I have always loved mission trips and have always had a heart for the nations, but I never felt called to international missions long term. (I'm sure my mom and grandmother breath a sigh or relief at that statement;). My heart has always been here at home, well wherever home has been at different seasons of my life. I love to be a part of my community. Which is why I love my church home now because it is a huge part of their heart as well!
Friday morning I went for a run...now Friday morning is garbage pick up around these parts so my nice morning fresh air was not fresh for long! Whew you would think I would remember from week to week:/ Anyways I was thankful for a small glimpse at a servant's heart that morning as I watched an older man walk to his neighbors homes and bring the trash cans up from the end of the driveways. Such a simple gesture. But such a sweet display of how to think of others.
I have recently read a story about a lady whose family asked the garbage truck men what their favorite cold drink was. During the hot months, the family left a cooler out at the end of the drive for the men to enjoy a refreshing drink. I can only imagine what that simple gesture meant to them as they surely feel overlooked and under appreciated.
These two simple gestures just serve to remind me and challenge me to see that there are always opportunities to display love and care to those around us if only we will be available and intentional. I pray I will have eyes that see the opportunities in front of me, the discernment to hear the voice of the Lord calling me to action, and the boldness to act! It's too easy to get comfortable at home, to only do ministry when it is organized through the church, and to be a bit selfish with our time and energy. Lord may I not fall into these traps and miss out on the opportunity to serve those You have placed in my life.
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 1 Peter 4:8-9 (emphasis my own)
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Monday, April 29, 2013
His Word never fails...
Every morning I am faced with a challenge...beat the school traffic! Well really I don't mind sitting in traffic. I am usually not in a hurry to get somewhere. I purposefully allow a few extra minutes, so that I can take my time. (Unless I am ready to get home and rest or eat...then watch out;)). But since the new high school has opened and traffic has challenged me to walk out the door about 15 minutes earlier than before, I have come to enjoy some quiet moments in my classroom before the stampede of little sneakers hits the halls. I am disappointed if I miss this time because it has become a precious time that I depend on to start my day right. It's time reserved for my Love. The One who has and will always hold my heart. The One who knows just what I need to start my day.
Over the past few weeks I have been hit hard with the fact that I struggle to keep up with Scripture and Bible studies. You see I am a simple simple girl! I take things best in small, tiny doses. So lately I have been overwhelmed with the feeling that I will never really be able to grasp all of the Scriptures and truly understand them. Then there is remembering everything that I read...the list goes on. I usually can't read a big chunk of Scripture and truly wrap my head around it to where I can store the little treasure in the depths of my heart. And usually I need to read the same verse 10 times in an attempt to get it all (much of that is due to my overactive, wandering mind). Then I fall into the comparison trap of all the over beautiful women of God that I am so blessed to know, and I am left feeling like a I'm-never-going-to-get-this-how-in-the-world-do-they-do-it Christian gal. I am left feeling discouraged in my walk with the Lord. (Little side-note the comparison trap is one Satan loves to see us fall into. I need to work on praying that God will protect my heart from allowing those thoughts to creep in and take root.)
But then I was overcome with the beauty of the Scriptures! That they are God's words. His love letter to His beloved daughter. Straight to my heart! And that part of the beauty of God is the mystery of God. The fact that He is so grand and big and marvelous that no one will ever be able to wrap their minds around all that He is. I find hope and encouragement in knowing that this journey with the Lord is one that will always have me in a place of humility, awe, and growth. And though I may not ever read the whole Bible in a year and actually have any clue what I read, I am learning that my walk with my Lord may be more of a quiet stroll through Scriptures as He unveils His beauty and mystery to me in a way that He knows my heart can understand. In a way my heart needs. In gentleness. With purpose. In love. In beauty. Oh His beautiful, powerful, unchanging words!
