Graduation

Graduation. We finally did it and I can't believe it!

I was so blessed to meet and share my life with some amazing people for the past four years in Jackson, MS. We tried to get a group shot but I was looking for my parents

Thanks MD for taking the picture! Will miss you-such wonderful times of laughter and tears in Caldwell!! The good times rolled ;)

and the next time we lost two others SO thanks to Kimber's wonderful technological skills we managed to have a 'pic with everyone'. Annie might have one from pre-grad so we'll see :) But the next three pics-that's everyone! Love these ladies and excited to see where God takes all of us!

 I definitely fought the tears all day Saturday but I hope and pray I'll see so many of these people again!

On the Eve of my 22 birthday I still have unpacking to do....I'm always hit or miss with packing. Either I do it right away or it lingers for a while. Anyway, there are so many thoughts one has upon graduation. I could go on and on in detail but I'm afraid it's a feeling you only experience once and well you just can't explain it.

Overall, I can say I have grown up! It took until senior year Spring semester but we survived and the Lord led us all the way. Now is when it gets hard trusting, waiting, and having faith. But if He carried us through so magnificently before, there should be no doubt that He'll do it again!

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."-John 10:10

Sappiness

Ok be forewarned, this might be rather sappy. Side not, blogger you really threw me off with your new posting format but alas I will try to figure you out!

So I have been thinking about love lately. I know its something every little girl dreams of. When you get tossed into the messiness of relationships, often every girl is ready to put up a white flag and quit. However, I certainly have learned my fair share of lessons in love and life. I don't begin to even come near to fully understanding it but I do know Christ's love for me! The depths of it, astounding, and something I will never be able to fully comprehend this side of Heaven!

I was going to post separately about how God's sovereignty is incredible but I think it goes along with His love. As a college graduate I am beginning to learn that life is all about change. Though I am in a transition stage, so many others are as well. Finding new jobs, picking a place to live, it will always come up in life. Perhaps it is just God reminding me, I am not God and I have no clue what 'the best' is for me. It's all about faith. God says here are all these great options, because I love you. Do you trust me to lead you to the best and uniquely catered one for you, because I love you? Patiently wait because I know you need to wait, I love you.

I have been blown away by God's expression of his love for me. Graduating from college is an emotional roller coaster ride, as is the rest of life but I don't think we would have it any other way. I get so humbled every time I bump into someone who asks how things are going and reminds me they are praying for me. Boy, I tell you what, knowing that my life is covered in prayer is a huge confidence booster and stress reliever! So reader, know your brothers and sisters in Christ are praying for you! I have talked to 8 people this week all of which reminded me of God's specific care for me. Reader, that goes for you too! I saw a quote a friend posted and think it sums up numerous conversations I've had this week....

"Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God."-Corrie Ten Boom

With all that being said, in any relationship-family, friends, marriage, it is the most amazing experience when someone shows you the love of Christ. They look at you, they hear and see your faults and forgive you and love you. That is the Gospel in the flesh. Sappy? Far from it.

Now for the sappiness and all you dreamers out there....

 "..And then I'd like to hear you, I mean really hear you.
So.. would you mind if I eavesdropped on your thoughts, if I overheard your daydreams and made them all come true..?"

For the Ladies



For the Gents

Lasts

This past week has been full of 'lasts.' I canNOT believe I am nearing the end of my four years of college. Soooo much has happened in four years! I certainly have grown up though I'm thankful I think there will always be a little kid inside of me. I have shed many tears and seen a lot of people come and go while completing my time at Belhaven. There have been struggles and joys. I think Britt Nicole sums it up well in her song "You've been walking with me all this time."

In honor of all the lasts....here's a quick photo recap, enjoy!




Right after my last dance final evaluation possibly ever!!



Check it! Our last sign out at Casey!


We did it! On the way home from our last day student teaching! What a year!

So much is going on and I have lots to post about but for now...here's a sneak peak of one of many things happening this week!

