Wow, It has been awhile since I made a blog entry. It has been kinda chilly today and I was just in the mood to blog so here I am blogging.
Since my last "update" so many things have happened! Well the CWF Internship didn't work out, but only because God had other plans. Which is much easier to say now then it was back in February. I have since then been hired as a CDC Severe Teaching Assistant for the school system. This is the journey of my special journey.
At the end of 2011 I applied to be a substitute teacher, while working as a server. I was 18 years old and with my past 4-H experience I knew it would be a good fit. In January of 2012 subbing began picking up and quickly I became a sub full time. While working one day in a CDC class, a class for special need children, I was asked to stay a few minutes after class to talk to the Principle. All I remember thinking was I'm in trouble. I did something too stern and am in trouble. I was very nervous!
A few minutes before school let out I stepped out in the hall with the CDC teacher I had been working with. She introduced me to a very tall, skinny, beautiful lady with pretty curly blond hair. I'll call her Mrs. Awesome for this post. Mrs.CDC told me who Mrs. Awesome was then disappeared. Mrs. Awesome explained to me that she was a special education teacher for children who struggle behaviorally in a Gen Ed setting because of circumstance that may or may not be out of their control. She told me that this class was these students last chance of being in a regular school setting before getting sent to the alternative school.
Mrs. Awesome then told me that there was an opening in her class for an assistant, and I was being considered for an offer for the position. She continued to talk but honestly, I don't remember nearly anything after that. I did ask how? You see I had only worked in that particular school four days, why would any one offer me a job like that? I was told that Dr. Super, the principle had seen me around and liked how I worked. That was all I was told. After that I continued to sub in that school almost every day. The next week was a roller coaster ride! It was full of questions! I had a interview with the principle and vice principle.
I had willingness to learn, hands on knowledge, and determination. However, two things seemed to hang over my head. One was my age. I was at the time only 18 making me the youngest possible future employee at the time I didn't realize this yet. The second was brought to my attention a week after the interview. I began subbing in Mrs. Awesome's class, learning how it did/didn't function and trying to build repore with the kids. Mrs. Awesome had a talk with me and shared that after my interviewing me that the administrators were not sure if they wanted to completely offer me the job yet. They were concerned that I had grown up too sheltered to mentally withstand the stress of the class. After talking to Mrs. Awesome I did get the job and started working as a full time classified staff employee on February ninth two thousand and twelve.
I was 18 years old and was currently the youngest employee at the elementary school working in the most difficult class. On top of working at the school I still had a serving job as well and was helping train new employees.
That semester I learned so much! I was blessed to work with an awesome team! They helped teach me how to build repore with students, and how to effectively interact with these special students. I learned the importance of stern structure in the classroom setting, as well as the benefits of zoning. I also learned how to recognize the signs of a melt down and how to deescalate students with coping skills.
I worked with one student mainly one on one that had both Autism and behavior learning problems. We reached quite a few goals together. Even though he was the student, he often became the teacher! There were good days and there were horrible days! I would have changed that experience for anything.
This year I have moved to the CDC class next door. It is a class designed mainly for teaching life skills to students that have physical/mental needs. We have been blessed with a big class full of very bright students.
I am excited to see what God has and is doing in my life. I was so disappointed when I wasn't able to attend college right away. Looking back, I realize I would never be where I am now if I had gone to college or gotten accepted to the CWF internship. I thank God for His plans the He has made and can't wait to see what He brings next! As for now He is just doing a great job of helping me learn patience. :)
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Friday, June 17, 2011
Invisible
"When you approach Me in stillness and in trust, you are strengthened. You need a buffer zone of silence around you in order to focus on the things that are unseen. Since I am invisible, you must not let your senses dominate your thinking. The curse of this age is over stimulation of the senses, which blocks out awareness of the unseen world." (Jesus Calling-Sarah Young)
Those are the words I found yesterday in the beginning of my quiet time. I know it is very extremely important to not confuse these words with the actual words of the Bible, and God's true words. The words above from the devotional are true and inspiring to me.
It may just be a "girl thing", but I can tend to let my senses dominate my thinking. It isn't a hard thing to do at all! I just need to trust in His presence.
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Those are the words I found yesterday in the beginning of my quiet time. I know it is very extremely important to not confuse these words with the actual words of the Bible, and God's true words. The words above from the devotional are true and inspiring to me.