For the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any double edged sword penetrating as far as joints and marrow and soul and spirit and is a discerner of the thought and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
Over the past few weeks I have been hit hard with the fact that I struggle to keep up with Scripture and Bible studies. You see I am a simple simple girl! I take things best in small, tiny doses. So lately I have been overwhelmed with the feeling that I will never really be able to grasp all of the Scriptures and truly understand them. Then there is remembering everything that I read...the list goes on. I usually can't read a big chunk of Scripture and truly wrap my head around it to where I can store the little treasure in the depths of my heart. And usually I need to read the same verse 10 times in an attempt to get it all (much of that is due to my overactive, wandering mind). Then I fall into the comparison trap of all the over beautiful women of God that I am so blessed to know, and I am left feeling like a I'm-never-going-to-get-this-how-in-the-world-do-they-do-it Christian gal. I am left feeling discouraged in my walk with the Lord. (Little side-note the comparison trap is one Satan loves to see us fall into. I need to work on praying that God will protect my heart from allowing those thoughts to creep in and take root.)
But then I was overcome with the beauty of the Scriptures! That they are God's words. His love letter to His beloved daughter. Straight to my heart! And that part of the beauty of God is the mystery of God. The fact that He is so grand and big and marvelous that no one will ever be able to wrap their minds around all that He is. I find hope and encouragement in knowing that this journey with the Lord is one that will always have me in a place of humility, awe, and growth. And though I may not ever read the whole Bible in a year and actually have any clue what I read, I am learning that my walk with my Lord may be more of a quiet stroll through Scriptures as He unveils His beauty and mystery to me in a way that He knows my heart can understand. In a way my heart needs. In gentleness. With purpose. In love. In beauty. Oh His beautiful, powerful, unchanging words!
For the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any double edged sword penetrating as far as joints and marrow and soul and spirit and is a discerner of the thought and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Who would have thought...
Who would have thought I would ever be saying this....lately, like within the past 6 months or so, I have been wanting a puppy. Well actually a dog, I would want to adopt a dog, and preferably one that is somewhat trained. At least potty trained.
I used to say, I will get a dog when I get married and my husband and children insist on having a family dog. Mostly because then I could say, "ok we will get one if you will clean up his messes". Then I could reap the benefits of having the pup and pass off the messy part as a little chore;).
But things change and I secretly look at cute pictures of pups every now and then. I am not sure that it would be a healthy thing for me to do though. I fear that I would be one of those crazy people who would talk to their pup. (that's you isn't it??) And then I fear I would be a terrible mother because I just can't see myself taking 1,000 pictures a day of this precious fur ball and showing them off to all who will entertain my rants of how cute they are (Katie;)). I mean I can't even remember to take pictures of people most of the time.
But I do see a dog coming into my life sooner than later. I always imagined it would be much later in life...for my kiddos. But don't worry mom not too soon...I'll work on getting my own place first!;)
So why the change of heart?? I love to snuggle!!! Especially when I am tired and have had a rough day. I also want a running buddy! And well I just want a buddy to come home to at the end of a long tiring day :)
Not to mention if I can't figure out this whole boy/dating/husband thing, I will be living on my own and will need a guard dog. On a side note...I will never be a crazy cat lady. Here's why...I was watching NCIS tonight and there was the scene that every girl fears in a scary movie. You know the scene...the one where she is in the shower and steams up the bathroom, pulls back the curtain and some crazy guy is waiting for her. Well in this scene the creeper walks right by the cat and the cat does NOTHING!!
But again getting a dog is a ways off! I need to work on supporting myself before I can think of taking care of anything else:) So if a precious golden retriever or sweet snuggly dog who loves to run happens to come along and desperately needs a home...well you better not tell me because I might have a hard time saying no!
I used to say, I will get a dog when I get married and my husband and children insist on having a family dog. Mostly because then I could say, "ok we will get one if you will clean up his messes". Then I could reap the benefits of having the pup and pass off the messy part as a little chore;).
But things change and I secretly look at cute pictures of pups every now and then. I am not sure that it would be a healthy thing for me to do though. I fear that I would be one of those crazy people who would talk to their pup. (that's you isn't it??) And then I fear I would be a terrible mother because I just can't see myself taking 1,000 pictures a day of this precious fur ball and showing them off to all who will entertain my rants of how cute they are (Katie;)). I mean I can't even remember to take pictures of people most of the time.
