I believe God gives me enough time each day to complete the things he wants me to accomplish...but I find it difficult determining which items on my to do list are most important to complete.
I can accomplish every part of God's work for me today...if I stay away from the television and apply myself diligently to my tasks. Sometimes I feel dismayed- a measly twenty four hours is all I have, and part of that is for sleeping, eating, and exercising. What I wouldn't give for more time!
I continually remind myself of my goals:
1) I must put God first.
Having my time of prayer, my personal Bible study, and taking the time to be the type of person God wants me to be is essential.
2) I must take care of myself.
I must take the time to eat well and live a healthy lifestyle.
3) I must address my long term goals.
Working on my evening classes, completing important paperwork for my induction as a California educator, and taking next steps to improve my chances of being hired full time next year is crucial.
4) I must meet my short term career goals.
I must be ready with my lesson plans, ready with my student behavior plans, and caught up on all school related activities.
5) I must take care of urgent household tasks.
I must be sure the laundry is done, the apartment is clean, and my appliances and car is in working order.
6) I want to take care of the little tasks that get pushed off daily.
Since I am on break, I am craving the completion of a million little tasks on my to do list. They keep pulling me in, since I know if I do not accomplish them on this break, I will likely have to wait until after Christmas to get to these tasks. I want to do them NOW, but, unfortunately, as they are not urgent, and as they are least important, I need to spend most of my time on other more important projects.
It is very difficult to hold strong with my priorities. I usually want to do the easiest items on my 'to do' list first, but then I run out of time and enthusiasm for my more important tasks.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Please help me to prioritize wisely. Help me to focus and to put away distractions that prevent me from accomplishing what you would have me do today. Let me enjoy my fall break, but let me also get much accomplished so that when my break is over I can return to work with a feeling of confidence. Help me complete all my work with a joyful heart. Help me rejoice in the blessings you pour out today and laugh often. Amen.
Matthew 6:33
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
All that is not eternal is eternally out of date. -C.S. Lewis
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Monday, October 21, 2013
God's Way
Psalm 25:4-5
Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
I am praying that God makes his path clear to me. I am praying that my heart is soft and that my eyes are open to His vision for my future. I am asking God to bless Adam and I with wisdom, and to give us discernment to make the best choices. I am requesting that God grants us success in our ventures. Even more importantly, I am asking that God show us which opportunities to pursue in order to fulfill His perfect plan for our lives.
"Since God is mighty enough to ignite the sun, he is mighty enough to light your path." -Max Lucado
I know that God has promised to guide us as long as we put him first and stay open to His leading. I know the road to success will not be easy. "Victory is not the absence of problems, it is the presence of power. God's power is greater than any problem. His victory swallows up all adverse circumstances. We can stand strong, as more than conquerors, when we know that He is with us."
- Joyce Meyer
I am praying that God blesses us with his joy, his strength, his wisdom, and his power so that our lives can bring glory to our heavenly father.
Psalm 25:12-15
Who, then, is the man that fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him. He will spend his days in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land. The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. My eyes are on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare.
Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
I am praying that God makes his path clear to me. I am praying that my heart is soft and that my eyes are open to His vision for my future. I am asking God to bless Adam and I with wisdom, and to give us discernment to make the best choices. I am requesting that God grants us success in our ventures. Even more importantly, I am asking that God show us which opportunities to pursue in order to fulfill His perfect plan for our lives.
"Since God is mighty enough to ignite the sun, he is mighty enough to light your path." -Max Lucado
I know that God has promised to guide us as long as we put him first and stay open to His leading. I know the road to success will not be easy. "Victory is not the absence of problems, it is the presence of power. God's power is greater than any problem. His victory swallows up all adverse circumstances. We can stand strong, as more than conquerors, when we know that He is with us."
- Joyce Meyer
I am praying that God blesses us with his joy, his strength, his wisdom, and his power so that our lives can bring glory to our heavenly father.
Psalm 25:12-15
Who, then, is the man that fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him. He will spend his days in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land. The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. My eyes are on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare.
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Dutch Baby Breakfast
Proverbs 17:22a
A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing,
Today is a good day! I've slept in, enjoyed a good 'virtual' breakfast sent by the Ohl family, and had time to relax as I organize my to do list for the next week. My list is many pages long...so much online work for class, so much paperwork for teaching, and hours and hours of lesson planning. I wonder if I can handle it all and then I remember one of my favorite quotes, "Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly." Robert Kennedy
I HATE failure, but my fear of failure is not enough to keep me from pursuing my dreams. I will take on my to do list one step at a time. I am ambitious, and yet, I will enjoy every moment of the day that I can, especially my breakfast today.
Psalm 16:11
You will show me the path of life, in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.
