This is the very first year that I will be away from home in Nebraska. My life has definitely not been what I had ever imagined. I am a high school teacher, assistant basketball coach, college Sunday school teacher, and homeowner: bought a house that I am remodeling and living with a family whom I love until my house is finished. As I was talking with my grandparents from Nebraska, my Grandpa wisely said that the Lord definitely put me in a place He knew I would love: I am still near family; I have a mission field of high school students and staff; my next door neighbor is my former cooperating teacher, who also has a wonderful family and a field full of horses; my house is in the country; I have a 1/2 acre yard that is fenced, do I need to go on? God is good!
Growing up is definitely harder than it seemed when I was younger. Not sure yet how I feel about being so far from those I love, but I am thankful that I do have extended family and friends nearby. Whenever I feel disappointed that I will not be spending time with my parents, siblings, and grandparents, the Lord reminds me that this world is not my home. This life in the world is temporary. It is our job to spread the gospel to as many people as we can. As the saying goes, "Home is where your heart is." So my question for you is where is your heart? Is it in Christ? or does the world have possession of it? I know for a fact that my heart and life is in the Lamb's Book of Life because of God's Son, Jesus. I still cannot fathom how God loved us so much that He sent His only Son, here as a baby, to die on a cross, so that we will someday be with Him for all eternity. The best thing is that the gift of salvation is free. Where is your heart at? Is it at "home" with our Savior?
This world is not my home I'm just a passing throughMy treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blueThe angels beckon me from heaven's open doorAnd I can't feel at home in this world anymore
Oh Lord you know I have no friend like youIf heaven's not my home then Lord what will I doThe angels beckon me from heaven's open doorAnd I can't feel at home in this world anymore
Just over in Gloryland we'll live eternally The saints on every hand are shouting victoryTheir songs of sweetest praise drift back from heaven's shoreAnd I can't feel at home in this world anymore
Oh Lord you know...
Albert E. Brumley- This World is Not My Home
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Unexpected Plans
As I have said in previous, if not all of my blogs, God's plan keep suprising me and when I believe that everything has been worked out something else comes into play. God definitely has a way at throwing things at me really fast. But God is infinitely wise and omniscient, who am I to tell Him otherwise.
Two weeks ago, August 11th, my Mom, sister-Stephanie, brother- Titus, and myself packed up two vehicles and drove to North Carolina. The purpose in coming was to get both sibling settled in for college at GWU. Little did I know the plans that God had made for me. The first couple days, everyone was asking what I would be doing with my life...and I said, "Not sure. It looks like the Lord is leading me to Trinidad for an opportunity there, but I don't know." While enjoying the time spent with family and friends, I received a phone call on Wednesday, August 15th. Let me tell you exactly how this phone call went.
Me- "Hello."
AP-"Yes, May I please speak with Tabitha Hamilton."
Me- "This is she."
AP-" Hello Tabitha, my name is ... and I am an assistant principal at FHS."
Me- "Ok."
AP- "We received your name from the county superintendent and are wondering if you would like to come in for an interview."
Me- "I am sorry, who is this?"
AP- "(chuckle)...FHS in NC.
Me- "Ohhh. Sorry. Ok. For what position."
AP- "We just opened up a Health/PE position. We need a female PE teacher. Would you come in for an interview?"
Me- "Sure. When would you like me to come?"
AP- "Well, how about today at 2?"
Me- "Today?! at 2:00? What time is it now?"
AP- "11:00am. Does that work for you? Sorry for the short notice."
Me- "Yes. That's fine. I will see you at 2:00pm, today."
AP- "We look forward to meeting you."
"What?!! What just happened?" I started shaking and couldn't really put words together. "Did FHS just call me? (Check my phone.) Yep. They really did. Oh wait...I don't have any interview clothes. Ahhh!!!"
I very quickly explained to my Mom and everyone what just happened, hopped in the car, and drove to JCPenney. Found interview clothes, borrowed my Mom's shoes, (since I didn't have any interview shoes either) and very quickly ate some lunch and got ready. The interview went really well. Immediately I liked the faculty and staff of the school. I could see myself fitting right in. After the interview I was told that they would contact me on Friday to let me know their decision. (Remember this interview was on Wednesday). Wednesday-Friday = maximum stress levels. "What if I get the job? What will I do? Where will I live? I don't even have enough clothes with me. Ugh..." Friday rolled around and nothing. I didn't here a thing. So my thinking was, "They told me they would call. They will call next week. Maybe they meant next Friday?" Friday-Sunday = maximum stress levels. During this whole time Matthew 6:34 would come to mind, " Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." And of course, I would still worry.
