all day. I'm not sure why, I may be a little hormonal. :) It has just been one of those days.

I live a very blessed life with amazing family and friends, a job I love (except that whole getting up before dawn thing), a ministry that is extremely rewarding, and a husband that makes me feel like the apple of his eye.

But like Pastor Josh said today, when I prayed for God to use me it was dangerous. I should have expected some suffering, some uncomfortableness, some disappointment. The amazing thing is that this is all good for me. It doesn't feel to good though.

I have prayed for patience for quite some time now, and have been living out the production of that quality ever since. Some days I just don't want to be patient, some days I'm tired of waiting, tired of suffering, tired of enduring. Thankfully God always meets me where I am and tells me to take a deep breath and lean into Him. This is not a punishment, it's not because I've done something wrong, it's not because I'm not doing enough, it's not because I'm not good enough. It is because God wants me to look more like Him so that He can be glorified through me and this is the only way.

Suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope. Romans 5:3-4

Heart Broken

2010-03-18T18:59:00.000-07:00

My heart broke today.

We had a meeting to discuss Senate Bill 4 & 6 at school today. If you don't know what they are you should go NOW to http://feaweb.org/florida-teachers-express-opposition-to-senate-bill-6 and check it out!

This legislation is possibly the most damaging and demeaning bill to ever be brought to our attention. I DO NOT understand how people can really think the best thing to do in order to help our states education system is to completely undermine it! The bill will have the following effects:

• Decrease the ability of local school boards and school districts to make a wide array of decisions having an impact on local schools and replacing them with a one-size-fits-all approach mandated from Tallahassee.

Have you ever tried on a one-size-fits-all shirt? There is no way that shirt can fit a 90 pound woman and a 300 pound man. It just isn't going to work!

• Require that all teachers be retained, certified and compensated based on student test scores on standardized tests -- not years of experience or degrees held.

Masters Degree in Teaching Reading? Sorry, your 5 year olds marked outside the bubbles on their standardized test-YOUR FIRED!

• Penalize school districts that even consider length of service or degrees held when determining compensation or reductions in force.

We don't care what you want-it's all about us, the Big Shot Politicians!

• Order that teachers be issued probationary contracts for up to five years; then an annual contract every year after that … eliminating due process.

Job Security? Don't plan on planning your life!

• Mandate more standardized testing for students (end of course exams for all subjects) and for teachers (additional certification requirements).

Kindergarten Students-You will now have 3 hours to complete the test. Just pee in your pants if you have to go!

• Exclude the salary schedule as a subject of collective bargaining. The state will decide what categories of differentiated pay will be provided for.

Complete Government Control!

I am a teacher who loves her job and is passionate about teaching my students, I purposefully went back to school to get her Masters Degree because I know that teaching students to read and write is the most important academic lesson they can learn and because I know I have to do everything I can to plan for my future, I work long hours, donate $100's of dollars to my students and classroom every year, wipe noses, tie shoes, ruin perfectly good manicures getting all kinds of dirty to get kids excited about learning and engaged in lessons, encourage kids with no one to do it at home, try to instill some sort of discipline into children with NONE, pray for my kids EVERY SINGLE DAY, and leave every students (no matter what they may have done that day) with a hug and I love you.

Apparently that means nothing. Apparently I'm not worth it. My job just isn't that important-which in turn means that our children just aren't important to the government.

If you are a parent of a child in Florida Public Schools or just a supporter of education PLEASE contact our Representatives-Durell Peaden and Don Gaetz and Senator Greg Evers and tell them NOT to pass Bill 6 and 4!

If you want to have any say in your child's public education we have to stop this! If you want good teachers to stay in Florida to teach your children we have to stop this!

If you know me and believe that the job I do, the years I've put into children, and the purposeful education I have worked for is worth it, WE HAVE TO STOP THIS!

Back in the Stirrups Again!

2010-03-09T15:02:00.000-08:00

I have read about 100 blogs about peoples journey's to parenthood. It is sometimes nice to know you are not alone on the trip, but it's not what I want my blog to be centered around. When I analyze every thing that is happening in my body and chart every little thing, getting pregnant becomes the overriding thought in my head-the epicenter of my emotions, thoughts, and time. That place is only supposed to be occupied by God. So, I decided that I will not let getting pregnant become the most important thing in my life ever again. But, I do think re-evaluating the situation is important occasionally.

