100th post

My heart is overflowing.

When we see Jesus so clearly- see God's hand- revel in His majesty, in His goodness- it is hard not to be full to the brim, spilling over.


Last Friday, I had the opportunity to worship in an old New England church, dimly lit by candles and the glow of the overhead machine. Times of absolute stillness and reflection, corporate prayers, scriptures shared, repentance made, concerns lifted to God, acknowledgment of the Greatness and Holiness of God, blasts from the past 80's choruses mixed with modern worship- hearts revealed.


It was truly the most authentic worship experience I have ever been a part of. I was humbled by my lack of worship- my lack of expression. The evening was a step out of the safety of my comfort zone- unraveling the traditions of my past experience, revealing my own insecurities in emotional expression, and exposing my limited view of God. The evening challenged me to rise to a new level of expression and my inability to being truly honest before God. My prayer is that worship would seep into every part of me- be part of every day- not just an experience. But, significant experiences do spur us on and show us what can be, what should be and what is.


I praise God for Monday afternoon- stealing away, forgetting the to-do's that are enclosing me. Sitting with a cup of delicious coffee, gazing across the water at the gorgeous views God has given us. Watching the fat little chipmunk, cheeks full of acorns. Hearing the frogs jump in and out of the water. The warm sun beating down, so warming. The gift of time with someone I'm growing to respect and care for. Pulling back the layers- hearts revealed, weaknesses exposed, accomplishments celebrated, truth shared, smiles, laughter, warmth, time, natural, comfort, real, peace....

"When I cannot understand My Father's leading,

And it seems to be but hard and cruel fate,

Still I hear the gentle whisper ever pleading,

God is working, God is faithful, ONLY WAIT."

September 24th, Streams in the Desert

4:30 am comes early!

I decided to turn over a new leaf this year- I will be on time to school everyday! Last year, I'd roll in late and slid into my classroom. Not a good habit- not a good example. Conviction set in and I knew I had to do things differently this year.
So- I've been getting up at 4:30- so that I can leisurely get ready and head out the door at 6am. Ungodly hour! I've been getting to school around 6:30 and it gives me a good half hour before the kids come to get organized. It will be good if I can keep this up- and Katie is a good cheerleader each morning!

The first week went well. There are always scheduling issues, kids getting lost, getting back into Ms. Hamburg's routines- but it worked well. I enjoy the kids on my caseload- which is a blessing. My reading skills kids are so awesome. My crew last year was great and I enjoyed them a lot- I wondered if I could love my new crew as much. The group I have this year are so hilarious, creative and compliant! They do what I tell them to do! It is amazing. Even the kids that push the limits are precious. I am really going to enjoy them.

My schedule is great- and I'm able to get a lot accomplished during the day- which cuts down on the take home. I do need to work at getting my systems down and organization down because I do feel a little discombobulated. Once we got the ball rolling on day one, I was reminded how much I LOVE what I do. I love being in the school- working with the kids- the camaraderie among the staff- my paras. I praise God for that- because that was not the case when I taught social studies. It is amazing how things come together when you are exactly where God wants you to be.

The best quote of the week was from one of my new kids- he said, "My mother and dog are corrupt and trying to steal my soul!"- it was hilarious!

We also started youth group on Wednesday. The night went well- it went smoothly. We had a nice turn out with five new kids. I think the kids are excited about the year- and I'm looking forward to what happens. God is at work!

Went to a great Thai restaurant with Heidi last night- the food was so delicious and the company pleasant. I'm thankful Heidi is home now, and that I get to enjoy her friendship! Today, Bek and I plan to celebrate her passing of the BEST portfolio- this is a huge portfolio CT makes you complete in order to maintain your certification and it is a killer. But she passed! Go Bek! So we're going to celebrate (and go shoe shopping.....yeah!). Had a great conversation with Alicia the other day- so glad that she enjoys her new job! What a blessing for her obedience. I'm thankful for what I can see God doing in my life and in the lives of those I love.

Enjoy the weekend!
Always~ Elisabeth