It has been some time since I posted last. I wouldn't say I have been too busy to post, but I just have not been inspired to write about the wonderful things happening in my life. Student teaching continues to be a blessing and one of the best experiences of my life. I love my students and will miss them dearly when I leave next month. However, I am starting to itch for the next chapter of life. God has been so good to me, and I look forward to what He is in store for me next.
While student teaching has been quite an adventure, I have been thinking a lot about the way God knows just what I need when I need it. The day I was given my student teaching assignment was exciting to me. The Lord not only provided a position, but He placed me where I would have a proper living arrangement as well as transportation. I have already blogged about loving my independence. It truly is a joy to cook for myself, keep the place clean, and just go about my business in my own little loft. Lately I have been alone more often in the loft, but it allows me to get several things on the to do list done. I have even had days when I could shopping by myself and just take care of my needs. All of this has taught me a lot about myself and I am so thankful for the experience.
It is true that independence is wonderful, but I am by no means a loner. God knows just when to put the people I need into my life. This past weekend is a perfect example. I did not have the best day at school on Friday, so my only saving grace was knowing my parents were arriving for a visit. This past weekend with them has been much needed and so refreshing. At first, I wanted them to come over spring break, but it worked out better for them to come for my birthday weekend. I am glad God knows what I need instead of giving me what I want. I have also been experiencing some family health crises of sorts. It kills me not to be there with my family when these things happen, but thanks to technology, I can stay informed and still be an encouragement to my loved ones.
The network of people I have been surrounded by have been so vital to my enjoyment here. The support of my church family down here, fellow teachers and host family provide me encouragement. Some days are rough, but with so many people in my corner, I rarely feel like I have a bad day. I also enjoy talking to good friends back at home or at school who encourage me and I them. God has brought me so many blessings simply by where He has placed me. I just feel like I needed to share that. Independence is a wonderful thing, but without the body of Christ, there would be little joy in life!
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Week 1
I don't know if I will be able to update every week, but I thought I would at least give one update while I still can. Student teaching has been a wonderful chapter in my life. I honestly feel like this is Life 101 which I must say has been my favorite class in college so far. I always wished my school offered an apartment option like other universities, and this week it hit me that my wish came true.
So about one week ago, my friend, Ashley, and I arrived at my new temporary home. At first the reality hit me like a ton of bricks, and I felt anxious and little lonely in a new place. After settling into my loft and talking with my host family, I quickly began to feel right at home. The loft is awesome! I have a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living room. I also enjoy being able to pop in on the family when I need to, and Ashley lives nearby. She comes over often, so we can encourage each other. It has also been wonderful catching up with Olivia. She is part of my host family and we used to go to college together.
The school I am teaching at is really nice. The faculty are friendly, and I like my students. I am really looking forward to having the opportunity to teach. Some of the work appears to be overwhelming, but I am taking it a day at a time. My host teacher is helpful, so I think the experience will be a good one.
Honestly my new routine feels more familiar than college ever did. I get up around the same time I did in high school. I make my breakfast and watch the Today show in the morning. I love being able to keep up with the news again. After school, I do my paperwork and eventually make dinner. I usually watch tv and get my lunch ready for the next day. I am trying not to be a tv junkie, but a little familiar noise just makes the place feel more homely. I really feel like an adult now that I make most of my own decisions and live more independently. I am still surrounded by godly people who have helped me feel like I am at home. Among everything, I have learned some about flexibility and the surprises life throws at you, but overall it is awesome. I am guessing this experience will fly by, but I am enjoying it for the time being. Well back to the Super Bowl. Though I am not exactly happy with the turn out, at least the Steelers did not make it again this year. Also the Ryan Lochte Olympic commercial reminds me that the London 12 is upon us, so what is not to love?
So about one week ago, my friend, Ashley, and I arrived at my new temporary home. At first the reality hit me like a ton of bricks, and I felt anxious and little lonely in a new place. After settling into my loft and talking with my host family, I quickly began to feel right at home. The loft is awesome! I have a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living room. I also enjoy being able to pop in on the family when I need to, and Ashley lives nearby. She comes over often, so we can encourage each other. It has also been wonderful catching up with Olivia. She is part of my host family and we used to go to college together.