But I do see a dog coming into my life sooner than later. I always imagined it would be much later in life...for my kiddos. But don't worry mom not too soon...I'll work on getting my own place first!;)
So why the change of heart?? I love to snuggle!!! Especially when I am tired and have had a rough day. I also want a running buddy! And well I just want a buddy to come home to at the end of a long tiring day :)
Not to mention if I can't figure out this whole boy/dating/husband thing, I will be living on my own and will need a guard dog. On a side note...I will never be a crazy cat lady. Here's why...I was watching NCIS tonight and there was the scene that every girl fears in a scary movie. You know the scene...the one where she is in the shower and steams up the bathroom, pulls back the curtain and some crazy guy is waiting for her. Well in this scene the creeper walks right by the cat and the cat does NOTHING!!
But again getting a dog is a ways off! I need to work on supporting myself before I can think of taking care of anything else:) So if a precious golden retriever or sweet snuggly dog who loves to run happens to come along and desperately needs a home...well you better not tell me because I might have a hard time saying no!
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Morning's Moments
Today is a quiet, reflecting, take in the world around you kind of day for me. So far (and it's only 9:00AM) here are some random moments of the day...
*Walk in to Starbucks and the guy behind the counter asks me if I am on my way to church...Sure it is Sunday morning and a reasonable question except for the fact that when I am wearing the outfit I am this morning, people usually ask me if I am going running (not exactly church attire)...ok maybe only I find this funny...
*A mother and daughter just walked in. She was a mini...well actually a younger version of her mother...they were the same height. I like when a child looks almost exactly like their parent.
*Oh to just slow down and take in the world around you...I love it! To appreciate the beautiful sunny skies or the child standing on her head in her father's lap or the sweet elderly couple enjoying breakfast together.
*Ever since I conquered my third half marathon, all I want to do is shop for running gear and plan the next race. I am currently fighting the urge to look at Nike.com, disney.com, garmin.com, well you get the idea.
I have had a weird past couple of weeks. Like mixtures of good and bad days all in the same day. The kind of days where when people ask you how things are going, you can't quite decide what your answer should be. I guess I just have a lot on the mind (what's new, right?...I think too much about too much). Well this morning I was reading, and I came across a verse that the Lord often reminds me of in my quiet moments before my students rush the hallways. "Let your gentleness be made known to all." Philippians 4:5
I must confess this has not been the theme verse of my life lately. I have let my circumstances, my raw emotions, and feelings dictate my out pouring of gentleness. It's a tough place to be, letting circumstances control your attitude and actions, because life's circumstances are sure to disappoint. Things can change in a moments time. All may be right in your world, but something is bound to come crashing down and destroy those perfect circumstances. Not to mention the people that we unleash our raw emotions on 9 times out of 10 have no part in whatever it is that is making your heart ache or turning your world upside down, but boy do they often reap the "benefits" from it all.
Ultimately it comes down to one thing. I allow the shouts of the world, the frustrations building up inside me, to consume my thoughts instead of God's gentle voice whispering to my heart His truths. So as life is sure to throw me all kinds of curve balls this week I will find ways to rejoice and praise God. I will look for God's hand in all circumstances, good or bad, and seek his perspective in every situation, eager to see what He is working out for His glory and my good.
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near." Philippians 4:4-5
*Walk in to Starbucks and the guy behind the counter asks me if I am on my way to church...Sure it is Sunday morning and a reasonable question except for the fact that when I am wearing the outfit I am this morning, people usually ask me if I am going running (not exactly church attire)...ok maybe only I find this funny...
*A mother and daughter just walked in. She was a mini...well actually a younger version of her mother...they were the same height. I like when a child looks almost exactly like their parent.
*Oh to just slow down and take in the world around you...I love it! To appreciate the beautiful sunny skies or the child standing on her head in her father's lap or the sweet elderly couple enjoying breakfast together.
*Ever since I conquered my third half marathon, all I want to do is shop for running gear and plan the next race. I am currently fighting the urge to look at Nike.com, disney.com, garmin.com, well you get the idea.
