Well, my last blog was written in excitement of the Haiti trip... but those of you that know me already know what I will say here... I was told that I wouldn't be able to go on this trip. I was so sad at first, and even a little mad that I had gotten so hyped up about it and now I wouldn't be able to go. Then, I realized that this was not up to me... that this was God's will, and if I was supposed to be going, I would be. I thought this was "the" trip- perfect timing, perfect opportunity, etc... I felt like I was finally ready to face my fear of being out of my element and be on a mission trip, but I've realized that MY "ready" is not HIS "ready."
It has taken me a long time to realize and accept God's plan- that He is in control. Saying it is so much different than believing it, and I said it for a long time... but I can honestly say that now, I believe it.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
#51- BIG news!
#51- talk to a non-believer about my faith... nope, haven't done it yet, but let me tell you my big news, and I think you'll know where I'm going with this. :)
Most of you know me, and know that I'm a girly girl. I'm by no means a "princess," but I'm not into roughing it... being dirty... being sweaty... but God has placed it on my heart to go on a mission trip. I have wanted to for a couple of years, but all of the trips have always fallen during the school year, and I can't take off work for that long. I decided if there was ever one over the summer, I was definitely doing it.
Sure enough, June 21-28 there is a mission trip to Haiti to work with children (um hello, spiritual gifts!). Obviously, unless you've been living under a rock, you know that things are tough over there right now. So the mission trip will be rough as well- no accommodations... we will be in tents, using outhouses, eating meal replacement bars... God is really messing with me on this. He has put this trip on my heart, and I absolutely know it's where He is leading me. But it is scary... good scary, but scary. As I said, I'm a girly girl that likes a bed...a shower..., and God is throwing me into this experience full-force.
This will be my opportunity to minister to and love on these babies that have nothing, and in some cases, no one. And I know one thing for sure- it will change MY life. My friend Jason told me (and I for sure believe him) that I will come home and realize that I am capable of living with SO much less than I have, or thought possible. I know that it will be the most emotional, inspiring, painful, and joyful (yes, all at the same time) trip I've ever been on.
And I will complete #51 just in time. :) June 30 will be the end of my list!
Most of you know me, and know that I'm a girly girl. I'm by no means a "princess," but I'm not into roughing it... being dirty... being sweaty... but God has placed it on my heart to go on a mission trip. I have wanted to for a couple of years, but all of the trips have always fallen during the school year, and I can't take off work for that long. I decided if there was ever one over the summer, I was definitely doing it.
Sure enough, June 21-28 there is a mission trip to Haiti to work with children (um hello, spiritual gifts!). Obviously, unless you've been living under a rock, you know that things are tough over there right now. So the mission trip will be rough as well- no accommodations... we will be in tents, using outhouses, eating meal replacement bars... God is really messing with me on this. He has put this trip on my heart, and I absolutely know it's where He is leading me. But it is scary... good scary, but scary. As I said, I'm a girly girl that likes a bed...a shower..., and God is throwing me into this experience full-force.
This will be my opportunity to minister to and love on these babies that have nothing, and in some cases, no one. And I know one thing for sure- it will change MY life. My friend Jason told me (and I for sure believe him) that I will come home and realize that I am capable of living with SO much less than I have, or thought possible. I know that it will be the most emotional, inspiring, painful, and joyful (yes, all at the same time) trip I've ever been on.
And I will complete #51 just in time. :) June 30 will be the end of my list!
this picture is borrowed from a friend's trip to Haiti before the earthquake. :)
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
From Ash Wednesday to Easter...
Some people have asked me why I'm observing Lent since I'm not Catholic... It is my way to prepare to celebrate Easter, and the resurrected life that I live and hope for, as a Christian... :)
What is it? For those of you that don't know:
Lent is a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. The purpose is to set aside time for reflection on Jesus Christ - his suffering and his sacrifice, his life, death, burial and resurrection. Observance is from Ash Wednesday to Easter- 40 days (not counting Sundays).
Last year was the first year I did it. I gave up chocolate. It was kind of cliche, I know, but it was the only thing I could think of that would really be a "struggle" for me. I made it! And there were times where, while watching others eat chocolate around me, or having to push aside the craving, I had to remind myself WHY I was doing it, and it really did make me more disciplined in my prayer.
Most people "give up" something for Lent, as part of a fast. So in keeping with the verbage, I am giving up laziness and disrespect for my "temple."
1 Cor 6:19-20
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
My next 40 days will consist of working out (at least) 4 days a week, and just being more respectful to the temple that my God gave me. Every time my alarm goes off so early in the morning to get up to work out, and I go to hit snooze, I will remember my promise to God, and it will be the motivation I need to do it! As I'm working out, I will be praising God that I have the temple He gave me, and that I have the opportunity to glorify it for His name.
