I didn't want to get up this morning. I even came downstairs to check how many sick days I would need for maternity leave before I decided whether or not to go to work! I am tired! I am grumpy!
We are instructed to praise God even on our bad days! Happy Friday everyone! I hope you can praise God when you aren't feeling well, too!
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Historical Record
I like to read. I like to learn. I consider myself a lifelong student because I am always trying to learn more about something. There is always a book that I am reading just to learn more about some topic. I think that is why I like being a teacher, too.
This morning, as I read Joshua 12-15(still trying to catch up from last week!), I was struck by how detailed the historical facts are. If I were a historian, these chapters would be great tools to map out the lands of the Israelites. I am sure someone had done this, and our modern maps probably benefitted from it. I don't think of the Bible as being a geography lesson, but today it was!
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
This morning, as I read Joshua 12-15(still trying to catch up from last week!), I was struck by how detailed the historical facts are. If I were a historian, these chapters would be great tools to map out the lands of the Israelites. I am sure someone had done this, and our modern maps probably benefitted from it. I don't think of the Bible as being a geography lesson, but today it was!
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Compassionate God
Sometimes we hear people say that the God in the Old Testament is an angry and cruel God, and the God of the New Testament is a loving God. That isn't true at all. God is the same now that he has always been. Psalms 145-147 prove that.
Over and over again, the psalmist praises God for his compassion. We read that we cannot put our faith and trust in men and women. We must put it in God, but He is loving and caring. He won't abuse our trust.
Remember the compassion of God today!
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
Over and over again, the psalmist praises God for his compassion. We read that we cannot put our faith and trust in men and women. We must put it in God, but He is loving and caring. He won't abuse our trust.
Remember the compassion of God today!
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Whatever God Wants!
What will happen in your life today? Whatever God wants! As I read Joshua this morning, I was struck by the power of God and how he helped Joshua destroy nation after nation. Joshua commanded God to delay the setting of the sun. And God listened! Why did God listen? Because what Joshua wanted was in line with what God wants. I think God wants us to experience the power of His Kingdom, but the only way to acheive that is to want the same thing God wants. When we pray and align our lives with God's plan, we are unstoppable! That is what God means when he tells us in Jeremiah that he has plans for us to succeed. We just have to make sure our plans are the same.
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Love and Respect: Week Three
I admit, I have fallen off the bandwagon. Exhaustion from pregnancy and fighting allergies overtook me last week! I spent the past two days trying to put my house back together, and I will spend the next few trying to catch up on work. Having said that, I read Psalms 140-144 this morning for those of you who are following. The statement that rang true from several of the Psalms was a crying out to the Lord. Today, I cry out to the Lord for protection for my son, my husband, and myself for this unborn child. I meet him/her today on our first ultrasound.
As for our Bible Study, here is the update! Women, it is not easy to respect your husbands! Men are immature and not relational. They get mad and stomp away instead of dealing with issues. They don't WANT to TALK about it. Respect them anyway and learn their language.
The book says that we see through pink glasses and men see through blue glasses. This causes a major breakdown in communication! This week, I will try to see things from my husband's point of view!
Happy Monday!
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
As for our Bible Study, here is the update! Women, it is not easy to respect your husbands! Men are immature and not relational. They get mad and stomp away instead of dealing with issues. They don't WANT to TALK about it. Respect them anyway and learn their language.
The book says that we see through pink glasses and men see through blue glasses. This causes a major breakdown in communication! This week, I will try to see things from my husband's point of view!
Happy Monday!
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Knowing What's Best
David struggled with this. Joshua struggled with this. I struggle with this. Actually, I believe every person trying to figure out their life or raise children has a hard time knowing what is best.
It would be nice if every situation was clear cut or God would plainly direct us in the right direction. Unfortunately, we often feel like we are fumbling around, just trying our best.
I think God does that on purpose sometimes. He makes the path foggy so we are forced to trust in him. If it were always easy, we may turn away.
As you muddle through the fog today and make decisions, pray for guidance and trust in God.