The school I am teaching at is really nice. The faculty are friendly, and I like my students. I am really looking forward to having the opportunity to teach. Some of the work appears to be overwhelming, but I am taking it a day at a time. My host teacher is helpful, so I think the experience will be a good one.
Honestly my new routine feels more familiar than college ever did. I get up around the same time I did in high school. I make my breakfast and watch the Today show in the morning. I love being able to keep up with the news again. After school, I do my paperwork and eventually make dinner. I usually watch tv and get my lunch ready for the next day. I am trying not to be a tv junkie, but a little familiar noise just makes the place feel more homely. I really feel like an adult now that I make most of my own decisions and live more independently. I am still surrounded by godly people who have helped me feel like I am at home. Among everything, I have learned some about flexibility and the surprises life throws at you, but overall it is awesome. I am guessing this experience will fly by, but I am enjoying it for the time being. Well back to the Super Bowl. Though I am not exactly happy with the turn out, at least the Steelers did not make it again this year. Also the Ryan Lochte Olympic commercial reminds me that the London 12 is upon us, so what is not to love?
Friday, January 27, 2012
What a Week!
So my week started on Sunday with a very sad loss on behalf of my Baltimore Ravens. Disappointing as it was, the boys had a great season from my perspective. A Super Bowl win would have been awesome, but sorry to all you Steeler fans out there, I was pretty happy about the sweep. Writing this paragraph made me realize I have finally gotten over the loss against the Patriots. After all it is only a game, yaddi yaddi ya. ;-)
In other news, this was also the week of goodbyes. Goodbye to my second church family, Sunday School class, AWANA Cubbies, professors, roommate, college friends, etc etc. I am also realizing that I only have one more week until it is goodbye for the foreseeable future. However, I realized that goodbye is not always such a bad thing. You see the reason goodbyes hurt so much is that I genuinely love these people around me. What's more, they love me too (well some of them anyway, hehe.) To love and be loved is a wonderful gift, and goodbyes are a reminder of this.
I really cannot be too down in the dumps. The truth is that my goodbyes are for naught. I am heading into a brand new adventure. Student Teaching! Yes, I am nervous, excited, and a lot of things in between, but I am so ready for this challenge. The Lord has already taught me so much these past three weeks - I can't even imagine what I have to learn and discover these next 3 months.
So yes, this week had its up and downs, but I am ready to move on. The pain reminds me there is love, and I know the Lord is on my side. Really, what more do I need? So here's to an exciting journey ahead!
In other news, this was also the week of goodbyes. Goodbye to my second church family, Sunday School class, AWANA Cubbies, professors, roommate, college friends, etc etc. I am also realizing that I only have one more week until it is goodbye for the foreseeable future. However, I realized that goodbye is not always such a bad thing. You see the reason goodbyes hurt so much is that I genuinely love these people around me. What's more, they love me too (well some of them anyway, hehe.) To love and be loved is a wonderful gift, and goodbyes are a reminder of this.
I really cannot be too down in the dumps. The truth is that my goodbyes are for naught. I am heading into a brand new adventure. Student Teaching! Yes, I am nervous, excited, and a lot of things in between, but I am so ready for this challenge. The Lord has already taught me so much these past three weeks - I can't even imagine what I have to learn and discover these next 3 months.
So yes, this week had its up and downs, but I am ready to move on. The pain reminds me there is love, and I know the Lord is on my side. Really, what more do I need? So here's to an exciting journey ahead!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
According to His Purpose....
I have been deliberating over whether or not I should post about what a wonderful year 2011 was. For the record, it served as a glorious year. I made it through my junior year of college, made some good friends, my best friend got married, enjoyed a great summer learning new things, and my first semester of senior year turned out great. I really could go on and on about 2011, but looking forward to 2012 is what is on my mind.
So if anyone does not know, I am back at college for my last semester. The plan is graduate with a bachelors in elementary education. This means student teaching!!!! So originally I was totally excited about this....I mean this is what I have been waiting 4 years for. Don't get me wrong, I am still excited about it, but the reality is sinking in.
I am going to be teaching 25 5th graders, coming up with the lesson plans, and putting them into action. Obviously I knew this day was coming, but now that it is here, I have become a tad anxious. The last few days of break felt like torture as I contemplated all that could go wrong. My biggest fear is disappointing all those who have invested in my time at college. I want to make them proud, so the pressure is on. I have also been dreading the financial situation as well.