This is not something on my list, but fasting is... starting to feel a press on that. When I put it on my list, my intent was to fast with food in some way... Will need to figure out what it is that I am going to fast, and for how long, and do a lot of prayer about it. Especially with my new workout plan- I need to make sure I stay healthy. :) Please be in prayer for me through Lent, as well as that God would press on my heart what He wants me to fast, for how long, and when- because of course His time is when it will be most appropriate. :)
What is it? For those of you that don't know:
Lent is a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. The purpose is to set aside time for reflection on Jesus Christ - his suffering and his sacrifice, his life, death, burial and resurrection. Observance is from Ash Wednesday to Easter- 40 days (not counting Sundays).
Last year was the first year I did it. I gave up chocolate. It was kind of cliche, I know, but it was the only thing I could think of that would really be a "struggle" for me. I made it! And there were times where, while watching others eat chocolate around me, or having to push aside the craving, I had to remind myself WHY I was doing it, and it really did make me more disciplined in my prayer.
Most people "give up" something for Lent, as part of a fast. So in keeping with the verbage, I am giving up laziness and disrespect for my "temple."
1 Cor 6:19-20
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
My next 40 days will consist of working out (at least) 4 days a week, and just being more respectful to the temple that my God gave me. Every time my alarm goes off so early in the morning to get up to work out, and I go to hit snooze, I will remember my promise to God, and it will be the motivation I need to do it! As I'm working out, I will be praising God that I have the temple He gave me, and that I have the opportunity to glorify it for His name.
This is not something on my list, but fasting is... starting to feel a press on that. When I put it on my list, my intent was to fast with food in some way... Will need to figure out what it is that I am going to fast, and for how long, and do a lot of prayer about it. Especially with my new workout plan- I need to make sure I stay healthy. :) Please be in prayer for me through Lent, as well as that God would press on my heart what He wants me to fast, for how long, and when- because of course His time is when it will be most appropriate. :)
Saturday, February 13, 2010
#24
#24- Have a snowball fight.
I FINALLY got to have my snowball fight!!
I FINALLY got to have my snowball fight!!
Ok, so it was with a 6-year-old. But who cares?? It was soooo fun. :)
I also made a snow angel, a mini-snowman, and played snowball catch with Zoey! :-D
I made a mini-snowman on the roof right outside of my window. :-P
#24 (plus some!)- completed!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
#69
#69: Pay off one credit card
Well, I did it! I just made the payment that will pay off one of my credit cards, thanks to my tax return. It was not a huge balance, but it will make a difference. I'm trying to use the debt-snowball method to make a dent in my debt... this was my lowest amount account, so now I will apply the amount I was paying on this account to the next lowest account.
I am trying so hard to stay on a budget. Much easier said than done... but I'm doing much better now than I was last year at this time. I really need to start the envelope budget so I can get a better handle on my money, as well as pay more to my debt.
But, I've made one step in the right direction...! #69, completed!
Well, I did it! I just made the payment that will pay off one of my credit cards, thanks to my tax return. It was not a huge balance, but it will make a difference. I'm trying to use the debt-snowball method to make a dent in my debt... this was my lowest amount account, so now I will apply the amount I was paying on this account to the next lowest account.
I am trying so hard to stay on a budget. Much easier said than done... but I'm doing much better now than I was last year at this time. I really need to start the envelope budget so I can get a better handle on my money, as well as pay more to my debt.
But, I've made one step in the right direction...! #69, completed!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
#17
#17- Write myself a letter to open in five years...
Clearly, this would be somewhat personal, so I am not going to include the letter in this blog. I will copy the intro and conclusion of it though, so you can understand the purpose of including it on the list...
Dear Me,
I am writing this for you to read in five years. Trying to decide the advice, the hopes, and the predictions I have for you has made me think back over the last 5 years of your life and how much you have grown. This time 5 years ago, you had not graduated college yet. You were a “Christian” but really had no idea what it meant to be one, other than you believed Jesus died for your sins and lives in your heart. Your world had revolved around one guy for so long that you really didn’t have any close friends anymore. Your new boyfriend would end up playing a huge part in your “real” salvation. You finally graduated college with TWO degrees, became a teacher and a regular church-goer, and realized you would only be happy moving back to the area you grew up in. Little did you know, the move to Lawrenceville would change your life. You became an essential part of your church through small groups, and have so many friends that continue to grow you and influence you to be the best person you can.
(insert here...hopes, dreams, regrets, and private thoughts... :-P )
Wow. I just realized as I write this, you will be 31, almost 32, when you are reading this. I have seen a few of my friends turn 30, so I hope it wasn’t too bad for you. I think about you all the time- what you will be like in 5 years, 10 years, 20… some days, I feel like I hardly know you, and others, I feel like I’m the only one that does. I really do want the best for you, and I am so proud of how far you’ve come in certain areas of your life. Of course, there are still things that need work, but everyone needs work. I hope that you have continued to grow and learn in these five years.
I love you. And that’s important. I hope I still love you in 5 years. I have a feeling I will. :)
~Jessica
Clearly, this would be somewhat personal, so I am not going to include the letter in this blog. I will copy the intro and conclusion of it though, so you can understand the purpose of including it on the list...
