I'm Still Here

I have survived the first few weeks of my new job. I have been on a roller coaster of emotions from the beginning. I am so glad that I have been given the opportunity to work with kids doing something I love. That being said, it has been heartbreaking to see the situations that some of the children are coming from. For some, school is not only a place to learn, but a sanctuary from home. Things as basic as learning the alphabet, or looking at a picture book has never been done. It is sad to think that some of the simple joys of childhood have been missed.

I had a meeting with my co-workers this morning and asked the principal how do you stay focused on the task at hand without getting bogged down by lack of parental involvement at home. She understood my frustrations and told me to focus on my circle of control. So true.

I love the excitement of the kids when they work on writing in their journals. The stories are so creative. I think it going to be a great year. I can't wait to see the progress.

You Gotta Have A Little Faith

Happy Friday, Company Girls! It's been a week of ups and downs around here. As my husband pointed out to me, "You gotta have a little faith." He was right. Everything worked out just fine in the end. Getting myself to remain calm was the interesting part.

Tuesday evening I attended the local school board meeting so that I could be present when my pending job position was to be approved. Low and behold, my name wasn't on the agenda. There were several other positions which were mentioned, but not mine. I headed home and tried to remind myself that the principal had told me that I had the job. My husband and I decided that I should send an email to the principal telling her what happened, and find out what to do next. That very evening she responded, assuring me that I was hired. She was going to look into the matter, and see if I needed to be approved by the county school board. I would love to tell you that I remained calm. That I trusted God that everything would become clear. Not so much.

Wednesday evening my husband told me "You gotta have a little faith." I told him that I agreed, but the control freak, needs to know what's going on part of me was having a hard time. I wanted to know when the approval was going to happen, when my first day of work would be, and when I would be getting a paycheck. I was very specific in my frustration, thank you very much.

Thursday morning God answered all my questions. The mail came early yesterday. I received a packet in the mail from the county board of education. Included in this packet was my approval letter and a payroll dates and procedures sheet. Once I had the information I emailed the principal to let her know everything was in order. She let me know that my first day will be next Friday. God was very specific in answering all of my questions. I wonder if He chuckled a little bit at my behavior the night before. Now it was the Lord telling me, "Stephenie, you gotta have a little faith."

School Is Right Around The Corner

12 days and counting! This year not only will the kids be at school, but I'll be working there as well. I will be a parapro early interventionist. I get to go into the kindergarten and first grade classrooms and help students with reading and writing. I am so excited! I can't believe I'm actually going to be paid to do something that I love. I have volunteered for various things in these classrooms since my kids were in school. I never would have thought it would lead to this. This is the job opportunity I wrote about a while ago. I had to take a test, and then go through a background check, before I could officially be offered the job. Now, pending school board approval on Tuesday evening, I will have a job.

While I am so looking forward to this new opportunity, I have to say the other thing I love about the beginning of the school year is the return to a schedule. My family seems to thrive on it. Fall is my favorite season so that helps, too. The heat of summer doesn't bother me. The humidity I could definitely do without. How about you? Is there anything you are looking forward to?

A New Perspective

I'm beginning to emerge from the funk mentioned in my previous post. I don't have a list of clear cut answers for what will happen next, but I know that I know that Jesus is enough. He has gently shown me some areas I need to work on. I love that His mercies are new every morning! Sometimes we just need to be reminded of God's truths. If I could offer advice to anyone who has found themselves in a place of certainty, it is this: Park your mind on God's truths. Truth is so much stronger than feelings.

In a Funk

Okay, I'm finally willing to admit it, I am in a funk of what seems like gigantic proportions. At least to me anyway. I feel like I can't get handle on what my life's purpose and passion are supposed to be right now. My prayers seem to be more like whispers of "What now?" and "What am I supposed to do with the way I'm feeling?" I can't even put my finger on any one thing. Life used to be so clear cut. Encouraging others in marriage and parenting were what drove me. Now I seem to just be going through the motions. I'm not sure where I'm supposed to be or what I'm supposed to be doing. Anybody have any advice?

What A Baseball Game Taught Me About God

Okay, I must start this post with a disclaimer: I really need to work on the very thing I'm about to write about. That being said, I feel as if I'm going to burst if I don't get this out.

This past Sunday Rick and I were able to attend the Indians game thanks to the generosity of some family members. We had a blast! At one point the bases were loaded with two outs. This was the stuff great stories are made of. The crowd rose to its feet in an attempt to encourage the batter to knock it out of the park. The mood was electric. There was total focus on the battle that was being fought to score at least one run, if not four. Unfortunately, the batter struck out and the inning ended. It got me thinking about how many times the bases are loaded in our spiritual lives. Are we aware of what is going on around us? Look at what the Bible tells us to do as believers in Christ:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Ephesians 6: 10-18 NIV (emphasis added)

Are you providing encouragement? Are you praying? Are you alert? Now is the time. Let me know what your thinking.

Women of Faith Worship: A Review

I recently had the privilege of listening to "Women of Faith Worship" from the Women of Faith Worship Team. Wow! From the first note this recording grabbed my attention. Instead of paying attention to the things in my life that aren't set in stone right now to focusing on the One who created and loves me. I don't know about you, but sometimes I can get caught up in how I feel, instead of what I know God says is truth. I love how the lyrics of these songs are filled with truth.

The song selections are awesome! From "God of This City" to "Amazed" this recording is like a soundtrack of the journey we all take to our home with Jesus. From proclaiming that God is in control and over all things, to songs about who each of us are in Christ, and asking Him to meet us right where we are, this c.d. is wonderful. I have listened to it almost daily since I received it about a week ago. "Just Wanna Say" and "Glorious" took some getting used to, since they aren't the normal style of music I listen to. They are growing on me though.

If there was one thing I could change, I wouldn't include "Indescribable". I love the song, but I can't seem to get past the fact that it's not Chris Tomlin singing. I highly recommend purchasing this c.d.; you won't be disappointed. God inhabits the praises of His people and "Women of Faith Worship" is an invitation to stay and praise a while.