Why are you smiling?

I had just arrived at my office and was looking at a beautiful gift from my colleague, when a student passed by my door.  While looking at the gift, I was pondering the many blessings in my life.  What a privilege to work with such a wonderful lady!

The previously  mentioned student stopped backed up and said, “You ALWAYS have a smile on your face.  No one is around and there you are smiling.”  My response at first jumbled, ended with, “I’m serving Jesus, I have so much to be happy about!”  

It is true.  This season I’ve been overwhelmed with the beauty of God wrapping Himself in flesh to come as a humble infant…then live a sinless life as an example of us to follow.  Then the amazing sacrifice of His life for my sins…making it possible for me to have relationship with Him.  

So, this season, I have much to smile about!  Much to praise God for!  When you walk by, you might see a silly grin on my face…yeah, that’s because I’m one blessed lady!  

Last week, I was asked to tell a Christmas story in chapel.  I won’t include the part from the Best Christmas Pageant Ever, but here is the rest.  

May God bless each of you, dear readers!  Have a Merry Christmas!

Chapel Friday, December 7, 2012

Good morning and Merry Christmas to all of you.  I am full of thankfulness this Christmas season.  Not only is the wonder of the incarnation overwhelming this season, but I’m so grateful to be here with such wonderful students and faculty. 

When Mrs. Watters asked on behalf of President Avery to share a Christmas story, I originally thought that you might enjoy hearing about my second Christmas.  I celebrated that second year by expressing my joy for the season in a rather odd fashion.  Yes, I in my little one year/9 month brain decided that the tree was so beautiful…in fact, it wasn’t just beautiful…it looked tasty.  My parents tell me that I had consumed quite a bit of the tree before they caught me.  Now, one would think that my loving parents would rush me to the nearest doctor; however, this was not to be the case.  Ruth and Lewis Ryder instead took me to the nearby funeral home.  Lest you get concerned and begin filling out paperwork for Child Protective Services, I should inform you that in our tiny town, the funeral director’s sons happened to be the EMT’s!  All was solved without lasting damage!

I thought over the many Christmas’s since that time.  Many of you may have known my brother, Lucas, so you can imagine the silly moments that occur around the Ryder house for Christmas…but there is nothing too exciting in share, so instead I’ll share a favorite memory that happened about 5 years ago. 

He had the most beautiful blue eyes that I’ve ever seen.  Blond curls on the top of his little head that came to my waist.  I had been the teacher of his two older brothers.  James and Dakota had required extra help in Reading and I, being the Title I teacher, had the wonderful opportunity of working with both of them.  In fact, one summer James needed to attend summer school, since I was teaching this session, I drove to him to and from the school.  One particular day, I remember having to knock on the door.  Aunt Heather cracked the door open and inside I could see magazines, newspapers, peelings, and the like piled around the room.  James and Dakota informed me one day that they had a large rat in their home.  We later learned that a tree had fallen on the trailer and a possum was living in the home with them! 

A few years had passed and now Marshall was in my first grade classroom.  I could tell that he was drawn by the love of Jesus in my room.  I remember one particular day as Marshall came up to me at recess.  “Miss Ryder,” he said.  “Yes, Marshall.”  “Miss Ryder, when you were reading in group time today, you looked so beautiful.”  He was seeing the love of Jesus.  

Well, Christmas was quickly approaching and students in the public school system were writing their lists of wants for Christmas.  Marshall quietly informed me one day that he didn’t think he’d get much for Christmas.  In fact, Aunt Heather and Grandma had informed them that their wasn’t quite enough money that year.  Several of the teachers gathered together, we pooled our money, and went off to solve this problem.

Christmas Eve arrived and the gathering of my father’s side of the family occurred.  After this, we attended the little community Christmas Eve service in our small town.  Then my brother, sister, and I loaded the large black bag into the car and made the trip to Aunt Heather’s home.  By this time, they were living in a small apartment in a nearby town.  As quietly as we could, we snuck the bag outside of the door/in the stairwell and made our escape.  I’ll be honest with you, when those blue eyes met mine on that Monday after Christmas they were dancing.  “Miss Ryder, you’ll never believe what happened…”  My eyes on the other hand were nearly ready to “spring a leak.”