Today the Lord said, "Meghan, this is ridiculous, you need to stop this worry." I knew it was wrong to stress out like this all along, but we all need a kick in the pants sometimes. First of all, I paid my school bill today, and it went a lot better than I was expecting. I still have to be a good steward of my money, but there is no doubt in my mind I am blessed. Sure I have college debt to pay off after graduation, but it could be so much worse. God is great! As far as school stress goes, God gave me Romans 8:28.
"And we know that all things work together for good, to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purposes."
Wow! Here God is already providing my every need. The Lord has helped me through each and every semester. I have a great support system through family, friends, church and school. There is no doubt in my mind that this is my calling. Then why, oh why, should I worry? I may fail at times, and I may have days that are not easy. That does not mean I should walk around with a dark cloud hanging over my head. God has said it will work out for His glory because I have been called according to His purposes.
This new perspective has cheered my spirits immensely. I am still nervous and have uncertainties, but once again I feel excited to set out on this brand new adventure. So farewell 2011, I shared many sweet memories, but now it is time to say welcome 2012....with the help of the Lord, I am ready for you and all you have to offer!
So if anyone does not know, I am back at college for my last semester. The plan is graduate with a bachelors in elementary education. This means student teaching!!!! So originally I was totally excited about this....I mean this is what I have been waiting 4 years for. Don't get me wrong, I am still excited about it, but the reality is sinking in.
I am going to be teaching 25 5th graders, coming up with the lesson plans, and putting them into action. Obviously I knew this day was coming, but now that it is here, I have become a tad anxious. The last few days of break felt like torture as I contemplated all that could go wrong. My biggest fear is disappointing all those who have invested in my time at college. I want to make them proud, so the pressure is on. I have also been dreading the financial situation as well.
Today the Lord said, "Meghan, this is ridiculous, you need to stop this worry." I knew it was wrong to stress out like this all along, but we all need a kick in the pants sometimes. First of all, I paid my school bill today, and it went a lot better than I was expecting. I still have to be a good steward of my money, but there is no doubt in my mind I am blessed. Sure I have college debt to pay off after graduation, but it could be so much worse. God is great! As far as school stress goes, God gave me Romans 8:28.
"And we know that all things work together for good, to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purposes."
Wow! Here God is already providing my every need. The Lord has helped me through each and every semester. I have a great support system through family, friends, church and school. There is no doubt in my mind that this is my calling. Then why, oh why, should I worry? I may fail at times, and I may have days that are not easy. That does not mean I should walk around with a dark cloud hanging over my head. God has said it will work out for His glory because I have been called according to His purposes.
This new perspective has cheered my spirits immensely. I am still nervous and have uncertainties, but once again I feel excited to set out on this brand new adventure. So farewell 2011, I shared many sweet memories, but now it is time to say welcome 2012....with the help of the Lord, I am ready for you and all you have to offer!
Friday, December 9, 2011
Weeping and Laughing
"Blessed are ye that weep now, for ye shall laugh."
~ Luke 6:21
Life can be down right scary sometimes. So many things of this world surround us with uncertainty. Sometimes our problem is as small as how will my exam go today? Then there are the much bigger problems like will this be my loved one's last breath? No matter what your problem is, it can bring stress, tears, silence, anxiety and many other problems.
Yes, these are the times when life is hard, but these are also the times so well needed. When life flows easily along, Christians can get too comfortable. We forget the reason that we woke up breathing this morning was become God allowed us too. The Lord is always by our side, but I know I forget this often. Then my pain comes and I suddenly remember He is there.
I am so thankful He is always there, even when to my shame I forget. Maybe I am weeping now, but in His goodness, He tells me I will laugh again. Me, the person who wakes up morning after morning, breathing because He let me, and I forget He is always there. Every time I say a bad word, think a mean thought, do an evil deed, God is right there watching sadly, yet when I am sad, He has promised I will laugh again.
When bad things happen, the struggle of how could a loving God comes into play. How can I really play that card though? I disappoint Him every day with my bad attitudes...my sin, and He still loves me that much to forgive me and constantly unconditionally love me. Though situations may not turn out as I want them too, I stand amazed at the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. Just when you think that no hope remains, He gives us some in a way that only He can. His grace is all sufficient, and His love never ending.
