The Gospel...and Moving to a New Apartment

I know some might say the two things mentioned in the title are unrelated. And I would have thought the same only a few months ago. However, one of the most important things I've learned recently at my church is that everything (Did you get that? Everything.) comes back to the Gospel. So as I have tried to keep this Truth forefront in my mind, I started trying to list specific ways I can see the Gospel in moving to a new apartment.

So here's what I came up with.

1. Moving reminds me of a need for dependence on others.
The Gospel is the news that we must trust completely in the person of Jesus Christ for our salvation.

2. Moving reminds me that this life is temporary and transitory.
The Gospel is eternal and Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

3. Moving shows me how much junk I really have and its insignificance in light of eternity.
The Gospel has given me forgiveness and an eternal inheritance according the riches of grace through Jesus.

4. Moving reminds of my physical weaknesses.
The Gospel is the means of redemption for both my soul and body, and I will one day have a glorified body (and no back pain!).

5. Moving reveals my sinfulness and continuing need for sanctification.
The Gospel gives me assurance that He who began a good work in me will complete it.

I hope this has been as much a blessing to you as it was to me. And I challenge you to keep your focus on the Gospel... no matter how unrelated your circumstances might seem.

Mighty is the Power of the Cross

What can take a dying man
And raise him up to life again?
What can heal the wounded soul?
What can make us white as snow?
What can fill the emptiness?
What can mend our brokenness? Brokenness

Verse 2:
What restores our faith in God?
What reveals the Father's love?
What can lead the wayward home?
What can melt a heart of stone?
What can free the guilty ones?
What can save and overcome? Overcome

Chorus:
Mighty, awesome, wonderful
Is the Holy cross.
Where the Lamb lay down His life
To lift us from the fall.
Mighty is the power of the cross.


It's a miracle to me
It's a miracle to me
It's still a mystery
And it's still a mystery
It's a miracle to me
The power of God to
Those who believe


Thank You for the cross.

lyrics by Chris Tomlin

A Veritable Feast

In the last few months I've been confronted with so much Truth at my new church. And while I feel that my mind is nearly full with these truths to chew on, thankfully by God's grace I find that the opposite is true of my heart: it is not at all full enough and hungers for so much more. As a result, I believe I am finally beginning to grasp a deeper significance to the psalmist's imperative to "taste and see that the Lord is good," for God's Word when rightly handled is a veritable feast.

But not only do I better understand what David means in savoring God's goodness, but I also understand even more why he makes this statement. Someone who has tasted something superbly satisfying can't help but tell others about it so that they too can partake for themselves!
Again because of His grace, now more than ever I want to share what I'm learning, not just in an academic sense, but more importantly to share how it is truly making a difference in the way I think and ultimately act.

So for those who have already tasted the Truths of the Gospel, may you be reminded of the wonderful satisfaction and joy they bring and continue to relish them. And for those who have yet to sample what God offers at His table, please, I invite you along with the psalmist to "taste and see that the Lord is good!"

Musings

So, it has been so long since I've written a post, I doubt anyone I know will even read this for a while. However, I have been wanting to begin blogging again more regularly, and now is as good a time as any. The trouble for me has always been knowing what to write about because I can't seem to decide on a purpose for my blog. I suppose it doesn't have to be just one purpose so that could make it easier.
Another reason I find it hard to write is because I don't want to "reinvent the wheel" so to speak when writing about certain topics. So many others are better writers and more informed, which makes me to wonder, "what can I add?" I know that shouldn't keep me from writing, but sadly it has to this point.
One thing too that I've realized is that I should use the education I was so blessed to receive and that means taking opportunities to write.

So with that said, there will be more to come soon.

Lost Pensieve

If you are a journal writer, one of the reasons you do this is to help you to remember specific events, feelings, and thoughts as you go through life.
So irony of ironies, this object that's used to help people remember, I forgot about and left it on the chairs at the Columbus airport last week. For those who are avid journal writers, you'll feel my pain and sense of loss. The comparison that keeps coming to mind is Rowling's description of a pensieve--an object used by Dumbledore to store important memories and thoughts. Imagine seeing that crash to the ground to break into pieces before Harry could see the oh so important memories he needed to witness to truly understand his role at the end of this saga. Now, admittedly, my memories are not so vital to others, but you'll recognize that they are obviously important and personal to me. However, they are at this point lost for good. Sigh. If only I had a journal in which to write about this experience.

National Poetry Month 2008

As Kingfishers Catch Fire, Dragonflies Draw Flame
by Gerard Manley Hopkins

As kingfishers catch fire, dragonflies dráw fláme;
As tumbled over rim in roundy wells
Stones ring; like each tucked string tells, each hung bell’s
Bow swung finds tongue to fling out broad its name;
Each mortal thing does one thing and the same:
Deals out that being indoors each one dwells;
Selves—goes itself; myself it speaks and spells,
Crying Whát I do is me: for that I came.