It may just be a "girl thing", but I can tend to let my senses dominate my thinking. It isn't a hard thing to do at all! I just need to trust in His presence.
2 Corinthians 4:18
King James Version (KJV)
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Different To Make A Difference!
Every once in a while I have what a few people call "Martha Moments". I get these crazy spur of the moment spiritual ideas. Sometimes I act upon them and other times I don't. At the time my thinking truly is this is what should do and needs to happen. I will normally laugh about it after realizing it probably wasn't the smartest or easiest way to complete task. :) I am sometimes asked by girls in the Jr. Church class I help with, or by other girls in the youth group as to why I do what I do. I like to answer that with, because it made a difference.
As a Christian a lot of times people think we are suppose to be different or will associate being different with being a Christian. Those people don't quite have it right. When we are Christians we are to strive to live like Christ would. Christ did lived the perfect life. He wasn't weird or different. He was normal, and the only normal one! He lived a righteous, just and pure life. Jesus Christ was not different, He made a difference!
Since sin entered the world (Rom. 5:12) every thing became different, but it didn't start that way. That's why we call it different. Dictionary.com has the following listed as a definition for the word different: dif·fer·ent/ˈdif(ə)rənt/Adjective
As a Christian a lot of times people think we are suppose to be different or will associate being different with being a Christian. Those people don't quite have it right. When we are Christians we are to strive to live like Christ would. Christ did lived the perfect life. He wasn't weird or different. He was normal, and the only normal one! He lived a righteous, just and pure life. Jesus Christ was not different, He made a difference!
Since sin entered the world (Rom. 5:12) every thing became different, but it didn't start that way. That's why we call it different. Dictionary.com has the following listed as a definition for the word different: dif·fer·ent/ˈdif(ə)rənt/Adjective
1. Not the same as another or each other; unlike in nature, form, or quality.
2. Novel and unusual.
Difference is suppose to go away, for the most part, after a person comes to Christ and is reborn. (John 3:3) Sadly, this doesn't always happen. The world considers me different, because I try not to live to worldly morals/standards. Even though they are the different ones, we Christians that don't sway to some their habits get the label different.
A lot of teens struggle with being "different" and not feeling like they belong. (Romans 12:2) I used to be one of those teens! A while ago my attitude changed. If the people living of the world want to call me different, then I will be proud to be different and will strive to make a difference!
You see being different isn't bad or good. It really depends on how you view it. The important thing is to make a good difference!
We all need to be willing to not be afraid to be Different (from worldly morals and standards) and make a Difference!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
A New Routine
"The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing."
My Pastor once said, "Life stinks, but God is good!" In life we all are going to go through so much. Even the little things like a blown light bulb are just going reuine your day sometimes. I've been spending more time in His work and not on the book of face. I think it's past time for a new routine! The lessons that I'm learning is:
1) Give it to God. 2) Let it go. 3) Smile and prepare to be something new eavery day. :)
Friday, May 6, 2011
Tithe or Leave
Growing up I was somewhat a Daddy's girl. I always have enjoyed being outside and doing the dirty work. I used to help my Dad outside or in his garage all the time. Last night, my Dad and I were in the garage and he said he wanted to know my opinion on something. At first I thought he was going to ask me another math question I didn't have the answer for. (he does that randomly, I call it humble pie)
My Dad then told me that he had a few guys from work confront him the other day. They told him that their church fired their youth pastor, because somehow the church found out that he wasn't paying tithes. The men wanted my Dad's thought on it, and my Dad wanted mine.
I told my Dad that I disagreed with. I have always been taught the way are commanded to tithe 10%. (I agree with that) However, I am not to sure that the Bible says a tithe has to be money. I believe that there are many ways to tithe, just like there are many ways to worship. Tithing for me might giving giving my free time up, which is rare for me to get. Tithing for some one else may be volunteering some where. A tithe is suppose to go to God and the support of His work.
(That was my answer to my Dad.)
Dad said that he saw it as the right thing in a business perspective. My Dad made it clear to me that he would not have handled it in that manner, but can understand. He explained to me that when the Youth Pastor came to that church and agreed to be on their staff that he more than likely knew what was to be expected of him. This man's job was to be a youth pastor, but just like in any job there are standards. Apparently paying tithes was one of his church's standards.
I went online and did a bit of research and found these definitions of the word tithe.
