Sharing my faith

As many of you know, I have been in certification classes all week through Texas Teachers ACP. We meet at the Renaissance Hotel (in Greenway Plaza) banquet room everyday from 9-4. I even had class on Saturday! Luckily the last class is this Friday and then I am off for my trip!

I have been learning quite a bit about Classroom Management, Lesson Plans, Rubrics, Communication and how to not upset your student's parents. To be honest, I was not too excited about going to class everyday and working on top off that because that means I would be around people all day in class and then have to entertain customers at the restaurant at night. People exhaust me!! (Don't get me wrong, I do love people) I had asked the Lord to let me be Light to my classmates this week and not stay in my little reserved comfort zone. Well, He did just that!

For 4 days straight I had eaten lunch with the same girl and later we were joined by a guy that sits close to us in class.Our conversations have run the gamut from subsituting to Oprah to relationships. Last Friday we actually got to talk about God! I shared my faith with the both of them. The guy, Chris, believes that all religions preach the same thing and basically lead you on the same path. The girl, Rachel, had been raised Catholic, but she and her husband attend a non-denominational church. She has read the Purpose Driven Life and spoke about her role as a mother and how her children are God's children and she is just there to raise them. Chris did not have much to say but I know he heard our conversation. The Holy Spirit spoke through me because the words coming out of my mouth were all His. Praise the Lord!!

For so many years, I have been afraid to speak up about my faith. I was afraid of what others would think of me. Especially when I have not always been a great witness for the Lord. God really convicted my heart because I am so willing to go on a mission trip to share the Gospel but afraid of stepping on the toes of my fellow Americans. Yes, I will be persecuted. Yes, I will not be included into the group. Yes, I will lose friends. But the reward is great.

"What then shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31

I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your law is written on my heart. Psalm 40:8

A week of blessings

Sunday: Social planning meeting (or socialites as Courtney lovingly calls us)

Monday: In the morning I got a call from José, the principal of Watkins Middle School, letting me know that now there actually was a second position available for a Family and Consumer Science teacher. Wow!! I am going to teach with Emily? Thank you Lord.

Tuesday: A double shift at the good ole' Capital Grille. I can't wait to leave!

Wednesday: A missions meeting where we got together with our prayer partners to get to know each other. This touched my heart because I am all about relationships! We then headed to Candelari's Pizza (6002 Washington Ave) to bond over my favorite food. Having these meetings every week has really brought us close together. I am really loving them!

Wednesday late night: I finally came alive and it was way too early for bed (9:30). I had an enjoyable evening of great conversation until 2am with miss Emily.

Thursday: I had to work in the lounge at my restaurant, which I detest because of the flirty business men who frequent our bar area but my manager insists that every girl has to rotate in there. It is against my morals! But he will not take that as an excuse.

Friday: Another socials meeting to plan out the summer (look forward to a fabulous summer Lighthousers).

Friday night: I went to an Astro's game with The Life class in which they won! We had dinner at the incredibly ghetto Chacho's on Westheimer and ended the night with a little dancing at Palmano Pizzeria (3026 Chimney Rock Road). I met some wonderful people and thoroughly enjoyed the evening.

Saturday: I caught up with a wonderful friend and then it was onto dinner at Mykonos Island for Emily's birthday. We had an amazing group of 10 girls who laughed, danced, shared, goofed off, and encouraged each other. I truly felt at home. Happy birthday Emily!!!

Sunday: Father's Day. I have to say that having my father in Surprise,AZ has not allowed us as much one on one time. We talk occasionally on the phone and we visit when he and my mom come into town but it is not the same.

I'd like to say that my father has taught me a thing or two in raising me:

1. How to ride a bike

2. How to work (he was my first boss)

3. How to drive

4. How to prepare for an interview

5. How to find a guy who is a spiritual leader

As well as spiritual maturity. He had a rough upbringing but luckily came to know the Lord right about the time he met my mom. I thank the Lord for that tract he got saved from. I really appreciate all he has done for our family and it is amazing to see how God has grown him. He loves the Lord and each day is learning more about how to be a spiritual leader. He is truly wonderful!

This week has been quite full as you can see and for that I am thankful. It has been a cry of my heart to get a job, to develop close friendships, to be part of my church, and to grow in my walk with the Lord.

Thank you God, for blessing me.

"O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!" Psalm 8:9