Monday came. I enjoyed spending time with a close friend/mentor of mine and on our way back home I received a phone call.
Me- "Hello."
P-"Yes, May I please speak with Tabitha Hamilton."
Me- "This is she."
P- "Hi Tabitha. This is ... Principal at FHS."
(My heart starts racing.)
Me- "Yes. How are you?"
P- "Doing well. Doing well. The reason I called was to tell you that we would like to interview you a second time. You are one of the people we would like to see again."
Me- "Thank you! When would you like me to come in again."
P- "Well, Let me get back to you on that. Sometime this week. I will call you back sometime soon. Hopefully later today or tomorrow."
Tuesday came and went. Wednesday came. Wednesday was shopping/spending time with a cousin of mine day. We decided to drive my car, so as I was pulling out of the driveway. I received a phone call. So I put the car back in the driveway and parked it and answered.
(Same starting conversation as before)
Me- "Hello."
P-"Yes, May I please speak with Tabitha Hamilton."
Me- "This is she."
P- "Hi Tabitha. This is ... Principal at FHS."
(My heart starts racing.)
Me- "Hi."
P- "Have you found a position yet?"
Me- "Well, no."
P- "Well then, I would like to know if you would like to become a Jaguar?"
Me- "Yes, I would love to!" (The whole time my mom is staring at me and I am mouthing to her "I got the job!" So of course, she hops out of the car and starts making phone calls and telling everyone.) :)
P- "That sounds great! We are excited to have you on board. Now, when can you start?"
Me- "Tomorrow? Is that ok?"
P- "Yeah that sounds great! See you tomorrow around 7:45!"
"What just happened? I just got a job!"
To shorten this story a bit. I arrived at work on Thursday, Thursday night had open house, worked on Friday, and school starts on Monday. My life has changed in such a short time, yes I am overwhelmed, but very excited to start this new job with a great staff!
No matter what happens in life, know that God planned it for a reason. Even if our "plans" do not go as we "planned" them to, God just wants us to trust in Him to know the best for our future. I have learned and am still learning this principle.
God loves us so much that He sent His only Son to die. What an amazing loving God we serve! Trust Him! Love Him! Live for Him! Allow Him to provide for the future!
The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star,
And reaches to the lowest hell;
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled,
And pardoned from his sin.
When years of time shall pass away,
And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall,
When men, who here refuse to pray,
On rocks and hills and mountains call,
God’s love so sure, shall still endure,
All measureless and strong;
Redeeming grace to Adam’s race—
The saints’ and angels’ song.
O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints’ and angels’ song.
Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of God above,
Would drain the ocean dry.
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.
Two weeks ago, August 11th, my Mom, sister-Stephanie, brother- Titus, and myself packed up two vehicles and drove to North Carolina. The purpose in coming was to get both sibling settled in for college at GWU. Little did I know the plans that God had made for me. The first couple days, everyone was asking what I would be doing with my life...and I said, "Not sure. It looks like the Lord is leading me to Trinidad for an opportunity there, but I don't know." While enjoying the time spent with family and friends, I received a phone call on Wednesday, August 15th. Let me tell you exactly how this phone call went.
Me- "Hello."
AP-"Yes, May I please speak with Tabitha Hamilton."
Me- "This is she."
AP-" Hello Tabitha, my name is ... and I am an assistant principal at FHS."
Me- "Ok."
AP- "We received your name from the county superintendent and are wondering if you would like to come in for an interview."
Me- "I am sorry, who is this?"
AP- "(chuckle)...FHS in NC.
Me- "Ohhh. Sorry. Ok. For what position."
AP- "We just opened up a Health/PE position. We need a female PE teacher. Would you come in for an interview?"
Me- "Sure. When would you like me to come?"
AP- "Well, how about today at 2?"
Me- "Today?! at 2:00? What time is it now?"
AP- "11:00am. Does that work for you? Sorry for the short notice."
Me- "Yes. That's fine. I will see you at 2:00pm, today."
AP- "We look forward to meeting you."
"What?!! What just happened?" I started shaking and couldn't really put words together. "Did FHS just call me? (Check my phone.) Yep. They really did. Oh wait...I don't have any interview clothes. Ahhh!!!"
