My last post was in May.
I am so excited to be regularly blogging from now on with Grad school completed.
These last few months have been a whirlwind of chaos and the words 'I'm busy' came out of my mouth all too often. I honestly don't know how parents taking care of their little people do it! I commend them.
This season for me has been daunting and difficult. However, I was reminded of a song sung at Graduation at my Boarding School in India: Look what God has done for us. The simple title speaks loudly at the fact that the Lord holds our lives in His hands. There is purpose. We are to give Him all the glory. He will continue to remain faithful.
I encourage you through this blog post to look back. To look back and think of how faithful the Lord has been in your life. Yes, the present- the NOW- and the future are to be focused on, but the Lord's faithfulness can be clung to. It helps us get through the darkest of days.
People that know me well can say I've had my fair share of dark days. However, the Lord has always been near. I honestly believe that. Sometimes, I just have to seek a little harder. I just have to look UP a little more.
As I write this on the day of completing my Masters of Education, I can't help but think of all the Lord has done for me. He really is a God of miracles. I don't think people that have only known me a short while understand just how amazing it is for me to have completed an MS in Education WHILE full-time teaching.
This is the same girl that barely passed her middle school math exams. The same girl that flunked exams over and over again. The same girl that had panic attacks in the classroom when asked to answer a question in public. The same girl that cried over German homework. The same girl that thought she'd never get accepted to College. The same girl that wondered what on earth she was going to do with her life. The same girl that compared herself to everyone and anyone- forgetting that the Lord gifts us all with different talents. The same girl that thought she would never amount to much and especially not excel in teaching- as school was just too hard for her......
You see what I mean? I had a lot of very large mountains to climb over these last two years, but the Lord kept pushing me along and cheering me on. Look what God has done ....... He is powerful. He transforms. He provides. He lifts us up. He helps. He guides. He supports. He challenges us to continue to seek out our potential with His help. God IS good. He will never let us down. I make such a big deal about this because of the work I do now.
My days are not all loved and enjoyable. Work is tough. However, I get to see glimpses of "Sumi" everyday as I work with these precious students. I get to help build confidence in those that have given up. I get to help discover gifts and talents when students think they really can't do anything or are good for nothing. I get to support those that fear school and their future. I get to walk alongside students that feel failure and inadequacy. I get to help families understand that there is more to this life we've been given than a report card. I get to speak words of truth and encouragement to those that are different and struggle academically or socially. Anything is possible with Christ. Anything is possible with the help of Jesus.
I don't know what you're going through. Maybe there is nothing to be celebrating right now. The days are dark and looking back at your life is hard. I encourage you to find JOY in the little things. I encourage you to allow the Lord to embrace you and help you. I encourage you to never give up on Him. He is listening to your cries and prayers. Anything is possible with Him if we believe and have faith. He really has more for you than you can imagine or dream of. His plans are perfect. Trust Him.
In my life, I tend to like to jump in the driver's seat time and time again. It's a learning process to realize that is never a good idea. The Lord's plans are SO much greater. SO much better. I am learning to follow the Lord's gentle whisper and follow His still small voice. I am learning to let Him be driver. It's a lot more adventurous and fun that way.
My school just performed The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. My favorite quote goes well with this theme of letting the Lord lead. His plans are always good even if we don't see the Good yet.
"Safe?" said Mr Beaver ..."Who said anything about safe? 'Course He isn't safe. But He's good. He's the King, I tell you.”
Another thing I learned from Grad school and working hard is about the power of community. I don't think my community here in Cambodia realizes their impact and influence on me. Each person I've encountered has been a pivotal instrument in guiding me to Christ. I am fortunate to have such loving people to walk this journey of life with. The days are never easy, but they are worth it because of who I get to do them with. I am grateful for God's provision of people. He truly provides all we need.
Thank you HOPE community and close friends and family near and far for all your support. This accomplishment would not have even been possible without your loving prayers, care, and patience with me through this season.
Look what God has done. I look forward to many more milestones to look back on. I am excited for all that is to come. Thank you God for building my confidence through your Great Goodness. For when I am weak, HE is strong. Here's to a NEW season...... expecting Great things from God.