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
It would be nice if every situation was clear cut or God would plainly direct us in the right direction. Unfortunately, we often feel like we are fumbling around, just trying our best.
I think God does that on purpose sometimes. He makes the path foggy so we are forced to trust in him. If it were always easy, we may turn away.
As you muddle through the fog today and make decisions, pray for guidance and trust in God.
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Love and Respect: Week Two
Our group met again last night, and let me tell you, it was eye opening for me! I honestly thought that my husband needed this more than I did. I thought most of our issues were his fault. I blamed him for my unhappiness.
My minister made it very clear to us that we misunderstood marriage if we thought its purpose was to make us happy. Marriage is all about trying to make the other person happy! He also said that my husband will never be everything I need him to be. He cannot meet all of my needs. No human can. Instead, I should focus on allowing God to fill in the gaps and trying each day to meet the needs of my husband.
I discovered that what my husband wants to most from me each day is praise. He wants me to tell him that I appreciate everything he does for me and our family. Rather than fuss at him for not wanting to help with laundry, he wants me to express appreciation for the money he brought into our family. He works long hours so he can be a good provider. He sees that as his number one job. Everything else is secondary. I have to understand that on some level, so I don't disrespect him when I constantly ask him to do more.
I think he may have learned a few things too, but I felt like a terribly mean wife at times. I need to show my respect toward my husband more often.
I don't know the state of your marriage, but God calls wives to be respectful to their husbands even if they don't deserve it. We don't show respect because of who they are. We show it because we are daughters of Christ, and God tells us to do so.
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
My minister made it very clear to us that we misunderstood marriage if we thought its purpose was to make us happy. Marriage is all about trying to make the other person happy! He also said that my husband will never be everything I need him to be. He cannot meet all of my needs. No human can. Instead, I should focus on allowing God to fill in the gaps and trying each day to meet the needs of my husband.
I discovered that what my husband wants to most from me each day is praise. He wants me to tell him that I appreciate everything he does for me and our family. Rather than fuss at him for not wanting to help with laundry, he wants me to express appreciation for the money he brought into our family. He works long hours so he can be a good provider. He sees that as his number one job. Everything else is secondary. I have to understand that on some level, so I don't disrespect him when I constantly ask him to do more.
I think he may have learned a few things too, but I felt like a terribly mean wife at times. I need to show my respect toward my husband more often.
I don't know the state of your marriage, but God calls wives to be respectful to their husbands even if they don't deserve it. We don't show respect because of who they are. We show it because we are daughters of Christ, and God tells us to do so.
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Friend in Trouble
It is hard to know what to do when you have a friend who is obviously traveling down the wrong path. It may be that they are having affairs or getting lost in lies. After you tell them how you feel, what should you do?
In the Old Testament, a member of the Israelites, who didn't follow the rules, was stoned! That isn't an option, but do we cut them out of our lives? Jesus taught that we should forgive. It is very confusing!
Here is my opinion! If that person is harmful to you or your family, they neeed to be out of your life as much as possible. That can be a hard decision to make!
Good luck with your friends in trouble!
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
In the Old Testament, a member of the Israelites, who didn't follow the rules, was stoned! That isn't an option, but do we cut them out of our lives? Jesus taught that we should forgive. It is very confusing!
Here is my opinion! If that person is harmful to you or your family, they neeed to be out of your life as much as possible. That can be a hard decision to make!
Good luck with your friends in trouble!
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Power
Many of the Psalms tell of the great power of God. However, I remember being blown away as a kid by the story of Joshua and the Battle and Jericho. If it has been a while since you read it, I encourage you to read Joshua 6.
At 29 years old, I am still amazed at God's power to bring a city to its knees with the trumpet call. Of course, we know that one day, a trumpet call will bring us to our knees and then carry us into Heaven!
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
At 29 years old, I am still amazed at God's power to bring a city to its knees with the trumpet call. Of course, we know that one day, a trumpet call will bring us to our knees and then carry us into Heaven!
