Work Today...

So, I have this friend. She is awesome. She has a blog that talks about all the funny things that kids say in her classroom. Today at work, the kids were on a roll. They seriously entertained me the whole time I was there. Therefore, I tip my hat to her and would like to give you all just a taste of the kids I have the opportunity to spend time with.

Example 1: My heart smiled today as I watched 6 little three year-olds watch Dora the Explorer. They were so glued to the television. They responded to all her questions and were so excited when they got to help her. Seriously, so cute.

Example 2: I had the bubbles while I was out on the playground. One of the little boys got so excited that I was blowing bubbles. Can anyone say Finding Nemo? He was like the little fish who loves bubbles. He ran around after them yelling: bubbles, bubbles, I love bubbles. He giggled the whole time too. A-dorable.

Example 3: There is a little girl who just turned three about a month ago and is SO smart. She uses words I never knew little kids would know. Today she came up to me with a twisted slinky and said all pitifully, "Emily, It's ruined, just ruined!" I was astounded that she knew that word and could use it in context. So smart.

Example 4: Last, but not least. One little girl came running up to me with her hand in the middle of her chest. She said, "This is where my heart is. Listen, it's beeping." Ha.

So, I hope this brought a little bit of joy to your day. I wanted to share just a little bit from the little kids who I enjoy so much.

Reality

Yesterday we had a celebration of life at my church for Mr. Good. He was a very godly man who went to be with the Lord last week. It was an awesome service celebrating him and the servant that he was. It is so encouraging to see older godly men and women in the church. It has been wonderful to grow up watching their examples and learning from them.

The thing is, I can get so wrapped up in the believers that I forget that I live in a fallen world. I am thankful for the believers in my life and the godly family that I have. But then I go to school and realize that I do in fact live in a sinful world. I was in class today and was astounded by the immorality that was being celebrated in my class. Because of this I know that I need to make even more of an effort to be a light. I want the Lord to shine through me. I want people to realize that there is something different in me. I want to be able to tell others of the joy that I have only in Christ. I need to remember these things. As I go to school and work, I need to know that I have the opportunity to make a difference in the Lord's kingdom and it all depends on my choices.

Daniel 1

What a way to spend the day.

I now have four less teeth in my mouth. I also have a little hole in my hand where the iv went in. I haven't eaten anything with substance... And I am loving it.

I was really nervous about getting my wisdom teeth out. I really hate needles and so that part was bothering me the most. Thankfully for me, I serve a good God. Even though I went to sleep crying and woke up crying, I am fine. I knew I would be, but I get worked up about things like this. I am so thankful that the Lord is with me always. Even if it's sitting in the oral surgeon's office waiting for pain.

Lindsey

I love Lindsey. Right now, as I am typing we are having a heart to heart in my bedroom. I am so glad she is visiting. It has been very encouraging to have her here. I am so glad that we are friends and that she chose to come down to Sebring for her spring break. She makes me smile. It feels kind of like she never left. One main thing that I love about her is that she is honest. She is kind though. If she wants to express how she feels or what she thinks, she is honest. I really appreciate it. Sometimes people can dance around the truth, but she tells you flat out. I love that. She is always appreciative of other people's kindness and wants you to know that she cares about you. There are so many other things that I could say about her, but she is amazing and so worth staying up late to talk to. :)

My Purpose...

This week has been rough. I am hoping and praying that this coming week will be better. My laptop, Rose is not working. She shut down twice while I was doing work one night and now some random security system won't let me get on the internet. What is really awful is that she is only a year old and I don't know how to fix any of that stuff. One of my classes at school is also giving me some trouble and this week it just seemed like a culmination of all the hard work just buried me. How much of this is my fault and how much is just beyond my control?

Last night I was reading Philippians 1. I love reading Paul's writing and knowing all the struggles that he faced. This particular chapter was talking about Paul's desire to be with Jesus, but also how for him to live was for the Philippians' benefit. He talked about how he wanted to be in heaven, but maybe why he was still on earth was for those he was ministering to. I too have a purpose on earth. I do not know for sure what it is. Maybe in this season of my life, the Lord has put me in Sebring to minister to the youth here, the little kids that I watch at work, or maybe that girl I talk to in my class. Whatever the Lord has for me, I want to fulfill my purpose. I want Him to be pleased with my actions. If my purpose is for that other person, I pray that I will live out my faith so that they too will be drawn to God's love and grace. My purpose and actions shouldn't change based on my emotions.

That passage was really encouraging to me. It made me step back and look at the big picture rather than the bad stuff that I was having to deal with. I was able to say, yeah, I might be struggling, but God is in control. His will is what I want done, not mine. Even though I want my computer to work and all my classes to be easy, I need to step back and say, what is God's purpose and plan in this situation. Just like Pastor Randy said this morning, His story is so much more important than my story.

Spring Break!

I am going to New York City for Spring Break! Yay! I am going with my mom, my grandma, and three aunts. I am so excited. Cheesecake, Broadway, but above all, I am so excited to hang out with just the ladies in my family.

*Note to self: ask off work. Ha.*

P.S. Chocolate chip pancakes are always good for dinner.