Don't Let Small Beginnings Stop You...

I'll admit, I am a creative person.  It is one of the things I enjoy about teaching.  I love creating new forms and ways for students to learn about something.  I remember that was one of the things when I worked as a teaching assistant that one of the teacher commented on.  In fact, I always got her art projects because of it.  When I was in grad school and working at the university preschool, I created a whole lesson and activity around "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes."  My roommate again commented on how creative it looked!  Once I started teaching back in 2007, I would always create things for my students to do.  A few years ago, the website, Teachers Pay Teachers started.   I remember looking at things and seeing, "Hey, I probably could do that."  I even had other teacher say, "Hey, you could probably do that."  But I was always afraid.  Afraid it wouldn't be good enough.  Afraid of failure.

There comes a time though, the time to stop being afraid.   There comes a time to take a leap of faith and just do what you know you can do.  I can use my creative abilities and trust that God will do the rest with my Teachers Pay Teachers store items.  I was trying to be too perfect, cover too much material, and basically start off with the million dollar product.  Instead, God gave me this verse a few weeks ago:  "Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin..."(Zechariah 4:10 NLT).  I felt that was a kick in the pants.  Start small, it is ok.  God just wants me to start.  So with that in mind, today I finally uploaded a Back-To-School math theme for my Teachers Pay Teachers store.  I've promoted it the best ways I know- through social media of Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.  It really is something small compared to most sellers, but you know what?  It is a start.  The store is open now.  I'm now looking at the next small step, and that is to complete the rest of the Back-to-School theme with a reading component by the end of this week.

It feels great to do something with the gifts God has given me.  It also feels really great to punch fear in the face and obey.  I'm excited to see what He does with these small beginnings, knowing that He will be faithful.

Soulful Sunday: The Greatness of Our God

When I need to recalibrate my heart back to The Lord and reclaim space I've let the enemy fill with worry, defeat, or hopeless feelings, I listen to this song. It is such a beautiful song about how great God is and a reminder of the peace we can when we focus on the great mystery of God. Here is the link: http://youtu.be/htO_MXS4Ems

Happy Sunday y'all!!

Saturday's List: Where I've Been for a Month!

1. First big news from the past month: THE NURSE GOT MARRIED! It was an amazing day! All the planning and stressing came together and a beautiful, God-filled day happened. You see, as much as they wanted a smooth wedding day, things kept coming up to derail their joy. First the church had to be changed because of some flooding. Then the organist got pneumonia. It seemed like it was one thing after another. However, on the actual day, God was there, piecing it all together. I couldn't get the Nurse's sash tied, and was to the point of watching a YouTube video on it, when the flower girl's mom came in and saved the day. Then we were trying to call in a delivery lunch, which said we were out of delivery radius, when the flower girl's grandpa offered to pick it up. Over and over God whispered and showed up. And over and over I was reminded of Psalm 45:11. It was a great day! Here's the link to the pictures: http://amandagracephotography.zenfolio.com/p687638377 .

2. I've been busy tutoring all summer. It has been fun at times, while other times the fun level dips to a negative level. It's the first time I've encounter some kids that I really have to ask God to give me the eyes to see them the way He sees them. I've really had to learn to rely on Him to be patient and kind when I see those kids walk through the door and have a seat.

3. I've been quite the local theatre supporter, going to see 9to5, and Hairspray this month. Both are really fun shows and I may or may not have quietly sung along to both. :-)

4. Last weekend, I went to visit Miss A and her family. They were very gracious to host me despite Miss A being pregnant with Little PBJ, getting ready to move, and "Mulan"'s six birthday. I played Barbies, helped pack (which Miss A informed I've done before), and watched some good 90s Nickelodeon shows. I'm so blessed by their friendship!

5. God and I are having an in-the-desert wrestling match over who is in control. I'll be honest, I have a lot of anxiety over school starting in two weeks. I grew to love my class in a deep way last year, and I know it won't be the same. I'm afraid of the unknown with the new class. Not to mention there has been some moving around with different staff positions, so I feel like everything is all different. Miss T, one of my team members sent me this guest post from Ann Voskamp's blog: http://www.aholyexperience.com/2013/07/when-your-spirit-hungers-how-to-be-done-with-worry/. I read it and realized that most of my prayers lately were worry and fear messages to God. If I believe He is who He says He is, then why am I worried? God goes before me, beside me, and after me. He doesn't leave or fore sake me. I need to look to Him and TRUST.

6. The last thing I've been wrestling with God is what I like to call Digging Ditches. You see, the past seven months, God has done and will continue to do a work to change my heart. He has removed trash, helped me conquer fears, and restored hope. I know that I am a completely different person and that has bled over into all my outlooks on life, ideas about parenting, finances, and even marriage. As I've finished my very personal journey with Jesus, He placed a phrase "digging ditches," on my heart. I didn't understand until I prayed more, and now I'm currently reading Wild at Heart and For Women Only. Both are excellent about how to view men from a Godly, Christ-like perspective. It truly is helping to break down stereotypes and affirm truthful things I've encountered about men. I went back and listened to a 2011 Steven Furtick message called "Digging Ditches" because I've been very intrigued by this phrase God gave me. I thought I hadn't heard it, but as I listened, it was a good reminder that in order to receive God's blessings we have to follow the Holy Spirit and do prep work sometimes. Initially when I thought about all this ditch digging, I thought, well that means God is finally bringing my two into my life. I mean if I was in control of my life, that's what I'd say is happening.  After praying and being still, and surrendering control back over to God, I'm just resting in the mystery of the ditch digging. I've learned that sometimes God asks us to do something or shows us something and because His ways are higher, we misinterpret them with our feeble minds. Yes, I feel like I'm "ditch digging". Yes, it has to do with changing my perspective on men. Do I know what the outcome is? Nope. But I can trust that God will fill that ditch with what He choses. Maybe it will be a spouse. Maybe I'm going to have a rugged boy-filled classroom this year. Whatever way the ditch is filled, I need to stop trying to grasp control from God and surrender to the mystery.

7. Finally, I've unleashed my inner decorator and redid my bedroom! Pictures below: