I have to apologize for the lack in posting on my part over the last several months. I promise to be more diligent in updating this page!! :) I want you to see and hear what God is doing in the lives of our Bethlehem family.
The past few weeks have been very busy as I closed out my first year here at Bethlehem. I have to say what a blessing it was to walk through life with each of you as your principal, friend, and sister in Christ.
I witnessed the amazing, outstretched arms of Jesus in each of you as I learned the ins and outs of our school, experienced struggles, and worked towards change as we seek to move from good to great.
For a transitional year, I would have to say it was successful, and looking forward I am confident that God will lead us in the right direction as he promises "For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord. "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11. I don't know about you, but I find great comfort and peace in those words.
As we move into the summer months, I wanted to share my new favorite song with you. The words are powerful and so true. "I found my life when I laid it down" and "I touched the sky when my knees hit the ground" reminds me that I must surrender my own ideas, thoughts, and wishes and pray like I have never prayed before. God is always in control and He is BIGGER than anything life presents us with. I hope and pray that you have a restful and joyous summer and that you continue to seek out Jesus in all you do, He desires a real relationship with YOU!
To God Be the Glory!
Monday, June 15, 2015
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Love
Mr. Parks read a devotion today about the importance of showing love in all that we do as teachers. There were many examples about the daily operation of a school and classroom, and we were reminded that if the foundation of all we say and do is not love, then we are nothing but the sound of a creaking gate.
This reminded me of one of my favorite songs by King and Country called the Proof of Your Love. Here are the lyrics to the monologue found in the middle of the song:
If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing. If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love. (1 Corinthians 13:1-7, The Message)
As I reflect on these words and the ideas shared in today's devotion, I am in awe at the amazing amount of love the Lord reveals to me every day, every hour, every minute. He is ALIVE in us! And because of this, we are called to be His hands and feet. Everything we think, say, and do should reflect the power of the Holy Spirit and be rooted in love. Let us not forget: Corinthians 13:13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
This reminded me of one of my favorite songs by King and Country called the Proof of Your Love. Here are the lyrics to the monologue found in the middle of the song:
If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing. If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love. (1 Corinthians 13:1-7, The Message)
As I reflect on these words and the ideas shared in today's devotion, I am in awe at the amazing amount of love the Lord reveals to me every day, every hour, every minute. He is ALIVE in us! And because of this, we are called to be His hands and feet. Everything we think, say, and do should reflect the power of the Holy Spirit and be rooted in love. Let us not forget: Corinthians 13:13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Power of Prayer
I am currently working on a Bible study right now about prayer. I am constantly being reminded of the power of prayer and that prayer brings me right into the presence of the Lord. There is no place I would rather be, and not only do I get to enter into His presence, I get the opportunity to increase in my love for Him and for the people I am praying for. Sometimes I see evidence of answered prayers right away, sometimes I wait for a long time as God makes plans perfect for me, and sometimes I am disappointed when the answer is not one I was looking or hoping for.
The idea that prayer melts away any hardness in my heart through repentance and forgiveness gives me hope. Often times it can be difficult to pray for those who have offended you, hurt you, or disappointed you, but God calls us to pray for those people too. I am often convicted that in order to grow in my own faith and walk with the Lord, I must pray for those people and I must allow God to restore in me a clean heart and right spirit.
The truth is that I feel better when I pray. I feel better about the situation, I feel better about God's timing and plans, and if I am praying for a hurt or hang up, I feel differently about the person. That is God's design. He uses prayer to strengthen our faith in Him. He uses it as a means to show us what we need to do and how we need to change. It gives us strength. Prayer builds love.
I find that when I am praying for people, God uses those moments to not only hear my requests, He uses it as a time to shape and mold me into a new person. Many times I find myself saying, "God, change this situation or person" and he opens my own heart and mind to changes that I need to make. He often reminds me, "First you need to look at yourself, your thoughts, your actions, your words." While it is humbling, I am thankful for my personal relationship with Him because I know that in these moments, I am growing closer to Him and my walk is becoming a witness to my family, friends, and even to those I encounter that I do not know.
Thank you God for loving me, for letting me talk to you so frequently, and for hearing and answering my prayers.
Today, I would encourage you to reflect on the power of prayer in your life. Do you set time aside in your day to come to the Father in prayer? Do you talk with him regularly throughout your day? In what ways and at what times do you come together as a family to pray?
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for inviting me to talk with you whenever I want or need. Please help me to set time aside in my schedule to meet with you and share my thoughts, fears, or concerns. Shape me, mold me, strengthen me so that I can be a witness to others. Help me to pray for not only those people that I know and love, but for those people who may have hurt or offended me, and especially help me to pray for those who do not know you yet, that they may have the opportunity to learn about you and your amazing grace. I love you Lord! Amen.
The idea that prayer melts away any hardness in my heart through repentance and forgiveness gives me hope. Often times it can be difficult to pray for those who have offended you, hurt you, or disappointed you, but God calls us to pray for those people too. I am often convicted that in order to grow in my own faith and walk with the Lord, I must pray for those people and I must allow God to restore in me a clean heart and right spirit.
