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| As always, It's been quite a while since my last update! Although there's not too much to tell, there are some noteworthy events. Firstly, I started working as a long-term substitute for the kindergarten class in the beginning of October. I am working alongside a first-year general education teacher and I am loving it! The opportunity to work with another professional and collaborate on a daily basis is something that I was longing for last year. A definite answer to prayer.
In addition to that good news, I have finished (and passed) all of my graduate work. So, at this point, I am just awaiting my diploma and then it will all be official! Very exciting news! I am finding that I have a lot more free time when I get home from school. I actually have a chance for relaxation and to spend time on my newest hobby--scrapbooking!
Perhaps most exciting, Dan and I are traveling to South Carolina for New Years! After a hectic semester, with Dan gone 4 nights a week at times, we are in desperate need for a vacation! We are very excited to visit Kirstin and Ben and have some good ol' fashioned fellowship!
The Lord continues to provide all that we need! 
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| The Lord has been doing an incredible amount in my life over the past few months and, specifically, in the past few weeks. After resigning from my previous job, I spent the summer searching for a new one--with no luck. I put an incredible amount of energy into looking for openings and sending out applications and resumes. I had a couple of interviews, with no success, and would soon start searching for jobs again. After losing Internet access for a couple of weeks this summer I became frustrated that I could not easily search for jobs. I continued to search when I did have the chance but found very few openings.
Then a few weeks ago the Lord began to put things into perspective. I became extremely ill, running a 102 degree fever for over a week. With various other cold and flu symptoms I found myself lying on the couch with the realization that I did not have a job, that my health insurance would end shortly, and that the doctors couldn't figure out what was wrong with me. More importantly, I realized that I needed to put all of those problems into the Lord's hands. I quickly jotted an email to some faithful prayer warriors and began praying myself--asking the Lord to take my burdens and forgive me from hanging on to them for so long. Two antibiotics and several blood tests later, the doctors determined that I did not have mono (as they originally feared) but a bad case of strep throat. I began to feel better and am currently regaining strength each day.
The Lord's provision did not end there. While on a recent trip to Rochester, I received a phone call from a principal describing a long-term substitute position that I had been recommended for. The position happened to be for my previous supervisor's wife as she took a maternity leave. After meeting with the principal, the position (from October to January) was offered to me. I decided to accept the position and I am only now realizing how the Lord has orchestrated the timing of it.
The position allows me to take the month of September to fully recover and to finish my graduate portfolio. As a kindergarten position it also offers me the opportunity to extend my special education teaching certificate, meaning I will be certified to teach birth to grade six. Finally, I have the opportunity to permanently extend that certificate by taking one or two more courses. I am excited about working with the kindergartners and even more excited at what this new certification will mean for my future. Even though I have very little idea what the future holds, I am feeling content and at peace that the Lord will provide for my every need.
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| Check out our photos from Ben & Kirstin's wedding on July 8th!
http://community.webshots.com/user/love4christ-date
A Jess update is coming soon!
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| Please
be praying for my job and my students. Things are again starting to get
tough. Pray specifically that I will trust in the Lord to sustain me.
That I will look to Him for strength even when I grow tired and weary
(and do not feel well). That I will put my hope and trust in Him!
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
But those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
~ Isaiah 40:30-31
On a different note, Dan and I are planning to see Casting Crowns this
weekend. I am praying that the Lord will use that experience!
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| Jesus, all for Jesus,
All I am and have and ever hope to be.
Jesus, all for Jesus,
All I am and have and ever hope to be.
All of my ambitions, hopes and plans
I surrender these into Your hands.
All of my ambitions, hopes and plans
I surrender these into Your hands.
The
Lord continues to remind me that I need to stop trying to plan the
future and turn all my hopes and dreams over to Him. He is the great
the provider and will take me on greater adventures that I can ever
imagine!
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