A Winter Wonderland Weekend ~ Ladies Delight

This past weekend was so spiritually refreshing. I am so thankful that the Lord opened the doors and allowed for me to attend the Ladies Delight in Medford, OR. I wasn't planning on going to the event because of financial reasons and because of school reasons. It also didn't help that I wasn't sure who I could room with and if I could find my way around a new city. So, I just planned on not going. But, the Lord was so good and impressed on my Pastor's wife to call me. When she called, she asked if I was planning on going and I explained my dilemma. She understood and said that that was exactly why she was calling. She asked if I wanted to ride down and room with her and her two girls. I offered to pay for part of the gas and part of the room, but she said not to worry about it. I was shocked! I offered several times, but she insisted that I not worry about it. So, I was going to the retreat! And, I was going with my Pastor's wife! I was so excited to ride and stay with them so I could get to know them a little bit better. 

The retreat was hosted by Harvest Baptist Church in Medford, OR. The timing for this event couldn't have been better. I have been struggling with a few spiritual battles and the topics that the speaker spoke about was exactly what I needed to hear. First of all, I know that I struggle to maintain open communication with my Lord when my life starts to get busy. I knew that I was struggling with admitting where I was wrong in my spiritual life and I am so thankful that God knows and He does everything possible to get us to see our mistakes and to admit them before Him. What a merciful God we have! The theme verse for this Ladies Delight was: "Hearken unto this, stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God." Job 37:14.  It truly was a time that I could stand still and consider what God wanted to teach me. The first thing the guest speaker stated was this: "Your trials and tests are to be counted as Joy."  Counted as Joy?? How does a sinner count trials as a joy? They are certainly not joyous when you are in the midst of them. Ahhhh, but that is how God wants us to view them. I was reminded of the verse "In everything, give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." I Thess. 5:19  God's grace does enable us to do what He wants from us. It is up to us to see the wonders that God has for us. It is not His plan to take us out of the trial, but to take us THROUGH the trial. Wow!  

Another thing the speaker spoke about was about looking at God's word as a mirror. Physically, we need to look into the mirror to look descent for the day. Spiritually, if we do not look into the mirror of God's Word, we won't be changed into God's image. We NEED to be changed every day. 

The last topic that the speaker spoke about was about the importance of prayer. Prayer is the key that opens and shuts every window of our life. She referred to Matthew 6:9--  Hallowed means to think upon, to be set apart, to make holy, consecrate, sanctify; to look upon with reverence, love respect.  To actually worship the Lord means to bow down low; to acknowledge the worth of another.  She mentioned that God already knows what we need before we ask him. So, God asks his people to come and worship him.  Prayer shouldn't be a time to seek our needs, but a time when we focus on how great and holy God is. True worship should take place with humility; in spirit and in truth. 

I left realizing that my life should not be about MY agenda, but God's agenda for my life. My time, talents, dreams are to be given to HIS agenda. When I surrender them to Him, those "needs" will no longer be "needs" because God knows how to answer them in His perfect time. True service to God will result from true worship to God. 

It is so neat when you see God working in your life. But what is even more interesting is when God cements a truth in your heart by using other preachers to preach about some of the same topics. At church yesterday, the missionary preacher spoke about allowing God's word to rule our life and to look into that "spiritual mirror" every day. When I read my Bible now, it is amazing some of the truths God reveals to me. I view God's Word differently and I am humbled when he begins to show me truths He wants me to see EVERY DAY. What a great God we serve! He is so merciful and loving! I have so much to learn, but He is so patient and forgiving. I can truthfully say that God has helped me through the struggles I had in my heart. Now, I have experienced first hand how God keeps His word. He has shown that to me before, but I am so blessed to see Him work in my life again. He is a faithful God worthy of worship and praise! I can truly say "Ah, Lord God! behold, thou has made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is NOTHING too hard for thee:" Jeremiah 32:17.

My Amazing Sister ;)

This blog is written for my amazing sister who sacrificed a couple hours of her life to help make my blog even better than I could've done. Without her help, even though we are miles apart, this blog would not be as creatively done in a style that I love! :) She even posted other blogs that I follow as often as I can. Her talent with computers is quite fascinating. For you, Alyssa, I owe this "novel." :) 

On a more serious note, I do have to say that I miss my sister. This will be the first time in several years that we will not be able to celebrate each other's birthday together. We always like to go out for a special dessert. Each of us take turns paying for it and it is worth every minute we get to spend together. I regret not always sharing my time with her. We are so opposite, yet we each have important qualities God knew we both would need to learn about each other. Often, we take for granted those that are close to us, until we do not have them anymore. Or, in my case, we presently live far away from each other. My sister has a fun, spunky side to her that some people call "blonde." But, I see that side of her as being fun and outgoing. She loves to be in the center of fun and games and often will work hard to get opportunities to interact with friends on a more serious game/sport level. She is great at computer work and loves to write on her blog. But, most of all, she is my sister. She is the person God gave to me to share my growing up years with. She is a special person to me. 

