I'm sitting in my pjs still at noon on a Friday which means...another snow day!! With yesterday and today...we are now up to 19 snow days. That is almost 4 whole weeks of school that we have missed. Wow!!
First, let me tell you that I love the snow! It is beautiful, and there are so many fun activities that you can do during the winter...like skiing (which I still need to do this winter!). However, I am starting to get to the place where I want it gone for a few reasons. One, I actually miss the routine of school and know that it is messing up my kiddos. Two, I can't wait to go outside and run. There are no gyms really around me...at least none that wouldn't scare me to go to in a 45min- hour radius. And I have Pilate videos...however a TV would probably be needed for that. So...yeah...outside is my best choice. And what is better than being active with the sun shining down on you?!? The third reason is that I can't wait for Gigi (my car) to be clean. Ok...what I say next may be a stretch, but it made sense to me the other day...so try to follow with me...
I have cleaned Gigi several times this winter. I live on a main street in a holler, so there are coal trucks always passing by. And, I park my car on the street, so it is basically impossible to keep Gigi clean during these past several months. So, the other day I was at the car wash and spraying her off. It gives me such fulfillment that it makes me laugh. I love seeing her so clean! Sometimes with all the dirt, I forget that underneath she is white. When my dollar ran out, I took a look at her. At first glance, she looked great. She was pretty and white again. The major filth was gone. But, when I looked close, I could see little spots of dirt that still remained. She needed more than a quick rinse, she needed a good scrub. But, most would think that she was clean.
Ok...so you are probably wondering where I am going with this!
Well, it instantly made me think of my relationship with God. There are times when I am so covered in sin that I look gross to Him. He longs to wash that filth and grime away. I know that when we confess to Him, it brings Him so much joy because He loves to wash us clean. Then, there are those times when we are following God and we appear clean to others and we convince ourselves that we can get by looking "pretty" (doing the Christian things). However, when God looks at us, He can still see those little areas that we are holding onto that we need to let go...and let Him scrub away. Even though I believe that He's thankful the majority of the filth is gone...He is not content. He wants us to be holy and pure....to make us white as snow.
It was interesting to me that I was so bothered by these little spots on Gigi. Even if no one else could see them, I knew they were there. It reminds me that sometimes when one is living in sin, it is really obvious and everyone knows and is not surprised. I am the girl that has always known the Lord and wanted to follow Him, but day to day I sin. I am covered with those little spots...not wanting to surrender or obey sometimes. Or not saying what I should or saying what I shouldn't. Many things. It hit me that this is way more embarrassing. I don't want to live a lie and to "appear" to be perfect. I want a good scrub. I want to make my Father proud when He sees me.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Very Thankful
Back to the grind today....Mondays. I had a really hard time waking up today since I've decided that sleep was not a necessity the past several nights. Well, I think it has finally caught up with me. However, this Monday was special...it was an amazing Monday!
Last night I got together with the pastor that recruited us down here...we have now started calling it "underground church." :) Anyways, as always, I was really encouraged to again be reminded of the big picture and what God is doing. It is always so refreshing to be with other believers and to hear how God is answering prayer and right with us in this journey. Well, I was encouraged last night, but I was also really overwhelmed. My mind started filling with questions of "what if...". I know that God is in total control, and I'm thrilled that He is allowing me to join His team here in McDowell. But, sometimes the journey is scary and unknown. I went to bed remembering again that we have a BIG God.
So, today. I had an amazing day with my kids! Today I felt like a teacher, and man do I love that!!! Honestly, there are so many days when I don't. So, today was such a blessing. Like usual, my heart was challenged when I heard even more of one of my little girl's story. She was folding our blanket in the Reading Reef and said, "I'm used to doing this (folding) because I do it every day." She went on to tell her friend that she sleeps on the ground each night because there isn't a bed for her in her aunt's house. Her aunt currently has custody over her because her momma is in jail and who knows where her father is. She is so precious and has grabbed my heart from the beginning. There are not many days that go by that I don't hear something like this. It puts me back into reality and shows me that I have no clue what these little ones experience daily.