We have a somewhat unusual tradition at the Ryder household.  Each Christmas we read The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.  This tradition began when I was 10 years old.  Our school had a book give away and I just happened to pick up this delightful book.  My heart has always been tender toward the Herdmans of our world because of it. 

In case you don’t know the story, this is a family of terrible children…there father left and the mother is overwhelmed.  They have been passed through school to save extra headaches for the teachers.  However, due to a variety of circumstances they get “mixed up” with the Church and become the lead roles in the Christmas story.  I’ll share a couple of parts with you this morning…I’ll try not to be emotional, but I’ve never been able to read this part without crying…

         

This season may you share the glorious news that unto us a Child was born!  J

Stretching

In an effort to get myself back on track physically, I have been preparing to run a 5K. Each day adds a bit more until I realized that I can now run for 9 minutes without passing out. My muscles are developing strength. Improved endurance is apparent. I am changing for the better. Although I have yet to notice a difference in the scales, I can tell that my body is changing.

 My muscles aren't the only area of growth, though. In some ways, I would take the physical pain of muscle development over that of other areas. I’m being stretched emotionally and spiritually, too. Once again, I see no difference on the scales, but I’m noticing a difference in my life.

So I will release my grubby fingers from my tight hold on things and trust my kind, Papa! He knows what’s best.

Thankfulness in April

Just thinking today about the faithfulness of God! I remember hearing stories of others and their walks with Him. They would testify about God helping in time of need. They would talk about their love for Him growing as the years passed. I tried to wrap my brain around it. I tried to understand, and yet it was difficult.

But, I have lived. I have a few years behind me now. I’ve had heartache, frustration, and pain. I’ve had times when I wasn’t sure if I would make it. I now have my stories. I have a relationship with God. He won’t let me down. I once had to choose to really place my trust in Him. Now, I can trust with abandon!

My heart is overwhelmed by a trustworthy God who knows exactly what I need. He meets those needs every time.

Father, Papa, continue to conform my will to yours, today! Make me to be more like you! I want to be a reflection of you to so many needy around me! Thank you for being a faithful God!

Your Daughter,
Jo

Blessings

The blessings have been a bit overwhelming recently! I thought I’d just make a list here…may you have a day of focusing on blessings.
1. Last Saturday: My alarm goes off. I clean my home. Friends come. We read from God’s Word together. We dig into John together. We talk about our struggles and fears. We are real, with our hands joined as we help one another on this journey of following Jesus.
2. Saturday: I spend a quiet day in my little bungalow. I read, think, organize, etc. At 5:30PM different friends come to play games. We eat. We play delightful games. We laugh. At 8:30PM the conversation turns. Now, issues are discussed. Questions are asked. Answers are analyzed. It lasts late into the evening.
3. Sunday: I teach Sunday school. The children are precious. They’ve grown so much! It is a delight to teach them. I go to lunch in the cafeteria. The chicken is much better than my normal frozen pizza. Conversations again. Deep conversations. Questions are asked and hearts are opened.
4. Monday: Family dinner again. Everyone brings something. We gather. We eat. We discuss worldviews. We talk about following Jesus.
5. Tuesday: A wonderful student teacher is in my classroom this year. Fresh ideas are shared. I am challenged.
6. Wednesday: Testimonies are given during the evening service. There is a one sentence limit. God is good!
7. Thursday: Starbucks with good people. Fun activities are planned. Reminiscing occurs about the past. Short drinks are wonderful.
8. Friday: A chance to look at Face Book. A wonderful video. My heart is encouraged! I am blessed.