A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing,
 |
| My Favorite Breakfast |
I HATE failure, but my fear of failure is not enough to keep me from pursuing my dreams. I will take on my to do list one step at a time. I am ambitious, and yet, I will enjoy every moment of the day that I can, especially my breakfast today.
Psalm 16:11
You will show me the path of life, in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Joy
Joshua 1:8
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Keeping God's word in our mouth and in our mind, instead of speaking of and thinking of the problems we face sets us free.
Joshua faced an incredible array of problems in his life. However, he was able to be strong and courageous despite the overwhelming odds against him.
On my way to God's promised land, I must cut the chords that connect me to dwelling on past disappointments and the hold my problems have on my mind. Only when I break free can I truly enjoy the blessings God is giving me today. God is big enough to handle all my problems.
God's dream is not to make my life easy. God's highest plan is not to make me rich, successful, or popular. God's plan is to use circumstances in my life to bring himself glory and to bring me closer to Himself.
Joy gives Christians the strength to continue pursuing the dreams and goals for which our heavenly father has called us.
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Keeping God's word in our mouth and in our mind, instead of speaking of and thinking of the problems we face sets us free.
Joshua faced an incredible array of problems in his life. However, he was able to be strong and courageous despite the overwhelming odds against him.
On my way to God's promised land, I must cut the chords that connect me to dwelling on past disappointments and the hold my problems have on my mind. Only when I break free can I truly enjoy the blessings God is giving me today. God is big enough to handle all my problems.
God's dream is not to make my life easy. God's highest plan is not to make me rich, successful, or popular. God's plan is to use circumstances in my life to bring himself glory and to bring me closer to Himself.
Joy gives Christians the strength to continue pursuing the dreams and goals for which our heavenly father has called us.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
God's Help
This morning I was reading a selection of Genesis, and this verse was especially encouraging:
Exodus 4:11-12
The Lord said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say."
I have some important observations and evaluations coming up...I've been fighting off worried thoughts, trying not to let nervousness steal my joy as I prepare for my evaluations. So much depends on them...I give my all every day, however, this is where 'the rubber meets the road,' this is my chance to shine while my overseers take a short while to watch me teach.
It is heartening reading the story of Moses's life this morning. He was a flawed individual, prone to making mistakes, often angering God, but still given God's grace and forgiveness. In spite of his fears, sin, and poor choices, God used him to save many people.
The Israelites were in an unfair situation. They had been suffering and waiting for God's help for many years. In God's perfect timing, He planned a fantastic escape that was filled with drama and miracles. I've been noticing that God's stories are often thrilling and poignant. God could just wave the problems away, however, our Master Storywriter chooses to create life stories that inspire and excite instead.
Sometimes I can't help but wish that God would just sweep my challenges away, and make my life easier. But I know that whatever challenges he leads me through, and whatever difficulties he saves me from will bring him glory and make the story of my life more interesting. And who doesn't love a good story?
Psalm 22:19
But you, O Lord, be not far off;
O my Strength, come quickly to help me.
I need to view all situations that come my way today from God's perspective. I will not be alone when I teach my students. I will not be unaided when I am observed and evaluated. Viewing challenging situations from God's point of view helps put them into perspective. Thankfully, I will not have to report to Pharaoh today as Moses did in my scripture reading this morning...I have only to face a principal and a mentor teacher, and I know God will strengthen me and guide me.
Exodus 4:11-12
The Lord said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say."
I have some important observations and evaluations coming up...I've been fighting off worried thoughts, trying not to let nervousness steal my joy as I prepare for my evaluations. So much depends on them...I give my all every day, however, this is where 'the rubber meets the road,' this is my chance to shine while my overseers take a short while to watch me teach.
It is heartening reading the story of Moses's life this morning. He was a flawed individual, prone to making mistakes, often angering God, but still given God's grace and forgiveness. In spite of his fears, sin, and poor choices, God used him to save many people.
The Israelites were in an unfair situation. They had been suffering and waiting for God's help for many years. In God's perfect timing, He planned a fantastic escape that was filled with drama and miracles. I've been noticing that God's stories are often thrilling and poignant. God could just wave the problems away, however, our Master Storywriter chooses to create life stories that inspire and excite instead.
Sometimes I can't help but wish that God would just sweep my challenges away, and make my life easier. But I know that whatever challenges he leads me through, and whatever difficulties he saves me from will bring him glory and make the story of my life more interesting. And who doesn't love a good story?
Psalm 22:19
But you, O Lord, be not far off;
O my Strength, come quickly to help me.
I need to view all situations that come my way today from God's perspective. I will not be alone when I teach my students. I will not be unaided when I am observed and evaluated. Viewing challenging situations from God's point of view helps put them into perspective. Thankfully, I will not have to report to Pharaoh today as Moses did in my scripture reading this morning...I have only to face a principal and a mentor teacher, and I know God will strengthen me and guide me.
