So I've been a major slacker with blogging. I apologize to those of you that are wanting to know what is going on here in War. Well, let me tell you, it has been a super exciting month where God has revealed Himself in many ways!
First of all, thank you so much for those of you who have been praying. Do you ever feel like God's blessing are just flowing over you? That is how I have felt, and I know that part of that is because of your prayers. This past month I don't think I have ever been so humbled by the work of God. Through random churches saying that they are praying for me, getting checks in the mail for school supplies, to my home church letting me know that they want to partner with me....I have felt incredibly loved. God has used these people to show me a glimpse into His plan for my ministry here in McDowell. Most of all, He has shown me that His plan is so much more than I can imagine! It seems like all of the sudden the flood doors have opened. I'm holding on and cannot stop smiling as I know it is God!!!
Well, besides encouragement, I have been really excited about the opportunities of involvement that God has brought my way. In school I have made some great relationships now with many teachers and have been able to share my faith. Also, I have started to really bond with my students and to be able to see some progress in their learning which is super exciting. Outside of school, I joined Kiwanis with my roommate. I'm now a pinned, official member! :) For those of you who don't know, this is a service volunteer club that does a ton for the community. I feel like it is a wonderful way to not only serve War, but also to build relationships with community members.
And one of the most exciting things...YOUNG LIFE! I should first back up...when I came a year ago (exactly today), I started praying about the ministry that God wanted me to be involved in. I really was overwhelmed by all the different options, so I decided just to wait and pray till the Lord lead me. Well, this year I have felt like Moses at the Red Sea when God says, "What are you waiting for? Go!" I know that the Lord has brought me here for two years and for a reason. The entire time I've been here, I have been very burdened for the high schoolers. With churches that are barely surviving, kids their age do not have a lot of healthy options...let alone an opportunity to really grow in their faith. So, I presented the idea of a "Coffee House Ministry" to Dan and Laura. They were both very much on board and felt a similar burden for these kids. At that point, we gave it to God and prayed that He would lead us as we started something like this. One thing led to another, and now I am thrilled to say that God willing, we will be starting Young Life ministry here in War by the first of January. God has so intricately worked out every step and the people in our path...especially the WV Director of Young Life. Please be praying as we continue to seek God in this exciting adventure. We are still praying about a location. Also, please pray that God will open up the hearts of those we work with and that we would continue to let the details to Him as we minister to these kids.
As you can imagine, I'm basically beyond excitement. I am feeling so amazingly blessed at the outpouring of God's love on me. I wanted to share this with all of you. I hope that God shows His face clear to you and that today you are reminded how great His love is for you!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
No More Excuses
"Someday I will do this, Lord. I just need to....." Fill in the blank. I do...all the time.
Yesterday when reading Oswald Chambers', My Utmost for His Highest, I felt extremely convicted and awakened. The passage of focus was Luke 9:51-62.
Basically, Jesus was heading to Jerusalem...close to the time that He was going to be crucified. He, James, and John were going through Samaritan villages (where there was a lot of tension at the time). The Samaritans didn't treat them well and James asked Jesus if He wanted him to bring down fire. Man...don't we feel like that sometimes? Lord, send some fire on that person or that situation because I don't want to deal with it anymore! I do.
As they walked further down the road, they came into contact with three different me. The first man said that he wanted to follow Jesus..."I will follow you wherever you go." (vs.57). Jesus knew his heart and basically was cold to him. At the first glimpse my tendency is to think that this is cruel and undeserving. However, God knew this man's heart. He knew that his intentions were not pure. Jesus requires more than lip service. The second man Jesus asked him to follow Him. He replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." The Lord responds again rather harsh and says to forget that and to do work for the Kingdom. The third man says, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back ans say good-by to my family." Jesus responds..."No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." WOW.
I find that I can relate to all of these men.
The first one...how many times have I said that I would do something but not had the right spirit or impure motives? The work of the Lord must be for His purpose and glory.