Wikipedia's definition:
A tithe (pronounced /ˈtaɪð/; from Old English teogoþa "tenth") is a one-tenth part of something, paid as a (usually) voluntary contribution or as a levy or tax-like payment (technically not a tax as it is not paid to a level of government), usually to support a religious organization. Today, tithes (or tithing) are normally voluntary and paid in cash, cheques, or stocks, whereas historically tithes were required to be paid in kind, such as agricultural products (that grown of the land, or fruit of the tree). Several European countries operate a formal process linked to the tax system allowing some churches to assess tithes.
Pastor Eddie Cude:
The tithe principle is this; "He gives unto us, we give back to Him one-tenth of all that He has blessed us with."
http://www.letusreason.org/wf34.htm:
There were three tithes in the Old Covenant. More often tithes were the crops, the produce of the soil was to be tithed, grains, the fruit of the trees, every year new wine and oil, the firstborn of their herds and flocks (Leviticus 27:30-33). If the place the nation of Israel were to tithe and was too far away to carry their goods (such as Jerusalem), it could be exchanged for money. They were to use their money to buy anything the owner chose: cattle, sheep, wine (Deuteronomy 14:22-26). Every third year the tithe was to be reserved as a festival tithe where they brought out all the tithe, and their produce where the Levite, the stranger, the orphan, the widow, the poor who were in their town, could come and eat and be content (Deuteronomy 14:28-29; 26:12-15). You can expect not to see those who teach tithing as an obligation to practice the third year tithe.
I myself still haven't come to a solid conclusion. I do believe that God could use more Christians that are willing and have good loving attitudes than money....
1 Corinthians 10:31
"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
My Dad then told me that he had a few guys from work confront him the other day. They told him that their church fired their youth pastor, because somehow the church found out that he wasn't paying tithes. The men wanted my Dad's thought on it, and my Dad wanted mine.
I told my Dad that I disagreed with. I have always been taught the way are commanded to tithe 10%. (I agree with that) However, I am not to sure that the Bible says a tithe has to be money. I believe that there are many ways to tithe, just like there are many ways to worship. Tithing for me might giving giving my free time up, which is rare for me to get. Tithing for some one else may be volunteering some where. A tithe is suppose to go to God and the support of His work.
(That was my answer to my Dad.)
Dad said that he saw it as the right thing in a business perspective. My Dad made it clear to me that he would not have handled it in that manner, but can understand. He explained to me that when the Youth Pastor came to that church and agreed to be on their staff that he more than likely knew what was to be expected of him. This man's job was to be a youth pastor, but just like in any job there are standards. Apparently paying tithes was one of his church's standards.
I went online and did a bit of research and found these definitions of the word tithe.
Wikipedia's definition:
A tithe (pronounced /ˈtaɪð/; from Old English teogoþa "tenth") is a one-tenth part of something, paid as a (usually) voluntary contribution or as a levy or tax-like payment (technically not a tax as it is not paid to a level of government), usually to support a religious organization. Today, tithes (or tithing) are normally voluntary and paid in cash, cheques, or stocks, whereas historically tithes were required to be paid in kind, such as agricultural products (that grown of the land, or fruit of the tree). Several European countries operate a formal process linked to the tax system allowing some churches to assess tithes.
Pastor Eddie Cude:
The tithe principle is this; "He gives unto us, we give back to Him one-tenth of all that He has blessed us with."
http://www.letusreason.org/wf34.htm:
There were three tithes in the Old Covenant. More often tithes were the crops, the produce of the soil was to be tithed, grains, the fruit of the trees, every year new wine and oil, the firstborn of their herds and flocks (Leviticus 27:30-33). If the place the nation of Israel were to tithe and was too far away to carry their goods (such as Jerusalem), it could be exchanged for money. They were to use their money to buy anything the owner chose: cattle, sheep, wine (Deuteronomy 14:22-26). Every third year the tithe was to be reserved as a festival tithe where they brought out all the tithe, and their produce where the Levite, the stranger, the orphan, the widow, the poor who were in their town, could come and eat and be content (Deuteronomy 14:28-29; 26:12-15). You can expect not to see those who teach tithing as an obligation to practice the third year tithe.
I myself still haven't come to a solid conclusion. I do believe that God could use more Christians that are willing and have good loving attitudes than money....
1 Corinthians 10:31
"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
~Testimony~
Well, I have been having troubles sleeping here recently. I thought I would take this chance to tell you all my testimony and a little bit of why I am who I am today.