I very quickly explained to my Mom and everyone what just happened, hopped in the car, and drove to JCPenney. Found interview clothes, borrowed my Mom's shoes, (since I didn't have any interview shoes either) and very quickly ate some lunch and got ready. The interview went really well. Immediately I liked the faculty and staff of the school. I could see myself fitting right in. After the interview I was told that they would contact me on Friday to let me know their decision. (Remember this interview was on Wednesday). Wednesday-Friday = maximum stress levels. "What if I get the job? What will I do? Where will I live? I don't even have enough clothes with me. Ugh..." Friday rolled around and nothing. I didn't here a thing. So my thinking was, "They told me they would call. They will call next week. Maybe they meant next Friday?" Friday-Sunday = maximum stress levels. During this whole time Matthew 6:34 would come to mind, " Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." And of course, I would still worry.
Monday came. I enjoyed spending time with a close friend/mentor of mine and on our way back home I received a phone call.
Me- "Hello."
P-"Yes, May I please speak with Tabitha Hamilton."
Me- "This is she."
P- "Hi Tabitha. This is ... Principal at FHS."
(My heart starts racing.)
Me- "Yes. How are you?"
P- "Doing well. Doing well. The reason I called was to tell you that we would like to interview you a second time. You are one of the people we would like to see again."
Me- "Thank you! When would you like me to come in again."
P- "Well, Let me get back to you on that. Sometime this week. I will call you back sometime soon. Hopefully later today or tomorrow."
Tuesday came and went. Wednesday came. Wednesday was shopping/spending time with a cousin of mine day. We decided to drive my car, so as I was pulling out of the driveway. I received a phone call. So I put the car back in the driveway and parked it and answered.
(Same starting conversation as before)
Me- "Hello."
P-"Yes, May I please speak with Tabitha Hamilton."
Me- "This is she."
P- "Hi Tabitha. This is ... Principal at FHS."
(My heart starts racing.)
Me- "Hi."
P- "Have you found a position yet?"
Me- "Well, no."
P- "Well then, I would like to know if you would like to become a Jaguar?"
Me- "Yes, I would love to!" (The whole time my mom is staring at me and I am mouthing to her "I got the job!" So of course, she hops out of the car and starts making phone calls and telling everyone.) :)
P- "That sounds great! We are excited to have you on board. Now, when can you start?"
Me- "Tomorrow? Is that ok?"
P- "Yeah that sounds great! See you tomorrow around 7:45!"
"What just happened? I just got a job!"
To shorten this story a bit. I arrived at work on Thursday, Thursday night had open house, worked on Friday, and school starts on Monday. My life has changed in such a short time, yes I am overwhelmed, but very excited to start this new job with a great staff!
No matter what happens in life, know that God planned it for a reason. Even if our "plans" do not go as we "planned" them to, God just wants us to trust in Him to know the best for our future. I have learned and am still learning this principle.
God loves us so much that He sent His only Son to die. What an amazing loving God we serve! Trust Him! Love Him! Live for Him! Allow Him to provide for the future!
The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star,
And reaches to the lowest hell;
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled,
And pardoned from his sin.
When years of time shall pass away,
And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall,
When men, who here refuse to pray,
On rocks and hills and mountains call,
God’s love so sure, shall still endure,
All measureless and strong;
Redeeming grace to Adam’s race—
The saints’ and angels’ song.
O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints’ and angels’ song.
Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of God above,
Would drain the ocean dry.
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Waiting in Him
This summer I have learned so much. This past Friday was my last day working for SummerWorks. I worked with high school students from Omaha and taught them job skills, how to be a good employee, and hopefully life skills too. I absolutely loved it! Somethings that I knew before this job was that I enjoyed working with high school students. Now, after working with them all summer, I know that I really enjoy working with high school students.
God has also taught me how to trust in His timing. Like I mentioned in my last blog post, China fell through. A blessing in disguise, in that, I asked God for a "red flag" to not go and He gave me the largest "red flag" ever. Now, comes what He has been teaching and continues to teach me. "Trust in My timing, Tabitha. Not yours. Learn to wait patiently in Me." Let me tell you, this is the hardest thing to do. At times, which is about once a week, I just breakdown. "Why Lord?! I do not understand. Why do I feel like I have to live up to what everyone thinks I should do? Why can I not trust You and wait for Your timing? Why is life so difficult and with so many choices? What if I choose the wrong thing?"