I have had a weird past couple of weeks. Like mixtures of good and bad days all in the same day. The kind of days where when people ask you how things are going, you can't quite decide what your answer should be. I guess I just have a lot on the mind (what's new, right?...I think too much about too much). Well this morning I was reading, and I came across a verse that the Lord often reminds me of in my quiet moments before my students rush the hallways. "Let your gentleness be made known to all." Philippians 4:5
I must confess this has not been the theme verse of my life lately. I have let my circumstances, my raw emotions, and feelings dictate my out pouring of gentleness. It's a tough place to be, letting circumstances control your attitude and actions, because life's circumstances are sure to disappoint. Things can change in a moments time. All may be right in your world, but something is bound to come crashing down and destroy those perfect circumstances. Not to mention the people that we unleash our raw emotions on 9 times out of 10 have no part in whatever it is that is making your heart ache or turning your world upside down, but boy do they often reap the "benefits" from it all.
Ultimately it comes down to one thing. I allow the shouts of the world, the frustrations building up inside me, to consume my thoughts instead of God's gentle voice whispering to my heart His truths. So as life is sure to throw me all kinds of curve balls this week I will find ways to rejoice and praise God. I will look for God's hand in all circumstances, good or bad, and seek his perspective in every situation, eager to see what He is working out for His glory and my good.
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near." Philippians 4:4-5
Sunday, February 24, 2013
3rd Time's a Charm:)
As the saying goes..."Third time's a charm". The journey to my third half marathon has been a good one! Despite the sometimes crazy Louisiana weather, I was able to train. I figured out I could run treadmills better than I thought I could ( I have always avoided them because it's not my favorite). Anyways despite a few hiccups along the way, I felt stronger going into this race than I ever have.
I was also very excited to have 2 friends a long for the journey as they conquered their first half marathon, and they did awesome!! I am always looking to bring friends into the running world because it's just no fun to go it alone!
I was also very excited to have 2 friends a long for the journey as they conquered their first half marathon, and they did awesome!! I am always looking to bring friends into the running world because it's just no fun to go it alone!
I am pretty sure I came close to running 2 half-marathons. The first one was on Saturday trying to keep up with these two lovelies.
We had such a great day in New Orleans!!
Then it was time for the actual half marathon! We were SO excited in case you can't tell:). The weather was forecast to be nasty all weekend, but God answered prayers and gave us a beautiful morning! I LOVE these big races. There were thousands of people running and hundreds more lining the streets to cheer us on. Bands, cheerleading squads, and spectators kept us entertained as we made the 13.1 mile trek through New Orleans. I don't listen to music while I run because I like to eavesdrop on the conversations going on around me and enjoy the other sights and sounds along the way. I would encourage an unplugged run...it's fun!
Sites and Sounds on my journey:
*About 2 miles in, I heard a man say "I am not doing this 'mess' again." 2 MILES friends...he had barely gotten warmed up good lol.
*There were several fun signs, but the only one I remember was "This is the worst parade ever".
*The wheelchair runners. So inspiring! And a mom (I assume it was his mom) pushing her disabled child. Amazing!!
*All of the fun bands. They played all kinds of fun music!
Goals:
There is this quote in the gym I go to: "Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow." - Ronald E. Osborn. This quote is one I have quoted many times on my long runs to push me when I wanted to stop. Well today I grew a bit! I love growing in all areas of my life, so I am quite happy about it!
*I have always had to stop and walk a bit. Today I ran the whole thing!! I was SSOO excited!!
*Ever since my first half I have wanted to get my time at about 2 hours 15 min. Well today I got in at 2 hours 12 minutes!! I was thrilled!! For those non-runners any amount of time you shave off of your personal best is a great success. My first half marathon was 2 hours 22 min. and my 2nd was 2 hours and 19 minutes. So I took off about 7 minutes:)!
To wrap things up I would like to say how thankful I am that God has made us to need one another. I was amazed at how much just running alongside a few thousand people with the same desire to finish motivates, encourages and excites you. (Ok and I have a confession, I like passing people...bobbing and weaving around them is a big game for me;)) For someone who mostly trained alone it was AMAZING! Not to mention the complete strangers encouraging you along the way. And we can't forget the incredible support I had at home with my family and church family encouraging me and praying for me this weekend! I was overwhelmed at the thought that we were created for community, created to encourage and motivate each other towards the finish. Because don't we all have the same goal: "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you will obtain it. And everyone competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown."1 Corinthians 9:24-25 We run to glorify the Father and to bring the good news salvation to a lost and hurting world. So lets run together, encouraging one another, pushing one another forward, carrying one another when we fall, and loving one another with the precious and perfect love of Christ, so that others may know of the hope that we have. It's a tough journey to go a lone, which is why we were never meant to!