I love you, Lissie! <3

Teaching at Mills

Whew!! What a week it has been! It was a week full of unique teaching moments. Teaching is something that I am finding  I really enjoy. I must admit, I never felt like I could fully relate to young children. I wanted to so much.  But, since doing student teaching, I am finding how I can relate to these young lives in a variety of ways. An adult can be caring and yet consistent in how they discipline certain behaviors. These discipline methods are called classroom management skills 101. They can present themselves in a number of ways. I was blessed to have so many classroom teachers at Mills Elementary school, welcome me into their classrooms to observe their unique skills. Each teacher is so different from each other and the classroom level makes a huge difference as well. 


This week was the week that I was to begin teaching at least 2 classes per day. It didn't happen that way, though. I ended up teaching at least 4 classes each day and at times, I would team teach with my teacher. It was also a week when I would have my first teaching observation done by my student teaching supervisor.  My teacher and I get along so well. It is so fun team teaching. She has often admitted that she wishes it could always be this way. I think so too. :)  I think it is less stressful for her and being she is so easy going, it is less stressful for me knowing she is right there to help me out. We often review what we/I could've done to make the lesson even better.  She offers so many helpful suggestions. My student teaching supervisor also provides feedback on how I teach. I was so blessed to hear nothing but positive things from him when he came to observe this week. That was a huge answer to prayer! I was so nervous, but so excited to show him what I have been learning from observing my teacher and other classroom teachers. The lesson flowed so smoothly. I know that without a doubt it was because of the Lord. God is the one who gives blessings and helps His children by giving the ability and the strength to do what He wants them to do. He deserves the honor and the glory. However, I must admit, the next best part of this experience is that I am finally getting to know the students! Today was the first day that I had children walking up to me at the beginning and end of classes giving me hugs. Often, when I walk down the hallways, I see children smile and wave. It melts my heart. A couple days ago I had a student hand me some gold fish crackers and tell me I needed them because teacher's work hard and they need a snack to get them through the day. How sweet was that? I couldn't resist his generosity. :)  


There is a side to this school that is unlike schools I've been to. This school has many students with disabilities and is known for its poverty. It is not uncommon to hear a student tell you that his/her sibling or parent is in jail. Some of these things are everyday common practices for these kids. Many do not live in "normal" homes. Some students arrive early to school just to talk to their favorite teachers, because their home life is so terrible. Others display their anger towards teachers because they are angry inside. I believe it is because of lack of consistency from their parents. Children want consistency and stability. If they do not get it, it is shown in other "behavior disorders." Unfortunately, our world wants to class these cases as disorders instead of making parents accountable for their actions. It is a sad state.  


Regardless of how these children come to me, I am learning a variety of ways to approach these children. Consistency in discipline has actually allowed me to get to know many of these children. They have a respect and a love that is given back to me immediately. I know that when I leave Mills Elementary school, I am going to have a hard time saying good-bye. A part of my heart reaches out to them in a way I've never experienced before. Although there are long days and I am glad when Friday finally arrives, I am so thankful I was placed at a school that has been an "eye opener" and a place that I can hopefully make an impact on for the Lord.

The Joy of Teaching

I feel so blessed. Today was my first day teaching at the elementary school. I was a little nervous the first time I stood before the students. But, I had such a great time! I always have a great time teaching children. The first class was a group of 2nd graders. According to Mrs. Hay, this class can sometimes be a handful. However, I did not realize that until after I taught them. They were not too hard to control. I actually had their attention the entire class period! It was amazing! She even commented how I had their attention. I just wanted to praise the Lord for that. I know that much of that is due to the fact that I had an opportunity to watch Mrs. Hay and other teachers control their classrooms. I have been able to gain more insight and "tools" about classroom management than I have ever gleaned from before. It has been a great experience so far. I am learning how to handle various class grades and their level in music. It has become very obvious to me that this school was the school God wanted me to student teach in. Mrs. Hay and I have a great time together. We had a chance to team teach a class and we worked so well together. The other teachers and principal has made me feel right at home. Within a public school, you don't often feel that way. I know that I haven't always felt that way in some schools I have done field work. There are some things that I don't agree with and there is an atmosphere that is worldly, but overall, I couldn't have asked for a better school, a better team of teachers than the one's that are at Mill Elementary school. The other classes I taught were fun and each class had a different personality. It is a blessing to teach.

The First Days of Student Teaching

The day finally came to begin student teaching! I must admit, I wasn't too nervous about it. I was more anxious to get started than I was scared to death! The first school I am working at is Mills Elementary School. I will be seeing over 1000 students per week. That is alot of students! To remember a little over 500 names is a daunting task, but I am hoping to remember lots of them, maybe not all of them.