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Praises
Many of my prayers are asking for blessings. I ask God for protection for myself and my family. I ask for knowledge to teach well. I ask for financial security, and numerous other needs. They Bible tells us to ask, and we certainly do!
Today, however, when I was reading through Psalms 131-134, I was reminded that sometimes we just need to praise God. Some prayers should just be praises and thanksgivings for our blessings.
Remember to praise God today!
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
Today, however, when I was reading through Psalms 131-134, I was reminded that sometimes we just need to praise God. Some prayers should just be praises and thanksgivings for our blessings.
Remember to praise God today!
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Listening for God's Voice
Does God speak to you? Do we give him a chance to speak? I read last night that God doesn't yell at us or have a booming voice. He whispers. He visited the Garden of Eden in the cool of the day. Jesus prayed in the morning. The Bible seems to be telling us to find quiet times where we can talk with God. If we aren't every quiet, we won't hear the voice of God.
Give God a chance today to talk with you!
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
Give God a chance today to talk with you!
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Psalm 127
I don't often post an entire chapter, but this one needs to be read today!
Psalm 127
A song of ascents. Of Solomon.
1 Unless the LORD builds the house,
the builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the guards stand watch in vain.
2 In vain you rise early
and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
for he grants sleep to[a] those he loves.
3 Children are a heritage from the LORD,
offspring a reward from him.
4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are children born in one’s youth.
5 Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their opponents in court.
How awesome is that! I was just at the doctor yesterday gathering information about baby number two. I get to have an ultrasound in two weeks. This baby FEELS like a blessing!
I pray that God is the builder of your house, that he is watching over you, and grants you sleep! When God is in charge, there is peace in this world. Jesus did not come to earth to bring peace to the wars. He brought peace to our hearts.
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
Psalm 127
A song of ascents. Of Solomon.
1 Unless the LORD builds the house,
the builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the guards stand watch in vain.
2 In vain you rise early
and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
for he grants sleep to[a] those he loves.
3 Children are a heritage from the LORD,
offspring a reward from him.
4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are children born in one’s youth.
5 Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their opponents in court.
How awesome is that! I was just at the doctor yesterday gathering information about baby number two. I get to have an ultrasound in two weeks. This baby FEELS like a blessing!
I pray that God is the builder of your house, that he is watching over you, and grants you sleep! When God is in charge, there is peace in this world. Jesus did not come to earth to bring peace to the wars. He brought peace to our hearts.
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Love and Respect: Week One
My husband and I are beginning a new Bible study on Sunday evenings. Our minister is leading it, but we are hosting. The premise of this study is to strengthen our marriages by understanding that God commands husbands to love their wives and wives to respect their husbands.
I happen to believe that the men have it easier! Jesus was the greatest model of love we could have. We are taught from an early age to love one another.
Respect is a different story. This morning I tried to think of something respectful I could do today to show my husband that I was invested into this study, but I came up with nothing.
Each Monday morning, after a meeting with our group, I will try to update the readers of this blog. It might get interesting!
For now, I encourage women to think differently about their commands from God. Yes, we are to love our husbands because we are to love all people, but respect for our husbands is God's direct command.
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
I happen to believe that the men have it easier! Jesus was the greatest model of love we could have. We are taught from an early age to love one another.
Respect is a different story. This morning I tried to think of something respectful I could do today to show my husband that I was invested into this study, but I came up with nothing.
Each Monday morning, after a meeting with our group, I will try to update the readers of this blog. It might get interesting!
For now, I encourage women to think differently about their commands from God. Yes, we are to love our husbands because we are to love all people, but respect for our husbands is God's direct command.
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Retrain Out Tongues
Let's face it. Many people at work like to gossip. It is easy to get caught up in the news, especially when the passing word is who is engaged or who is having a baby. Having inside information makes us feel powerful. Sometimes, when we know the dirty details of the lives of others, we feel better about ourselves.
The Bible clearly tells us to not spread words of malice about others. Our mothers were right when they told us, "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all."