I was saved at an early age. It was May 13th 1999. I was six years old, in first grade and lived in Virginia. It was a either a Monday or Thursday, and the only reason I remember that is because I remember going to a Sunday School or Awana classes the day before. In my class I remember the teacher teaching a lesson about Heaven and Hell. We went to this little copy room, in our small group. I sat on top of the copier and she had us imagine how dark and scary hell us. She turned off the lights and everything. (I was very scared, mainly of the dark!) That night I had a horrible night mare. I remember it to this day! I woke up when I felt my stomach leave my body and I felt like I was falling. My first thoughts were I am going to hell! The next morning I went to my mom crying. She asked me what was wrong and I told her I was going to hell. I don't remember what exactly she said. I entered in my Dad's computer room, where my mom was, and sat on her lap, where she led me to the Lord. That day I knew I was saved! I do believe I was somewhat scared into salvation, but fear doesn't save you! The fear just got me to listen and pay better attention. Because I was young I really didn't see much of a difference in my life.
In 2005 I began to struggle some. It was the year we started to grow up some and my Mom professed salvation. My mom called one night while away at my church's ladies retreat. I answered the phone to hear her crying. Me being who I am thought something was wrong. She told she had gotten saved. I was very surprised! I thought wait a minute, your my mom! You've already been saved! Satan then really started playing tricks in my head! I thought if mom did the salvation plan with me and she wasn't saved then I must not be saved...I struggled for that for a few weeks.
A few weeks later I was going to Jr. Church. When I got to the doors of my class there was a big table in the middle of the door way. The first thing I did was try to move it. haha The first thing my children's pastor, Bro. Jerry said was, "Amanda! Don't you go and move my table now. I put that there for a reason." then he laughed till he was purple. (-If you know him, you know that is normal.:)-) His message that morning was on taking the path less traveled. He used that table as an example for us kids to see what path we took with out knowing. He then talked about how no one can take that path for you, it was something only you were allowed to do for yourself. Bro. Jerry explained to us that there was not one person in this whole wide world that could get us to heaven. The only way we could get there was though the grace and saving power of Jesus Christ.
John 10:27-29
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand."
That day I learned a lesson I will never soon forget! I apologized to the Lord that day.
A few years past and as a grew strong some weeks I back slid others. I became less personal with God and more into a routine. At the WILDS camp in 2008 I rededicated my life to the Lord.
I've had my highs and lows. I sure have seen the Lord do great things! I have been working in the children ministries since I was in them myself. I love those kids! He has been working so much in and through me. I'm glad that He is still working and isn't done yet. I know that for a fact, because when He is done, I won't be here. I will be home!
John 14:2-3
"In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."
This Is How It Is
Many people want to know what I am going to do after I finish high school. Well, today I plan on blogging about it! Some may not agree, and I'm ok with that.
Plan:
As of now I am a high school student. In three weeks I will Lord willing graduate! The weekend of graduation I will be moving completely into the apartment above our garage. I plan on spending this summer as a nanny for twin girls in Hendersonville. After things settle down I will probably get a part time job for nights, that could carry into a full time job once the summer ends.
I do plan to continue my education! (I want to make sure people know that first) Because of some family things and money. I will be going to be staying here in the fall. I will be taking my ACT this summer/fall. When I start in the fall I will more than likely just be taking one class. When I start all the classes my major will be Human Services at Vol State. Come spring depending on where the Lord leads me I may stay at Vol State or I may transfer.
Reasoning:
Being eighteen, I have been asked many questions! Here are some of those questions: Why aren't you going to your choice of college? Why are you waiting longer to start school? Do you consider this a sacrifice? Are you going to live and take care of your family the rest of your life? You do so much at home why would you stay when you could leave? Are your parents making you do this?
When asked some of these questions I got a bit offended. Truth is I have thought about a few of these my self. At first I was upset by my school situation. My dream and what I felt my calling was, was to go to a Bible college and stay in a dorm. I'd get a Biblical Counseling Major with a Women's Ministry Minor. I will not be going to my choice of college because 1. It takes money. 2. It is pretty far away. I will be waiting longer to start school because I have to take my ACT first. It has become a bit of a sacrifice, but I know that this will help me in the future.
To the question of taking care of my family my whole life the answer is most definitely! Do I plan on living with them my whole life? No. They are my family and I love them. I'd be a horrible person and a bad Christian example if I didn't help out my family when they need it. My normal answer to this question is another question. Wouldn't you take care of your family if they needed it?