The first week entails lots of observation. I have a great classroom music teacher to work with! She has accepted me in her classroom and has never forgotten to include me when she welcomes each class. I had to chuckle when a first grade class entered the room and sat down. I could tell a couple little boys had the giggles. Then, when Mrs. Hay, the music teacher introduced me to the class,  one of the obnoxious little boys quickly raised his hand and asked "Is she a teenager?" Mrs. Hay looked at me with a quick smile and I returned one back to her. She looked back at the little boy and said "no, she may look young, but she is not a teenager. She has already completed high school and is finishing college to be a music teacher. She will be teaching your class. You need to respect her just like me and every adult here in the school."  She said it firm, but had to chuckle at the same time. What I love about Mrs. Hay is that she has never judged me by what I look like. I have had people who have looked down at me just because they thought I was not "at their level." I may literally be below their level height-wise, but I do enjoy being with adults at my level. Mrs. Hay is a kind and caring person that has each child at the top of her list.

This evening, as I was at a local grocery store picking up a few items for lunch tomorrow, a couple of students from the school came up to me and asked "Are you in Mrs. Grey's class?" I looked at them and said "Do you mean Mrs. Hay's music class at Mills?" He looked back at me and said "Yes, Mrs. Hay's music class." It turned out that they were brother and sister and they attended Mills Elementary. I must admit, I did not recognize them at all. Having 500 kids per week, well, let's just say certain kids stick out and some may stick out for various reasons. I was so glad they stopped to talk to me because it will not only help me to remember them, but it also shows how one person can make a difference in the lives of several people; even when you are not aware of it! Spiritually speaking, one's testimony can make a difference to many around them as well. Well, I am off to bed. Morning comes early and who knows what the next story will be tomorrow! :) I am excited to begin teaching the classes next week. I know it will be a unique experience.

Another Blessing: Cooking with Anna

After thinking about what I wrote in my last blog, I was quickly reminded that I didn't mention one of the best blessings God has allowed in my life during this time. I mentioned that friends were a huge blessing, and they most certainly are, but I cannot forget that my family here in Oregon has been a HUGE blessing to me as well. My cousin Anna, lives here in Klamath Falls, OR and she has been so patient with me. When I came to OR, I had a few cooking goals in mind. I wanted to learn how to cook and bake most things by scratch. I wanted to bake my own bread, make my own sauces, and learn how to bake and cook almost anything you could buy in the store. What I didn't realize was how tiring it really is to do all of that. However, I have found that I truly do love it and I wish I could have the time to do it all the time. Presently, I am making the time to do it and I feel it is so rewarding! My cousin is an incredible cook and has been an incredible blessing to me as well! She loves working with organic foods and she has taught me so much! I have been blessed to spend so much time with her while I am here. She is truly my "greatest friend" here in Oregon.

Blessings

Whenever I begin to miss home or get frustrated with how life seems to be going, I always have to remind myself of all the blessings God has given to me, an undeserving, sinful person, saved by His grace. I have been so blessed recently with some unexpected blessings from the Lord. They clearly show me that I do have a God in control of my life and He knows what things we will be facing in the future. He wants to lead and guide every step of the way. I can't say that I don't get a little afraid or feel a force of panic run through me as I face something I do not feel sure about. But that is when I need to remember the promises God has claimed and actually claim them.

One of the blessings that God has given to me is the gift of friends. When I came to Oregon, all I had was my extended family. I love my family, but I also love getting together with friends. And what I really love is getting together with friends that share the same interest as me: MUSIC. I love to sing, play the piano, and flute with people who love to do the same. I didn't realize how blessed I was to have a church in ND that had a great music program. After not being involved with music for a little over a month, I thought I was going to go insane! I just wanted to play music! The Lord answered my prayer by allowing the Voshalls, a family attending the church here in Oregon, the desire to be friends with me. We hit it off so well. They have been a blessing to me so much already and I hope that I can be the same to them too. We have gotten together just to sing and play music for hours. Their family has so much of the same standards such as dress, modesty, music, etc.. that my church in ND does. Their family has a daughter named Sarah. She is a freshman in school and plays the piano at church. She does a lovely job. We often share ideas on how to play hymn arrangement better. It has been a lot of fun! Her older brother Nick, who is also in high school, sings and plays the guitar. He has an amazing voice and a great ear for the guitar. It is a lot of fun singing duets. They also have a younger brother named Stephan, who plays violin, and a younger sister named Bekah, who plays the piano as well. Earlier, I said that I had prayed for friends. Well, I had also been praying that I would have an opportunity to share music with the church as well. It didn't take too long till God allowed that to happen. Getting together with this family allowed me the opportunity to not only be encouraged in the Lord through singing and playing music together at their home, but to be able to sing and play within the church. The best part is knowing that God allowed it to happen. He has provided opportunity for me to grow in all musical areas: doing vocal specials, playing flute, and playing the piano during congregational hymns (taking turns with Sarah, if she needs a break).

God also opened the door to learning sign language. I took 4 semesters of ASL at UND, but did not have a lot of consistent practice. A deaf couple attends the Baptist church here in OR and it has opened the door for sign language to be practiced. The church is also holding ASL classes once a week for four weeks. The goal is for each person, including me, to sign to this deaf couple during the church services. We will start off in small increments of 5 min and will take take turns signing throughout the service. Wow! It is exciting! That is exactly why I wanted to take ASL from the very beginning. God knows the future and He does some amazing and exciting things along the way!