Today I took my last dance final possibly ever, excitement level is up there with picking up my cap and gown! as momma said it has been a great journey...and a whole lot of sweat and tears!

He is risen!

O precious sight, my Savior stands
Dying for me with outstretched hands
O precious sight, I love to gaze
Remembering salvation's day
Remembering salvation's day

Though my eyes linger on this scene
May passing time and years not steal
The power with which it impacts me
The freshness of it's mystery
The freshness of it's mystery

May I never lose the wonder
The wonder of the cross
May I see it like the first time
Standing as a sinner lost
Undone by mercy and left speechless
Watching wide eyed at the cost
May I never lose the wonder
The wonder of the cross

Behold the God - Man crucified
The perfect sinless sacrifice
As blood ran down those nails and wood
History was split in two
Yes, History was split in two

Behold the empty wooden tree
His body gone, alive and free
We sing with everlasting joy
For sin and death have been destroyed
Yes sin and death have been destroyed

Vicky Beeching-The Wonder of the Cross

"By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me-a prayer to the God of my life."-Psalm 42:8
Happy Easter Break!

Beauty

Palm Sunday, the continuation of a beautiful story. A difficult journey (marred by pain) but a glorious ending. Hallelujah!

Thanks Evan for sending this pic my way!

Full Day

It was a full Friday! We went to the Puppetry Jam/26th Annual Performing Arts Festival For Children at the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum
I tried to take pictures but the lighting was a little tricky so here's the best I could do!
The kids got to hear some great story telling and even participate in a few of the acts! The learned "Oh! Susanna" from Sherman Lee Dillon. Then they moved on to enjoy some juggling, balloon creations, and silly jokes for Inky the Clown He was an amazing juggler and the kids really got a kick out of his bowling ball juggling act! He even had some magic tricks up his sleeve. One of my favorite quote was, "Sit criss cross banana split, or whatever you call it!"



The final stop was the dance and puppetry exhibit. We had another very talented story teller, Rosia Crisler, and then a dance crew teach some African.



And yes, you guessed it, they wanted the teachers to come on stage and learn the routine! Since I'm the student teacher, and the dancer....I had to go up there :). I survived and the kids were excited! The puppet crew after had a very unique presentation that followed. It was a very fun event and the kids really enjoyed it!



We finished the day watching The Lorax and making our oreo moons!

This is what we do in class....

Ok....we don't do all of this in class but we learned little sections from "Can't Touch This," "Newsies," and more! Thought you might enjoy a blast from the past....



It was quite humerous watching me try to find my inner tomboy as I learned the above piece. Fun nevertheless.

I also learned that steps like barrel rolls, flying squirrels, ariels, side jete's, backwards leaps, and more are rather challenging and if you can do them and make them look good well that's just cool!

Music

"You’ve given far beyond my need so I give
My deepest thanks to you for all I’ve watched you do
And for the things that I am yet to see
Still I’m confident to wait patiently

I cry out and you answer
I cry out and you answer

Father I know you listen when I pray
Father would you hear these simple words I say

I’m amazed at where we’ve been and what we’ve seen
I can’t imagine where I’d be without you here with me
With a faith beyond the things I could see
So many times I’ve watched your hand as it guides me"

-Jadon Lavik, Father

Coming through four years of college and looking on the other end, these words hold true all the more. I have seen the Lord guide and continue to trust Him as He directs. College sure is a roller coaster!

Sundays

The past two weeks, I have been to two different churches, both a blessing! Both pastors preached the same message. I figured I needed to tune in if I was hearing it two different times, two different places.

Guilt.

So many believers are stuck in guilt.

God calls His children to "refuse to massage the memories but ask him to redeem it!"-Pastor Chip Henderson, Pinelake Church

"Don't let anybody pin something on you that has already been nailed to the cross....The saddest thing is for a blood bought believer to be stuck in guilt."-Pastor Wheat, Highlands Presbyterian Church

"When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross."-Colossians 2:13-14 that's the Gospel message tried and true!

