Oswald Chambers

THE RECOGNIZED BAN OF RELATIONSHIP

"We are made as the filth of the world." 1 Corinthians 4:9-13

These words are not an exaggeration. The reason they are not true of us who call ourselves ministers of the gospel is not that Paul forgot the exact truth in using them, but that we have too many discreet affinities to allow ourselves to be made refuse. "Filling up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ" is not an evidence of sanctification, but of being "separated unto the gospel."

"Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you," says Peter. If we do think it strange concerning the things we meet with, it is because we are craven-hearted. We have discreet affinities that keep us out of the mire - I won't stoop, I won't bend. You do not need to, you can be saved by the skin of your teeth if you like; you can refuse to let God count you as one separated unto the gospel. Or you may say - "I do not care if I am treated as the offscouring of the earth as long as the Gospel is proclaimed." A servant of Jesus Christ is one who is willing to go to martyrdom for the reality of the gospel of God. When a merely moral man or woman comes in contact with baseness and immorality and treachery, the recoil is so desperately offensive to human goodness that the heart shuts up in despair. The marvel of the Redemptive Reality of God is that the worst and the vilest can never get to the bottom of His love. Paul did not say that God separated him to show what a wonderful man He could make of him, but "to reveal His Son in me."

This was interesting...any thoughts?

Jo

My Epitaph

The passing of a dear friend...

No, communication lines hadn't been open for some time...

Yes, I disagreed with some life choices...

Thinking...remembering...my choices impact others...

What if it was me... What would be said...

Lord, help me as I endeavor to pursue You...trust You...allow You to continually change me...

Legacy sung by Nicole Nordeman

I don’t mind if you got something nice to say about me

And I enjoy an accolade like the rest

You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
With all the who’s-who’s and so-and-so
That used to be the best as such-and-such
It wouldn’t matter much

I won’t lie, it feels alright to your name lights
We all need an ‘atta boy’ or ‘atta girl’
In the end I’d like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me
Did I choose to love
Did I point to you enough
To make a mark on things
I want to be leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace
Who blessed your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

Don’t have to look too far or too long
To make a lengthy list of all that I enjoy
It an accumulating trinket in a treasure pile
With moth and rust, thieves and such
Will soon enough destroy

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me
Did I choose to love
Did I point to you enough
To make a mark on things
I want to be leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace
Who blessed your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

Not well traveled, not well read
Not well to do, or well bred
I just want to hear you instead
“Well done, good and faithful”
Whoa, hey…

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me
Did I choose to love
Did I point to you enough
To make a mark on things
I want to be leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace
Who blessed your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

I don’t mind if you got something nice to say about me…

New Year...some things never change!

In the midst of New Year’s resolutions, I would like to say that although there are a many things that I would like to improve during 2009, I am glad that some things remain the same. I’m thankful for the steady love of my Heavenly Father.

Sometimes I think that it is easy to fall into the trap of continually seeking for something different. I believe that it is vital for me to continually seek to pursue my relationship with Jesus. I want to continually improve my teaching strategies. I would like to make good choices about my health.

Instead of being a resolution, I think that these things should be a continual walk a continual practice. Slow and steady.

Well, just some random thoughts from a very tired brain. I don’t know what your week has been like, but if you’re going through a tough time, I hope this will help. I know it lifted my spirits tonight!
Jo

"When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don't throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer." Corrie ten Boom

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!