The second and third men....both give excuses. A father's death (or terminal sickness) and saying goodbye to family...valid excuses I think. Again Jesus knew their hearts. Maybe they did have the right motives, but maybe they were scared to take that next step. They didn't think that were ready. I feel that way a lot...and sometimes I don't realize that it is an excuse.
After reflecting on this passage, I started to think about the excuses that I have or am currently using from proclaiming the Kingdom. "I'm just a new teacher and trying to understand things still." "I love my family and shouldn't have to miss them so much. It must mean that I should live closer to home." "I am single and don't have anyone down here to help me. I'll do fill in the blank when I have a partner in ministry." "I probably need to finish my masters program before I worry about anything else." And my list goes on and on.
This passage opened my eyes really wide because Jesus is not messing around. When He calls us by name...we better listen and drop everything else. Does that mean that we should ditch the responsibilities that God has entrusted us with...no. But...we cannot use them as excuses. He has NO tolerance for excuses. If you have some time, read over this passage. There is a lot to it. And figure out what God is calling you to! Also, I encourage you to think about the excuses that you are making in life...even if they seem like really great things. They are there.
So...on a lighter note...
My class is still going super well. God has been great to give me patience and wisdom on how to start this year since I was very hesitant with my experience last year. Please continue to pray that my kids will see Jesus in me on a daily basis. Also, I have really started to connect with some of the teachers and look forward to continuing those relationships and sharing Jesus.
Yesterday when reading Oswald Chambers', My Utmost for His Highest, I felt extremely convicted and awakened. The passage of focus was Luke 9:51-62.
Basically, Jesus was heading to Jerusalem...close to the time that He was going to be crucified. He, James, and John were going through Samaritan villages (where there was a lot of tension at the time). The Samaritans didn't treat them well and James asked Jesus if He wanted him to bring down fire. Man...don't we feel like that sometimes? Lord, send some fire on that person or that situation because I don't want to deal with it anymore! I do.
As they walked further down the road, they came into contact with three different me. The first man said that he wanted to follow Jesus..."I will follow you wherever you go." (vs.57). Jesus knew his heart and basically was cold to him. At the first glimpse my tendency is to think that this is cruel and undeserving. However, God knew this man's heart. He knew that his intentions were not pure. Jesus requires more than lip service. The second man Jesus asked him to follow Him. He replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." The Lord responds again rather harsh and says to forget that and to do work for the Kingdom. The third man says, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back ans say good-by to my family." Jesus responds..."No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." WOW.
I find that I can relate to all of these men.
The first one...how many times have I said that I would do something but not had the right spirit or impure motives? The work of the Lord must be for His purpose and glory.
The second and third men....both give excuses. A father's death (or terminal sickness) and saying goodbye to family...valid excuses I think. Again Jesus knew their hearts. Maybe they did have the right motives, but maybe they were scared to take that next step. They didn't think that were ready. I feel that way a lot...and sometimes I don't realize that it is an excuse.
After reflecting on this passage, I started to think about the excuses that I have or am currently using from proclaiming the Kingdom. "I'm just a new teacher and trying to understand things still." "I love my family and shouldn't have to miss them so much. It must mean that I should live closer to home." "I am single and don't have anyone down here to help me. I'll do fill in the blank when I have a partner in ministry." "I probably need to finish my masters program before I worry about anything else." And my list goes on and on.
This passage opened my eyes really wide because Jesus is not messing around. When He calls us by name...we better listen and drop everything else. Does that mean that we should ditch the responsibilities that God has entrusted us with...no. But...we cannot use them as excuses. He has NO tolerance for excuses. If you have some time, read over this passage. There is a lot to it. And figure out what God is calling you to! Also, I encourage you to think about the excuses that you are making in life...even if they seem like really great things. They are there.
So...on a lighter note...