A close friend told me once, "That's not part of our story now is it?" God looks at my past sins and doesn't see them anymore. They don't keep me from Him. They don't tie me down. He gives me a new story. He changes me.

7 hours a Day

Whew! I can't believe it has only been about two weeks since my last post. It feels much longer than that! Student teaching had me going about a mile a minute and now it's almost over! It's like we hit the ground runnin' and now that I can breathe again, I don't exactly know what to do with myself. Actually, now it is time to do some job hunting! All that aside, there were some things I thought I'd share....

My TIAI unit was all about the sun and moon! We made sunshines and plan to make an Oreo moon tomorrow! They learned all 8 phases of the moon (did you know there are 8?!)! We even played the waxing and waning game and sang a moon song that really gets stuck in your head I might add! It's always a good sign when you hear them humming the tune under their breath :). My cooperating teacher dubbed me Ms. Moon today.

I also taught quite a few lessons on adjectives! At the end of one of the weeks we had popcorn for a treat and described it with all five senses (we wrote about this as a share the pen activity/thanks Ms. Morgan for helpin' with these two ideas!)... We also created interactive adjective mobiles where a group described a picture with one adjective and the class had to guess the magazine picture without seeing it but by listening to the adjectives. We hung them outside and I was excited when the kids would look at them and make sure the pictures were hidden so people could guess. I think it means they liked it! Adjectives are tricky for first graders!





Today we made dinosaurs. Don't worry I tried my hand at it too but I'm afraid mine looked more like a fish.



We have been studying dinosaurs and the kids really seemed to enjoy it! This was the first time they worked with clay/play dough in our class. It wasn't too bad, I would just tell them if they have extra clay to not mix it together....otherwise you get a glob of an unknown color that you can't reuse....lesson learned! My favorite quote of this unit was, "Ms. Schreck, I always wanted a baby Bronchiosaurus!"

Charleston and the Beach!

On our last day we decided to find Charleston! We stopped at the Battery and the Harbor to make plans and then headed to Folly Beach to catch some sunshine.

It was a bit of a drive but the sandy shores and sunshine were definitely worth it! The crew took a walk on the pier and then we went back into town to look at the Market and get dinner. The Market wasn't too full because we got there later that night but the candy shop made up for it! Got some fresh praline samples-love 'em! We finished the night at Bubba Gump's seafood restaurant. I had some shrimp cocktail-delicious!

Table Rock

The thunder was following us!



Thursday we drove about 2.5 hours to Pickens, SC and found Table Rock.
Let me preface this by saying, I didn't fully comprehend what we were doing that day. I suppose if I had actually realized that 3-4 miles one way is quite a hike, that I may have mentally prepared myself a little better. Don't worry, I survived and didn't complain too much! And it truly was a beautiful day!

We got some energy at Aunt Sue's. I had a delicious chicken philly sandwich!



Guest book at Aunt Sue's!

We found the park and decided to take the Table Rock Trail (there are a few you can choose from). We happened to choose one of the more difficult ones.

It started off lovely the road was paved, the incline was minimal to zero, and there was a pretty waterfall.


Pick your trail!

We found two big fun rocks to climb on and then it just went downhill from there.


Actually it really went uphill but the difficulty increased immensely! We really did do some rock climbing! The boys were so sweet and kept saying, it can't be much further! We kept wondering how they knew and they had reasons but I think they were just trying to help us have a positive outlook. Mind over matter right? We had to take a few breaks and they help and then 2 minutes later you are huffin' and puffin again. There were quite a few times when I really thought I was content to not finish and simply enjoy what I had so far. It helps when you have a group going though!



We made it to the summit and the beautiful view as actually past the summit. It was gorgeous!!

It took about 2.5 hours to make it up there and we cut that probably half on the time down. I say it's because I knew there was an ending in site. Going up, I had know idea where the end was! We were rewarded with a rather icy cold dip in the waterfall. I climbed behind the waterfall and listened to the rush of the water. I love waterfalls!