Í say móre: the just man justices;
Kéeps gráce: thát keeps all his goings graces;
Acts in God’s eye what in God’s eye he is—
Chríst—for Christ plays in ten thousand places,
Lovely in limbs, and lovely in eyes not his
To the Father through the features of men’s faces.

Happy Birthday to the Bard

I cannot say it better than Ben Jonson.

"He was not of an age, but for all time."



We are studying Merchant of Venice in 8th grade right now.
Below is one of my favorite passages from the play.

The quality of mercy is not strain'd,
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest:
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.
'T is mightiest in the mightiest: it becomes
The throned monarch better than his crown;
His sceptre shows the force of temporal power,
The attribute to awe and majesty,
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings;
But mercy is above this sceptred sway,
It is enthroned in the hearts of kings,
It is an attribute to God himself;
And earthly power doth then show likest God's,
When mercy seasons justice. Therefore, Jew,
Though justice be thy plea, consider this,
That in the course of justice none of us
Should see salvation: we do pray for mercy;
And that same prayer doth teach us all to render
The deeds of mercy.
~Portia, Act 4.1

Hymn Meditations

Pass me not, O gentle Savior,
hear my humble cry;
while on others thou art calling,
do not pass me by.

Let me at thy throne of mercy
find a sweet relief,
kneeling there in deep contrition;
help my unbelief.

Trusting only in thy merit,
would I seek thy face;
heal my wounded, broken spirit,
save me by thy grace.

Thou the spring of all my comfort,
more than life to me,
whom have I on earth beside thee?
Whom in heaven but thee?

Refrain
Savior, Savior, hear my humble cry;
while on others thou art calling,
do not pass me by.

Words by Fanny J. Crosby, 1868

Poem

Introduction to Poetry
by Billy Collins

I ask them to take a poem
and hold it up to the light
like a color slide

or press an ear against its hive.

I say drop a mouse into a poem
and watch him probe his way out,

or walk inside the poem's room
and feel the walls for a light switch.

I want them to waterski
across the surface of a poem
waving at the author's name on the shore.

But all they want to do
is tie the poem to a chair with rope
and torture a confession out of it.

They begin beating it with a hose
to find out what it really means.

Celebrating Poetry and its Inspiration

Pied Beauty
by Gerard Manley Hopkins
Glory be to God for dappled things-- For skies of couple-colour as a brinded cow; For rose-moles all in stipple upon trout that swim; Fresh-firecoal chestnut-falls; finches' wings; Landscape plotted and pieced--fold, fallow, and plough; And all trades, their gear and tackle and trim. All things counter, original, spare, strange; Whatever is fickle, freckled (who knows how?) With swift, slow; sweet, sour; adazzle, dim; He fathers-forth whose beauty is past change: Praise Him.

An original Haiku

high stacks of papers
red pens running out of ink
ready for a break

New wheels for GRMR RLZ

Well, if you're interested, here are the promised pictures of my new car--a 2002 Ford Escape.
I'm thankful that the Lord provided not only a car in my price range but also the kind I really wanted. I'm certainly looking forward to making some trips, hopefully soon.

Making changes

"People are always saying that change is a good thing, but what they really mean is that the thing that they didn't want to happen has happened." You've Got Mail

Change is a word that describes my life very well right now. I am thinking about changing jobs; I'm changing cars; I'm hoping to change addresses this summer; and I've changed my cell phone number. (I'll be emailing all those who I know will want the new number, but I wanted to draw your attention to it in this post in case you don't see the email or read this first.)

I'm facing some big decisions, and I am trying not to lean on my own understanding, but it sure is hard sometimes. I'm thankful, however, in all of this change and uncertainty, that I know One who never changes. He is always the same.

Blessings, Basketball, and Birthdays

Well, to start I want to say how grateful I am to have such wonderful friends and family. I have felt loved and appreciated by so many this year. As for the reference to basketball, I was able to go with several of my students and players from my team to an ODU girls' game today. It was lots of fun and a good memory for a birthday.

Finally, I would like to wish two special people a very Happy Birthday today.

My grandmother had a birthday today too. I love being able to share a birthday with her. Sadly, she lives in TX so we usually can't share it in person. She is the sweetest lady and a wonderful grandmother. I love you, Mema!

The other birthday wish is for my dear friend Sommer. I wish her many blessings in the coming year. Happy Birthday, Friend! I miss you!

Aging...almost gracefully

I saw this quote and wanted to share it, partly because I love Lucy and partly because getting older has been on my mind a bit more as the end of this month approaches.

The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age. Lucille Ball

I doubt I'm the only one who becomes introspective because of birthdays. This year's isn't a milestone by any means, yet it does bring me that much closer to one. So I start dwelling on the choices I've made and, of course, on my future plans too. Am I where I expected I'd be at this point in my life? To be honest, no, but then again my ways are not His ways. I have realized though more so than ever how precious time is. The years do go by faster as you get older.