A New School Year

Another school year has begun. I’m continually more and more amazed by how quickly time passes. I am overwhelmed with thankfulness to have a job that I absolutely enjoy taking part in each day. It isn’t a chore to get up to see eleven shining faces, eager to learn!

This summer was full of business, but it was absolutely wonderful. I had the awesome privilege of enjoying the company of two of my most favorite people in the entire world. Lucas, Rachel, and I worked together on moving, VBSing, shrub trimming, etc. God has blessed me with two of the best siblings a girl could ask for!

Recently, as always, thoughts continue to churn inside my mind. I’ve been overwhelmed of the brevity of life! The cultural messages of what is important are overwhelming, but if I can keep this thought at the forefront, it helps me to weed through these faulty, fleeting views.

We are here to get ready for eternity.

It’s just a brief time that I must lose my life to find it….. It is only for a moment that I must bear these burdens…. It is only for a breath that I must work through the layers that make me who I am…

THEN…..
If I am found faithful….if I have done well…. I will spend

ETERNITY
with the one who loves me, who knows what’s best for me, who died for me! Oh…..(she says with a bit of a squeal) ….I can’t wait!

“Heartache forces us to embrace God out of desparate, urgent need. God is never closer than when your heart is aching."
— Joni Eareckson Tada

It made my day...

It was passed to me secretly before class. I was at my desk answering before school questions and listening to the before school stories. A shy face smiled, dropped the note with a quick, "Please don't read it outloud." I opened the white evelope to find three notebook pages with fourth grade, double spaced writing.

Dear Ms. Ryder,
did anybody ever tell you that you are the Best teacher ever! Thank you for working with me throwout this year you corrected me when I kneeded it. If something happy happened you laughed with me if I did Something wrong you handled it Thank you

Your Student

P.S. You show me at Bible time about Jesus life and how to be content with all I have and to be loving of my neighbor I thank you helped me change my bad reputation this year and at tough times you pray for me and my family and the other kids You care about each and every one of us and you love us! Just to let you know we all love you to all 19 of us this year we learned a lot in the areas of Math, Science, Language and History :) Miss Ryder your the Best also I have never given anything like this to another teacher that's how special you are to me as this year comes to an end I want to say thank you and may God Bless you for ever and ever amen

Shhh......we're sleeping......

Good evening, dear reader. It's nice and quiet here in my little cottage. It's been a busy Sunday and I should be snoozing under my comforter meandering through dreamland. But, I'm here, in my floral chair, instead...I'm thinking...about a lot...but especially about the sermon from church tonight.
So, Jonah...a character whom I have not spent tons of time analyzing. Yes, I've known the story for years, but I've been caught up in the adventure of the whale and the storm. Tonight Pastor Loper focused on Jonah being asleep in the boat. He had become comfortable enough with his decision to turn away from God that he was calmly resting while a storm was brewing.
Oh, Jesus, help me not be to a complacent Christian. Search my heart and know me! I don't want to be deceiving myself.
Here is a song that I found tonight as well. It seems to fit my thoughts this evening.

"While You Were Sleeping"

Oh little town of Bethlehem
Looks like another silent night
Above your deep and dreamless sleep
A giant star lights up the sky
And while you're lying in the dark
There shines an everlasting light
For the King has left His throne
And is sleeping in a manger tonight

Oh Bethlehem, what you have missed while you were sleeping
For God became a man
And stepped into your world today
Oh Bethlehem, you will go down in history
As a city with no room for its King
While you were sleeping
While you were sleeping

Oh little town of Jerusalem
Looks like another silent night
The Father gave His only Son
The Way, the Truth, the Life had come
But there was no room for Him in the world He came to save

Jerusalem, what you have missed while you were sleeping
The Savior of the world is dying on your cross today
Jerusalem, you will go down in history
As a city with no room for its King
While you were sleeping
While you were sleeping

United States of America
Looks like another silent night
As we're sung to sleep by philosophies
That save the trees and kill the children
And while we're lying in the dark
There's a shout heard 'cross the eastern sky
For the Bridegroom has returned
And has carried His bride away in the night

America, what will we miss while we are sleeping
Will Jesus come again
And leave us slumbering where we lay
America, will we go down in history
As a nation with no room for its King
Will we be sleeping
Will we be sleeping

United States of America
Looks like another silent night

He's Always Been Faithful to Me

I'm a little late in getting a New Year's post completed. It has been a week since I arrived back in the fair state of Florida. The sky is blue here. There are many happy things, sad things, confusing things, and down-right stressful things. These of course are all just a part of all of our lives. In fact, it's just life.