Anyways, I want to tell you something uplifting and why today was so wonderful. I keep a hand written journal and try to update it as much as possible. Today I happened to open it and see that my first entry was three years ago tomorrow...the 23rd of February. Time goes quickly. As I read my first entry I was amazed at how things can change in a short amount of time. Most of all...How great God is! Tonight I am overwhelmed by His faithfulness and mighty power. Three years ago tomorrow I was a hurting girl and going through the biggest storm of my life. Now, I look back and see how my loving God has brought healing and total joy. He has been faithful and shown power and might that ONLY could come from Him. I am overflowing with thankfulness tonight!!!
"Shout to joy to God, all the earth, and sing the glory of his name; give to him the glorious praise! Say to God, 'How AWESOME are your deeds!'....Come and see what God has done: he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man....For You, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried...yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance....Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul."
Psalm 66:1-3a, 5, 10, 12b, 16
Thank you for those of you who have walked through storms with me. I know that God put you all in my life for a reason, and I love you. Our God is mighty to save! Thanks for allowing me to share my joy tonight! :)
Last night I got together with the pastor that recruited us down here...we have now started calling it "underground church." :) Anyways, as always, I was really encouraged to again be reminded of the big picture and what God is doing. It is always so refreshing to be with other believers and to hear how God is answering prayer and right with us in this journey. Well, I was encouraged last night, but I was also really overwhelmed. My mind started filling with questions of "what if...". I know that God is in total control, and I'm thrilled that He is allowing me to join His team here in McDowell. But, sometimes the journey is scary and unknown. I went to bed remembering again that we have a BIG God.
So, today. I had an amazing day with my kids! Today I felt like a teacher, and man do I love that!!! Honestly, there are so many days when I don't. So, today was such a blessing. Like usual, my heart was challenged when I heard even more of one of my little girl's story. She was folding our blanket in the Reading Reef and said, "I'm used to doing this (folding) because I do it every day." She went on to tell her friend that she sleeps on the ground each night because there isn't a bed for her in her aunt's house. Her aunt currently has custody over her because her momma is in jail and who knows where her father is. She is so precious and has grabbed my heart from the beginning. There are not many days that go by that I don't hear something like this. It puts me back into reality and shows me that I have no clue what these little ones experience daily.
Anyways, I want to tell you something uplifting and why today was so wonderful. I keep a hand written journal and try to update it as much as possible. Today I happened to open it and see that my first entry was three years ago tomorrow...the 23rd of February. Time goes quickly. As I read my first entry I was amazed at how things can change in a short amount of time. Most of all...How great God is! Tonight I am overwhelmed by His faithfulness and mighty power. Three years ago tomorrow I was a hurting girl and going through the biggest storm of my life. Now, I look back and see how my loving God has brought healing and total joy. He has been faithful and shown power and might that ONLY could come from Him. I am overflowing with thankfulness tonight!!!
"Shout to joy to God, all the earth, and sing the glory of his name; give to him the glorious praise! Say to God, 'How AWESOME are your deeds!'....Come and see what God has done: he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man....For You, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried...yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance....Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul."
Psalm 66:1-3a, 5, 10, 12b, 16
Thank you for those of you who have walked through storms with me. I know that God put you all in my life for a reason, and I love you. Our God is mighty to save! Thanks for allowing me to share my joy tonight! :)
Friday, February 19, 2010
Pictures
I don't really feel like writing much tonight, so here are some pictures instead of some recent adventures in War....
My 23rd birthday at the Italian Villa with some great friends from Bluefield...our home away from War.
(Mark, Josh, me, Maggie, Sara, Laura)
I love my backyard...especially when it snows! :)
Snow is everywhere lately...even in my face sometimes
One of the many mounds of snow that I shoveled this winter
So, I went with my roommate to get her ear pierced, and I left with my ear cartilage pierced. Oh...and I was still smiling.
My roommate and I went on a 3 hour roadtrip to Roanoke one snowy snow day to try on a bridesmaid dress...she's a good roommate and I'm a good bridesmaid
Our friend, Sara, came to war for a surprise visit late one night....it was a good surprise since we don't get a ton of visitors in the holler.
One of the many "Modeling Shots" that my roommate and I took by a beautiful lake close to War. Even though it was still snowy and cold, we had thoughts of spring...so we brought along the fake flowers.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Hope for the Nations and Hope for Those Next Door
Like usual, my mind is spinning in a million and five different directions.
This week we had school two days, Monday and today (Friday)...although today was a two hour delay. Snow is almost a curse word down here to some at this point. Oh...and the forecast for this weekend and next week...snow! Monday is supposed to be a teacher in-service day, but that is even questionable if we get more snow.
