An update

I just wanted to write an update for those of you who actually read this blog.

I am still feeling motivated to make 2009 a fantastic year! First of all, I have already started tutoring at Huntington, after a month or two off. This is to help with the eliminating debt scenario. I bought a new car last year, and am now working to pay that off and some additional debt. Also, I am refocused on Mary Kay. I have seen the direct results of working a business smarter and harder. I am hoping that I can overcome the fear inside of me to not do the job perfectly, so that I can help women feel better about themselves. I know that Mary Kay can be a ministry in itself, so I need to step up to the plate and do the job God has placed in my life. With all of that said, I hope to be debt-free by the end of the year! :) This will release a lot of anxiety and fear in my life, so I know I need to work hard at both of these to ensure I am reaching this life-changing goal!

My classroom is yet another place of ministry. I realized that even more so on the day of Obama's inauguration. We watched it in the classroom, so that the students could see history in the making. During the prayer, I initially thought I should pray, but was worried about what the students would do while I wasn't watching, but then remembered that I should be setting the example for them. I then, bowed my head and at the end, I looked up, and saw that the whole class was lifting their heads, too. They had followed my example, whether they understood it or not. This was for sure the most pivotal moment in my school year so far. At that very moment, I realized that these kids were hungry for a leader, who sought after a God who loves them no matter what. I have since felt the strong leadership of that moment, and tried to be a more loving example of this for my students that don't even know what church is, nor what it stands for in this world.
I love my students, and want them to feel loved. I know that there are times where I get frustarted with one or two because of their attitude or lack of effort, but ultimately, they are watching me, and watching the way I will react. I have not always responded in the way I should, but am really working on my response. I am very lucky to have the opportunity I have on a daily basis to share with my students. I tend to have to show some "tough love" at times with a couple of them, but am making sure it is still out of love that I correct and re-direct these students.

January was a tough month at school, as we found out that our team lead was being moved to another grade level, and another member was being moved to another. I was really worried that I would be moved to another grade level, but in fact, I am "safe" in third. I have been trying to understand all of this movement, but still cannot wrap my head around it. I am just respecting the decisions of an authority figure, and making the best out of the situation. I know it will be fine, and will work out, but it is hard to picture next year without these two people. It is for sure challenging to picture, as we are still in the middle of this year, but we are trying to press on in the meantime.

I have already joined a small group with my church, which has been a blessing in my life. I am excited about growing with this group, and really do life together as single women. They are a great group of girls, who really are striving to be more like Christ, no matter what sacrifices that might take. I am eager to see where the Lord leads with this group. I hope to volunteer in either the Preschool or Children's Ministry next. I love serving, and really miss it on a daily basis.

I have also been taking some photos with my new camera, and LOVING it!! I have also been considering taking a photography class, so that I can further this passion in life. I love taking pictures, especially of kids, but need more growth in editing and staging to make quality pictures. I really want to explore this outlet, and will keep you posted on the progress.

The last part of this post is...if you haven't seen the movie, Fireproof, you need to today! This movie has such a powerful message. I hope that one day I find someone, who has such love and devotion for me, that he would do anything to show it. I also hope that I do the same back to him.
Before that can happen, though, my prayer is that I show that much love and devotion for my Lord, Jesus Christ. I hope that day in and day out, I reveal my devotion for him, and put all other hindrances aside, so that I can serve Him and Him alone.
I hope to find a mate in life, who accepts me for who I am and loves me unconditionally. It has been hard some days recently, as I have felt rejection in this area, but I know that God will seal my heart and lead me to the right person. I thought God had put someone in my path, but apparently, God has not shown that to the other party. I know that God will continue to work on my heart, and my future mate, so until then, I am all God's, waiting for the day He makes it clear to me and to my mate.