Monday Meditation: Before the throne of God

Due to a very busy end-of-semester schedule, I have not posted... I'll try & get back on it :)

This song has come to mind and attention several times of late, and I want to share it. 

Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea.
A great high Priest whose Name is Love
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands, 
My name is written on His heart. 
I know that while in heaven He stands 
No tongue can bid me thence depart. 

When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free.
For God the just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me.

Behold Him there the risen Lamb,
My perfect spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I AM,
King of glory and of grace,
One in Himself I cannot die.
My soul is purchased by His blood,
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ my Savior and my God!


There are a few tunes, but I think this one (in the video) is my favorite.

What a wonderful thing it is to sing of His praises and worship the one it is who came to this earth to save each one who puts their trust in Him.

Thankful

and here are the rest for the month.

I am THANKFUL for...

                                          

day 26- forgiveness. It is a powerful thing.

day 27-good days

day 28- my second family abroad. The T family has allowed me to live with them the last 3 summers. I cannot fully show my appreciation for everything they have done for me! :)

day 29- the opportunities I have had to travel. From within the United States to places where I need a passport- I have been blessed with wonderful opportunities to learn, meet new people, and reconnect with others.

day 30- the opportunity I have had to teach at the school I have been placed this semester- Friday will be my last day teaching anything, but it has been a great learning experience- one I wouldn't trade! :)

O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. 

{Psalm 136:1}

Thanks

I am thankful for

day 25- coffee. A dash of sugar. A splash of cream. Or even just black. Coffee :)

                                             

Thanksgiving

I am THANKFUL for

day 21- chocolate. Sometimes the taste of a bit of chocolate can turn the hour upside down :)

day 22- Thanksgiving day. I got to spend the whole day (since it was the 1st Thanksgiving in several years that I didn't have to work) with my dad's family. It was a bit crazy with the huge family, but entertaining and the weather was beautiful!

day 23- safety and the power of prayer. After an interesting, eventful Black Friday adventure I am thankful that God is a protector and had given me safety thus far in such a restless world.

day 24- time with family. Spending today with my mom's family sitting around, drinking coffee, reading a book, and catching up on this topped with a few gifts, a game, and more family in a bit :)

                                               

                                           

So thankful

I'm a little behind... here is the catch-up!

I am THANKFUL for:

(Day 15) international friends. What a delight and joy it  is to receive surprise phone calls (and videos) and have contact with those a far! Thank you for calling! :)

(Day 16) the assembly here. The is no perfect place, but the assembly, the fellowship, is well worth it!

(Day 17) for the power of adoption. To give a forever family to a child without- what a true joy! :)

(Day 18) naps. It is amazing what a few minutes of a nap can do! :)

(Day 19) my grandparents. Both of my sets of grandparents have set a high standard for following after the things of God, for raising a family, and for giving of their hearts for His service.

(Day 20) a 2-day student week! While I love the students, I am thankful for a work day tomorrow and the Thanksgiving holiday weekend! :) (I am even taking the kids turkey cookies to celebrate!)

Thankful for today

I am THANKFUL for

another year that God has given me to learn and grow. I am excited to see where God will lead me according to His will this next year, as many days as He spares me. While I want to get anxious and impatient, He reminds me to be thankful for each day and trust in Him! :)

Thank you for the many birthday wishes as well! :)

Teacher Tuesday: catch up

A list of things that have been happening in the classroom:

-Halloween activities: talk about a crazy day!
-Veteran's Day thank yous! :)
-Mock election
-Goal celebration
-Field trip to the Rose Theater
-Observations from my university supervisor & the dual language district supervisor

It's been busy busy busy!

I am sadly, slowly starting to release the subjects back to my cooperating teacher as I turn the class back over to her as the semester draws to a close.

In the meantime, I am highly anticipating my placement information for my second semester of student teaching! I would REALLY like to know :)

...now to have my assessment presentation over with on Friday... what a relief that will be to be done!

A few thankfuls

I guess you would say I've missed a few days in sharing my thankfuls... so here are my catch-ups!

I am THANKFUL for...

-good morning messages. When they come with a verse, it makes it even better :)

-food on the table. I can be thankful that I have never had to go without a meal because there simply wasn't a crumb to be found or a penny to be spared, when for many to go without is sadly the normal.

-scarves. I have broken out all of my fall and winter scarves and they have already gotten plenty of use as the weather turns brisk and cold! The more colorful or unique- the better :)

Monday Meditation: one thing

But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. 

{Galations 6:14}

One thing stand between the world and heaven... the cross. Make Christ all in your joy.

As I think upon this verse, my mind is directed at the hymn:

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My riches gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorry and love flow mingled down!
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, me all.