My class is still going super well. God has been great to give me patience and wisdom on how to start this year since I was very hesitant with my experience last year. Please continue to pray that my kids will see Jesus in me on a daily basis. Also, I have really started to connect with some of the teachers and look forward to continuing those relationships and sharing Jesus.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Do You Ever...
Do you ever just sit and get overwhelmed by God's love for us? Tonight is that night for me.
The past few weeks that I have been back in West Virginia have been some of the most difficult weeks of my life...feeling so alone and confused about what God is doing. I keep asking Him to show His face and have felt so distant from even Him. However, this weekend was absolutely wonderful. The only way that I can describe how I feel is like a fountain...bursting. Today at church God spoke clearly truth into my life...so much that my head is spinning. I am overjoyed and so thankful. I can honestly say that I am refreshed.
There are so many things in my life that I am sick of.
Me....me...and me. I am always worried about myself, and I am so quick to forget the big picture. I have been reading "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan off and on. Chan makes the point that if we truly understood God's love for us and His holiness...we would have no other choice but to serve Him with our whole being. The problem is that we let life get in the way and make excuses. Man am I guilty of this.
There are so many things that I want.
I want so much to live each day like it is my last day and be joyful in ALL that God brings. I want to constantly be speaking words of truth into other people's life instead of worrying about my own emotions. I want to think of others lives as more important than mine. I want to feel the urgency of the Gospel. I want to love people enough that I am willing to use my entire life to see them accept the gift of eternal life. I want to care about myself being successful not to the world but in the eyes of my Father. I want to not "want"....but know that the Lord is my shepherd and that He gives me everything that I need to be content in this life. Most of all, I want Jesus to be glorified in me.
These are my prayers. It isn't going to be easy. But God is up to something, and I know that He is bigger than me.
"Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."
--Joshua 1:8
The past few weeks that I have been back in West Virginia have been some of the most difficult weeks of my life...feeling so alone and confused about what God is doing. I keep asking Him to show His face and have felt so distant from even Him. However, this weekend was absolutely wonderful. The only way that I can describe how I feel is like a fountain...bursting. Today at church God spoke clearly truth into my life...so much that my head is spinning. I am overjoyed and so thankful. I can honestly say that I am refreshed.
There are so many things in my life that I am sick of.
Me....me...and me. I am always worried about myself, and I am so quick to forget the big picture. I have been reading "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan off and on. Chan makes the point that if we truly understood God's love for us and His holiness...we would have no other choice but to serve Him with our whole being. The problem is that we let life get in the way and make excuses. Man am I guilty of this.
There are so many things that I want.
I want so much to live each day like it is my last day and be joyful in ALL that God brings. I want to constantly be speaking words of truth into other people's life instead of worrying about my own emotions. I want to think of others lives as more important than mine. I want to feel the urgency of the Gospel. I want to love people enough that I am willing to use my entire life to see them accept the gift of eternal life. I want to care about myself being successful not to the world but in the eyes of my Father. I want to not "want"....but know that the Lord is my shepherd and that He gives me everything that I need to be content in this life. Most of all, I want Jesus to be glorified in me.
These are my prayers. It isn't going to be easy. But God is up to something, and I know that He is bigger than me.
"Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."
--Joshua 1:8
Monday, September 6, 2010
Recap
Well, it has been awhile since I've written. It seems that I always get inspired to write when it is way past my bedtime. Tonight is a perfect example of that.
A few hours ago, I returned back to War from a wonderful Labor Day weekend at home. My entire family was home (including my little Dylan). It was perfect with lots of laughter, fair food, and family time. Not only was it a long weekend, but the Canfield Fair, Ohio's largest fair, was going on. There is nothing like it, and it was wonderful to enjoy a great family tradition with all of my family. I also got to spend some time with my grandparents on my Gramps's 78th birthday. I am so greatly blessed to have each one of these people in my life. I love you!
Well, a quick school update...
