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....