Thanks

I am THANKFUL for

Ibprophen when the headaches become to much to handle.
                                     

Giving thanks

I am THANKFUL for

A roof over my head and a warm bed! There are so many people here in the city (and across the globe) that aren't fortunate to have a roof over their heads or even their own bed to sleep in, I am SO thankful for this blessing and privilege! :)

Thankful

I am THANKFUL for


FRIDAYS! It is nice to have the end of a work/school week to be able to take a breathe for a few days and come back refreshed the following week. Sometimes... all you can do is make it to Friday! :)

Thankful

I am THANKFUL for

my sisters. While there are rough days, there are also many laughs and smiles. I really am thankful for them... they only have made me tougher. Being the oldest, they have also caused me much reflection too!

Thankful in elections

I am THANKFUL for

the freedom I have in the U.S.A to live where I can share my faith. While I may not agree with the presidential candidates, I do not fear the results. God will preserve those who trust in Him.
I am thankful for freedom.

So blessed and thankful

November is a month to reflect on what we are thankful for.


I hope to post something I am thankful for each day of the month...
starting with a little catch-up and moving forward.



I am THANKFUL for
Day 1: Christ, my Saviour, who saved a unworthy sinner such as me. What a joy and peace I have when I give him my all! :)

Day 2: My parents. They have pushed me to do my best, dream big, have high expectations, and love me despite my faults!

Day 3: Video chats. It is WONDERFUL to be able to connect face to face with friends many miles away! I am so grateful when it works out :)

Day 4: Sundays- a day to gather around the feet of the Saviour and remember Him and have the opportunity to hear the gospel preached too.

Day 5 (today): My student teaching placement. God had his hand in my placement- the ability to use my (poor) Spanish, have a wonderful cooperating teacher and para who are so helpful in my learning experience, and the many connections I've made because of this opportunity.

Monday Meditation: Careth for you

A simple verse with so much comfort and a chapter I've found encouraging of late:

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 

{1 Peter 5:7}

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. 

My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. 

He will not suffer they foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. 

The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. 

The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. 

The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. 

The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, 

and even for evermore. 

{Psalm 121:1-8}

Teacher Tuesday: Pumpkin Mania

Like I mentioned in last week's post, we have been doing lots of pumpkin activities.

Here are most of the activities in a preview with all student samples! :)

(I apologize that some of the pictures are flipped... I'll fix that...tomorrow ;)!)

"Alexis the Pumpkin"

a morning exercise

I need to flip this picture...
An activity using adjectives to describe a pumpkin

Graphing pumpkin pie likes and dislikes after a trial :) 

The cover of the pumpkin book....

First: "We drew the face on our pumpkin with a marker."

Next: "We cut off the top and took out the seeds." 

Then: "We cut out the face of the pumpkin with a knife."

Last: "We gave it a name and put a candle inside." 

Using our senses to describe a pumpkin

Paper pumpkin activity

How many pumpkins tall are you? graph

Painting our pumpkins (made from paper sacks) to go with our books :)

There is a look at some of the many pumpkin related activities that have keep us busy! :) 

Lots of learning happening :)

Have a Terrific Tuesday, 

Miss Fitch's 1st grade class :)

Most of the class... all excited about our class pumpkin :)

Monday Meditation: His love

For I am persuaded, 

that neither death, nor life, 

nor angels, nor principalities, 

nor powers, nor things present, 

nor things to come, 

Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, 

shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

{Romans 8:38-39}

NOTHING can separate me from His love :)

Boundless Love- Legacy Five

Thought for Thursday: pray

My thoughts have been on prayer of late and I would just like to share a few things this Thursday.

"If weak in prayer we are weak everywhere."

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit...

{Ephesians 6:18}

"Those persons who know the deep peace of God, the unfathomable peace that passeth all understanding, are always man and women of much prayer."

-R. A. Torrey-

"Don't pray when you feel like it. Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it. A man is powerful on his knees."

-Corrie ten Boom-

"We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties." 

-Oswald Chambers-

What do I pray about?
Where do I pray?
How often do I pray?
How often do I spend on my knees?
When do I pray?
Who do I pray for?
Why do I pray?

Pray without ceasing. 

{1 Thessalonians 5:17}

Teacher Tuesday: that time of the semester

Conferences, conferences, did I mention conferences? 

That seems to be the hustle and the bustle around school the last week. 

Last week it was getting paperwork together and filling out report cards. 

This week it is the actual conferences, thus extra busy and long, long days. 

I am looking forward to seeing how they go and learning from the experience, but I am not looking forward to talking to so many parents and the long day on Thursday. 

This week in writing we are working hard on writing a "How to Carve a Pumpkin" book. However, while introducing the topic and talking about pumpkins, learning about pumpkins, etc on Monday, I quickly learned that many of these children had not been exposed to an actual pumpkin, let alone carving one. 

So... I had a bright idea... and today we carved one as a class! 

They voted and named it...

Alexis the Pumpkin!

(that happens to be the name of a boy in the class)

Meet Alexis!
He had a bit of clean up done after the picture was taken... but you get the point :) 

And so we have it. The children were able to learn 1st hand how to carve a pumpkin, what is inside a pumpkin (and they had a thrill being able to help pull out the "gooey stuff and seeds"), and now they will be experts when it comes to getting the book done over the next couple of days! 

They also had the chance to try pumpkin pie, many for the 1st time today. 

