Funny Quote

"The state of datelessness is not to be lightly discarded." Martin Penderwick, from The Penderwicks of Gardam Street.

Romans 1:13-17

I do not want you to unaware, brothers, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you as I have had among the other Gentiles. I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. That is why I am eager to preach the gospel also to you who are at Rome. I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God for the salvation to everyone that believes, first for the Jew, then for the Gentiles. For in the Gospel a righteousness of God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written, "the righteous shall live by faith."

I have been challenged in my thinking and methods for changing my life to be more like Christ. So often I discover a sin or problem in my life then go right to Scripture looking for a "fix-it" verse. Say the problem is lying, I find the verse (can't think of the reference at the moment!) that says to stop lying and start telling the truth. "Ok, got it. In order for me to stop this sin of lying I need to start telling the truth. Great, check that one off my list. What's next? Stealing? That's easy too. The Bible says to work hard so I can have plenty to give to others. So, work hard, give to others, stop stealing. Check. Moving right along..." Get the picture? Woah!!! Stop!!! No!!! That stuff is all good and obviously true and helpful, but what's the point? Do we, do I, ever read the parts of Scripture that talk about the One whom I am trying to imitate?! Duh. Yeah, duh. It is time to get back into Scripture and read every single word. Read the ones about Christ's life and death and resurrection. Read about what He has done, how His grace has set us free, how He is our Great High Priest, how He knows that we are weak beings of dust, how He is our shield, comfort, and refuge. Wow. I heard something like this: It's hard to so "No" to the sin that so easily besets us when we don't realize that there is something far better to say "Yes" to. I must, we must, come to grips with the One Whom we are serving and realize our deepest, fullest satisfaction is from Him and Him alone. God told Saul He prefers obedience over sacrifice. So, yeah, check those sins off your list as you overcome them, but do you, do I, really know what it means to obey God? I think what I am trying to say to you and to myself as I mumble around here is that I must get my mind on God and Jesus Christ if I want true life change. We have to look up at all times. We can't concentrate so fully on our sin that we lose sight of our Savior!

Read in Your Pj's

Today was finally Pajama Day and Reading Day! What a lazy, sleepy day. We had a great time and the time flew. After an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, Gram and Gramps came in to the classroom so Gram could read to us. She raid three stories, including The Pokey Little Puppy and the Patchwork Blanket which was a favorite of mine growing up. Throughout the rest of the day we read and discussed "Jabberwocky" by Lewis Carroll, listened to a few chapters of Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke, read to the k4 class, read while drinking hot tea and cocoa, and listened to a story read by Pastor Mark. Busy, busy day! What better way to spend a pajama Friday? I can't think of any better way. Reading is a gift from God, and I encouraged my students to use it well. You, too!

Quote of the Day

I can't understand it. I can't even understand the people who can understand it. - Queen Juliana of the Netherlands

The Doll House

I brought my old doll house to school last week...the girls loved it! And I loved that they loved it =)

Romans 1:8-12

First, I thank my God through Christ Jesus for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the Gospel of His Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times. And I pray that now at last the way may be opened for me to come to you. For I long to see you that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong - that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith.

"How to Avoid Feelings of Apprehension During a Somewhat Scary Movie"

Sit shoulder to shoulder with a best friend, cover yourselves with a warm blanket, put the hoods of your sweatshirts up, and eat brownies and ice cream. Works every time!!!

Preposition Poetry

I updated my class writing blog today, check it out!

Romans 1:5-7

Through Him and for His name's sake we have received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. And you also are among the ones called to belong to Jesus Christ. To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and Peace to you from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

"This Guy Needs Grammar!"

That was Josh's comment after reading a sentence in our language book today. The sentence read, "Haven't we got no more art paper?" The students' task was to correct any mistakes in the sentences, and being bright as stars, they were able to pick out the mistakes with no trouble at all. Josh laughed at the incorrect sentences because they sounded so funny, and finally voiced his thoughts with the comment, "This guy needs grammar!"

Romans 1:1-4

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, set apart for the Gospel of God, the Gospel He promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding His Son, who as to His human nature was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead - Jesus Christ our Lord.

My goal for this year is to memorize Romans 1-8. That will be about twice as much as I did last year, so I will have to work at it. I am praying that God will use those chapters, as well as others that I study throughout the year, to change my life and point others to Himself.

Many Thanks

These people don't read this blog but for those who do read it I wanted you to know how these people were a blessing to me this morning:

Dad, for coming out at 7:30 this morning to dig me out and get me to school.

Pastor Mark & Luke, for their willingness to come dig me out even though they didn't end up having to come, and for Pastor Mark's patience and understanding as my administrator.

Nancy Anderson, for including my students in her spelling game this morning while I got unstuck and made my way to school.

God, of course!, for showing His care for me by bringing these wonderful people into my life to help me out in a really frustrating time.

Good Times

Melissa Franklin came to visit for four days over the New Year holiday. We watched lots of chic flicks, made yummy food, got pedicures, played cards, and just had a good ol' time. New Year's Eve we had about ten people over for food and games. It was a great night. I am blessed with some pretty amazing friends.

2009

Happy New Year!