Ahh man thats awesome! And I JUST found a job... Im not sure how to feel about it but nonetheless I have to take it.. so surely God knows what He's doing right? I also got a new computer at home so hopefully I can drop by more often.

Love ya!
lina

PS.
I've got a tiny personal message board if anyone is interested.

www.yunome.net

News:
I found a job.
God is good.

I'll have to share more soon!!
I just wanted to touch base.

Just so you know.

 

Tough times mean God is near.

 

It's nice to meet you!

[I'll close with this:]

I met someone last year. I came to love him in so many ways.

He was a substitute teacher at the time and lately God is speaking so much to me about "being a substitute". When I met him I had no idea what God would do or even if God was in it but I do know that God does use every single situation - for the good - to those who love Him and in this case, this substitute, was my blessing.

For months he shared his experiences in the classroom with me and I was part of  his life when he got his first full time teaching position. For the most part during that period I knew God was calling me to teach but I wasn't completely persuaded. Spending time with this person helped me to grow in so many ways and here I am a year later - a substitute teacher pursuing my licensure.

The story is long and I don't really feel the need to share all of the details but he and I are no longer friends really, at least, I think that's what I'm supposed to think - or receive - and too it's probably for the best. My first thoughts at the irony of "being a substitute" reflected on him and how I was a "substitute" in his life to the woman he truly desired. To other friends that he would keep, maintain. I was a momentary replacement for someone else who would "get the job". That saddened me. It hurt my heart. But God has recently had a talk with me about this...

Last week I taught my first class. Me. A substitute teacher. To some the job may seem like nothing but to me it means the world because I can see God moving in my life where I've never seen Him before and I feel this incredible desire to learn more than I ever have.   

When I got home from teaching last week all I could think about was how I affected each child that day. Every action. Every remark. Every helpful hint or tactic I used. Everything went through my mind. I remember falling asleep that night thinking of how I could do better the following day. I kept thinking of the time I had with them and how to use it wisely. When I teach I am learning and eventually I will be pursuing a job so this experience is amazing but what I can't seem to get past is how being in the classroom reminds me that there is more to life than "me". Then I think of God and I think of how He has more planned for me than I have planned for myself and once again - He's proving that to me.

What I think God is showing me is that at some time in our lives we're all substitutes. We are all part of a "temporary" plan that we take part of briefly and then we move on ahead in another direction. At first glimpse I think the heart, my heart especially, desires to embrace what is temporary when it simply cannot stay. That's painful. That pain is something we've all experienced but I think what God is showing me and what I am learning as I teach, as I clearly understand that I am a "substitute" - is that sometimes the moments are "brief" but the important thing to do is to fill that spot, fill that absence, with 100% of everything you have inside of you. Then at the end of the day when that task is over you move on not feeling temporary. You move on feeling content that you made a difference somehow and in some way and you keep on trying to do better each time.

Our walk with God is much like becoming a teacher. There is much to learn. There is much to teach. Like students, so many people will pass in and out of our lives - quickly - and the moments we spend teaching and learning - together - can be fleeting or forever. We can choose to be a substitute - a person who temporarily takes place in someones life who leaves an imprint on their heart, mind and walk or a person who temporarily takes place in someones life and wastes the call, gifts and time that God has given.

I'll close with this:

When I met my friend I met a substitute and then I became one. No matter how it played out or what happened or how negative or positive it was being a substitute is NEVER a bad thing. Being a part of someone's life even if for a moment - in my opinion is a gift given by the hand of God and for those brief moments, those temporary seasons, I am thankful.

HE can heal your hurt and replace those negative emotions with something that will be positive for you and everyone around you.

He already has.

It is positive if you look close enough.

 

Still praying for you sister. Remember that Gods will may or may not be what you think it is. The Lord will place you right where you are supposed to be for the purpose He has for you.

Amen. Like your signature says, "Doing my best to just follow....."

I called them on Friday - they've postponed the decisions until end of next week. Your continued prayers are appreciated.

 

I agree that satan will use anything of this nature to attempt to further his plan. Praise God we know the final outcome.

Amen.

ahh tell me more about strength....

Ok. Im back.

This makes me so sad. Do you see satan all over this? I mean. I haven't researched what Mel said but I definitely continue to see the attach he's come under for making an AMAZING film. I think people who don't believe in Christ have this really sad desire to see Christians fail or fall. When they mention Mel's "true self" as support for tearing down the film again it just made my heart hurt. I'm not even sure what else to say right now....

My heart just aches for the this world we live in.

so. read this.

Gibson arrest sparks new accusations of anti-Semitism Sun Jul 30, 1:59 PM ET
 


The arrest of Mel Gibson for drunk driving prompted renewed accusations on Sunday that the Oscar-winning director and actor harbored anti-Semitic feelings.

Gibson, whose controversial 2004 film "The Passion of the Christ" was a major hit, was arrested in the early hours of Friday morning for allegedly driving his 2006 Lexus at 87 mph (140 kph) along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, the beach town north of Los Angeles.

Celebrity Web site TMZ.com posted portions of what it called the arresting deputy's original report, which said Gibson was abusive, shouted anti-Jewish slurs and boasted that he "owned Malibu."

The TMZ report quoted Gibson as saying, "F..... Jews. The Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world." He then asked the deputy, "Are you a Jew?"

Gibson issued a statement on Saturday in which he apologized for driving while drunk and for his "belligerent behavior" toward the Los Angeles County deputy sheriffs who arrested him.

In his statement the 50-year-old actor said he has "battled with the disease of alcoholism for all of my adult life and profoundly regret my horrific relapse."

He added: "I acted like a person completely out of control when I was arrested, and said things that I do not believe to be true and which are despicable."

The Anti-Defamation League said in a statement on Sunday that Gibson's response was "unremorseful and insufficient" and that his tirade "finally reveals his true self."

Many Jews and others were upset that "The Passion of the Christ" revived ancient Christian accusations that Jews bore responsibility for Jesus' death.

"It's not a proper apology because it does not go to the essence of his bigotry and his anti-Semitism," said ADL national director Abraham Foxman.

"We would hope that Hollywood now would realize the bigot in their midst and that they will distance themselves from this anti-Semite," he said.

The Los Angeles Times reported on Sunday that a civilian committee overseeing the sheriff's department would investigate whether officers tried to cover up Gibson's behavior and statements to save the star from embarrassment.

Gibson rocketed to fame in the late 1970s in the movie "Mad Max" and scored huge box office hits playing a cop in the "Lethal Weapon" movies.

In 1995, he acted in and directed "Braveheart," about 13th century Scottish rebel William Wallace. The movie earned 10 Oscar nominations and won five of the top film awards, including directing for Gibson and best picture of the year.

Thoughts?
I'll be right back to comment after I puke.

Tell me what you "WERE" gonna do on the date - then tell me about the sermon.

*my throat hurts bah!*

We (I) are doing better, now we know you are okay.  

Awww. That is so kind.

 

Now, I'm wondering where you guys are?

Nashvegas TN

 

It is very unsettling and painful. I've began having lower back pain again and that makes me anxious. I haven't been able to be checked since losing my insurance in April. I try not to think about it but when familiar pains hit so does the fear and anxiety that satan loves to plague me with. Lately I've become a little down about being single - and not being a mother - with that desire so deeply rooted in my heart. It's tough.