My Voice, My Heart, My Life

Yesterday was the last session for my "Be Still" bible study. It was a great study and very personal. It brought face to face many of the things that get in the way and what we allow to get in the way of being still in the Lord. One of the main themes that really impacted me was about trust. I came to realize and admit that I only give certain things to God and keep some for myself. Instead of releasing all to the Lord I insist on holding on to those things I think I can handle or am afraid to let go. And I wonder why I stress about stuff. Duh! I keep holding myself back. I've been facing this ugly truth about myself for the last few months. It hasn't been fun and I've fought it a bit. I also realized that when I mistrust God, I sin. Intense. I want to let go and trust, but do I really? I figured if I'm still holding on, its because I don't completely trust and don't really want to try. Fear creeps in and tells me if you let this one go you may no...

This past week the kindergarten classes have been practicing daily for their Christmas program last night, November 29th. For the last two months they have been learning these songs, taught by our wonderfully patient and loving music teacher, and last night their hard work paid off. Though the program went very well and no one fell off the riser, the same can't be said for their rehearsals. (No one fell during practice, but there were a few close calls) It was a week of late afternoon rehearsals, making for interesting occurrences. There are two kindergarten classes and each class had 3 songs to sing, along with a bible verse to recite. Then they do 2 group songs together.  My class went first. For the most part they did well. Most kept their eyes on the music teacher, sang and did the motions. But there were a select few that just weren't getting it. It wasn't their first time on stage. It was as if they didn't know what was expected of them and just did their ow...

Today I returned to work after a four day holiday, wishing I had just one more day. One more day of memories.  We had a really good time at my Aunt's for Thanksgiving. It had been a while since we had gathered as a whole family (Dad's side) to celebrate a holiday. The last time I remember was when we were little and it would be a weekend sleepover. It was nice to see my cousins and catch up with them. Time doesn't seem to exist when we get together. We could talk all night and not even notice. It was a great time of food and family.  Black Friday, or the day after Thanksgiving, was nice and quite for us. We did step out to do a little shopping but after the madness had passed. My hubby and I did a little window shopping and then real shopping at Target. It was nice to be able to hang out with him and just spend time outside of our house. Even the simple things, like mall cruising, can mean so much because you are together. We enjoyed the rest of the day just being t...

Happy Thanksgiving to all!  "My the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26 I am very blessed to work at a Christian School. Each morning the teachers gather together to spend time in God's word and prayer. These devotional times give us the opportunity to learn from each other, share our burdens and praises, to share what the Lord is teaching us, ultimately to build up and encourage each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. One of my close friends had devotions for this week and she handed out a Thanksgiving "Mad Lib" of sorts. This Mad Lib is not meant to give us a chuckle but to thoughtfully consider what are you truly thankful for? Below is the Thanksgiving Lib she created. I've filled in my blanks , my responses are in between the slashes (/).  I challenge you to go through this list and answer the question, "What a...

I wanted to share a couple of stories about God's presence, grace and strength. These past few weeks have been very trying for a close friend of mine. Her husband had to be rushed to the hospital. He had an appendicitis. Though this surgery is routinely done it doesn't mean it is not without risk. After he was released instead of improving he got worse. It had turned out that an infection had set in causing high fevers, chills, weakness and pale skin. He was in a terrible state. Along with the stressfulness of this situation those hospital bills where piling up. She has become his caretaker for the last few weeks. She has had to balance being with her husband and taking care of her 2 kids. One would think that with all of this mounted upon her shoulders, she would collapse and crumble. But the complete opposite is true. She stayed strong, optimistic and encouraged. We held them up in prayer and did what we could. She held on to the Lord and he granted her the grace and s...

This past Friday, one of my students was withdrawn from the school. I have had students leave in the past and it was always sad, but this last one really hit me hard. He is a very intelligent boy however had difficultly relating with his peers properly. At times he would react physically. He didn't seem quite aware of his actions or the reason he reacted in that manner. He didn't behave this way everyday. There were good days and then there were really bad days. Though he struggled to express his emotions in the right manner and at times could be very resistant to direction he had a sweet side. He was always saying silly things. He enjoyed making his classmates laugh. His smile was charming. He could also be very affectionate. I wish that I had more time. I can only pray that wherever he goes that God keep him safe and gives him daily reminders that He loves him. I'm truly going to miss this little character.  I took a picture of him and the class and had it framed wit...

Father God,       Let me start by expressing my greatest gratitude for giving me life. Thank you for granting me that opportunity. Thank you for laying out a plan for my life. Thank you taking me through it step by step. Thank you for your love, mercy, faithfulness and amazing grace. Thank you for the people that you've put in my path. Thank you for those who caused me pain because they brought me closer to you. Thank you for those that have brought me joy for they are a reminder of your love. Thank you for leaving the 99 to seek me out when I stray. Thank you for your discipline that is delivered in love. Thank you for my family. Thank you for the my godly parents, for they have guided me to you. Thank you for my brothers who daily reflect the meaning of loyalty and devotion. Thank you for my husband who allows me to be myself. Thank you for creating someone for me. Thank you for my dear friends. They have been a daily encouragement and a shower of love. Thank you ...