We didn't take as much water as we should have but the water fountain at the end of the hike was a glorious thing! Stopped at a gas station for some gatorade and headed home for a pizza dinner. Afterall, we worked off everything from Aunt Sue's ;).

In the midst of all this, when hiking a mountain, you have a lot of thoughts.
Going up the mountain, I had no idea where the end was. We don't know how long this life is but certainly can't quit at the first rock we run into or find. There were SO many times when I thought, I'm content to stop here. God wants to take us so much farther. One of our friends thought about how you find a good view and think its great! If you walk a little further, you realize there was something God had in store that was so much better and beyond what you could imagine. As for stopping and starting, I was reminded how quickly I can get worn out. Running the race is not easy, but it is worth it. And the best part? God offers rest, the whole way if you just trust Him! I also noticed how on the way up, we didn't talk very much because we were so tired. On the way down? Well that was a different story....we were gabbing, laughing, and moving fast! I realize more seasoned friends have a lot of stories to share, have seen the struggles, and are now able to talk, laugh about it, and enjoy the ride. Oh and of course we threw some Miley Cyrus in there, It's all about the climb? well yes, not about how fast you get there? Well I beg to differ that it might be about whats on the other side. The climb is important, how you live your life, but whats waiting on the other side, is vital!

Zoo!!

Spent a lovely SC afternoon at the zoo yesterday!!



We saw lions and tigers and bears oh my! There were some crazy funky birds and the gorillas seemed to be hiding.



We went late afternoon so apparently it was feeding time and nap time. By 5 o'clock the animals knew their day was done and were ready to turn in.



The gardens were beautiful and we made a few wishes and threw in some coins!

Sang a song at church on Sunday and had the quiet tears just fallin' down. It reminded us that God's love never fails. So much goes on in a day but it's a blessing to know that God's love NEVER fails.

Precious Isabear

Goodmorning! It is spring break and I am enjoying some time in good ol' SC. It is weird to be home but after being here for a few days, it is starting to feel comfortable again. I am so thankful I was able to stop home and see mom and dad before their big trip and also our precious bear dog.



It was a difficult trip as we learned that Isabear's cancer was spreading quickly. She was having trouble walking and was in a lot of pain.



I was able to say goodbye on Sunday for the last time. I really don't like goodbyes so I usually just don't do it. This time was different.



She was so special to our family. She had pip til the end and just wanted to be with us. You could see the pain in her eyes but it is never easy to say goodbye. We will always remember the blessing the sweet girl was in our lives!

Tricky Thursdays

Its not even 8:00pm and I could probably fall asleep. No this is not the first night, and no I did not go to bed late last night. It must be the tell tale signs of a teacher.

Thursdays seem to be the trickiest days. It is not quite the weekend but everyone seems to wish it is. Everyone is tired and motivation is low. Patience is thin and frankly, we all appreciate the day of rest on Sunday that is just around the corner.

All that to say, God gives us the grace to get through! His mercies are new every morning! I have been humbled quite a bit this week and reminded, in more instances than one, about the grace and foregiveness I need every day.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. -2 Corinthians 12:9

"...as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."-Psalm 103:12

Boy do I have a long way to go!

Discoveries for this week

1. Giving a student teacher cookies after tutoring or teaching is not the best idea in the world....they will be devoured in a mere 5 minutes.

2. If a little one gets hit in the nose, a. I want to cry for them and b. it will most likely bleed. And then they will say it is the worst day of their life, but not to worry because God is going to take care of it!-so true! words of wisdom from a first grader.

3. David Crowder Band put out their last cd-ok I have to admit I was behind the times on this one but they sure do have some great music!

4. Oh and Carrie Underwood-preach it sister!



It is almost Spring Break! I get to see my family and friends soon!!!