Then we did a graph... yes versus no on liking the pumpkin pie. 

Let's just say... it's been a pumpkin filled week! :) 

I'll try to post pictures of the some of the activities on next Tuesday's Teacher Tuesday post! :) 

Monday Meditation: Shadow of the Almighty

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

{Psalm 91:1}

How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! 

therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. 

{Psalm 36:7}

Have I put all my trust under His shadow? Is all my trust in Him?
Do I swell in the secret places of the Almighty?

Teacher Tuesday: a little behind

Where has the time gone?
It is hard to believe that this week I took over all of the subjects so I teach all day every day!

Here are some highlights from the last few weeks:
- I survived 2 weeks working with a sub: I learned a lot about the behind the scenes responsibilities that come when you are more in charge. It also made me even more thankful for when my cooperating teacher is there! :)

-I am teaching all day now... all subjects! It is definitely a learning experience that I am loving. Time flies by when you are busy!

-The kids did well on their math test on Monday, which helps me feel a bit more successful!

-Report cards have started... SO much work to do for them. But I am thankful that I have a great  cooperating teacher to just teach me how to do them and then finish them herself! :)

-This week we are concentrating on using the correct rules for capitalization, learning about community and neighborhoods, starting a new unit in math, and doing lots of small group guided reading!

-Each week we have sight words to concentrate on... let's just say that "animals" can be more difficult to say that you'd think! :) "aminals" is the most frequent!

-Tomorrow the Dean of the College of Education is coming to observe me and Thursday is my observation for my university supervisor!

-NEXT WEEK: Official interview with the district... prayers appreciated! :)

... and that's all for now folks :)

Monday Meditation: Think on these things

Finally, brethren,
whatsoever things are true,
whatsoever things are honest,
whatsoever things are just,
whatsoever things are lovely,
whatsoever things are of good report;
if there be any virtue,
and if there be any praise,
think on these things.

{Philippians 4:8}

Friday favorites

Isaiah 28:31

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; 

they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary;

and they shall walk, and not faint. 

Poppies

{good} Surprises

I love a good surprise... It never ceases to make a low day better!

Reading stories getting into character

Got to love reading books using multiple voices to the kiddos...

:)

Thought for Thursday: Let this be my prayer

"Lord, I give up my own plans and purposes, 

all my own desires and hopes, 

and accept Thy will for my life. 

I give myself, my life, my all 

utterly to Thee to be Thine forever. 

Fill me and seal me with Thy Holy Spirit. 

Use me as Thou wilt, 

send me where Thou wilt, 

work out Thy whole will in my life at any cost, 

now and forever."

{Betty Scott Stam}

Missionary to China

Teachers

Paint their minds

and guide their thoughts

Share their achievements

and advise their faults.

Inspire a Love

of knowledge and truth

As you light the path

Which leads our youth.

For our future brightens

with each lesson you teach

Each smile you lengthen

Each goal you help reach

For the dawn of each poet

each philosopher and king

Begins with a Teacher

And the wisdom they bring.

{Kevin William Huff}

Poem for today... stories later. It's been a busy week!

The Master's Touch

'Twas battered and scarred,
And the auctioneer thought it
hardly worth his while
To waste his time on the old violin,
but he held it up with a smile.

"What am I bid, good people", he cried,
"Who starts the bidding for me?"
"One dollar, one dollar, Do I hear two?"
"Two dollars, who makes it three?"
"Three dollars once, three dollars twice, going for three,"

But, No,
From the room far back a gray bearded man
Came forward and picked up the bow,
Then wiping the dust from the old violin
And tightening up the strings,
He played a melody, pure and sweet
As sweet as the angel sings.

The music ceased and the auctioneer
With a voice that was quiet and low,
Said "What now am I bid for this old violin?"
As he held it aloft with its' bow.

"One thousand, one thousand, Do I hear two?"
"Two thousand, Who makes it three?"
"Three thousand once, three thousand twice,
Going and gone", said he.

The audience cheered,
But some of them cried,
"We just don't understand."
"What changed its' worth?"
Swift came the reply.
"The Touch of the Masters Hand."

And many a man with life out of tune
All battered with bourbon and gin
Is auctioned cheap to a thoughtless crowd
Much like that old violin

A mess of pottage, a glass of wine,
A game and he travels on.
He is going once, he is going twice,
He is going and almost gone.

But the Master comes,
And the foolish crowd never can quite understand,
The worth of a soul and the change that is wrought
By the Touch of the Masters' Hand.

{Myra Brooks Welch}

Friday Five Favorites

This week's Friday Five Favorites:

1 Chai tea

There is nothing quite like the aromas of chai enticing the nose on a cool fall morning!

2 Kettle corn

The sweet crunch of kettle corn is a favorite snack!

3 Giving to others 

It might be a lasagna, brownies, and bread, but to someone else it is a gift... 

and to be of help to others with a gift is something I enjoy!

4 Gerber Daisies

Definitely my all time favorite flower- bright and cheery!

5 Quote from C.T. Studd

"If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, 

then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him."