I am so excited to be regularly blogging from now on with Grad school completed.
These last few months have been a whirlwind of chaos and the words 'I'm busy' came out of my mouth all too often. I honestly don't know how parents taking care of their little people do it! I commend them.
This season for me has been daunting and difficult. However, I was reminded of a song sung at Graduation at my Boarding School in India: Look what God has done for us. The simple title speaks loudly at the fact that the Lord holds our lives in His hands. There is purpose. We are to give Him all the glory. He will continue to remain faithful.
I encourage you through this blog post to look back. To look back and think of how faithful the Lord has been in your life. Yes, the present- the NOW- and the future are to be focused on, but the Lord's faithfulness can be clung to. It helps us get through the darkest of days.
People that know me well can say I've had my fair share of dark days. However, the Lord has always been near. I honestly believe that. Sometimes, I just have to seek a little harder. I just have to look UP a little more.
As I write this on the day of completing my Masters of Education, I can't help but think of all the Lord has done for me. He really is a God of miracles. I don't think people that have only known me a short while understand just how amazing it is for me to have completed an MS in Education WHILE full-time teaching.
This is the same girl that barely passed her middle school math exams. The same girl that flunked exams over and over again. The same girl that had panic attacks in the classroom when asked to answer a question in public. The same girl that cried over German homework. The same girl that thought she'd never get accepted to College. The same girl that wondered what on earth she was going to do with her life. The same girl that compared herself to everyone and anyone- forgetting that the Lord gifts us all with different talents. The same girl that thought she would never amount to much and especially not excel in teaching- as school was just too hard for her......
You see what I mean? I had a lot of very large mountains to climb over these last two years, but the Lord kept pushing me along and cheering me on. Look what God has done ....... He is powerful. He transforms. He provides. He lifts us up. He helps. He guides. He supports. He challenges us to continue to seek out our potential with His help. God IS good. He will never let us down. I make such a big deal about this because of the work I do now.
My days are not all loved and enjoyable. Work is tough. However, I get to see glimpses of "Sumi" everyday as I work with these precious students. I get to help build confidence in those that have given up. I get to help discover gifts and talents when students think they really can't do anything or are good for nothing. I get to support those that fear school and their future. I get to walk alongside students that feel failure and inadequacy. I get to help families understand that there is more to this life we've been given than a report card. I get to speak words of truth and encouragement to those that are different and struggle academically or socially. Anything is possible with Christ. Anything is possible with the help of Jesus.
I don't know what you're going through. Maybe there is nothing to be celebrating right now. The days are dark and looking back at your life is hard. I encourage you to find JOY in the little things. I encourage you to allow the Lord to embrace you and help you. I encourage you to never give up on Him. He is listening to your cries and prayers. Anything is possible with Him if we believe and have faith. He really has more for you than you can imagine or dream of. His plans are perfect. Trust Him.
In my life, I tend to like to jump in the driver's seat time and time again. It's a learning process to realize that is never a good idea. The Lord's plans are SO much greater. SO much better. I am learning to follow the Lord's gentle whisper and follow His still small voice. I am learning to let Him be driver. It's a lot more adventurous and fun that way.
My school just performed The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. My favorite quote goes well with this theme of letting the Lord lead. His plans are always good even if we don't see the Good yet.
"Safe?" said Mr Beaver ..."Who said anything about safe? 'Course He isn't safe. But He's good. He's the King, I tell you.”
Another thing I learned from Grad school and working hard is about the power of community. I don't think my community here in Cambodia realizes their impact and influence on me. Each person I've encountered has been a pivotal instrument in guiding me to Christ. I am fortunate to have such loving people to walk this journey of life with. The days are never easy, but they are worth it because of who I get to do them with. I am grateful for God's provision of people. He truly provides all we need.
Thank you HOPE community and close friends and family near and far for all your support. This accomplishment would not have even been possible without your loving prayers, care, and patience with me through this season.
Look what God has done. I look forward to many more milestones to look back on. I am excited for all that is to come. Thank you God for building my confidence through your Great Goodness. For when I am weak, HE is strong. Here's to a NEW season...... expecting Great things from God.
