Thankful

As some of you already know, my car broke down on the feeder of I 10 West on the way to school this morning. I had to wait an hour for the wrecker and basically miss this day of school. I did not have much prepared for the day that a sub would be able to do. I took my seating charts home specifically to get them ready just in case I ever had a sub. Miss Kinison had even told me a few weeks ago that I should have things ready if I ever woke up sick one day. Well I took my time doing that and here I am, sitting at home, waiting for my car to be ready. They did already inform me that I would have to pay over $800 for the repairs (mostly labor). Dang it. I have been saving money to pay down my credit card debt, I have been budgeting my money, I have been tithing consistently for once, and basically trying to be a good steward. Why is this happening now? I was for a moment frustrated with God. You know how it goes. We always ask why me Lord? But this time I am changing my attitude. I have come up with some reasons to be thankful:
1. I did not stall on I 10 and cause an accident.
2. I actually own a car.
3. I have friends who love me and responded right away to my text messages with help and prayer.
4. I have not had time to do some laundry, cleaning, and other misc. things. It just so happens that I live accross the street from a small shopping center that houses my dry cleaners, in which I got to take my clothes, a convenience store, where I bought dryer sheets, and an Argentian deli, in which I got a sandwhich.
5. I had time to update my blogs.
6. I was able to email Miss K the seating charts and instructions for the sub for the rest of the day.
7. I have the money to pay for this as it was sitting aside to pay my credit card bill.
8. Rest in the Lord.

I am reminded of the ever so popular Scripture:
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you now that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking in anything.
James 1:3,4

I am currently enjoying Jesus Paid it All by Kristian Standfill off the Passion: Everything Glorious CD check it out.

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