This morning I awoke to a rather yucky situation. I was in desperate need of a gentleman in my life to help, and yet, my Jesus gave me the strength to conquer the issue.

This, in the grand scheme of things, was a rather small issue, yet He gave the needed strength at the time it was needed. He has my complete and utter trust today. So whatever may come in the year 2011, I surrender and trust Him! I know He won't fail.

I've been enjoying Sara Groves. Here are the lyrics to her song, He's Always Been Faithful to Me.

Morning by morning I wake up to find
the power and comfort of God's hand in mine.
Season by season I watch him amazed, in
awe of the mystery of his perfect ways

CHORUS:
All I have need of his hand will provide.
He's always been faithful to me

I can't remember a trial or a pain he did
not recycle to bring me gain. I can't
remember one single regret in serving
God only and trusting his hand

CHORUS

This is my anthem, this is my song, the
theme of the stories I've heard for so long.
God has been faithful, he will be again.
His loving compassion, it knows no end.

Hopeless

Each Sunday morning I jump in my car and drive the short distance to a little church. It's a church for the broken, beaten, and needy. There are open arms here for those who are hurting. As a result, my little classroom of Sunday school kiddos is filled with hurting, broken hearts in need of Jesus.
One little guy is a tough one. His eight year old body enters the room with an attitude twice his age. He slouches in, kicks a chair, grunts a derogatory remark, crosses his arms, and glares. He needs Jesus. Everything within my body is frustrated with his stance. I want to tell him just exactly what I think. I want to speak in my big old teacher voice and let him know he has to show me respect. Please understand, he does have much correction from me, but should my first response is that of "Listen here, Buddy!"?

Then I remember.

Mommy is in prison. Daddy overdosed on drugs. He's living with Grandma. He's mad. It's not fair. So, I pray. I ask Jesus to give me an extra dose of his love and compassion today. I teach the story of Jesus healing the ten lepers. I ask questions. This little one knows the answer to every one. His tough guy attitude isn’t working any more. Jesus, please heal Jamie’s heart! Lord, may he see your love in my life.
Monday comes. The alarm goes off. It’s another day with my boys and girls in the classroom. Nineteen precious souls. Lord, help me to have patience and love for them today. We talk about reputation, motives, and self-control. Hearts are open. Spirits are receptive. Thank you Jesus.

No, all is not hopeless.

Romans 5:1-5
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Quiet Moments

There I was surrounded by aged cobwebs, spiders, dead bugs and the smell of a musty old home. My attitude could have been sour. I was alone on a deserted campground, cleaning. But if you know me, I was on vacation. Time away, worshipful music in my ear, nothing is more refreshing. I had time to think.

I left the door of the little house open as I cleaned, hoping to catch and evening breeze. It began to rain. Not a July downpour, but a soft gentle, caressing sort of shower. As I watched the raindrops glide down and listened to the soft pitter patter on the roof, my mind wandered over the past year of my life. I was reminded once again of God’s faithfulness. There have been times of beating rains and splitting lighting. These crisis moments bring me continually to His feet, but gentle rain. Faithfully day in and day out He is working on each of us, transforming us into His image. Just as this type of rain seeps deep into the soil, He patiently helps concepts to “sink down” into our ears. I am forever grateful. So bring on the gentle rain, storms, or lightening. Whatever, Lord. I trust that you.