A little/big day

Today is Friday! As you probably know I have a new found love for Fridays. Today is a big day for a few reasons....
1. It is Dr. Seuss' birthday!
2. Tomorrow is the weekend!
3. In exactly one week I will be on SPRING BREAK! Can you believe it?
I am going home. Actually, I may even be going to both of my homes! I am excited to see family, friends, and be in a different place for a bit.

The kindergarten teacher came and read The Lorax to us today. It was great. I forget how wonderful Seuss books are. If you do the research about him, the story of how his books came to be is quite interesting. I would encourage you to check it out! I also LOVE the illustrations for his books-so quirky and bright!



I looked up some quotes by him and came across this:

“Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.”
― Dr. Seuss

A View from First Grade

Our kiddos are dressing up and reporting on Famous Americans tomorrow! They also memorized a neat poem by Langston Hughes called Dreams....

Dreams

Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.


Can't believe it is only Tuesday but happy almost mid-week!

It has been well said that no man ever sank under the burden of the day. It is when tomorrow's burden is added to the burden of today that the weight is more than a man can bear. Never load yourselves so..If you find yourselves so loaded, at least remember this: it is your own doing, not God's. He begs you to leave the future to him, and mind the present.-George MacDonald

Saturday

I have a new found love for Saturdays. Woke up at 7:00...student teaching and my internal alarm clock said you slept an hour later that's long enough! Caught up on news and blogs and watched a little bit of Psych with Kim and Kimber. Got ready for the day and have a mile long list of things to do but forwent all of that for a wonderfully fun day!
As a student teacher, I was talking to people about how sometimes I feel like I am around first graders so much it might be nice to be around college kids/and or adults.
God is so good and provided that today! I got to see a handful of friends I haven't seen in so long!
Kim and I watched Katie and Kimber play some great indoor soccer! They both scored but unfortunately didn't make it to the final round. We are still so proud of our soccer girls!
Then we went to watch some softball and Lady Blazers were playing great and winning 7-1! Today the sun was shining but it was a bit breezy.
After that we went to the Res with RUF. Played some ultimate, enjoyed some hot dogs, and just sat, talked, and soaked up some fresh air!
Homework can wait as we enjoy a day in life. Sometimes I think it's necessary to just pause in the grand scheme of things and just smile, take a deep breath, and enjoy life!
I might add that the sunset this evening was JUST incredible! When I get to Heaven I want to ask the Artist how He does it! How is it different and gorgeous every night?

Visit!

With mom and dad just after my last dance performance at Belhaven University!

A prayer-"My feet stand on level ground; in the great assembly I will praise the Lord."-Psalm 26:12

Happy Friday!

Two quotes to make ya smile

Ms. Schreck, My dad met a gecko.
A gecko?
Ya the one on the commercial Geiko.
Ohhhhh

Ms. Schreck do you have a son?
No...but I'd like one someday!
Well if you do, you should get him a ninjago Lego spinner. They have them at Walmart and they are SO cool!

Might attempt this on Friday with the kiddos....what do you think?

What do you think about Church?

Must see

Please go to this site and scroll down to number 7....I'm pretty sure I can guarantee a laugh! Oh my word.

Think about it...

"We Christians must simplify our lives or lose untold treasure on earth and in eternity. Modern civilization is so complex as to make the devotional life all but impossible. It wears us out by multiplying distractions and beats us down by destroying our solitude, where otherwise we might drink and renew our strength before going out to face the world again."-A. W. Tozer

From tutus to blue jeans

Mom and Dad came to see my last college dance performance! Since I chose to go out of state for college, visits are sometimes hard to come by but mom promised she would come see me dance before I graduate! I am thankful for videography which has allowed me to show my family most of my performances! This weekend was the Dance Ministry Performance on campus! I have come a long way as my parents reminisced about how I'm still running off stage just like I used to, except this time I was barefoot and in blue jeans instead of little pink slippers and a tutu!
My parents surprised me by arriving very early Saturday morning. I thought they were coming Saturday afternoon but dad said they slept through the night like it was Christmas...I think that means they were excited! They left at 3/4am and got here around 10:00! I was barely awake and rather confused to which Evan can testify. I had a performance the night before and was still sleepy! Anyway, we enjoyed breakfast at Broadstreet Cafe and explored Goodwill and some bookstores! We love books and my parents have been trying to help me build up a first grade teacher library! They even got me some groceries which is always a blessing for a college student :)
Round two of the performance was Saturday night and I enjoyed another fun warm up class that I now deem should be re-named sweat class....it definitely did the job!