Things are going really well! :) I have seen a huge difference in myself as a teacher this year, so I think that I am learning which is good. Also, it has been great to start the year with my kids. Talking is a huge problem...but talking I can deal with! :) Since it is so late, I will end with a funny story from the week.
In the hallway while in the bathroom line, two of my girls started talking to me. One of them said, "Miss Marshall, do you have any babies?" Oh great I thought, here we go again..."No." Then, she said of course, "do you have any husbands?" Again, "No." Then, she said what comes next, "do you have a boyfriend?" Again, staying patient, I smiled and said "No." The other little girl took this all in and finally bursted out, "Well, you sure look like a woman that has a husband and kids." Wondering what this meant while laughing, I asked her, "So what does a women that has a husband and kids look like?" She proceeded to tell me, "You know...she is a tall woman...and...she has a nice smile. And that is you." So, there you go. :)
Please continue to pray for this transition. For some reason I am still having a difficult time being back. Seeing my family this week was refreshing and also extremely difficult to leave again. Part of this I am sure is being at a new school and having a new class. I am praying that God would give me contentment in my heart and a joy each day to do all that He has in store. There are many new possibilities for ministries this year that I will talk about in another post...so I want to be ready to be His hands and feet. Thanks for reading and for praying! :)
A few hours ago, I returned back to War from a wonderful Labor Day weekend at home. My entire family was home (including my little Dylan). It was perfect with lots of laughter, fair food, and family time. Not only was it a long weekend, but the Canfield Fair, Ohio's largest fair, was going on. There is nothing like it, and it was wonderful to enjoy a great family tradition with all of my family. I also got to spend some time with my grandparents on my Gramps's 78th birthday. I am so greatly blessed to have each one of these people in my life. I love you!
Well, a quick school update...
Things are going really well! :) I have seen a huge difference in myself as a teacher this year, so I think that I am learning which is good. Also, it has been great to start the year with my kids. Talking is a huge problem...but talking I can deal with! :) Since it is so late, I will end with a funny story from the week.
In the hallway while in the bathroom line, two of my girls started talking to me. One of them said, "Miss Marshall, do you have any babies?" Oh great I thought, here we go again..."No." Then, she said of course, "do you have any husbands?" Again, "No." Then, she said what comes next, "do you have a boyfriend?" Again, staying patient, I smiled and said "No." The other little girl took this all in and finally bursted out, "Well, you sure look like a woman that has a husband and kids." Wondering what this meant while laughing, I asked her, "So what does a women that has a husband and kids look like?" She proceeded to tell me, "You know...she is a tall woman...and...she has a nice smile. And that is you." So, there you go. :)
Please continue to pray for this transition. For some reason I am still having a difficult time being back. Seeing my family this week was refreshing and also extremely difficult to leave again. Part of this I am sure is being at a new school and having a new class. I am praying that God would give me contentment in my heart and a joy each day to do all that He has in store. There are many new possibilities for ministries this year that I will talk about in another post...so I want to be ready to be His hands and feet. Thanks for reading and for praying! :)
Thursday, August 19, 2010
First Day
Since I was a little girl, I have dreamed of what the first day of school would be like as a teacher...since I knew at the age of 5 that I wanted to do this for a living. Well, last year I didn't get to experience that. Last night I could barely sleep thinking of all of the things I had to do, and excitement played a role.
Today was all that I wanted it to be...and I'm thanking the Lord. It looks like this year is going to be a wonderful one. There are a few talkers in my class...but I can deal with talkers. My 26 kiddos seem like a positive and meshed group.
So, highlights of the day...
-"Wow! You have nice teeth." --one of my little girls
-A girl puked because she had a headache. This was a first for me...and I almost puked myself as I held her hair.
-My kids were quiet in the halls...also a first.
-I was called "mam" on several occasions.
-I am no longer scared of fourth graders....they are still cute.