As I was working tonight, I listened to some music that I haven’t had the opportunity to listen to for some time. The following songs are from Mark Harris. God had done so much for me. I can’t wait to be at home with Him.

I Will See Jesus

When the river of my days
Finally finds the sea
And the tide of my brief time
Surrenders to eternity

And another shallow stream
Is swallowed by the deep
As at last the journey ends
There is one sweet certainty

I will see Jesus
I will see Jesus
All I’ve lived for
All I’ve loved for
Finally where I belong
I will see Jesus
When I get home

All the many mysteries
Hidden from these eyes
Suddenly will be revealed
Standing under heaven’s skies

There no shadows will remain
From this long dark night
Finally I will be free
Standing there in perfect light

CHORUS

My trials all behind me
My heart will break no more
My wanderings will be over
I will rest upon that shore



The Half

I look back on a thousand roads I wandered down
And just as many dreams I chased but never found
From where I stand I see the way You’ve held my heart
The times You closed a door or left a light on in the dark

And for every broken path
For every storm held back
I shake my head in wonder

I don’t know the half
Of what You have for me
What You’re holding back
That You don’t let me see
You give me everything I need
And more than I can ask
I can’t help but be amazed
And I don’t even know the half

The God who whispered life into an empty space
He’s prepared for us an even better place
I hear about the mansions and the golden streets
But I still can’t imagine all that heaven holds for me

Cause even when I dream
It’s still beyond my grasp
To try and comprehend it

You cover me with wings of grace
Hold me in your sweet embrace
When it comes to who you are
I know it’s just a taste

Agape Love

I’ve seen them before. His skin is bronze and wrinkled. Long white sleeves are pushed to the elbows. A bucket swings beside him. Sand darkens around each footprint left behind. He is closest to the mighty waves. Today, beside him socks are pulled to the knees. Hands offer to help assist with fishing paraphernalia. The likeness of the faces is apparent, his son. Beside the son walks a young lady. Soft features grace her face as she offers words of encouragement and support.

But, as you know, I have viewed part of this previously. Same man, the one lugging the bucket. Same footprints, yet different companions. This other young man claimed the same physical features, yet different. His skin was marked by tattoos, face hardened from I know not what. Yet animated speech had emitted from him as he went on about his life. Beside him had trudged a young woman who was the proud owner of a protective wall that could be sensed a mile away.

Two different pictures with the same man. I don’t know their life story, but as I sat watching the waves wash away the current footprints, I thought about my Papa. My Heavenly Father who loves us where we are and requires us to move forward. Yet, he delights in variety. I’m grateful for His agape love!

In Brokenness You Shine

When life becomes a shattered dream
That's slipping through my trembling hands
I need to know that You are near
To know You see each falling tear
When there is no one else who understands

When I can't find the words to speak
You hear the pain in each heart beat
Before I even call to You
In my deepest hour of need
That's when You come and pour Your mercy on me

Your beauty shines
Your love surrounds
Where cries of brokenness are found bring hope alive
Help me believe
And trust You one more time
In brokenness You shine
In brokenness You shine

Let comfort be a living thing
A river flowing from my grief
Where thirsty souls can drink their fill
And find in You their heart's release
And through my sorrow show Your freedom and hope

How could I know when others said
A word or two then walked away
That you, the Man of Sorrows
Would come near to stay
You'll always stay

I want to see
Your beauty one more time
In brokenness You shine
In brokenness You shine

Words by Steve Green and Doug McKelvey
Music by Bernie Herms

One day at a time.....a beautiful walk

This hymn speaks it better than I can...

Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment,
I've no cause for worry or for fear.
He, whose heart is kind beyond all measure,
Gives unto each day what He deems best,
Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Every day the Lord Himself is near me,
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear and cheer me,
He whose name is Counsellor and Pow'r.
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
"As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,"
This the pledge to me He made.

Help me then, in every tribulation,
So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith's sweet consolation,
Offered me within Thy holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,
E'er to take, as from a father's hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till with Christ the Lord I stand.