Here we are waiting back stage! Thanks Matt for taking pics!



There was one little hiccup with the music but it was still a wonderful performance and we are so thankful for the cast and crew and all their hard work! What a blessing to dance! I was reminded of dancing for my glorious King and Audience of One!
I am quite sore and rather tired today but thankful that I have been able to dance so much in college! It will be interesting to see how dance will appear in the rest of my life!

February 14th

Got to celebrate Valentine's with a bunch of first graders! We love gummy worms and Valentines. Enjoyed some sandwiches, chips, and cupcakes! Blessed and surprised to receive some other lovely notes and goodies from friends! Though some loved ones are here and others are far away, wanted to send a special wish of Happy Valentine's Day!

"...he is perfectly contented to be just what God has made him, to go where his Master sends him, to do what is placed in his hands to do. He is so far from thinking himself essential to the prosperity of the Church and the redemption of the world, that he hopefully, and even confidently, leaves that in the care of the Supreme."-E. R. Conder and W. Clarkson

Another Week

This week the kids finished their term with Mr. Tom (click here to find out more!) the artist....
They completed their books (wrote a How-To story) and did a great job!



Friday they made cards! Most of them made Valentine cards. One of our boys wrote one to a little girl in the class, it was cute! I got to help him spell her name and I felt like a little match maker. Anyway, Mr. Tom showed them how to make three different kinds of paper hearts! They were SO impressed and thought he was like magic!



Then they learned how to be magical too! I even tried my own hand at it and made a card too!


Mr. Tom's work, the kids' work, and pictures from the past few weeks should be displayed at an artist reception on March 8th from 5-7:30 at the Municipal Art Gallery in MS.

Friday we celebrated Abraham Lincoln's bday! I know it is not until Sunday but we were ready! We made log cabins to go around our milk cartons and I took a picture of one of the students' work because this idea is just too cute!



Had breakfast at the Corner Bakery this morning with a friend and let me just say the "Farmer's Scramble" is the way to go! It lasted me all day through warm up class, tech rehearsal, and dress rehearsal!

Catch Up

As a student teacher I often find myself saying, "I have to catch up on my life..."
It's kind of silly and a bit of an exaggeration, I simply mean in the week I guess I am experiencing adult life because I got to school and don't have a whole lot of time for much else but that's why I have a new found love for the weekends....and Fridays!

I was sick last week and can not believe I have been for a little over a week now! I still have sickness in me! Yuck! When I get sick, apparently I get really sick. Unfortunately, all my student teaching friends got sick too! Hopefully they will feel better soon!

So Friday we had King Cake (that's what happens when you go to school in MS) and made paper books! Let me just say, first graders do not know how to sew. If you show them which wholes to pull the thread through they can get it. I don't know how many times I said, pull pull pull pull because they didn't understand that concept and then they would run out of thread but it would really just be left behind! One of my students said, this is my first time sewing! She was excited, which is great! I snuck a picture of the last class' paper hanging up drying in the window.


This was the seed paper hanging up to dry.


Also I got a picture of the finished books! I think they are going to be displayed in an art museum somewhere around town. Tomorrow we are supposed to decorate the tales of the thread kind of like a bookmark or tassel.

It has been so cloudy and rainy. Today it got colder and cloudy. The sun came up for a little bit this morning, which was lovely, and then it disappeared! Anyway on Friday I woke up to the sound of rain. I walked past all the little streams and rivers around campus later that day. I always think, I should buy an umbrella, rain boots, and a rain coat. All of which I have yet to purchase for the past four years I've been here. I know it's not rainy like Portland but sometimes it sure does seem like it! I love the rain, don't get me wrong but I always think, I need rain boots! I should work on this.