Well today was a whole lot better than Monday! Thank you for those who prayed! I was prepared for the next academic day, but I wasn't that prepared to throw a Valentine's party. However, things quickly fell together with Donna (teacher friend next to me) and I ordering food and making many quick visits to our War stores during our lunch and planning periods. I had only eleven kids today, so we all had a blast reading about "Norman Nogg's Valentine" and celebrating the L-O-V-E with pizza, cupcakes, and lots of sugar. I remember that Valentine's Day was probably my favorite day in school as an elementary kid. I LOVED making my shoebox and the anticipation of "secret admirers." Oh and wearing lots of PINK of course! Today since my kids didn't have time with the snow to make boxes, we made bags...yeah...I made one, too! :)
So today I was reading in Isaiah 61 and have a lot of thoughts. I really really like this passage. If I could sum it up in a phrase, I would say, "Hope because of God's justice." Being blessed to experience a good deal of the world overseas, when I hear the word "justice" I also think of "injustice." I see the precious faces of the little children in Burkina that work hard and long hours to have a few scraps of food instead of attending school and having a normal childhood. I see the face of the Ache man who strives to love his family the way God intends even though he doesn't have the Bible in his language yet. I also imagine the faces of those in Haiti that have lost everyone and everything they love and are expected to go on. I have asked so many times, "why God?"
Tonight when I was reading this chapter from Isaiah, I was reminded again that I need to focus not on "injustice" but "justice." God.
"For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery and iniquity. In my faithfulness I will reward them and make an everlasting covenant with them....and all who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the Lord has blessed." --Isaiah 61:8-9 (italics mine)
This chapter tells about how God will change their ashes to crowns of beauty. Kind of going into context...Isaiah was prophesying about this happening when the Messiah would come. Well, in Luke 4, Jesus reads part of this on a scroll to the people and then He tells him that this has happened...because He is the Messiah. He has ALREADY come! Hope is here NOW! And...He is coming again!!!!!!
Like I mentioned earlier, my mind goes to overseas a lot, and I must admit that I sometimes forget look to those nearest to me. Since I have been in West Virginia, God has been revealing the huge need for "justice" right around me. When I read this chapter, I now also see the people of War. "The poor, those in darkness, the brokenhearted." I see the face of the kid that saw his dad kill himself...the family that longs for the father to return...the little one that doesn't know why she has to smell funny compared to the other kids. Yes, these people need to know that justice is coming and that hope is here now! Then, there is the challenge that Isaiah presents...that the Lord has called him to tell about God's justice to these people. How will I respond?
Sorry this is long and probably just seems like I'm rambling...I might be. But, I want to share what is on my heart. So...sometimes even when you are on this side of hope...that you know it is real...you question the WHEN??! I do. When God will you come again and make the wrongs right? I want to end with a song that we sang while I was at Taylor.
It is called, "HOW LONG" by Al Gordon
This week we had school two days, Monday and today (Friday)...although today was a two hour delay. Snow is almost a curse word down here to some at this point. Oh...and the forecast for this weekend and next week...snow! Monday is supposed to be a teacher in-service day, but that is even questionable if we get more snow.
Well today was a whole lot better than Monday! Thank you for those who prayed! I was prepared for the next academic day, but I wasn't that prepared to throw a Valentine's party. However, things quickly fell together with Donna (teacher friend next to me) and I ordering food and making many quick visits to our War stores during our lunch and planning periods. I had only eleven kids today, so we all had a blast reading about "Norman Nogg's Valentine" and celebrating the L-O-V-E with pizza, cupcakes, and lots of sugar. I remember that Valentine's Day was probably my favorite day in school as an elementary kid. I LOVED making my shoebox and the anticipation of "secret admirers." Oh and wearing lots of PINK of course! Today since my kids didn't have time with the snow to make boxes, we made bags...yeah...I made one, too! :)
So today I was reading in Isaiah 61 and have a lot of thoughts. I really really like this passage. If I could sum it up in a phrase, I would say, "Hope because of God's justice." Being blessed to experience a good deal of the world overseas, when I hear the word "justice" I also think of "injustice." I see the precious faces of the little children in Burkina that work hard and long hours to have a few scraps of food instead of attending school and having a normal childhood. I see the face of the Ache man who strives to love his family the way God intends even though he doesn't have the Bible in his language yet. I also imagine the faces of those in Haiti that have lost everyone and everything they love and are expected to go on. I have asked so many times, "why God?"