I wrote this blog some time ago....I'm just getting around to posting it. I hope your day has been a wonderful, relaxing day of drawing closer to Him.

It was beautiful today. The Floridian sun nearly sparkled as a left my little abode. Sunday school was delightful, church was even better. It has been a good day with God. This past week was a little more challenging. Good, but challenging. I’m teaching the college class on Monday nights for 3 hours. Then this past Tuesday night I was asked to speak at a Women of Worth Tea. Wednesday evening was our annual church meeting; Thursday was the final day of preparation for report cards to go home on Friday. Added to all of this, was the delightful experience of Spirit Week! Yes, I wore my giant top hat with the large purple flower. I now am the proud owner of a pink and gray tie. I have paraded down Gomez Avenue repeatedly wearing red and white striped knee socks. Whew! It was a crazy week!

I thought you, dear, faithful, reader might enjoy ‘hearing’ my little devotional. My dear friend Julia helped me to brainstorm. Thank you, friend! Our theme was ‘Out Your Spout.’

At the end of a long, gravel road in central Illinois you will find a small little home. During the winter, smoke curls from the chimney. This is the home of my grandparents. I remember, as a little girl, visiting grandma and grandpa. They would welcome us into the home and I would see the teapot sitting in its permanent place on the back of the stove. The water would be turned on and before long, we would hear the loud whistle, calling us to the table. Grandpa would have his cup of coffee and Grandma sometimes tea.

As Christian women what comes out of our mouths is vastly important. We are a picture of Jesus to a lost and dying world, but also to our sister, right here at the table with us, and that sister who couldn’t make it tonight.
I couldn’t help but think of the little song, ‘I’m a Little Teapot.’ As an elementary teacher, I can’t stay too serious for too long. ;)

Let’s begin with the first phrase of the song…I’m a little teapot short and stout. We’ll skip over the short and stout part, instead let’s look at I’m a little teapot and ask ourselves the question…who am I? Well first of all we must begin with the fact that you are valuable to God. Our pastor has been talking about our value before God. (Psalm 139:1-18) After realizing our value before Him we must then begin the process of knowing ourselves. It is so easy to deceive ourselves. My prayer is like that of Psalm 139:24. ‘Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts.’ Once we have a clear picture of ourselves, things are not always pretty, but thankfully God doesn’t leave us without help.

Back to our little song…Here is my handle, here is my spout. God has given us tools to overcome. We have His word. This gives a clear picture of ourselves and a clear picture of God. Through reading His word we can overcome. He has also given us dear friends. We, as women, have the ability to develop close bonds with our sisters. We can sharpen each other and questions each other. This will draw us closer to Him. He has also given us the ability to prepare ahead of time. We don’t know what pressures with come in life, but we can go through things in our minds and prepare ourselves mentally.

When I get all steamed up…Pressures and trials are going to come. What is on the inside will come out. Friends may betray us, there could be a loss of job, a loss of a loved one, etc.

Hear me shout…What is going to come out of our lives? Will be respond by tearing down our brothers or sisters? Will respond in jealousy, bitterness, anger, hatred? OR Will we respond out of love for our Lord and trust in Him?

Tip me over and pour me out…Our goal must be to empty ourselves completely and ask Him to fill our vessel with Himself. We can then be a precious aroma to Him and pour out for those around us.

Christmas and such...

Blogging is something that I haven’t taken time to update lately. Sorry readers, I think I need to develop a schedule to update here. Well, since November, many things have occurred.

Christmas

I had a wonderful time at home. My family is very traditional and this Christmas was the same, a time of reading The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, yummy/sticky cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning, the ‘game’ at the Ryder Christmas, the Christmas story and donut making at the Mills Christmas, ect. I like tradition. It is comfortable. It has a nostalgic quality of bringing back the past. Peacefulness exudes from tradition.

It was so enjoyable to spend time with friends. I was affirmed, challenged, and reprimanded through our conversations. I miss you all. Thank you for pushing me to grow in my relationship with Jesus.