What a truly awesome God we serve! I know I certainly do not deserve His compassion for me.
~ Luke 6:21
Life can be down right scary sometimes. So many things of this world surround us with uncertainty. Sometimes our problem is as small as how will my exam go today? Then there are the much bigger problems like will this be my loved one's last breath? No matter what your problem is, it can bring stress, tears, silence, anxiety and many other problems.
Yes, these are the times when life is hard, but these are also the times so well needed. When life flows easily along, Christians can get too comfortable. We forget the reason that we woke up breathing this morning was become God allowed us too. The Lord is always by our side, but I know I forget this often. Then my pain comes and I suddenly remember He is there.
I am so thankful He is always there, even when to my shame I forget. Maybe I am weeping now, but in His goodness, He tells me I will laugh again. Me, the person who wakes up morning after morning, breathing because He let me, and I forget He is always there. Every time I say a bad word, think a mean thought, do an evil deed, God is right there watching sadly, yet when I am sad, He has promised I will laugh again.
When bad things happen, the struggle of how could a loving God comes into play. How can I really play that card though? I disappoint Him every day with my bad attitudes...my sin, and He still loves me that much to forgive me and constantly unconditionally love me. Though situations may not turn out as I want them too, I stand amazed at the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. Just when you think that no hope remains, He gives us some in a way that only He can. His grace is all sufficient, and His love never ending.
What a truly awesome God we serve! I know I certainly do not deserve His compassion for me.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Balance
Balance is one of those things that has never come easy to me. I am clumsy by nature, so things like riding a bike, walking on the little balance beam in gym class and other such things have taken me longer than my peers. Really, it is something to look back and laugh on, but the kind of balance I am really talking about is not so easily acquired.
These college years have been great, but boy have I learned a thing or two about balance. There's homework, Christian service, school activities, work, classes, new friends, the list just goes on and on, but then there's that keeping in touch with those you left behind. I knew coming in that some people were going to move on with their life and we would just lose touch as happened with some childhood friends. It is the wheel of the world so to speak, but I had the list of friends I wanted to remain close with.
Then it happens, career opportunities, college for some, new friends, and the infamous significant other. It just messes the balance of things up all over again. I have struggled with trying to find my place with those special people in my life after the wild shuffle. With some it was a rocky start, but we made it work, with others it was more painful.
Then I start the pity party. I feel bad for myself. Jealousy and bitterness began choking me like a weed. Of course I blamed it on the other party and acted as if I would be fine if only some attention were brought to myself. I finally threw my hands in the air, and said so be it, this is life, I am moving on and not looking back.
This has happened before. People come and people go, life moves on, I find a new balance and everything is okay again. This time things were different. This time I was letting my emotions get the better of me, and I had no peace. Finally the Lord intervened. I know He has been working on me for a long time, but it came to the point where the rubber meets the road.
When I reached the end of the rope, I had a friend who reminded me that the Lord has never given up on me. Sure I turn my back on Him many times....maybe even a day with my sin, yet He still loves me. She was right, I am so glad that the Lord does not give up on me. This stuck with me, and so did the chapel message that day, an e-mail from my aunt, a phone call with another friend and my mom. The Lord spoke and I knew I needed to seek forgiveness. To restore the balance.
I picture myself on a seesaw. Here, I pile things up and I sink lower and lower. All I want is for things to balance out on my terms, but this is not how life works. I need to let go of what I want. Give my burdens to the Lord, and balance will be restored as He sees fit.
Life is not about me, it's about others.My selfish wants weigh me down, but letting go lifts me to the level where I can care about others. So today, though I feel awful with a cold, I felt like a new person. Burdens have been lifted, and the balance is restored. There is still room for healing, but I am no longer weighed down. I look forward to new beginnings and wonderful things to come. :)
These college years have been great, but boy have I learned a thing or two about balance. There's homework, Christian service, school activities, work, classes, new friends, the list just goes on and on, but then there's that keeping in touch with those you left behind. I knew coming in that some people were going to move on with their life and we would just lose touch as happened with some childhood friends. It is the wheel of the world so to speak, but I had the list of friends I wanted to remain close with.