Sunday, October 13, 2013
My Balancing Act
I just received a card in the mail from my family! The Cosner clan and my immediate family signed and sent me a lovely reminder to live a balanced life:
When I find my fears are too big, I realize my view of God is too small. God is in control of all circumstances. He knows the outcome of every event in my life. God has been so good to me in the past. I know he will continue to bless me in the future as I seek to live a balanced life.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Friday, October 11, 2013
Patience
Hollywood, with the movies and television it produces, projects the illusion that people must wait about two hours to get their heart's desire. A happily ever after is only a short while away...in my favorite comedies, the hero only must wait until the end of the movie or television show to see all their dreams come true.
Real life is different from film...and patience is hardest when I need it the most. I keep hoping I've reached the top of the hill, feeling as if that I've almost made it, only to find out I am still in the foothills and have not yet even reached the mountain I'm supposed to be climbing. Patience is key to achieving my goals. God is giving me this opportunity to grow and I am grateful that he is teaching me to rely on his strength.
Matthew 16:24
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."
Often, I wish my job was easier. However, I know my students need me, and I can already see I've made a big difference in in their school day. They seem to want to tell me everything about their lives. They have been recently presenting me with all kinds of gifts: silly bands, plastic jewelry, coloring pages ect. It makes sense to deny myself for now, and to invest this year in my life to learn how to reach these challenging children. My passion is to reach lost little ones. I have never been in a place where I could reach so many...with about 1,200 students, the opportunities I see are tremendous. I'm praying that God gives me the wisdom to make the most of every opportunity.
I Chronicles 29:11
Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, Lord, is the kingdom;
you are exalted as head over all.
When I most need patience, I need to focus on my goals and focus on God's greatness and power. I plan to be more in scripture and prayer this coming week, so as to make my communication with God even more a part of daily living. I want to eat, work, and play being more conscious of His presence and blessings.
The joy of the Lord is my strength. I will not let the hardships of today steal my happiness. Joy enables me to enjoy life's climb, and the journey is as important as the destination.
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Real life is different from film...and patience is hardest when I need it the most. I keep hoping I've reached the top of the hill, feeling as if that I've almost made it, only to find out I am still in the foothills and have not yet even reached the mountain I'm supposed to be climbing. Patience is key to achieving my goals. God is giving me this opportunity to grow and I am grateful that he is teaching me to rely on his strength.
Matthew 16:24
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."
Often, I wish my job was easier. However, I know my students need me, and I can already see I've made a big difference in in their school day. They seem to want to tell me everything about their lives. They have been recently presenting me with all kinds of gifts: silly bands, plastic jewelry, coloring pages ect. It makes sense to deny myself for now, and to invest this year in my life to learn how to reach these challenging children. My passion is to reach lost little ones. I have never been in a place where I could reach so many...with about 1,200 students, the opportunities I see are tremendous. I'm praying that God gives me the wisdom to make the most of every opportunity.
I Chronicles 29:11
Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, Lord, is the kingdom;
you are exalted as head over all.
When I most need patience, I need to focus on my goals and focus on God's greatness and power. I plan to be more in scripture and prayer this coming week, so as to make my communication with God even more a part of daily living. I want to eat, work, and play being more conscious of His presence and blessings.
The joy of the Lord is my strength. I will not let the hardships of today steal my happiness. Joy enables me to enjoy life's climb, and the journey is as important as the destination.
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Innovation
Innovation always follows creativity...the more ideas you uncover, the more chances to find one that works.
When I first became a technology teacher, I did not realize how much creativity was required for this occupation. However, I've learned that creativity is fundamental to my job. Now, more than ever, since I'm creating practice work and curriculum, I must generate countless ideas and possibilities. A work session for me could take a few hours, or a few minutes, depending on the quality of the concepts I can generate.
Creativity is like loving, going to sleep, or behaving unaffectedly...the worst results often occur when someone tries their hardest.
I am praying today that God blesses me with his creativity, so that I can find not just good ways to teach my students in future weeks, but the best ways to open my students to the world of technology.
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
For anyone looking to develop their creativity, I recommend reading Julia Cameron's book, 'The Artist's Way.'
When I first became a technology teacher, I did not realize how much creativity was required for this occupation. However, I've learned that creativity is fundamental to my job. Now, more than ever, since I'm creating practice work and curriculum, I must generate countless ideas and possibilities. A work session for me could take a few hours, or a few minutes, depending on the quality of the concepts I can generate.
Creativity is like loving, going to sleep, or behaving unaffectedly...the worst results often occur when someone tries their hardest.
I am praying today that God blesses me with his creativity, so that I can find not just good ways to teach my students in future weeks, but the best ways to open my students to the world of technology.
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
For anyone looking to develop their creativity, I recommend reading Julia Cameron's book, 'The Artist's Way.'
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