I catch myself complaining to my friends I work with. I am not trying to be mean to others, but I know when I complain I say ugly things. I hope to change this situation by retraining my tongue to only spread joy and hope to others, not gloom and anger.
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
The Bible clearly tells us to not spread words of malice about others. Our mothers were right when they told us, "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all."
I catch myself complaining to my friends I work with. I am not trying to be mean to others, but I know when I complain I say ugly things. I hope to change this situation by retraining my tongue to only spread joy and hope to others, not gloom and anger.
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Moving On
I bet the Israelites felt very empty and abandoned when Moses died. He was their leader, probably their friend, and a trusted man they depended upon. Deuteronomy says that when he died, he still had strong eyes and his strength. He didn't die a cranky old man who depended on others to care for him.
Deuteronomy also tells us that Joshua was filled by the Spirit after Moses died. God took the leader of the group, but replaced him with another who also would follow Him.
From this I learned that God helps us to move on after sadness. The next door will always be opened.
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
Deuteronomy also tells us that Joshua was filled by the Spirit after Moses died. God took the leader of the group, but replaced him with another who also would follow Him.
From this I learned that God helps us to move on after sadness. The next door will always be opened.
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Discernment
"I am your servant; give me discernment
that I may understand your statutes." Psalm 119:125
I am reading a book on how to be a praying parent. The author tells us to try to quote scripture during our prayers because the Word of God is so powerful. The only time I quote scripture now is when I feel like I am losing my connection with God. If I feel like I am overshadowed by the world or ungodliness, I use scripture to help me focus. I never thought of using it to make my prayers more powerful.
The quote above is one I stumbled upon this morning. Many times I just need God to grant me discernment to muddle through all the pieces of advice and find His voice.
I hope you have the ability to understand the Voice of God today.
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
that I may understand your statutes." Psalm 119:125
I am reading a book on how to be a praying parent. The author tells us to try to quote scripture during our prayers because the Word of God is so powerful. The only time I quote scripture now is when I feel like I am losing my connection with God. If I feel like I am overshadowed by the world or ungodliness, I use scripture to help me focus. I never thought of using it to make my prayers more powerful.
The quote above is one I stumbled upon this morning. Many times I just need God to grant me discernment to muddle through all the pieces of advice and find His voice.
I hope you have the ability to understand the Voice of God today.
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Be Strong and Courageous by Moses
Moses gives words of advice to Joshua before Joshua is expected to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. I bet Joshua was thinking that he was unprepared, perhaps too young, and not able to do as good of a job as Moses did.
We all come to that moment in our careers. We are now supposed to do a good job with our assignment and doubt creeps in. Perhaps a person at work stands in your way. Maybe you feel like you don't have the education needed to complete the job.
As long as you are following God's commands for your life, God's Will will be done. If this assignment matches his plan, he will guide you through.
"Be strong and courageous!"
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
We all come to that moment in our careers. We are now supposed to do a good job with our assignment and doubt creeps in. Perhaps a person at work stands in your way. Maybe you feel like you don't have the education needed to complete the job.
As long as you are following God's commands for your life, God's Will will be done. If this assignment matches his plan, he will guide you through.
"Be strong and courageous!"
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
What's Most Important?
Sometimes I get overwhelmed with work or family activities and have to prioritize my time. I have to take a step back and ask myself which item on the to-do list is most important. Deuteronomy 30:16 lays it out for us.
16 For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.
What is most important in your life today?
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
16 For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.
What is most important in your life today?
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Lack of Motivation and Too Much Procrastination
Lack of motivation and too much procrastination! Sound like anyone in your house? My husband and I both suffer from this disorder. I know that we need to make some more money and do some major cleaning of our home over the next few months. In May, we will welcome baby #2 into our home. We are NOT ready!
It is hard to change our habits. It is difficult sometimes to know where to begin and very easy to feel overwhelmed. Sometimes procrastination stems from not knowing what to do next. Sometimes is comes from just being tired.