As I was standing outside watching the kids play for recess, I couldn't stop smiling. I may not know why I'm here or what God has in store...I'm just thankful that I'm doing what I love.
Today was all that I wanted it to be...and I'm thanking the Lord. It looks like this year is going to be a wonderful one. There are a few talkers in my class...but I can deal with talkers. My 26 kiddos seem like a positive and meshed group.
So, highlights of the day...
-"Wow! You have nice teeth." --one of my little girls
-A girl puked because she had a headache. This was a first for me...and I almost puked myself as I held her hair.
-My kids were quiet in the halls...also a first.
-I was called "mam" on several occasions.
-I am no longer scared of fourth graders....they are still cute.
As I was standing outside watching the kids play for recess, I couldn't stop smiling. I may not know why I'm here or what God has in store...I'm just thankful that I'm doing what I love.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Be Still and Know that I am God...
As mentioned before, I am in War. It has been a busy week. One week from today I was packing and telling myself that it was going to be okay and trying to get excited about another year of seeking God in War.
I have to admit...the transition has not been easy. I had a wonderful weekend with my parents and then on Monday morning...it was harder than I thought to say goodbye. Shouldn't it be easier this time? For some reason, it wasn't. I think it is because I already know what is to come...somewhat. I know some of the challenges I will face and know how much I will miss my family. But, even in this sadness...God gave me peace. Didn't change the fact that once I got in my bed the first night, reality hit, and all I could do was cry and pray.
For several days before and every day since I have been here, I have been hearing God say to me, "Be still and know that I am God." I love this verse, and for some reason God has reminded me of it countless times daily. There are a lot of things that I question about being back. And I did even more yesterday when I got a call for an interview at a school in youngstown. Everything in me wanted to jet out and go. But I knew I couldn't...it didn't seem right. I immediately started praying for wisdom and so did my family. Monday I had to sign my contract for the year because teacher training started Tuesday. When I looked into my contract more, I realized that it would be almost impossible to get out. From that moment my position as a fourth grade teacher at a different school was not a thought or a question...it is what I am doing this year. It was good to have no more "what-ifs" out there even though the thought of my last chance of being home was now gone. Again, I heard God say, "Be still and know that I am God." I asked Him, "Why would You even allow Youngstown to call when You know how bad I wanted to be at home?" "Why did I sign my contract when I did?" And a million other questions. I don't know the answers just that I will rejoice in the Lord always because He is God!
Now that I have cancelled my interview, I have been able to emotionally and mentally accept my new teaching spot. I am happy. For some reason, God wants me here again. Why? Maybe I'll figure that out. But in the mean time, I am busy getting my classroom ready, and I have been thinking of every idea possible. I'm greatly looking forward to the next few days as busy as they will be. Even more excited about Thursday...a week from today...when I get to meet the kiddos that God has entrusted me with for this school year. I'm thankful that I don't have to be anxious about anything! HE is God!!! :)
So here is to round 2! :)
I have to admit...the transition has not been easy. I had a wonderful weekend with my parents and then on Monday morning...it was harder than I thought to say goodbye. Shouldn't it be easier this time? For some reason, it wasn't. I think it is because I already know what is to come...somewhat. I know some of the challenges I will face and know how much I will miss my family. But, even in this sadness...God gave me peace. Didn't change the fact that once I got in my bed the first night, reality hit, and all I could do was cry and pray.
For several days before and every day since I have been here, I have been hearing God say to me, "Be still and know that I am God." I love this verse, and for some reason God has reminded me of it countless times daily. There are a lot of things that I question about being back. And I did even more yesterday when I got a call for an interview at a school in youngstown. Everything in me wanted to jet out and go. But I knew I couldn't...it didn't seem right. I immediately started praying for wisdom and so did my family. Monday I had to sign my contract for the year because teacher training started Tuesday. When I looked into my contract more, I realized that it would be almost impossible to get out. From that moment my position as a fourth grade teacher at a different school was not a thought or a question...it is what I am doing this year. It was good to have no more "what-ifs" out there even though the thought of my last chance of being home was now gone. Again, I heard God say, "Be still and know that I am God." I asked Him, "Why would You even allow Youngstown to call when You know how bad I wanted to be at home?" "Why did I sign my contract when I did?" And a million other questions. I don't know the answers just that I will rejoice in the Lord always because He is God!