Then it happens, career opportunities, college for some, new friends, and the infamous significant other. It just messes the balance of things up all over again. I have struggled with trying to find my place with those special people in my life after the wild shuffle. With some it was a rocky start, but we made it work, with others it was more painful.
Then I start the pity party. I feel bad for myself. Jealousy and bitterness began choking me like a weed. Of course I blamed it on the other party and acted as if I would be fine if only some attention were brought to myself. I finally threw my hands in the air, and said so be it, this is life, I am moving on and not looking back.
This has happened before. People come and people go, life moves on, I find a new balance and everything is okay again. This time things were different. This time I was letting my emotions get the better of me, and I had no peace. Finally the Lord intervened. I know He has been working on me for a long time, but it came to the point where the rubber meets the road.
When I reached the end of the rope, I had a friend who reminded me that the Lord has never given up on me. Sure I turn my back on Him many times....maybe even a day with my sin, yet He still loves me. She was right, I am so glad that the Lord does not give up on me. This stuck with me, and so did the chapel message that day, an e-mail from my aunt, a phone call with another friend and my mom. The Lord spoke and I knew I needed to seek forgiveness. To restore the balance.
I picture myself on a seesaw. Here, I pile things up and I sink lower and lower. All I want is for things to balance out on my terms, but this is not how life works. I need to let go of what I want. Give my burdens to the Lord, and balance will be restored as He sees fit.
Life is not about me, it's about others.My selfish wants weigh me down, but letting go lifts me to the level where I can care about others. So today, though I feel awful with a cold, I felt like a new person. Burdens have been lifted, and the balance is restored. There is still room for healing, but I am no longer weighed down. I look forward to new beginnings and wonderful things to come. :)
Monday, October 17, 2011
Senior Year...What?
So this week I have been reflecting on my college career. It is going by much too fast, and I have finished the first quarter of senior year. Between projects, holidays and breaks, I will be back for second semester student teaching before I know it. God has been so good as always through this semester. He has given me strength to stay diligent and has provided new and exciting opportunities. I am just loving senior year!
As far as student teaching goes, right now I know I will be teaching at Wood County Christian School in the 6th grade - yikes! I always imagined myself teaching 2nd grade or below, but I'll roll with it. Everything else about the experience has been orchestrated so nicely, so I believe that God will be with me for this new challenge. The unknown actually has me quite excited which is much better than stress. I am excited to be living with a family I know of in their loft. The mother of the family works at the school so my ride is provided. I am really looking forward to updating about this experience once it arrives.
School has been amazing like I said. My friend, Sarah, got to come and visit me. It was a short yet wonderful stay. Rooming with Melanie has been a lot of fun. I give her a hard time, but it is nice to have a good friend around. The hardest about leaving for student teaching will be saying goodbye to my church down here. They are wonderful and I will miss them! So many other experiences I could report about if I was better at this whole blogging thing, but oh well.
Right now, I am starting to feel inspired about some upcoming lesson plans and I'm listening to Christmas music of all things. It is a beautiful relaxing feeling, and I can't wait to see where this journey will lead. It's been a wild ride, but I'm thankful for every minute of it.
As far as student teaching goes, right now I know I will be teaching at Wood County Christian School in the 6th grade - yikes! I always imagined myself teaching 2nd grade or below, but I'll roll with it. Everything else about the experience has been orchestrated so nicely, so I believe that God will be with me for this new challenge. The unknown actually has me quite excited which is much better than stress. I am excited to be living with a family I know of in their loft. The mother of the family works at the school so my ride is provided. I am really looking forward to updating about this experience once it arrives.
School has been amazing like I said. My friend, Sarah, got to come and visit me. It was a short yet wonderful stay. Rooming with Melanie has been a lot of fun. I give her a hard time, but it is nice to have a good friend around. The hardest about leaving for student teaching will be saying goodbye to my church down here. They are wonderful and I will miss them! So many other experiences I could report about if I was better at this whole blogging thing, but oh well.
Right now, I am starting to feel inspired about some upcoming lesson plans and I'm listening to Christmas music of all things. It is a beautiful relaxing feeling, and I can't wait to see where this journey will lead. It's been a wild ride, but I'm thankful for every minute of it.
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