My immediate family is wonderful. I’m grateful for a wonderful time spent with them. Those times when we laugh so hard that we can barely breathe, when we cry together, when we wrestle with the future, the past, and revel in the present are precious and formative.

Back to School

Well, I’m back in sunny Florida again. It seems like life took a tiny breath and we’ve started again. My class is still wonderful. We’re growing and growing. We’ve been discussing temptation and desire recently.

I’m also teaching my first college class this semester. Although we’ve only had one class, I’m enjoying it. I’m excited about this opportunity!

Thinking
I’m continually amazed at God’s patience with me. I’m amazed that He continues to work on me, pulling away Joana and making me into what He desires.

Isn’t it interesting that you learn so much when you are teaching others? This has been revealed to me in a new way recently. Oh, I’m learning about history, science, and the other academic subjects in our room, but I’m also learning lessons that were presented to me through dear friends, as I share with others.

How is it that we allow so much into our lives without questioning where it is coming from? Is there a philosophy being presented in what I’m watching, listening to, or reading that is not Biblical? I’m realizing more and more the importance of questioning.

Well, for know I’ll go….lesson plans are calling my name….

Random Story from Miss Ryder's Life

Stories impact our lives. As many of you know, I love reading. There is something almost magical that happens with the written word and a change within us. Maybe it has something to do with the effort put into the task of decoding the text. I'm not sure, but I can say that stories impact lives. I read stories aloud to the boys and girls in my fourth grade classroom. We laugh with the characters, we wrestle with their problems, and we predict what may come next in their lives.

Recently, in an effort to connect and teach life lessons, I've started saying, "And now a random story from Miss Ryder's life." So, I thought you out there, yes you with your nose squished against the computer screen. I thought that you might enjoy some random stories from my life...

1. I was at the beach minding my own business, preparing to carve a pumpkin with two dear friends. (Yes, I can see you pulling your eyebrows together saying, "Carving a pumpkin, on the beach?" Well, don't judge what you haven't tried. It was delightful!) All of a sudden I heard a rather loud voice saying, "Oh, it's you!" Well, since I'm new to this location, I thought the poor soul was looking for another 'you,' so I averted my eyes. The call came again, "It's you from Winn Dixie." Well, at this point I thought what would it hurt to look? There she was, donning her Hawaiian wrap with arms outstretched. They enveloped me in a hug. She poured her fears of leaving her job at Winn Dixie to take care of her aged mother. There I stood, pumpkin in hand, sand oozing between my toes, thinking about the affect we can have on the lives of others without realizing it. I had been through her line many times at Winn Dixie. I can’t tell you what we talked about in line, but I was able to tell her as the sun set began that I would be praying for her. We went on and found the perfect pumpkin carving spot, all the while remembering people are watching our lives. Are we reflecting the love of Jesus to a lost and hungry world?

2. A couple of weeks ago I attended a wonderful teacher’s convention called FACCS! October is always the month in teaching when things get tough. The honeymoon stage has ended. True colors are flaring and let’s just say, this teacher needed a little educational revival. Boy, did I find one. I was so encouraged by the people that I met. During one of the sessions I got to hear my hero in the field of education, Guy Dowd. It was wonderful. I mourned my leaving of public education. My heart ached for the students, teachers, and staff in public education. I’m thankful for teacher’s who love and care for students.

3. I went to the mailroom. I opened the mailbox. I called into the mailbox. Hello……hello…….hello…..My voice bounced off of the four walls, it jumped around the mail room and smacked me in the face. The guys standing next to me raised an eyebrow. We discussed the sadness of not receiving mail.

4. I went to the mailroom. I opened the mailbox. I GOT A CARD!!!!!! I opened it! I laughed…..and coughed a lot……I laughed some more. I played the card over and over! I’m thankful that I have funny friends!

