See you next Fall !!

So last weekend, we went to Givhans Ferry State Park.  The weather was PERFECT for camping.  It was so nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of the week and relax.  Although we did leave on Saturday to run a few errands and watch some of the football game at CSU, for the most part it was pretty low key.

I think that it is good to rest.  Sometimes I feel that I may want to rest too much.  I am always planning the next vacation or quick trip.  It doesn't always happen, but I enjoy thinking about how to get away from it all and take my focus off of the day-to-day.  

What does the bible say about rest?  The first thing that comes to my mind is the verse in Matthew about coming to Him, all who labor...and I will give you rest.  

I feel that it is important to hit pause and take time off.  I hope that everyone can find a place to go and get rest.  

After Eli and I finished running around Saturday, we pulled back on to the campground to meet the family.  As soon as we passed the state park sign, peace came over us both!  What a great place to be.  Surrounded by nature, family and a few noisy neighbors!

I can't wait until the next get-a-way.  Oh wait.  That is this weekend!  We're heading to the lake for another camping/lakehouse adventure.  Ms. Nettie will be joining the family and I can't wait to spend time with her!!!!!

Why don't you spend some time this weekend "at rest"?!?!  Take some time away with your friends/family and maybe even spend a little time in the Word!  He will give you rest!

Matthew 11:26-30 (ESV)

Yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” 

Cooking a "mean' hotdog!

OK...do you not want to LAUGH OUT LOUD when you see this picture!

I LOVE HIM!!!!!

What a great man!

Thanks for the pics Rachel!!!

"...Your sins are forgotten there on the bottom of the ocean floor"

"Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved..." Mark 16:16

I believed.  I was baptized.  But I don't really remember.  I think I was in the third grade.  There have been so many things that have happened in my life since the third grade.  A spiritual journey that looks like a roller coaster.  If I could draw a diagram in this blog, I would probably draw a little mountain (new, young third grade faith), followed by a LOW valley and now I am beginning a climb up a BEAUTIFUL mountain, closer to my Lord and Savior!  

I knew that I needed to be baptized again since rededicating my life to the Lord about three years ago, but never acted.  While in Peru, I witnessed three people get baptized.  At the end of the baptism, we were asked if there was anyone else who wanted to be baptized and I felt a burning desire in my heart to go, but didn't.  My cousin Sophie was baptized on August 23rd.  That evening, about 40 others were baptized as well.  I felt the urge to jump in then too, but didn't.  Finally, my church had a beach fellowship day on September 11th and I answered to the call to be re-baptized!!  This was the best place for me.  One of my favorite places on Earth is the ocean.  I love the song "Ocean Floor" by Audio Adrenaline.  Nothing like leaving it all on the ocean floor.

The mistakes I've made
That caused pain
I could've done without
All my selfish thoughts
All my pride
The things I hide
That you have forgot about

They're all behind you
They'll never find you
There on the ocean floor
Your sins are forgotten
There on the bottom
Of the ocean floor  

The day could not have been better.  I was joined by three other girls from my church.  Eli led the baptism and so many of my family and friends were IN the water with me as well!

 

"...and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ..." 1 Peter 3:21

"...for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ." Galatians 3:27

"...Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Acts 2:38

"Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." Romans 6:3-4



Thanks for the photos Jon Abercrombie and Rachel Eckert!!

Jacksonville. Football and Family.

 As reported in my previous post, I returned from a wonderful weekend get-a-way to Jacksonville, FL late last night.  The trip started out as a surprise for my Eli.  I ended up telling him about it last Monday night because I was afraid that he would plan something, even though he [thought he] had to work over the weekend.  His reaction to the surprise trip was priceless.  I do however wish that I had done a better job of keeping my excitement contained and figured out a way to ensure that he was free and waited until Friday to tell him for an even better reaction!  But despite that, the weekend was just perfect!

We went to breakfast with Grandma Mamie on Saturday morning, the CSU vs. J.U. football game in the afternoon and spent time with his parents Saturday night.  Sunday morning we were able to worship at Titus Church with his parents and grandparents, followed by lunch.  We spent hours laughing and telling stories.  It was awesome to see the love and commitment to family that everyone shares.  I felt welcomed and included again at this visit with his family, which is so comforting. 

Overall, the weekend was refreshing and much needed.  I am so wonderfully blessed to LOVE and be loved by Eli and his family. 

I also must report that I am slowly becoming a football fan.  Although I do not understand it fully, I now have a reason to try!!

We didn't take any pictures.  I need to get a little better with that!

xoxo,

pt

Desiring and Honoring God

This is why I am so blessed.  The dialogue below is a text message from my wonderful boyfriend.

We cannot be conditional with God and expect Him to honor that...  We have to desire Him and Him alone.... I pray that our hearts are in the right place to love God because of who He is...

Thank you Lord.  Thank you Eli for constantly reminding me of our FIRST love, Jesus Christ.   We should desire God more than anything and strive to honor Him and follow His will.  This is easy easier to do when you're in the Word, praying and talking to God.  

