Wednesday, September 05, 2007

The Academic Year is Underway

It has been such a long while since I last posted anything substantive. I guess I just haven't felt like sharing my thoughts in a public space lately...my journal however, is overflowing with thoughts, musings, reflections, etc.

But since the academic year is fully underway now, I thought it would be fun to post once again. I had my second Methods of Teaching English class tonight. Oh how I love this class. It's three hours long and it's over in what seems like a blink of an eye. That's how much I love it! It feels so good to be back in class again, and everything I do in this class I can take into a middle school classroom and apply in January when I begin my student teaching. That makes it even more fun!

In other news, I only have 8 more work days left at Staples and then I will begin my substitute teaching. Yet another thing I'm really excited about. God has really used this experience at Staples to grow me in my walk with Him, as well as providing me countless opportunities to dialogue with tons of teachers and administrators which has been invaluable as well--so even though I am so thrilled to almost be done, I'm grateful for what God provided me with this summer.

And then as many of you know, my dear friend Ciaran moved to New Hampshire three weeks ago and my world has been a bit gray as a result, but he is really liking it out there and enjoying his teaching so much that I can't help but be overjoyed at how God has provided in this area as well. Even though I do miss him terribly...especially with Prem. just getting underway. ;-)

And of course my relationship with God...man, I am continually amazed at His power. When I was up in Oscoda a few weekends ago, I was overwhelmed not just by thoughts of God as this amazing Creator, but how He sustains His creation. As I looked out over the water and the waves crashing and felt the wind beating against my face, I just felt, well in awe that God is the one who sustains all of this. I don't know, I guess I can't put into words the thoughts of God and my worship of Him as I sat on the beach early that Saturday morning, but I can say this. Every time I take the time to drive up there and to sit on the beach and look out at that vast expanse of water, I am humbled and reminded of God's power and immensity. I'm reminded that He is God and that He is sovereign and that His ways are not my ways. I'm reminded that He is my Creator, Sustainer, Provider, Preserver...oh I could go on and on. I've been told over and over again that most people have a place they can go to be reminded of who God is and to meet with Him and be refreshed. My place is right beside a big body of water. God never fails to remind me of who He is and draw me into heartfelt, whole-hearted worship of Him when I am next to the water. And it stays with me. Even this morning as I huddled down in my room to spend some quality alone time with Him before my day officially began, I was reminded of what He was teaching me up in Oscoda and how to apply it to my day today. I love that so much! Our God is truly an awesome God!

OK, well I've rambled on long enough. I'll end here for the night. I hope everyone is enjoying an incredibly wonderful, God-saturated day.

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