God tells us to take comfort in him. He has a promise for us, a promise of a successful plan. He wants us to have a life without worry. In order for that to happen, we have to put aside our fears and follow the plan laid before us. Perhaps it simply means getting off the couch and doing what needs to be done. Sometimes that could mean a life-change!
I hope your days are worry free and you accomplish something for God today!
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
It is hard to change our habits. It is difficult sometimes to know where to begin and very easy to feel overwhelmed. Sometimes procrastination stems from not knowing what to do next. Sometimes is comes from just being tired.
God tells us to take comfort in him. He has a promise for us, a promise of a successful plan. He wants us to have a life without worry. In order for that to happen, we have to put aside our fears and follow the plan laid before us. Perhaps it simply means getting off the couch and doing what needs to be done. Sometimes that could mean a life-change!
I hope your days are worry free and you accomplish something for God today!
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Keeping It All Together
Organization is not my strong area of expertise. I am messy. I am forgetful. If it isn't a habit, I forget. My school year's goal is to stay organized. I am slowly redoing my daily habits to included a cleanup time for my desk and my table where I tend to stack things.
At home, I am also slowly adding in cleaning habits. I am still forgetful, though. I forgot to pay my babysitter last week. I need to work on my finances still.
We are all still works of progress. God is always asking us to improve some area of our lives. When we get stagnant, he tests us! Those tests are not always comfortable.
I hope you are not satisfied with yourself to the point that you think you don't still need work.
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
At home, I am also slowly adding in cleaning habits. I am still forgetful, though. I forgot to pay my babysitter last week. I need to work on my finances still.
We are all still works of progress. God is always asking us to improve some area of our lives. When we get stagnant, he tests us! Those tests are not always comfortable.
I hope you are not satisfied with yourself to the point that you think you don't still need work.
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Obey, yet again!
Obeying someone means that you buy into what they are telling you to do. I have a student who replies with "Why?" everytime we tell him to do something. It drives me crazy, but he doesn't buy into my plan.
Sometimes we ask God "why?" when we learn of his command. Instead, we just need to say "yes sir!" and do it!
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
Sometimes we ask God "why?" when we learn of his command. Instead, we just need to say "yes sir!" and do it!
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Keeping It All Together
We are so busy! We try to balance work, family, and personal time every day. Some days are easy for me, like Sundays. My morning is easily devoted to church from habit. Friday mornings are more difficult. This morning my house needs my attention, my son is up early, I have papers to grade, and very nearly gave up my Bible reading time.
Balance is hard. Prioritizing is hard. It sounds easy, but sometimes it is difficult to know what is the most important when everything seems important! The only advice I have is to put God first. Pray! God will help everything else fall into place.
Have a great day and remember that God can balance it for you!
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
Balance is hard. Prioritizing is hard. It sounds easy, but sometimes it is difficult to know what is the most important when everything seems important! The only advice I have is to put God first. Pray! God will help everything else fall into place.
Have a great day and remember that God can balance it for you!
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Precious
Tonight our family is visiting some friends of ours who had a baby this weekend. We are taking over some food and gifts for everyone in hopes that we can hold this tiny precious boy.
It is easy for us to think of birth as a precious time in our lives. Psalm 116 refers to death as precious. It says that God sees the death of his servants as precious. At first I was surprised by that line, but when you think about it, the death of a servant means new birth to their life in Heaven.
Put into that context, I see how the death of a friend can be devastating to us, but precious to God.
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
It is easy for us to think of birth as a precious time in our lives. Psalm 116 refers to death as precious. It says that God sees the death of his servants as precious. At first I was surprised by that line, but when you think about it, the death of a servant means new birth to their life in Heaven.
Put into that context, I see how the death of a friend can be devastating to us, but precious to God.
Jessica is a fifth grade teacher and beginning freelance writer. She is the wife-extraordinaire to Josh and mother of two year old Devon. When she isn't teaching, mothering, cooking, cleaning, or writing, you can find her locked in a quiet room reading.
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