It is Well

I received the call from a gentleman in my life. He asked if I’d be willing to go out on the town with him…

This past weekend, I had the privilege of visiting my dear brother. We had a wonderful Valentine’s Day! A lovely cup of soup, delightful conversation, and the symphony! What girl could ask for more? Thank you, Lucas, for being an incredible brother! I love you!

Rachel, my sister, and I also got to hear the GBS choir. It was such an enjoyable Sunday. They sang one of my favorite songs…It is Well.

The words to one particular verse spoke to my heart.

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,

The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;

The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,

Even so, it is well with my soul.

It is well, with my soul,

It is well, with my soul,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

As I listened to these words again my heart began to rejoice. There are so many areas of life that I must surrender to Him. But one day…I will stand before him and he will welcome me home…

Lord,
Whether single or married…
It is well with my soul.
Whether wealthy or struggling…
It is well with my soul.
Whether lonely or full…
It is well with my soul.

Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to be well!

CRAZY!!! :)

Our week in First Grade has been a bit busy!!! We celebrated our 100th day of school. This involved 100 balloons in our classroom, pictures of what we will look like in 100 years, writing 100 words, reading 100 books, and many more exciting things. This year 100s day fell on the same day as my birthday, so things were a little crazy. We've also celebrated Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday and tomorrow will be Valentine's parties. Needless to say, it has been a little crazy in this little room! Fun...but crazy...

Here are some pictures...

One Hundred balloons...we didn't pop one until the end of the day!!! :)

Writing 100 words.

Beautiful Birthday flowers from my friend, Dorinda! :)

Writing while wearing our Abe Lincoln hats. :)

I trust that you all have a wonderful Valentine's weekend! May you bask in the love of your Heavenly Father!

Thoughts from Jo

I normally think, ponder, stress, and analyze before posting a blog. Today, after reading another blog, I decided to give you just a quick glimpse into life…for better or for worse.

I enjoy time alone. I like to read, think, process and rejuvenate. I’m finding that this time is precious, but living with others is very enjoyable. During the last two and a half years I moved back in with my parents to complete my Master’s degree. I was rarely home, instead I found other locations to research and compose papers.

For the last few months I have been living with my sister and a dear friend. I have had to take down my little walls of solitude to allow others into my close quarters. I anticipated some ‘selfishness’ struggles in this area and attacked these with a vengeance. The result has been delightful! Areas of inconsistency on my part have been pointed out. I’ve been questioned about areas that I didn’t know existed. We’ve laughed, cried, celebrated, and discussed.

I guess, what I’m trying to say, is that I have a new appreciation for community. You see, I have the privilege of attending a church where others are willing to lovingly confront me about issues that are not pleasing to Jesus. I understand that one day I will stand before God all alone, but I must surround myself with other believes who are sharpening me.

Although we are not having formal worship services in our little apartment, I’m thankful that our Heavenly Father is in the midst shaping, changing, and remaking us into His likeness!

For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst. Matthew 18:20 NASB

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!