So here's to birthdays and the reminder that they bring.

A Presidential Respite

I've never been more thankful that Washington and Lincoln were born in February. We have Monday off for President's day, and I am so excited that I'll be able to sleep in! It is that point in the school year where the students (AND teachers) are so weary of school but spring break is still a month a way, which of course feels like it's a year away. Thankfully we have this weekend to catch up a bit in order to stick it out until April.

Not only will we have a break on Monday, but after tomorrow I'll be done with basketball season. Yes, of course I love coaching but having back my Saturdays and afternoons will be nice. Things have been hard to juggle.

To celebrate this new freedom in my schedule I'm going car shopping. The one I've been driving has finally started giving out. I could put more money in it and keep it on the road, but I'd rather just put the money toward a newer car with fewer problems to worry about. So be looking for pictures of my new ride sometime in the near future.

Happy President's Day! I know I'm happy!

Hymn Meditations

I Could Not Do Without Thee
Frances Havergal, 1873

I could not do without Thee
O Savior of the lost,
Whose precious blood redeemed me
At such tremendous cost.
Thy righteousness, thy pardon
Thy precious blood, must be
My only hope and comfort,
My glory and my plea.

I could not do without Thee,
I cannot stand alone,
I have no strength or goodness,
No wisdom of my own;
But Thou, beloved Savior,
Art all in all to me,
And weakness will be power
If leaning hard on Thee.

I could not do without Thee,
For, oh, the way is long,
And I am often weary,
And sigh replaces song:
How could I do without Thee?
I do not know the way;
Thou knowest, and Thou leadest,
And wilt not let me stray.

I could not do without Thee,
O Jesus, Savior dear;
E’en when my eyes are holden,
I know that Thou art near.
How dreary and how lonely
This changeful life would be,
Without the sweet communion,
The secret rest with Thee!

I could not do without Thee;
No other friend can read
The spirit’s strange deep longings,
Interpreting its need;
No human heart could enter
Each dim recess of mine,
And soothe, and hush, and calm it,
O blessèd Lord, but Thine.

I could not do without Thee,
For years are fleeting fast,
And soon in solemn loneness
The river must be passed;
But Thou wilt never leave me,
And though the waves roll high,
I know Thou wilt be near me,
And whisper, “It is I.”

Hymn Meditations

Jesus! I am Resting, Resting

Jesus! I am resting, resting
In the joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of Thy loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee,
And Thy beauty fills my soul,
For, by Thy transforming power,
Thou hast made me whole.

Jesus! I am resting, resting
In the joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of Thy loving heart.

Oh, how great Thy loving kindness,
Vaster, broader than the sea:
Oh, how marvelous Thy goodness,
Lavished all on me!
Yes, I rest in Thee, Beloved,
Know what wealth of grace is Thine,
Know Thy certainty of promise,
And have made it mine.

Simply trusting Thee, Lord Jesus,
I behold Thee as Thou art,
And Thy love, so pure, so changeless,
Satisfies my heart,
Satisfies its deepest longings,
Meets, supplies its every need,
Compasseth me round with blessings,
Thine is love indeed.

Ever lift Thy face upon me,
As I work and wait for Thee;
Resting 'neath Thy smile, Lord Jesus,
Earth's dark shadows flee.
Brightness of my Father's glory,
Sunshine of my Father's face,
Keep me ever trusting, resting,
Fill me with Thy grace.

...And I'm back.

I've been planning to post for some time now, but other things (well, life in general) keep coming up and before I know it, it's late and another day has passed. I'll admit too that often I don't know what to share on my blog so rather than ramble on about the mundane I don't write at all. I should probably come up with a purpose statement or something, but that would involve more time than I have at the moment.

All that said, in this post I'm still only going to write about the mundane to update my faithful readers of what I've been doing over the last few months.

The holidays went by in a blur, especially as I realize today starts the last full week of January. Most of my break was spent traveling or going to weddings, as you'll see from the list below.

• Dec. 15 School vacation begins
• Dec. 16 Drive to and from DC for a friend's wedding
• Dec. 18 Fly to TX to visit with extended family for Christmas
• Dec. 23 Cousin in TX gets married
• Dec. 28-29 Drive back from TX to VA with family
• Jan. 3 Return to school

The 2nd quarter ended Friday which means grades are due soon. I gave my first high school French exam last week. I was as nervous as the students, I think. Teaching French has been much harder than I thought it would be.

Basketball season has officially started for me as well. We lost our first two games, but won our most recent; I think we have a good chance of winning a few more too. I only have 7 girls again this year, some of which are far less experienced than players I have had in the past.

One last update, my best friend is now a mom, which makes me a proud aunt (pronounced like ant if you're from the south like me). Here's one picture of my "nephew" Keagan Burns, the first of many.

This Day in History

Today in 1512, Michelangelo finished his masterpiece on the Sistine Chapel ceiling. Italy is the next place on my list of places to visit.