Tonight when I was reading this chapter from Isaiah, I was reminded again that I need to focus not on "injustice" but "justice." God.
"For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery and iniquity. In my faithfulness I will reward them and make an everlasting covenant with them....and all who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the Lord has blessed." --Isaiah 61:8-9 (italics mine)
This chapter tells about how God will change their ashes to crowns of beauty. Kind of going into context...Isaiah was prophesying about this happening when the Messiah would come. Well, in Luke 4, Jesus reads part of this on a scroll to the people and then He tells him that this has happened...because He is the Messiah. He has ALREADY come! Hope is here NOW! And...He is coming again!!!!!!
Like I mentioned earlier, my mind goes to overseas a lot, and I must admit that I sometimes forget look to those nearest to me. Since I have been in West Virginia, God has been revealing the huge need for "justice" right around me. When I read this chapter, I now also see the people of War. "The poor, those in darkness, the brokenhearted." I see the face of the kid that saw his dad kill himself...the family that longs for the father to return...the little one that doesn't know why she has to smell funny compared to the other kids. Yes, these people need to know that justice is coming and that hope is here now! Then, there is the challenge that Isaiah presents...that the Lord has called him to tell about God's justice to these people. How will I respond?
Sorry this is long and probably just seems like I'm rambling...I might be. But, I want to share what is on my heart. So...sometimes even when you are on this side of hope...that you know it is real...you question the WHEN??! I do. When God will you come again and make the wrongs right? I want to end with a song that we sang while I was at Taylor.
It is called, "HOW LONG" by Al Gordon
How long 'till I gaze upon your face?
Gaze upon your face, gaze upon your gaze?
Jesus we will gaze upon your face in the morning light
How long 'till you wipe these tears away?
Wipe these tears away, wipe these tears away?
Jesus you will wipe these tears away when the morning comes
Pre-Chorus
Yes, I know you will come
Yes, I know you've already won
Yes, I know my Redeemer lives
My Redeemer lives
How long 'till there's justice on the earth?
Justice on the earth, justice on the earth?
Jesus there'll be justice on the earth when you come again
Pre-Chorus
Yes, I know
Chorus
Come, Lord Jesus! We are desperate for you here!
Come, Lord Jesus! All creation calling out!
How long 'till we hear the victory roar?
Hear the victory roar, hear the victory roar?
Jesus we will hear the victory roar when this race is run
Chorus
Come, Lord Jesus! (repeat 3x)
Monday, February 8, 2010
DHDSFHjadfhJDFHJDSAHAhjkl
Ok...the title is how I feel today after a day with my little rascals.
These snow days though wonderful....are going to kill me with these rowdy kiddos of mine! Since I am so frustrated with them today, I will just tell a funny story...
One of my third grade boys said to me today that he had to tell me something "very very very important." He told me that no one else could hear and that he would wait till after math. So...after math, he came to my desk and said, "Miss Marshall, do you know who my dad is?" I had seen him a week or so ago at a school function, so I said, "Well, I don't know him, but I know who he is." Then, he said, "Well, he likes you." I seriously just started laughing and said, "Oh really?!? Did he ask you to tell me that?!??"...still laughing! He said, "Yeah, and he wants to know if it would be okay to ask you on a date." I tried to gain composure and said, "Well, tell him that I am flattered, but I do not date my students' parents." Then, a friend of this boy said, "But Miss Marshall, he only has ten kids...so far at this point." Awesome! Inside there was a lot more laughter on my part.
I'm so glad that my kids are helping me get hooked up! haha!
These snow days though wonderful....are going to kill me with these rowdy kiddos of mine! Since I am so frustrated with them today, I will just tell a funny story...
One of my third grade boys said to me today that he had to tell me something "very very very important." He told me that no one else could hear and that he would wait till after math. So...after math, he came to my desk and said, "Miss Marshall, do you know who my dad is?" I had seen him a week or so ago at a school function, so I said, "Well, I don't know him, but I know who he is." Then, he said, "Well, he likes you." I seriously just started laughing and said, "Oh really?!? Did he ask you to tell me that?!??"...still laughing! He said, "Yeah, and he wants to know if it would be okay to ask you on a date." I tried to gain composure and said, "Well, tell him that I am flattered, but I do not date my students' parents." Then, a friend of this boy said, "But Miss Marshall, he only has ten kids...so far at this point." Awesome! Inside there was a lot more laughter on my part.
