Merry Christmas!

A sweet couple comes to our school each year! They look kinda like the 'real' thing! :)

Our Classroom tree. :)

Have a Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas

Dear Fellow-Bloggers,

Good afternoon! We have had a few days off of school, due to the ice storm. It has been a wonderful time of relaxation and catching up on projects. :)

My sister and I had the wonderful privilege of directing the church play for the younger children at church this year. They did such a wonderful job of working hard and then sharing the love of Jesus with others. It was a delightful experience. I'm sorry that I don't have any pictures...We were running around back-stage. Hopefully I'll be able to beg, borrow, or steal some later. :)

I was driving the other night and noticing the beautiful lights and decorations. I enjoy this time of year. I'm thankful that God saw fit to send himself, wrapped in human flesh to rescue our souls.

May you have a joyous and relaxing season where you cherish family moments.

Enjoying this journey of life,
Jo

Blessings

I didn't write a Thanksgiving post this year. Although it is a little late, I would like to say that I'm grateful for so many things. One of those being the rather tough group of youngin's that I have this year. Each one is broken. Some have physical issues...some emotional...some academic... It has been a challenge to say the least. I'm thankful that God has placed a love for teaching deep in my heart. He has also given me a deep love for each of my little critters. I was on my way to work this morning, listening to Steven Curtis Chapman. The words to this song struck a chord. Life brings challenges of all sorts, but we have someone right beside us no matter what we are facing. I hope you all have a blessed day.

I didn't come looking for trouble
And I don't want to fight needlessly
But I'm not gonna hide in a bubble
If trouble comes for me
I can feel my heart beating faster
I can tell something's coming down
But if it's gonna make me grow stronger then

Bring it on
Let the lightning flash, let the thunder roll, let the storm winds blow
Bring it on
Let the trouble come, let the hard rain fall, let it make me strong
Bring it on

Now, maybe you're thinking I'm crazy
And maybe I need to explain some things
'Cause I know I've got an enemy waiting
Who wants to bring me pain
But what he never seems to remember
What he means for evil God works for good
So I will not retreat or surrender

Bring it on
Let the lightning flash, let the thunder roll, let the storm winds blow
Bring it on
Let the trouble come, let the hard rain fall, let it make me strong
Bring it on

Now, I don't want to sound like some hero
'Cause it's God alone that my hope is in
But I'm not gonna run from the very things
That would drive me closer to Him
So bring it on

Bring it on
Let the lightning flash, let the thunder roll, let the storm winds blow
Bring it on
Let the trouble come, let it make me fall on the One who's strong
Bring it on
Let the lightning flash, let the thunder roll, let the storm winds blow
Bring it on

Let me be made weak so I'll know the strength of the One who's strong
Bring it on
Bring it on

Our New Home - Come on in!

Good day, friends! I'm sorry that it has been so long...life can certainly be busy. :) For those of you that are far away, here are some pictures of the new apartment. Well, new to us at least.

Our Living Room

Our Kitchen...Strawberries and Peppers meet for the first time! :)

My bedroom

Thanks again to all of our wonderful friends who helped us move in and decorate!!!! We love you girls!

Whirling!

I have several thoughts that are whirling, but I'm in the process of moving. I'll be back soon to share what I've been thinking about. :)

Here is a quote from C.S. Lewis. I'm thankful that this isn't my home. I'm moving to a little apartment, but my real home is yet to come.

"If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world."
--Mere Christianity

Are you waiting?

I’m waiting I’m waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful I’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful But patiently, I will wait
I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I’m waiting I will serve You
While I’m waiting I will worship
While I’m waiting I will not faint
I’ll be running the race Even while I wait
I’m waiting I’m waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful I’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it’s not easy But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting on You, Lord
John Waller
© 2007 Travelin’ Zoo Music (ASCAP) (admin. by EMI CMG Publishing)

Bright Blue

The weather was beautiful that day. If only the inside had been half as sunny. The heavy weight of disappointment and scar tissue filled me. Am I going to do this for the rest of my life? Is it really worth the hours? As I stood on the playground watching them run off energy, I felt a tug and I looked down into beautiful, blue eyes. The small voice said, "Miss Ryder, when you were sitting in group time today, you looked so pretty...and you still look pretty now."

I don't think that this youngster was speaking about my outer appearance. Instead I think he was responding to love.

Lord, my prayer is that the beauty of you would be seen in me. Help me to respond in kindness and compassion. Help me to be firm when they need that approach. Help me to teach them the academic skills in preparation for the next grade level, but more than that, may they catch a glimpse of you.

Rejection

I've been thinking quite a bit. :) I teach little people so I'm kind of like you Mommies out there that hunger for adult conversation. I understand your pain. :) I love teaching, but there are times when I need my mind challenged a bit. Thanks for blogging, you help me to think in this pseudo-conversation/eaves-dropping thing we have here! :)

Recently I experienced rejection. I had created, pressed, polished and prepared only to find rejection. Rejection is difficult on any level, but when you've given your best and you've read the research, it stings. You see and understand a better way. You realize what could be accomplished by choosing this way and still you are rejected. Your name is mentioned in whispered tones, a hush falls over the room when you enter, and knowing glances are cast in your direction.