So, yesterday I had my first appointment with my OB/GYN since our miscarriage. I saw the nurse practitioner, who is AMAZING! She was wonderful when I miscarried and made sure the nurse called me EVERY day for a month to check on me. She has a sweet, sweet spirit and I think God put her in the office that day just for me.

Anyway, I had a few questions planned for her yesterday and was sitting on the table with the lovely white sheet rehearsing my questions. As I sat there I started to get upset. I think just being there and thinking about everything stirred up those emotions. I managed to get myself together before she came in and when she did she was already on the same page as me. She answered my question without me having to ask it and really set me at ease. She confirmed what God has spoken to me.

I am not at all opposed to using medical methods to achieve pregnancy, but for David and I it is not the way right now. Our first baby was conceived without intervention, so we know it can happen. We both believe that God has a plan for our family and that He will give us a child in His perfect timing.

That being said, we have to do our part too! So, I am going to have more testing done next week to check some hormone levels and such. We have a good plan of action in place should the tests show an irregularity. A plan that doesn't include me being poked, prodded, scraped, biopsied, and stressed out! A plan that doesn't include us paying thousands of dollars for bad news! A plan that doesn't include medications that, FOR US, would be going around God to get the job done.

For the first time in almost a year I feel a little excited about the chance of having a baby. I know many people have waited SO much longer than we have, but the thought of actually getting pregnant next month, after over 3 years of trying, makes my heart race! I'm trying not to get to worked up, because I know that God's plans are not usually my plans. I know that it may not happen. I know that the two pink lines may not show up.

So please pray for us! I know so many people are praying and it lifts up my spirit! It is the desire of our hearts to have a child of our own. I told a friend the other day, I cannot wait until the day when all these prayers turn into a little person! That has got to be one special kid!

I know that God makes all things work together for my good and because he has revealed that truth to me I will always have HOPE. I don't know how people go on without it.

'I saw the Lord always before me.
Because he is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;

MY BODY ALSO WILL LIVE IN HOPE Acts 2:25-26

Sweet Reminder

2010-03-05T14:26:00.001-08:00

Today my students performed their Kindergarten play. They were lions-Kings of the Jungle. They were so cute in their paper plate masks, crowns, and painted on whiskers! As they were sitting up on the stage singing and doing their best...I was reminded why I LOVE my job.

The past two weeks have been pretty torturous! Practicing for a play with around 80 five year olds in MADNESS! Trying to get them to sit still for an hour of practice, learn when to go onto and off of the stage, and say their lines into a microphone is a monumental task. Every practice was grueling!

But today, they were awesome! Did they remember all their lines? No way! Did they keep their eyes on the teacher, sit tall, and sing loud? Sometimes. But they were so good and even if they weren't, the look on their faces and their parents faces made all the pain of practice worth it! It is the same feeling when all the work and time and effort pays off at the end of the year when those kiddos move on to 1st grade.

God has placed me in a most important position. What an honor to be the first "teacher" experience for these precious children. Most people remember their Kindergarten teachers forever and I want to be the kind that made them love school and learning and that ALWAYS made them feel loved!

Don't get me wrong, it's not always easy and there have been days when I wish I would have done things differently! It is my job to teach, mold, guide, and love EVERY child God has placed in my path, no matter how difficult they make my day or how useless I feel my influence is on them!

Today God reminded me of the precious job I have and that no matter what is happening in the world and around these kids, I have to be the light of Christ for these kids! He reminded me of the payoff for all the work!

EVEN IF I KNEW THAT TOMORROW THE WORLD WOULD GO TO PIECES, I WOULD STILL PLANT MY APPLE TREE. Martin Luther

You Make ALL Things Work Together For MY Good

2010-02-28T17:05:00.000-08:00

I really want this blog to be a place where God is glorified, so today I was praying and asking God what it was he wanted me to share...here it is!

I am a sing in the shower kind of girl. For as long as I can remember I have always woken up in the morning with a song in my head. Sometimes it's a kids song, worship song, pop song, old song...but always a song. David sometimes asks me, "What song are you playing this morning?"

I've been listening to Your Love Never Fails over and over this week. I just can't get it out of my spirit...it has been my song for several days. But I'm not just singing it in the morning, it is all day long! If you have never heard it you should go to itunes right now and buy it!

God has been using that song to remind me over and over what he has done in my life. There is a line that says "The chasm was far to wide, I never thought I'd reach the other side, but your love never fails!" There are several times in my life when I have thought I would never get to "the other side" and EVERY time God has gotten me there.