Now that I have cancelled my interview, I have been able to emotionally and mentally accept my new teaching spot. I am happy. For some reason, God wants me here again. Why? Maybe I'll figure that out. But in the mean time, I am busy getting my classroom ready, and I have been thinking of every idea possible. I'm greatly looking forward to the next few days as busy as they will be. Even more excited about Thursday...a week from today...when I get to meet the kiddos that God has entrusted me with for this school year. I'm thankful that I don't have to be anxious about anything! HE is God!!! :)
So here is to round 2! :)
Friday, August 6, 2010
War is calling my name
Well, the decision has been made, the car is packed, the cell phone is purchased, the goodbyes have been said, and Lexie is already in mourning.
I leave in about an hour with my parents to head to Atlanta for a cousin's wedding. On our way back, my parents will drop me off at my house in War.
It has been a similar summer to last year...a little less crazy thankfully. I have been waiting to hear about a potential job in the Youngstown area. There have been many mixed feelings as I love to be with my family and thought the job sounded pretty much amazing. However, that door was closed yesterday. All summer I have been dreading the thought of leaving my family again and trying to do life in War. Honestly, nothing in me wanted to go. But, I kept praying that I would listen and be obedient and that God would give me the peace that I needed. It wasn't until I was at Taylor last week and driving home on Tuesday that the peace I needed came. So, when I heard that I didn't get the other job, I was okay. I know from last year that God has this all worked out. And I have to admit that there are several things I am excited about with returning to War. I'm excited to see those amazing people God blessed me with as friends. I'm excited to see Barb and Jerry...our landlords/neighbors. I'm excited to have a paycheck...yeah...big time. I'm excited to teach again. I'm excited to start new and be ready for the kids the first day instead of vice versa. And I'm most excited to see what God is going to do!
So...the next time I write, I will be in War and be preparing to start my 4th grade classroom.
Please pray for the transition with leaving my family again (this year is harder since I've become so attached to my lil nephew). Also, please pray as I set up my classroom and start at a new school this year. I am trying to remind myself to "be anxious for nothing." God is in control, and I am certain of that!
I leave in about an hour with my parents to head to Atlanta for a cousin's wedding. On our way back, my parents will drop me off at my house in War.
It has been a similar summer to last year...a little less crazy thankfully. I have been waiting to hear about a potential job in the Youngstown area. There have been many mixed feelings as I love to be with my family and thought the job sounded pretty much amazing. However, that door was closed yesterday. All summer I have been dreading the thought of leaving my family again and trying to do life in War. Honestly, nothing in me wanted to go. But, I kept praying that I would listen and be obedient and that God would give me the peace that I needed. It wasn't until I was at Taylor last week and driving home on Tuesday that the peace I needed came. So, when I heard that I didn't get the other job, I was okay. I know from last year that God has this all worked out. And I have to admit that there are several things I am excited about with returning to War. I'm excited to see those amazing people God blessed me with as friends. I'm excited to see Barb and Jerry...our landlords/neighbors. I'm excited to have a paycheck...yeah...big time. I'm excited to teach again. I'm excited to start new and be ready for the kids the first day instead of vice versa. And I'm most excited to see what God is going to do!
So...the next time I write, I will be in War and be preparing to start my 4th grade classroom.
Please pray for the transition with leaving my family again (this year is harder since I've become so attached to my lil nephew). Also, please pray as I set up my classroom and start at a new school this year. I am trying to remind myself to "be anxious for nothing." God is in control, and I am certain of that!
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