5. I was sad…It was a lonely weekend….I was stupidly wallowing in self-pity. ( I sat myself down and Jesus is helping me to not fall in this trap again!) I went to Wal-Mart. The CD aisle was calling for perusal. The John Waller CD sparked my interest. I purchased the CD. There is a wonderful song entitled “God Reigns Here.” He lists a variety of emotions and says, “I command you to leave in Jesus name….you’re not welcome here…so just go!” I’m so thankful that emotions don’t have to control us!

Well, I guess, like Paul Harvey there may be a rest of the story later…but here are Random stories from Miss Ryder on November 10!

Goings-On

Oh, yes the weather is beautiful, but I find myself allowing one sunny day to flow into the next without truly grasping the passing of time. As I wrote the date this morning, one of my youngsters proclaimed, “It’s almost Christmas!” And, yes, while palm trees sway…it is almost here! So, time moves on while I remain here in this beautiful place.

My students are growing. I wish you could come and spend some time with these wonderful developing boys and girls. They’ve been teaching me. Yes, I’ve learned about trust as I’ve watched one struggle with an issue I can only imagine! I’ve seen myself mirrored in their beautiful blues, browns and greens. My past struggles are there and I pray with them. I laugh with them. We sometimes cry together. And sometimes we are just plain silly. Oh, I love them so. Beautiful, that’s what they are!

At the end of the day it’s nice to escape to my quaint, little home. Yes, it feels like home now. Already these walls could tell stories of happy days and those not so happy, of beautiful times of commune with Jesus and times of struggle. There are memories here.

I’m developing friendships with some dear ladies and gentlemen here. I watched a dear lady lead someone to Jesus the other day. What a precious soul!

There is a longing for the familiar. I can’t wait to lay eyes on friends and family from home. To sit and chat with others where walls come down and we are ‘real.’

In the mean time, I jump on my Anne of Green Gables bike and I go to the ocean. I sit in that special spot where the sand almost works as a little stool. I revel in the beauty and splendor of our Creator! I sit and relax as I’m reminded of His faithfulness, His mercy, His love…ahhh!

I'm not alone! :)

Along life's road There will be sunshine and rain
Roses and thorns, laughter and pain
And 'cross the miles
You will face mountains so steep
Deserts so long and valleys so deep
Sometimes the Journey's gentle
Sometimes the cold winds blow
But I want you to remember
I want you to know

You will never walk alone
As long as you have faith
Jesus will be right beside you all the way
You may feel you're far from home
But home is where He is
And he'll be there down every road
You will never walk alone

The path will wind
And you will find wonders and fears
Labors of love and a few falling tears
Across the years
There will be some twists and turns
Mistakes to make and lessons to learn
Sometimes the journey's gentle
Sometimes the cold winds blow
But I want you to remember where ever you may go

You will never walk alone
As long as you have faith
Jesus will be right beside you all the way
You may feel you're far from home
But home is where He is
And he'll be there down every road
You will never walk alone

Jesus knows your joy, Jesus knows your need He will go the distance with you faithfully

A tribute to Rach!

Most of you know my dear sister, Rach! I had the wonderful chance to live with her this past year! Since that time we've moved FAR away, but I'm thankful that I had the chance to get to know her better...

Rach:
I love you for so many reasons. I love that no matter what the circumstance, you can find something funny and cheer everyone! I love that when you laugh, you laugh with gusto! I love that you never, ever think inside the box. I love that you push me outside of my comfortable box. I love that you have a huge servant heart that is always thinking about others. I love that you love gifts and giving gifts. I love your zest for life! I love that you love and trust Jesus! I love you!

Happy Birthday my sister and my friend! :)

Jo

Happy Labor Day!

I hope you all had a relaxing day! Here is my day in pictures...

A delightful bike ride to the beach...this is what stories are made of...

Scenery along the way!

My improved living room with curtains, a little lamp and a happy picture purchased from a dear friend. :) Beautiful Floridian Sky

A delightful picnic and ball game to end the day!