Thank you all for the support and encouragement you offer not only today but in so many other areas of my life. So whose running the next one with me!?!
Monday, February 11, 2013
A problem I never expected to have...
I have always loved hanging out in coffee shops. The atmosphere. The smells. It is all very inviting! But I was never a coffee drinker. Like wouldn't drink anything with a hint of the taste of coffee in it. So I never ever thought I would be someone who craves coffee. This time last year, I was introduced to the Starbucks caramel mocha and my life has never been the same. Slowly but surely coffee has become a delightful treat! I am not sure this is something I am terribly excited about because it is just another thing I have to fight the cravings on, but I do so enjoy a nice hot cup on a cold day (or a frigid classroom) and a frosty frap on a hot summer day.
Today I am tackling a dreaded task, so I heated up a nice cup of coffee and set to it. I thought the caffeine was just what I needed to wake me up and get me focused. I am not sure that focused is how I would currently describe my state of mind (since I am writing this instead of working). It probably wasn't the best decision for someone who struggles to focus already.
So I blame Valentine's for introducing me to this new treat that has crept it's way into my life. So I'll just add to my list of honey-musts....Must make a wonderful cup of coffee and know just when I need a cup ;)
I just found some old pics of me and couple other sweet Valentine's of mine. Love these guys!! Not to mention they are all quite handsome.
Today I am tackling a dreaded task, so I heated up a nice cup of coffee and set to it. I thought the caffeine was just what I needed to wake me up and get me focused. I am not sure that focused is how I would currently describe my state of mind (since I am writing this instead of working). It probably wasn't the best decision for someone who struggles to focus already.
I just found some old pics of me and couple other sweet Valentine's of mine. Love these guys!! Not to mention they are all quite handsome.
One lucky girl:)
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Be mine??!??
Valentine's is always an interesting time of the year in 2nd grade. It seems in the past week, I have heard several of "so and so said so and so is in love with so and so." I quickly shut these conversations down with a nice "We don't talk like that in 2nd grade. Miss Davis' doesn't even have a boyfriend so neither should y'all. You are much too young and we are all just wonderful friends here.:)"
As Valentine's gets closer, I also have the above conversation with the whole class so that we can try to avoid the issue all together. Unfortunately, it can often open up a whole can of worms for yours truly. Last year there was an interesting conversation that had great potential to get a terrible rumor started. That crazy story must be told in person though.
Just on a side note. When children are 7, they daydream. When they daydream, they get bits and pieces of conversation. When they get bits and pieces of conversation, the retelling of the conversations to their parents can get completely twisted. Moral of the story, watch what you say around little ears.
So as we close in on Valentine's I am interested to see what kinds of conversations come about on the subject. Hopefully they will not be too curious about Ms. Davis' love life and be too concerned about all of the goodies they will be collecting:).
Anyways I just wanted to introduce you all to my Valentine for the year.
Oh yes, That's right...be jealous. They are too precious!
As Valentine's gets closer, I also have the above conversation with the whole class so that we can try to avoid the issue all together. Unfortunately, it can often open up a whole can of worms for yours truly. Last year there was an interesting conversation that had great potential to get a terrible rumor started. That crazy story must be told in person though.
Just on a side note. When children are 7, they daydream. When they daydream, they get bits and pieces of conversation. When they get bits and pieces of conversation, the retelling of the conversations to their parents can get completely twisted. Moral of the story, watch what you say around little ears.
So as we close in on Valentine's I am interested to see what kinds of conversations come about on the subject. Hopefully they will not be too curious about Ms. Davis' love life and be too concerned about all of the goodies they will be collecting:).
Anyways I just wanted to introduce you all to my Valentine for the year.
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