Change.

"Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future." John F. Kennedy

When some people hear the word "change", their skin crawls and their armpits begin to sweat. However, in the past few years, I've realized I'm a person whom embraces change with open arms. Although I'm a very structured creature who appreciates a schedule and organization and routine more than most (some might call me a "nerd"), I am also fond of rolling with the punches every now and then.

I can say that with each new day, I am becoming more and more aware that change is a-comin'. I do not know to what degree this change is going to take place, but I can tell it's approaching. And I'm excited to say the least.

Sacred? No.

Worried? Nope.

Fearful? Naw.

Doubt? Nada.

I know that my God works all things for the good for those who love Him.

Of His promises, I am confident. Of His presence, I am becoming more and more aware. Of His faithfulness, I am constantly reminded. Of His plan, I am receptive.

I'm sorry to write and be so entirely vague. I will reveal more details as they present themselves. I just needed to declare my trust in Him, my dependence on His word, and my anticipation for what is to come.

Every Hour I Need Thee

This entry is taken from The Cornerstone Devotion. Her words express exactly what is on my heart in a much more eloquent way than my own words could articulate. Whether you are an educator like myself or serve this life under another occupation, I believe these words are a powerful and crucial reminder to us all.

Ah, the month of May. State testing will be finished. Spring break is a distant memory. The countdown is on and we know exactly how many days of school are left. It's time for teacher cruise-control: being more laid-back, more informal, more creative. The hardest days are behind us, and we can relax and enjoy what's ahead.

But don't forget that we are most vulnerable to an attack from the enemy NOT when we're at our weakest point, but when we're at ourstrongest.

What believing teacher doesn't say a prayer before the first day of school? Who doesn't murmur "God help us!" during standardized tests? Our awareness of how we are totally dependent on God is highest in stressful times because we can't imagine doing it without Him. We know we need Him to survive and don't dare try to do anything on our own.

But now, as the warm spring air fills our classrooms, it's tempting to let our guard down and try to get through the day in our own strength. It's the easiest time of year, right? We can handle it! And so we miss the opportunity to commune with the divine in our daily tasks. We shut God out and just try to make it through the last few weeks.

I'm experiencing this phenomenon on two levels this year: as an instructional coach whose school year is winding down, and as an author who has just about finished writing a second book. A few months ago when a blank computer screen taunted me, I was always on my knees. I was completely dependent on God to place every word in my heart and tell me what I need to write. But now it's tempting to think the creative work is done, and I need to focus on editing, I need to choose the cover, I need to handle the publishing technicalities. My human nature keeps concluding Thanks, God, you did great so far, but I think I've got it from here. If a minor disaster occurs, I'll be sure to check in, but otherwise, I'll be handling things myself.Kthxbye.

And so it's a conscious, daily decision to STOP. To silence my mind and feel with my spirit. To ask God:

Would You make Your presence known to me? Would You be a full part of every moment and guide me each step of the way? Don't let me get overconfident, God. Don't let me think I can do this on my own. Everything turns out better when You're involved. And every moment becomes more precious and enjoyable, knowing that You're there. Keep the song placed in my heart: "I need Thee, oh I need thee, every hour I need Thee."You placed the lyrics for that hymn in the heart of a housewife as she went about her daily routine; you directed her to write it so that we would have inspiration in even the most mundane tasks. Inspire me, too, Lord! Fill me with your presence and give meaning to every hour. Let things of great beauty come from times of monotony. Help me to be receptive to Your spirit in everything I do.

I pray that this prayer stays on your heart as you finish the school year, so that the Lord is with you every moment of every day, filling you with peace and contentment and purpose.

Best. Song. Ever.

Fabric Fun

An eternity may lapse in between my own blog posts, but I am a self-diagnosed

blog-following-junkie. As part of my daily routine, I read up on blogs, blogs, and more blogs. (You'll find a list of some of my favs to the right!)

I follow a multitude of decorating blogs, and just this week I came across a newbie:

House of Turquoise

She posts decor photos that are nothing less than uh-mazing!

The pics below depict fabrics whose colors are intoxicating on a dreary and chilly Saturday like today. May their patterns and vibrant colors cast out Winter's dreariness and help welcome a highly anticipated Springtime!

Aren't they just fabulous?!?

Requests.

Philippians 4:6

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

Psalm 5:3

"In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly."

Psalm 20:5

"May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your requests."

Do you ever want to ask God for something, but feel it's so trivial that you should keep your timid request to yourself? Or have you ever taken it upon yourself to handle a problem or situation, relying on your own strength, rather than lifting your hands and giving your Father complete control? These are the actions that I am all too familiar with.

As I read verses such as the ones quoted above, I am reminded of the intimacy of my Heavenly Father, His continual faithfulness, and His constant provision.

Slowly but surely, I am learning to make my requests known to My God. I am not to approach Him as a timid child, but I am to boldy approach His throne with gratitude and expectancy for His moving.

The thing is... so often I put God in a box. I allow my feeble human mind to limit the outcome of situations. Instead, I want to build intimacy with My Creator- to pour my heart out onto His table and cast my cares at His feet. I want to encompass my family and friends in His peace and protection. I want to claim His promises that He specifically gives us in His word. And I want continually seek His will in ALL things; His will and not mine, so that I am able to recognize His God-size miracles.

My challenge today: to boldly present my requests before Him. He just wants my heart; He is way beyond able to answer my cries for help. His reply will far surpass anything I could ever ask or imagine. He wants to amaze me. I must be in the place to receive His blessings.

Doors I never even noticed before will be opened.

I will walk as He leads me.