I know it's been a while since I last posted, but I've been quite busy getting ready for another school year- my 10th year of teaching. Our school has had some changes and I am teaching 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades this year. God has blessed me with seven of my students from last year and four new ones that fit right in. Sometimes I sit back and just watch my students and wonder what great plans God has for each of them, because as much as they bless me, I know God has something big planned for each one.... and I get to share in the responsibility of preparing them for that. What a privilege!We have gotten into a good routine and they seem to remember most of the academic concepts they learned last year. God has also blessed me with working alongside three other great teachers.

In addition to school, I am getting back into the routine of Wednesday and Sunday night youth groups. I enjoy interacting with the students and hearing how their school year is going. I leave each night feeling like I have learned something from them. 

It's been in the seemingly insignificant moments of my day that I have found God to reveal Himself so much more clearly to me- a song on the radio, a moment of laughter with my students, the fireflies lighting up the evening sky, a beautiful sunset, a smile from a child, and so much more.  

In August, I had the opportunity to walk in the Relay for Life. As I walked, I prayed for continued comfort for the families of my friends who have lost their battle with cancer, for healing of those close to me who are fighting now, and rejoiced for the ones whom God has chosen to heal. 

Since returning from New Mexico, I have gotten back into running. I don't think I've been so committed to anything so physical in my life as I've been with running these past few weeks. I realized it is challenging me to be committed through pain and heat and tiredness- to push myself beyond what I THINK I can do.... It is teaching me discipline at a whole new level. 

I am starting to prepare to go to the Dominican Republic in November. Our first team meeting is this afternoon. From what I've learned already about what we might be doing there, I see God is going to continue to stretch me in doing new things. I am so excited to see how God is going to use our team to impact lives for eternity!

Finally, a family I know well recently moved to Africa. It was hard to watch them go, but I knew God had clearly called them, and they wholeheartedly said yes to whatever God had for them. I was inspired by their obedience to move their family thousands of miles and their faith that God would provide everything they would need, as He already had proven. Mark shared something recently that really struck home for me, "The God of all creation is for us. The one who formed us and knows us and sent his Son will uphold us, and he says "Fear Not."  I would challenge you and encourage you to "step up and step out." How is God leading you? What is your passion? What is your purpose? As the Lord lays a burden on your heart, go for it! Fear not! Jesus was seen by many witnesses. He's alive! He's resurrected! IT'S ALL WORTH IT! Will it be easy and convenient? No, because the cross isn't easy and convenient, but heaven's reward lays in your path." This is the challenge I leave for myself and my readers. I am finding it to be true in my own life. The more I surrender myself to God and let Him direct my life, the greater the eternal rewards.