At the beginning I was upset about staying home. I'm over that now and have a different mind set. See in the Bible times girls were raised by staying with their family, learning how to provide for a family, taking care of her family, and when the time came she would leave her family once she was married. (Numbers 30:3-4) When I did some research I became ok with staying at home. Now, I am going to have my own life and do my own things. I'm just going to continue helping out. My parents are not making me and forcing me to stay! I don't know where I'm going or what exactly I will be doing, but I keep getting reminded that God does. (Jeremiah 29:11)
My parents love me very much. I haven't taken my ACT yet because my Dad knows I do not take testing well. He knows that once I start studying I will get depressed and he doesn't want to bring that on me. My Dad has been one of very few people that has told me I do not have to go to college. Just because the world says I have to do something a certain way doesn't mean its true. My Dad is also the one having me move out to the apartment. He has been encouraging me to start my own new life. I've gotten a lot of slack being a teenager and not having a life. The truth of the matter is that I am a teenager I should not have a life. The time we are given as teenagers is suppose to be used to grow. We are suppose to be laying down the foundation for the rest of our lives not having a new boy friend every week.
I love my God and I love my family. I've realized my family is so much bigger than just the seven of us. I may not have a "life" yet. But my life is filled with family. I have so many family members from Church and 4-H. I could and would never replace all my mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, aunt, and uncle figures! I love all of you very much!
Plan:
As of now I am a high school student. In three weeks I will Lord willing graduate! The weekend of graduation I will be moving completely into the apartment above our garage. I plan on spending this summer as a nanny for twin girls in Hendersonville. After things settle down I will probably get a part time job for nights, that could carry into a full time job once the summer ends.
I do plan to continue my education! (I want to make sure people know that first) Because of some family things and money. I will be going to be staying here in the fall. I will be taking my ACT this summer/fall. When I start in the fall I will more than likely just be taking one class. When I start all the classes my major will be Human Services at Vol State. Come spring depending on where the Lord leads me I may stay at Vol State or I may transfer.
Reasoning:
Being eighteen, I have been asked many questions! Here are some of those questions: Why aren't you going to your choice of college? Why are you waiting longer to start school? Do you consider this a sacrifice? Are you going to live and take care of your family the rest of your life? You do so much at home why would you stay when you could leave? Are your parents making you do this?
When asked some of these questions I got a bit offended. Truth is I have thought about a few of these my self. At first I was upset by my school situation. My dream and what I felt my calling was, was to go to a Bible college and stay in a dorm. I'd get a Biblical Counseling Major with a Women's Ministry Minor. I will not be going to my choice of college because 1. It takes money. 2. It is pretty far away. I will be waiting longer to start school because I have to take my ACT first. It has become a bit of a sacrifice, but I know that this will help me in the future.
To the question of taking care of my family my whole life the answer is most definitely! Do I plan on living with them my whole life? No. They are my family and I love them. I'd be a horrible person and a bad Christian example if I didn't help out my family when they need it. My normal answer to this question is another question. Wouldn't you take care of your family if they needed it?
At the beginning I was upset about staying home. I'm over that now and have a different mind set. See in the Bible times girls were raised by staying with their family, learning how to provide for a family, taking care of her family, and when the time came she would leave her family once she was married. (Numbers 30:3-4) When I did some research I became ok with staying at home. Now, I am going to have my own life and do my own things. I'm just going to continue helping out. My parents are not making me and forcing me to stay! I don't know where I'm going or what exactly I will be doing, but I keep getting reminded that God does. (Jeremiah 29:11)
My parents love me very much. I haven't taken my ACT yet because my Dad knows I do not take testing well. He knows that once I start studying I will get depressed and he doesn't want to bring that on me. My Dad has been one of very few people that has told me I do not have to go to college. Just because the world says I have to do something a certain way doesn't mean its true. My Dad is also the one having me move out to the apartment. He has been encouraging me to start my own new life. I've gotten a lot of slack being a teenager and not having a life. The truth of the matter is that I am a teenager I should not have a life. The time we are given as teenagers is suppose to be used to grow. We are suppose to be laying down the foundation for the rest of our lives not having a new boy friend every week.
I love my God and I love my family. I've realized my family is so much bigger than just the seven of us. I may not have a "life" yet. But my life is filled with family. I have so many family members from Church and 4-H. I could and would never replace all my mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, aunt, and uncle figures! I love all of you very much!
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