I'm so glad that my kids are helping me get hooked up! haha!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Still Snowing and Still Enjoying Each Second of It!
So...it is still snowing here in War. And I am writing at 11AM on a Tuesday....my second snow day this week. I am overwhelmed and thrilled that I am getting paid to stay at home, sleep in, clean my house, bake, and just love life! As of today, we have had 11 snow days and three 2hour delays. Amazing.
Since I have all kinds of time today...I figured I would give y'all a little update on life in War the past week.
Last week was almost a full week; however, we got out early on Friday for a snow storm that was coming. It didn't hit till about 8 or 9pm but I'm not complaining! Anyways, it was a super long week with my kids out of control and being back to utter chaos. It was really frustrating, and I am hoping that their behavior is only a result of the non-routine that is going on with all this winter happenings. Pray that I would be able to drill hard when we get back and jump right into academics...and that they would jump on that boat too! That is the hard part!
Well, as I said, we got out of school early Friday. So, from Friday at 2pm till Sunday at 6pm we stayed in our little house, watching snow, sleeping, and watching Gilmore Girls, and talking to the outside world through Facebook Chat. As wonderful as all of the above is....I was going STIR CRAZY!! So, Laura and I finally made a trip to Wal-Mart. Good choice. Basically it has been like a lazy party each day.
Oh....last night....around 11:30pm Laura and I were talking to one of our Bluefield friends, Sara, on Facebook. She decided that she wanted to come visit us in War. We thought she was kidding, but she got in her car with her toothbrush, cell phone, and keys about fifteen minutes later. Around 12:45, she was on our front porch! I felt like a college kid again because I realized that sleep was not going to happen and that I was going to hate myself in the morning. I remember sacrificing sleep a lot for fun...and it felt good to do it again! Laura and I were both praying for a delay to compensate for the late night. So, we were extra excited this morning at 4am when we found out there was a delay and then around 6 when we heard there was no school.
Well, I think it is time to do a little reading and maybe bake a few things. Laura and I are having all of our friends over on Thursday evening for an "Adventure to War" night. We are excited for some more visitors and a great night ahead!
Hope that y'all are doing well. Please keep me updated on what is happening in your lives and how I can pray for you. Much love!
Since I have all kinds of time today...I figured I would give y'all a little update on life in War the past week.
Last week was almost a full week; however, we got out early on Friday for a snow storm that was coming. It didn't hit till about 8 or 9pm but I'm not complaining! Anyways, it was a super long week with my kids out of control and being back to utter chaos. It was really frustrating, and I am hoping that their behavior is only a result of the non-routine that is going on with all this winter happenings. Pray that I would be able to drill hard when we get back and jump right into academics...and that they would jump on that boat too! That is the hard part!
Well, as I said, we got out of school early Friday. So, from Friday at 2pm till Sunday at 6pm we stayed in our little house, watching snow, sleeping, and watching Gilmore Girls, and talking to the outside world through Facebook Chat. As wonderful as all of the above is....I was going STIR CRAZY!! So, Laura and I finally made a trip to Wal-Mart. Good choice. Basically it has been like a lazy party each day.
Oh....last night....around 11:30pm Laura and I were talking to one of our Bluefield friends, Sara, on Facebook. She decided that she wanted to come visit us in War. We thought she was kidding, but she got in her car with her toothbrush, cell phone, and keys about fifteen minutes later. Around 12:45, she was on our front porch! I felt like a college kid again because I realized that sleep was not going to happen and that I was going to hate myself in the morning. I remember sacrificing sleep a lot for fun...and it felt good to do it again! Laura and I were both praying for a delay to compensate for the late night. So, we were extra excited this morning at 4am when we found out there was a delay and then around 6 when we heard there was no school.
Well, I think it is time to do a little reading and maybe bake a few things. Laura and I are having all of our friends over on Thursday evening for an "Adventure to War" night. We are excited for some more visitors and a great night ahead!
Hope that y'all are doing well. Please keep me updated on what is happening in your lives and how I can pray for you. Much love!
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