Not long ago I experienced a different sort of rejection. As I stood before this audience, I presented the thing that could change their lives. If they chose to trust what I presented they would avoid death and have eternal life. Some cold eyes stared at me. Rejection. Why should they believe that God cares for them? No one else has. Sturdy fortresses guarded their hearts.

As I viewed their nonchalant attitudes, my thoughts turned to Jesus. Rejection...He knows about it. He presented Himself and was laughed at and spit upon. Living water met with whippings. Yes, He knows about rejection. Yet, He continues to reach to the lost. He's reaching to the very ones who have their walls reinforced.

My walls were once pretty thick. I'm thankful for a God who reached beyond my fortress and reached to my heart!

Back to the Classroom

Now it is time to begin first grade again! :) I think that there will be some much needed healing that will occur in our building this year! :) We're all very excited to begin. I utilized the same decorating for my classroom this year. Here are a few pictures...

This is the spot where we gather for math meeting and morning message time! :) Thank you again Juwah for helping me lug this beautiful...soggy rug outside to dry!
We are beginning a new reading curriculum this year. These are the very fun magnetic boards that I recieved.

This will be a reading area with the fountain. :)

Another reading nook! Thank you again Thomas family for your help with book organization! :)

Our mail boxes.

We will add words to our word wall throughout the year! :)

My desk...Ahhhh! So much stuff! :)

Welcome...come on in!

Palestine VBS

This year I had the chance to teach Vacation Bible School at the Palestine Pilgrim Holiness Church! It was a wonderful experience! I got to use the same decorations and Lucas came to help a couple of nights! Thank you Lucas!!!

The girls...
and the boys!

All ready for Sunday Morning....I'm sorry about the dark coloring. We turned the lights down so that it would feel more like a forest! :)

Our program on Sunday Morning!





Singing Let's Talk about Jesus! Sorry the video quality is not the best...

Precious little Hasus! He gave his life to Jesus at home by his bed during VBS! Thank you Lord, for reaching down to hearts...old or young...with your love!

End of Summer...

Well, dear reader, if you are still there???!! I've been away for some time now...This summer got pretty busy in a hurry!

Beautiful flowers from the back yard!

Our theme for children's service this year was "Walkin' with Jesus. Learning to be in step with Him!" The picture above is our fish pond. We had a little fountain, too!
This is another fountain from children's service at Mode Camp!

My good friend, Danny the Deer!

I do not claim to be a boy scout fire builder! :)

Mountains in the distance....wait, is that a pulpit in the forest???!

Craft time...aren't they cute?!!!

More craft time.

My little cousin got to spend the week with me. This is after our program...I miss having her with me all the time! I love you Ana!

This is what I seem to have been doing quite a bit of lately...driving....

Creation Museum

This past weekend I got the chance to visit my brother in Cincinnati, OH. I have two of the best siblings anyone could ever ask for! On Tuesday we visited the Creation Museum. I highly recommend this wonderful place! :)

Lucas on the suspension bridge. Don't ever walk on this thing with him!!!

Yes, I am hangin onto the cable very tightly!!!

This is a zorse and a zonky! Quite cute little critters, if I do say so myself!

Adam working in his garden.

Proof once again that evolution is not correct! :)

What am I doing this summer?

Well, after finishing the school year, I raced to Florida. It was a fun, busy time. Now, I'm back in good 'ole Illinois! For the first time.......in a long time, I'm relaxing. I noticed the other day that I felt the almost uncontrollable urge to get busy for the sake of being busy. I don't know that there is much value in this. Don't get me wrong....I'm not sitting at home doing absolutely nothing. Instead, I'm reading, mowing the lawn, trimming the shrubs, enjoying the outdoors, watching the sunset... It is a much needed time of healing and rejuvination. :)

BUT... I have been busy with a few fun projects...

A fun little skirt for my desk. :) (The material was purchased over a year ago. It's nice to have time to finish it.)

I will be doing a church camp and a VBS this summer. This is the background. I've also purchased two fake trees for the outdoor adventure of developing a trusting relationship with Jesus!

This is my parent's home, where I am currently living. I love the way the light shines off of the floor. It's my favorite spot in the house! :)

Spending Time with Cousins

Since I've been home, I've been able to spend some time with my little cousins! They are so sweet! We went to the Magic House and the Arch.

Other Florida Pictures

The Rest of Florida

Sorry for the delay.... Here are a few more photos of the Sunshine State!

The students at Hope Christian School had a pizza party to end a great school year! :)

The Kindergarten Graduation was adorable! :)

The High Schoool Graduates with Bro. Juan, the principal.

I have returned!

My lengthy absence has been due to a 17 day trip to Florida. I've included some pictures from the journey!

This is a picture of the sand art completed by the girls during the Spanish Girl's Retreat. I had the chance to share with the girls about God's love! It was a neat time and I thank the Lord for His help! :)

Some of the girls found these beautiful shells for the decorations for the banquet at the end of the retreat. We used them later in the week for a fund-raising banquet for my sister's school!

We also had the chance to visit the Gumbo Limbo State Park. It was beautiful.

I'll post more pictures later of the other adventures! :)