Here I stand

I am very thankful today that our school got AIMS for this semester, because it will help me keep track of student progress. I think God is gradually answering my prayers to equip me for the job He’s called me to…

So, this week, I finally got internet at the farm.  Grant it, it only works when I have cell reception, but I was surprised how quick it was!  I have been putting off changing my plan for awhile, first because I was unemployed and then because I was thinking of going through an internet company.  In the end, its pretty handy to be able to get internet on my computer or iPad anywhere I have my phone.  So here’s to not driving into Williston just to pay bills online, take class online, and edit Tumblr.  I am thankful.  

So, my teaching license arrived today and I have my paperwork in to Trinity and District 1 to be on their substitute teaching lists.  I’m pretty excited.  PTL!  SOOOOOO Very Thankful.

I am so very thankful today for my sister, her husband, and their two beautiful daughters who I got to spend the night with last night and the morning with this morning.  They are wonderful, they are smart, and they are growing so fast!! And I am thankful I was able to spend some time with them this weekend.  

I’m actually really glad today that I am back in North Dakota, for now.  I like seeing my family, I like being present for the changes they are going through.  I like the normalcy of actually working towards maintaining a professional job in this state for once.  I actually live here, instead of just visiting because my family is here.  It’s weird.  It is overwhelming.  Some mornings it is frustrating.  But I am thankful for the experience.

SO… I still do not officially have my interim certification (until my FBI background check finishes processing…) BUT, I do have an interim reciprocal plan in place as to the tests and classes I need to take in order to get my full North Dakotan teacher’s license.  The best part is I only need to take two classes and three tests.  That won’t necessarily be fun, but it isn’t as bad as I thought it may be.  I feel blessed.  PTL. 

What are you thankful for today?

Yesterday, we had the fireplace going for the first time of the winter season. So while the early cold weather has its downside, I’m still really thankful for it. One of my favorite spots in the world is directly in front of my grandma’s fireplace, and I am thankful I got to spend time there yesterday. What’s your favorite place?

I am so thankful to be spending so much time outside this summer.  Beautiful weather, great opportunities, fabulous smells.  God has left us messages of hope and lessons for living all over in the natural world.  Meaning, that camp is one of those perfect opportunities to learn about God.  YAY!  And for the rest of you, get outside today, and look at something that is alive for awhile.  I’m sure you will learn something from it.  

This week, I became a lifeguard.  I didn’t know at all if I could expect to pass the training or fail the training.  I’ve never put my swimming or endurance capabilities to any kind of testing like this.  But I passed.  I certainly wasn’t the strongest swimmer in the group, but if I didn’t have the ability and potential to save someone’s life in a water emergency, I would not have passed this week of testing and instruction.  I am so very thankful.  In a Bible story (2 Kings 6- click here) a loaned iron axehead falls into a river, and a prophet named Elisha made the iron  float so the workers could retrieve it.  Clearly, as God can make iron float, he can also make me swim.  AMEN. 

Thank you, friend who I met my first year of university and is currently residing in Cambodia, for everything you are to me. You have laughed with me, cried with me, argued with me, and just sat quietly with me. I love your hopeful spirit which is always trying to see God in things. Always looking for ‘God moments’. I appreciate that you loved community so much that you made me love and appreciate community more than I had before. You challenge me, in a good way. I miss our talks, ‘Christmas’ dinners at your mom’s house, all girls Friday and the many many various outings we have been on. I think we have made more memories which include each other than I probably remember, but I know most of them included smiling and meaningful conversation. Thank you for your prayers. I will be honest and admit that I do not pray for you every day, but when I do pray for you, it is sincere, and because I miss you and really want things to be going well for you. I am sorry I didn’t wish you happy birthday on time. If we had gone to school in the states, we would have gotten to always have your birthday together, because most US schools are just now getting out, but I am also very thankful you are a Canadian. I Truly hope that some day not too far into our futures our paths will cross again. I miss you.

Today, I am thankful for schools that include young children. I enjoy teaching older students - watching them learn, challenging myself from time to time with their curriculum, and giving them a chance to increase their independence while they work independently. However, older students rarely give hugs. When I supervise the playground at lunch, or meet a young child in the hallway, or walk through the cafeteria when the younger students are eating, I always get and give many hugs. There is nothing like eager little arms connected to smiling faces to brighten any day. They make everything so much simpler than we adults do. If someone falls down, get help or help them. If you are happy to see someone, give them a hug. If you see something cool on the ground, stop a minute to figure out what it’s all about. If something is really worth pursuing, that is what will consume your thoughts, words, and actions until you have mastered it, obtained it, become it, or befriended it. Perhaps this is why Jesus said “whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it”. Are we Christians pursuing the kingdom of God in this way? I am thankful for children. And their hugs.

I am so thankful to be working in the lovely and warm state of Indiana. The sun is shining, the grass is green, and its wonderful to be staying with friends, and to be back in the classroom. I missed it in the past month! Thank you, friends who are letting me live with them this month! You guys rock!!

What are you thankful for today?

Life… Is a great big crazy adventure.  And I am so thankful for that.  I lost my job due to some complications with immigrations and a renewal of my work visa, but as a result, I was able to visit my home in time for a surgery my mom was having.  Since I’ve been here mostly on the farm (with my grandma and my mom), I’ve had the opportunity to visit most of my mother’s side of the family.  I’ve seen my Uncle and his wife, and three of their kids and their families.  I’ve seen my aunt and uncle from Montana along with all four of their kids, and their families.  I’ve seen my sister and my aunt and uncle from Alaska (though they have relocated to North Dakota).  I have gotten to see their son, and by complete chance I had the opportunity to see his wife AT THE TRAIN STATION.  She was leaving from a brief visit and we were picking up another cousin who had been visiting his wife in Montana.  God is so good.  And I’ve even gotten to hang out with a friend from church (If you read this, I will keep you and your family in my prayers, and I hope we eventually get a chance to see each other in Montreal).  I will miss you all so much!  It has been such a blessing to see and talk to each and every one of you.  Love you guys!!

I’m especially thankful for God’s providence in leading His people all over.  I recently learned that a small Adventist school in Indiana recently lost a teacher.  They can’t find a substitute anywhere, but I am good friends with one of their new teachers from this year.  She recommended me, and they asked me to get there as soon as possible to substitute for the entire month of May.  I’m leaving Sunday.  Goodbye North Dakota, Hello Adventure.  Thank God for the 1,000 ways He has to care for His people, of which we know not.  

Today, I am very thankful for my aunt and uncle who live far away fin Montana and run a health food store.

Thank you for sharing your testimony with me and the world of faith and trust in God. Thank you also for sharing your testimonies of times you struggled with faithfulness, and how God used the situations to turn around for the better. You are both such a blessing. Thank you for coming to my high school graduation and showing me all that love everywhere in between. I love you.

Also, sorry my posting has been a bit inconsistent and non-existant the past couple weeks. What are you thankful for today?

I am thankful today for answered prayers, for God’s providence in leading people and situations in not only a spiritual way, but also in a geographical and physical way.

And today, I am especially thankful that my mom’s surgery went well. She is recovering from anesthesia, and her lungs held up. I don’t know how her recovery will be, but I know she is alive! Count your blessings.