Kind of on the same note...

One of the benefits for teaching at a private school is mid-week chapel.  The other week, we talked about bearing fruit.  What a great reminder this was for me!

  [Jesus:] "By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'" 
Mat 7:16-23 (NIV)

"Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit."

Mat 12:33 (NIV)

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Gal 5:22-23 (NIV)

 "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

John 13:35 (NIV)

Are we producing rotten fruit?  Does our fruit look good, like a bowl of fake fruit but isn't truly the fruit we are meant to display?  Or is our fruit moist, juicy, tender and fresh???

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God."

1 Corinthians 10:31 

"Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work."

2 Timothy 2:21


I hope to blog about my weekend in Jacksonville sometime next week!!!!  We are leaving Friday afternoon and I'm real excited!

Reminder to self:  Keep God First!!!

xoxo,

pt

 

When you can't sleep...

So I guess this is what happens when you can't sleep.  You think.  

I remembered that I wrote something in my journal the other day that I need to revisit tonight (or this morning) so that I can get refueled and get some rest.  Maybe this will encourage someone else too.  Hopefully not at this hour though!!!

"Teach me, O Lord, to follow your decrees;

then I will keep them to the end.

Give me understanding, and I will keep your law

and obey it with all my heart.

Direct me in the path of your commands, 

for there I find delight.

Turn my heart towards your statutes

and not toward selfish gain.

Turn my eyes away from worthless things;

preserve my life according to your word.

Fulfill your promise to your servant

so that you may be feared.

Take away the disgrace I dread,

for your laws are good.

How I long for your precepts!

Preserve my life in your righteousness."

Psalm 119:33-40

Lord, this is my prayer!!

Let it Ride

Well, two weeks are officially under my belt as a first year teacher.  There have been ups and downs like a fabulous roller coaster ride.  I'm OK with that.  I love roller coasters.  In fact, a few years ago, I went to Hershey Park (PA) and rode a few of my favorites.  I actually thought I was hitting the age where I couldn't ride them anymore (I heard that happens at some point in your life).  I was real upset until I remembered that I ate yogurt for breakfast and maybe that was the reason I was feeling ill !!!  So, all of that to say I am alright with this teacher thing being a roller coaster ride of fun!

A few days in, I had a major breakdown.  I wasn't going to say a word and just let it ride, but praise the Lord for Eli.  I don't remember what he said to me and I just let it go.  I cried for a few minutes and he calmly reminded me that I need to remember WHO I am working for.  All of this is for the Lord.  He also reminded me that we can't do it on our own.  And I can't.  There is no way that I can.  I will fail.  

The next morning, I was heading to work and the song "Strong Enough" by Matthew West came on the radio.  It was just exactly what I needed to hear.

You must, You must think I’m strong
To give me what I’m going through
Well forgive me, forgive me if I’m wrong
But this looks like more than I can do
On my own

I know I’m not strong enough to be
Everything that I’m supposed to be
I give up, I’m not strong enough
Hands of mercy won’t You cover me?
Lord, right now I’m asking You to be
Strong enough, strong enough
For the both of us

Well maybe, maybe that’s the point
To reach the point of giving up
‘Cause when I’m finally, finally at rock bottom
Well that’s when I start looking up
And reaching out

I know I’m not strong enough to be
Everything that I’m supposed to be
I give up, I’m not strong enough
Hands of mercy won’t You cover me?
Lord, right now I’m asking You to be
Strong enough, strong enough
For the both of us

‘Cause I’m broken
Down to nothing
But I’m still holding on to the one thing
You are God
And You are strong when I am weak
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength
And I don’t have to be strong enough
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength
And I don’t have to be
Strong enough, strong enough
Oh yeah

Thank you Eli, for reminding me of the Savior's love.  Thank you Matthew West, for this song.  Thank you Jesus for continuously filling me with strength.

xoxo

pt

Last Day. Ready.

So....tomorrow is the last teacher workday until the first day of school!  I have worked hard to get everything set up and I think know that I will be ready for Monday by the end of the day tomorrow!  I could not have done it without my sister Rachel.  She has helped me every step of the way in getting my room ready and looking oh so fabulous!  God is SO good.  He has provided me with the best school to start this journey, resources and help (Rachel) to get my room ready, and a fabulous new teacher and friend that has been such a blessing in mentoring me through preparation for this adventure!!  I owe it all to Him!  

Today, I had a visit from my parents, Rachel, niece, aunt and cousin.  Dad prayed over the classroom, the students and the families that we will walking through the doors.  It is such a comfort to know that there is a bigger purpose for everything.  There is someone who doesn't have to do lesson plans, because He has the MASTER PLANS!!!  Do you know who I am referring to?  Do you have a relationship with the Master Teacher?  

Admit

Believe 

Confess

Thank you Jesus.  I am ready!

In case you don't realize how big the class bear is....let me put it into perspective with my sweet niece...

xoxo

pt