Caught up with Evan this weekend too....it was a late night video chat but apparently we got a lot done in 3 hours.



I had dance all weekend! Well, really all day Saturday! We went to a nursing home for dance ministry and then had the Collaborative Arts Concert that night! Since it is a smaller concert, we had a warm up class and dress rehearsal that afternoon. There was a great turn out for the show and it is always neat when visual artists, musicians, and dancers all work together! I was in a piece called "Open Hands" choreographed by my two friends Anna and Libby. They did a beautiful job and it was a blessing to be able to work with them! It was based on the story of Abraham and how God provided a sacrifice for him; he had to have open hands and let go!


Here is our cast!

As we rehearsed for Dance Ministry the other day, I stopped and thought. The piece I'm in for that performance is called, "With Everything." It is a huge cast, I'd say around 20 people! I wondered if when we all get to Heaven we'll meet up and perform it! We could dance in front of our King, live and in person! What a glorious day it will be when dancers dance, musicians play, artists draw, and everyone worships in their own way in the presence of the Lord! Our God is an awesome God!

Almost Tuesday

"....with my God I can scale a wall...As for God, his way is perfect."

God gives strength-Psalm 18:32 and 39
God gives a perfect way- Psalm 18: 30 and 32
God gives a shield-Psalm 18:30 and 35

Check out Psalm 18:29-39

The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior!-Psalm 18:46

I meant to take a picture but I forgot.

We have an artist at our school this week. Actually he came on Friday and the kids made paper, from paper. I know it sounds kind of interesting but we are into three R's at the moment. Can you name them?

Did you guess them?

Reduce
Reuse
Recycle!

So the artist, his name is Mr. Tom, blended up some paper (added some water) and made pulp. We have also been working on writing How-to paragraphs so we learned "how-to" make paper!

1. Stir up the vat. (use your hand don't forget to roll up your sleeves)
2. Make sure the screen is facing up and the deckle is on top (yes deckle is the name of it! we learned a new word too, don't worry)
3. Then hold it like your driving (thumbs on either side in the middle)
4. scoop up the fish paper (pulp)
4. Do the vatman shake (I know, it sounds like the Batman shake, I wanted to call it that!)
5. Partner takes off the deckle.
6. Flip it over onto felt like a book.
7. Press out the water with a sponge.
8. Pull off the screen.
9. Cover with felt......

Then the assistant and I press them onto the window to dry. I'm pretty sure we put up over 100 sheets of paper. Today we actually made seed paper and I liked these better. The colors were more vibrant and the paper a bit thicker. Apparently you scrape off the paper when its dry with the help of a credit card (like scraping off ice, minus the cold). I meant to take a pic of all the paper drying but by the time the day was over I had forgotten. I'm sorry! Friday we are supposed to make books that will be displayed in an art museum around town?? Something like that, we'll see how it goes! Maybe I can find a picture somewhere in this whole process!

In other news, I rocked one of my first graders' world today by drinking soup out of a can. It was one of those microwaveable Campbelle's cans. He kept asking questions about it, like why did you shake it up when you were drinking it. Then they were interested in sodium because they read that mine had "25% less sodium".

Also, kids know when you are sick. I'm pretty sure five of my kids noticed my voice was a bit off today....
Ms. Schreck, your voice isn't right. It's not yours. Your voice sounds sick.
I learned my lesson. Give me some Vitamin C please!

-Life as an El Ed Major....who's almost done!

This is why we teach.

The world is a hard place. People need someone to show them love. To show them that they can succeed.

It happens

This is just my favorite! I'm not sure where it came from/who created it but thanks Evan for sending it to me!

Start your week off right

Love it!

Interesting

On Bible Characters: The rich young ruler, Sara, Peter, and Paul....."The one who made a name for himself is nameless. But the ones who called on Jesus' name-& his name only-got new names and even more, new life."