Then of course there is the line that blows my mind every time I say it, "You make all things work together for my good!" I just can't explain the emotions I have when I say those words! When I look back on the things that happened in my life from the time I was a child up until now, and see how God has used EVERY instance for MY good all I can do is praise Him. When I sing the words, I feel like I am going to explode with JOY, THANKFULNESS, LOVE, ADORATION, and AMAZEMENT!

Every experience I thought was negative, sorrowful, and sinful is now being used to glorify God and minister to others. I know the place that I am in now is just another thing God is going to use to glorify himself and I don't want any of the credit. I'm not the one who is in charge of my life, He is. I want to do NOTHING to get in the way of His glory. I trust Him completely, because I know from experience that He makes all things work together for MY good.

I know that I am the APPLE of His eye. The apple of your eye is the pupil-the most sensitive part of your body. You will instinctually protect your eye from any harm. It is protected above all else-just the way God protects you. He doesn't have to think about it. You are His most important priority. It is the ultimate comfort to know that God is protecting me above everything else and even the things that I think cannot possibly be happening for my good, are!

Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Apple a Day

2010-02-22T17:14:00.000-08:00

Today was a great day! After work one of my best friends let me live vicariously through her, yet again. As many of you know David and I have been trying to have a baby for 3 years now. We have suffered lots of heartache and disappointment, but are believing that God has a perfect will for our family. That said, this friend has been like my apple a day-keeping the doctor away. Without her, I'm not sure I would have made it through the past year without paying to see a psychiatrist.

She is beautifully pregnant with her first baby girl after 3 boys! I'm still not sure she really believes it's a girl. She let me be there with her when she found out that it was girl, when she picked out the bedding, and today when we put the crib, swing, car seat, and pack-n-play together. We were busy girls! Everything is pink and beautiful!

Even though I wasn't putting this all together for my baby, just getting to be a part of it heals a little place in my heart. Just having someone include me in their miracle, instead of avoid even mentioning it to me, makes me feel like I'm not an outsider in a world full of mommies.

God has blessed me with amazing friends, who show me that I am not alone. So here is my response to God's faithfulness in my life- God, who needs to know they are not alone, that they fit in the body of Christ? Who in my life do I need to work on including? Who seems like they are struggling to fit in or feeling isolated? Let me see with your eyes!

"I know I'm filled to be emptied again. The seed I've received I will sow." Hillsong

Not My Type

2010-02-21T14:43:00.000-08:00

I have to admit, I love reading blogs, but I have never been much of a writer. The thought of putting my thoughts, feelings, and revelations in writing makes me want clean the entire house from top to bottom, till up my yard and lay sod, and get a sudden urge to learn everything about car engines. I want to do anything to avoid exposing myself-even if it is only in a journal kept under lock and key between the mattresses. Crazy, right?

I have learned a lot over the past 4 years about the importance of NOT keeping myself guarded. How can God use me and the things he has taught me if I never let anyone really know me? I am still learning how to do this and am by no means as open with my life as I would like to be. Learning to show people the side of me that feels pain and hurt is SO hard. I don't like it-it is uncomfortable! But, I know that when I have had people open up to me and show me their pain and hurt it has made me feel that I'm not alone. I hate that feeling-it is the worst trick in the book! I don't want you to feel alone, because the truth is you are never alone if you have God's Holy Spirit living in you!

So, I am going to open myself up for you and for me. Whether my writings are joyful, sorrowful, rants, raves, inspirational, or confrontational...I want to be open and I want you to know that you are not alone! If no one else will stand by you, I will.

As you may know, or can see from this blog, I love apples! Well, not eating them raw, I'm allergic. But, I love the way they look on trees, in a bowl on my kitchen table, in the big barrels at the farmers market. I love the way they smell-sweet and tart! I love the smooth feel of their skin and the gritty juiciness of their flesh. I love the amazing health benefits locked inside them! They are one of God's greatest creations and He uses them to show His glory to me.

My favorite thing about apples is the story of Johnny Appleseed. He walked across 100, 000 square miles, barefoot, planting apple trees that provided food and livelihood for many generations of settlers. He faced many obstacles and trial along the way. It was not an easy trip! That is what I want to do in my own way. I want to walk the road God has before me, barefoot, baring my heart while planting His seeds to provide His food and His sustenance for many generations. I will surely have bumps, bruises, blisters, and cuts along the way. I have faced and will face trials and mountains I don't know how to move,but God will-and the fruit will be well worth it!