Dear Me,
I am writing this for you to read in five years. Trying to decide the advice, the hopes, and the predictions I have for you has made me think back over the last 5 years of your life and how much you have grown. This time 5 years ago, you had not graduated college yet. You were a “Christian” but really had no idea what it meant to be one, other than you believed Jesus died for your sins and lives in your heart. Your world had revolved around one guy for so long that you really didn’t have any close friends anymore. Your new boyfriend would end up playing a huge part in your “real” salvation. You finally graduated college with TWO degrees, became a teacher and a regular church-goer, and realized you would only be happy moving back to the area you grew up in. Little did you know, the move to Lawrenceville would change your life. You became an essential part of your church through small groups, and have so many friends that continue to grow you and influence you to be the best person you can.
(insert here...hopes, dreams, regrets, and private thoughts... :-P )
Wow. I just realized as I write this, you will be 31, almost 32, when you are reading this. I have seen a few of my friends turn 30, so I hope it wasn’t too bad for you. I think about you all the time- what you will be like in 5 years, 10 years, 20… some days, I feel like I hardly know you, and others, I feel like I’m the only one that does. I really do want the best for you, and I am so proud of how far you’ve come in certain areas of your life. Of course, there are still things that need work, but everyone needs work. I hope that you have continued to grow and learn in these five years.
I love you. And that’s important. I hope I still love you in 5 years. I have a feeling I will. :)
~Jessica
#17-completed.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
#99 and #65
#99- Thank someone for a compliment and mean it... #65- Further my education
If you aren't a teacher, and don't know someone that is, it's easy for you to take for granted what a teacher actually does. Everyday, I have to figure out how I will teach a skill so effectively that all 20 of my students will be able to grasp it, as well as do it in a way that will keep those 20 children entertained long enough to listen to me and actually learn the concept. It's easy to get "stuck in a rut" which is what most older teachers end up doing- they get tired of learning new and engaging ways to teach.
Right now, I am taking a class through the county that is teaching teachers how to use Reading and Writing Workshop in their classrooms. It's a lot to learn, but you wish you could just start doing everything you learn in these classes in your own classroom right away because of how great it is. I have started implementing a few things I've learned in my own classroom, and it has made SUCH a difference already in my kids' excitement about reading.
My Literacy Coach at my school came in my room last week to watch the new things I was doing, and was very complimentary of my ideas and techniques I was using. At that time, I was still unsure of how "great" all this really was... I knew good things were happening, but it was a lot of work, and still very new. So, of course, I thanked her for the compliments, but was still doubting myself. I find that I often do this... it's not that I can't take a compliment... but if I don't really feel the same thing, it's hard to.
Well, today, in my class, I shared the things I was doing and showed some examples, and the instructor came over on a break and wanted to see everything. She told me she was so impressed by what I was doing, and she was so thankful that I was actually taking what I was learning and using it in my classroom. For whatever reason, maybe because I've seen the difference in my kids so I can believe it myself, I was able to thank her for her compliment and mean it. :) I was suddenly so proud of myself for the things I was doing in my classroom because I KNOW I am making a difference in these kids' lives and the way they feel about reading. :)
#65- still going, and #99- completed. :)
If you aren't a teacher, and don't know someone that is, it's easy for you to take for granted what a teacher actually does. Everyday, I have to figure out how I will teach a skill so effectively that all 20 of my students will be able to grasp it, as well as do it in a way that will keep those 20 children entertained long enough to listen to me and actually learn the concept. It's easy to get "stuck in a rut" which is what most older teachers end up doing- they get tired of learning new and engaging ways to teach.
Right now, I am taking a class through the county that is teaching teachers how to use Reading and Writing Workshop in their classrooms. It's a lot to learn, but you wish you could just start doing everything you learn in these classes in your own classroom right away because of how great it is. I have started implementing a few things I've learned in my own classroom, and it has made SUCH a difference already in my kids' excitement about reading.
My Literacy Coach at my school came in my room last week to watch the new things I was doing, and was very complimentary of my ideas and techniques I was using. At that time, I was still unsure of how "great" all this really was... I knew good things were happening, but it was a lot of work, and still very new. So, of course, I thanked her for the compliments, but was still doubting myself. I find that I often do this... it's not that I can't take a compliment... but if I don't really feel the same thing, it's hard to.
Well, today, in my class, I shared the things I was doing and showed some examples, and the instructor came over on a break and wanted to see everything. She told me she was so impressed by what I was doing, and she was so thankful that I was actually taking what I was learning and using it in my classroom. For whatever reason, maybe because I've seen the difference in my kids so I can believe it myself, I was able to thank her for her compliment and mean it. :) I was suddenly so proud of myself for the things I was doing in my classroom because I KNOW I am making a difference in these kids' lives and the way they feel about reading. :)
#65- still going, and #99- completed. :)
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