The truth is that I feel better when I pray. I feel better about the situation, I feel better about God's timing and plans, and if I am praying for a hurt or hang up, I feel differently about the person. That is God's design. He uses prayer to strengthen our faith in Him. He uses it as a means to show us what we need to do and how we need to change. It gives us strength. Prayer builds love.
I find that when I am praying for people, God uses those moments to not only hear my requests, He uses it as a time to shape and mold me into a new person. Many times I find myself saying, "God, change this situation or person" and he opens my own heart and mind to changes that I need to make. He often reminds me, "First you need to look at yourself, your thoughts, your actions, your words." While it is humbling, I am thankful for my personal relationship with Him because I know that in these moments, I am growing closer to Him and my walk is becoming a witness to my family, friends, and even to those I encounter that I do not know.
Thank you God for loving me, for letting me talk to you so frequently, and for hearing and answering my prayers.
Today, I would encourage you to reflect on the power of prayer in your life. Do you set time aside in your day to come to the Father in prayer? Do you talk with him regularly throughout your day? In what ways and at what times do you come together as a family to pray?
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for inviting me to talk with you whenever I want or need. Please help me to set time aside in my schedule to meet with you and share my thoughts, fears, or concerns. Shape me, mold me, strengthen me so that I can be a witness to others. Help me to pray for not only those people that I know and love, but for those people who may have hurt or offended me, and especially help me to pray for those who do not know you yet, that they may have the opportunity to learn about you and your amazing grace. I love you Lord! Amen.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Overwhelmed??
I usually associate the word overwhelmed with tasks, frustration, grief, busy schedules, expectations, etc...but as I hear this song in this Lenten season, I am reminded of the greatest feeling of being overwhelmed I have ever experienced. Think about these lyrics:
When I think about the great love He has for ME, I am overwhelmed. My heart overflows with joy knowing that He has taken away my sin through His great sacrifice. He carries all of my burdens, all of my frustrations, all of my grief, all of my failed expectations. He is beautiful, He is wonderful, He is glorious. I want to be overwhelmed if it means that I can feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in my midst. Thank you Jesus for loving me and helping me to be unashamed because of Your mercy.
"I delight myself in You..captivated by your beauty, I'm overwhelmed, I'm overwhelmed by You. God I run into Your arms, unashamed because of mercy, I'm overwhelmed, I'm overwhelmed by You. I know the power of Your cross, forgiven and free, forever you will be my God.
And all that you have done is so overwhelming."
When I think about the great love He has for ME, I am overwhelmed. My heart overflows with joy knowing that He has taken away my sin through His great sacrifice. He carries all of my burdens, all of my frustrations, all of my grief, all of my failed expectations. He is beautiful, He is wonderful, He is glorious. I want to be overwhelmed if it means that I can feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in my midst. Thank you Jesus for loving me and helping me to be unashamed because of Your mercy.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:16
Thursday, February 5, 2015
God's Not Dead
Please join us for a night of fellowship, fun, food, and movies!!
February 21st
5:00 p.m.
Free dinner (Spaghetti and Garlic Bread)
Adults' and Young Adults' Movie Choice-God's Not Dead
Children's Movie Choice-Frozen
If you are looking for a new church home or school home, representatives will be available to give tours and provide you with important information.
PTL Chili Cook Off
Our first annual P.T.L. Chili Cook-Off and Family Minute-To-Win-It Game will be held on February 17th starting at 6:00 p.m. If you have a famous chili recipe that you want to make and share, please fill out the form and return to the school office by February 12th.
Schedule of Events
6:00-6:15 Prayer/Devotions
6:15-7:00 Chili Tasting/Judging
7:00-8:00 Minute to Win It Games
8:00-8:15 Closing Devotions/Refreshments
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Amazing Things
I was driving down the road the other day and saw a sign in front of a school that said "Amazing Things Are Happening Here." As a principal, this brought a smile to my face because I know that amazing things do happen in schools. Teachers work hard to make learning fun and exciting, they share their passion so that students can become lifelong learners, they peek curiosity, they answer questions, they provide comfort...and the list could go on and on.
My thoughts traveled to the many amazing things happening at Bethlehem Lutheran School. In the past few months our students have ministered to the elderly at Healthsource, they have shared the story of the birth of Jesus Christ with community members through the Boars' Head festival, they have made Christmas cards for veterans, collected toiletries for rehabilitation patients, sang for the Salvation Army, prayed for each other, comforted each other, encouraged each other, and again..the list could go on and on.
Our school is so much more than academics though. Sure, we teach standards, we hold our students to high expectations, and we challenge their thinking...but the most amazing things happen here when we teach them how to live like Christ!! This is a daily occurrence on our campus, in our homes, and around our community. Our students are being shown what it means to be the hands and feet of Christ and they have multiple opportunities to put this into practice. AMAZING THINGS ARE HAPPENING HERE!
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