-Max Lucado, Cast of Characters: Common People in the Hands of an Uncommon God, copyright 2008, p. 200

Birthday Week

This week three of my friends turned 22! We have had lots of great surprises for them! Kimber met a big group at Berry Berry Good, Katie enjoyed pizza and Quelf, and Kim had a surprise breakfast!
We also survived our first week of student teaching; I only rewarded myself with a mountain dew almost every day ;)! Only about 70 more days!

Words for the Soul

You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless, and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.
-Psalm 10:17-18

For the Lord is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see his face.
-Psalm 11:7

God is amazing.

God is amazing. Period.
Out of the blue, in the middle of Language Arts small group. a little girl asked a question. She was really trying to figure something out. You could see it on her face and could tell in the way she phrased her question. She was working on connecting the dots. The most amazing part? I was so caught off guard (though I should not have been) that I probably only said about two phrases, if that and the kids just had their own little conversation.....

"Is God tinier than everyone?" to which one student said, and they both agreed, "No! He's bigger!!!" another said, "Ya, He died on the cross." The first little girl said, "You know what! He's coming back but we just don't know when...."

Best part of the whole day!!! God is amazing!

Please Watch This!

"Dress up the outside make it look nice and neat. It's funny that's what they used to do to mummies while the corpse rots underneath."

"When I was an enemy.....Jesus looked down and said I want that man."

"Religion says Do, Jesus says Done."

"Kneeling at the cross saying, 'Come on there's room.' "

can't believe student teaching is almost here! 7:15 is going to come rather early but excited to see all my lovely small group ladies, my fabulous roomies, and of course good ol Jacktown AND today is going to be an extra special day because I get a visitor in GA!!

Um. Speechless.

London knows how to do some Fireworks. Can we PLEASE go??!!!

It's a New Year

Well it's a new year and I have been wanting to blog but not sure what I should write about. As I struggled to untangle a new necklace I got from my uncle for Christmas, I knew this would work.....

I got a new necklace for Christmas. It's quite beautiful. Unfortunately, when I took it out of the box it was all tangled. As I started to unravel it, I realized I was only making it worse. I tried to look at in a different light to see if that would help. Nope, still trying to untangle it. Usually I'm pretty good at untangling them but this one was tough. I went from one position to the next, trying as hard as I could to undo the knot. The harder I tried, the tighter it got. I finally went downstairs and showed mom. Let me just say, mom is always right. She looked at it, said that's a beautiful necklace and with no concern at all told me how to fix it. Just get a sewing needle, stick it through the whole and it'll come loose. So I went back upstairs and tried. It took me a little while. I would almost get it and then lose it. Finally, though I'm not quite sure how, it worked! Mom was right and I had my beautiful necklace back!

Great story, right. Well it gets better because as I sat there SO frustrated I realized that that story sometimes resembles my life.....

Sometimes I can do some damage and get my life all in a knot/tangle/mess. I wonder how often God looks at me as He's trying to make me new and says well, that obviously didn't get her attention, perhaps if I put her in a different situation/a different light she will understand. When I continue to be stubborn, I wonder if he says, I guess I'll have to use a different tool with her.

I'm often blown away by his patience in my life. I worked on that necklace for a mere 15 minutes or so and was about to give up. I even asked for help, got the right tools, and then almost gave up! My transformation will take a lifetime and God still doesn't give up on me. He uses all the right tools, knows all the right people to place in my life, and takes care of me.

I love that He can look at me in my sinful mess and say with complete assurance and calm, this is what she needs, this is what I'm going to do. She'll be beautiful!

Three verses come to mind-Romans 8:38-39 (I will never be separated from Christ), 2 Corinthians 5:17 (He is making me new!), 1 Peter 1:7 (though we go through tough times/fire, God will be glorified!)

Though it will take a lifetime, God sees the beauty, untangles all the knots, and is proud of His kids!