The good thing is that I believe God gives us choices. The bad thing...God gives us choices. I want to make a decision right now, at this point in my life, where I will not regret not making a decision. Does this make any sense? Sounds even confusing to me as I read it. Oh well.
Psalm 62:5-8
My soul, wait silently for God alone,
For my expectation is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation;
HE is my defense;
I shall not be moved.
In God is my salvation and my glory;
The rock of my strength,
And my refuge, is in God.
God has also taught me how to trust in His timing. Like I mentioned in my last blog post, China fell through. A blessing in disguise, in that, I asked God for a "red flag" to not go and He gave me the largest "red flag" ever. Now, comes what He has been teaching and continues to teach me. "Trust in My timing, Tabitha. Not yours. Learn to wait patiently in Me." Let me tell you, this is the hardest thing to do. At times, which is about once a week, I just breakdown. "Why Lord?! I do not understand. Why do I feel like I have to live up to what everyone thinks I should do? Why can I not trust You and wait for Your timing? Why is life so difficult and with so many choices? What if I choose the wrong thing?"
The good thing is that I believe God gives us choices. The bad thing...God gives us choices. I want to make a decision right now, at this point in my life, where I will not regret not making a decision. Does this make any sense? Sounds even confusing to me as I read it. Oh well.
Psalm 62:5-8
My soul, wait silently for God alone,
For my expectation is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation;
HE is my defense;
I shall not be moved.
In God is my salvation and my glory;
The rock of my strength,
And my refuge, is in God.
Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us.
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us.
I thank the Lord that He is my rock, salvation, defense, strength, and refuge. Without knowing Him I truly would be lost and not sure what to do with my life. I know that my life is lived so that I can give all the glory to Him in whatever I do!
Still my soul be still
And do not fear
Though winds of change may rage tomorrow
God is at your side
No longer dread
The fires of unexpected sorrow
God You are my God
And I will trust in You and not be shaken
Lord of peace renew
A steadfast spirit within me
To rest in You alone
Still my soul be still
Do not be moved
By lesser lights and fleeting shadows
Hold onto His ways
With shield of faith
Against temptations flaming arrows
Still my soul be still
Do not forsake
The Truth you learned in the beginning
Wait upon the Lord
And hope will rise As stars appear when day is dimming
-Still, My Soul Be Still (Keith and Kristyn Getty)
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Not "My" Plans
It has been awhile since I have posted a blog, but that is because I have not known what to say...
Jeremiah 29:11-14a, "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. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your
heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord.
Isaiah 55:8-9
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.
These are the verses that have kept coming to my mind lately. The Lord says specifically that He has made plans for me. Not "Me/I" have made plans for myself.
The past few weeks were rough. I have been so excited for China and so many of you have rallied behind me in prayers and some in support. Thank you! But, I am not able to go to China.
As I have mentioned before in my blogs and to people specifically, I have been waiting on my invitation letter to arrive from China. Things were going well with the paperwork and it looked like I would be getting the letter anytime. I received an email from my school in China stating that it was taking unusually long for the government to get me my letter, but I was not concerned. Well, a few days later, the school responded back saying that China would allow me to come, but that they would try again and see if it was a mistake. So the school graciously talked with the government again, and again the Chinese government said no.
"I do not understand why. How could everything be leading to China for the past 5 months? Ok, Lord, um...You must have made a mistake. I thought you told me I was going to China. Isaiah 55 says "My thoughts are not your thoughts." Alright Lord. Now where to?"
I am not going to lie. I was devastated when I first heard this news. Truly I still do not understand 100% why I cannot go to China. But then my Uncle sent me a text message. First off, you have to understand that reading one of my Uncle's text messages is like decoding a secret message, but this message was different. No "decoding" in this one. God knew that I needed to hear exactly what my Uncle told me:
"Easy for me to say but don't be discouraged. It is Not a situation u should be upset about. Remember God opens and closes doors when we don't fully understand. I think I remember u saying u were going to China until a red flag stopped you. Do not be discouraged. Remember I am still your Uncle. That should make you smile." (Yes, Uncle Andy, this does make me smile. Thank you! You are an important part of my life)
When I first accepted the position in China. My Uncle was the first to find out. I was at their house for the week. During our conversation about China, I did tell him that if a red flag came up, I would not go. Everything seemed to say go, and until the moment that a red flag came. I don't think the red flag could have been any more clear (the government refusing to let me in).
Some of you may ask...where to now?
My answer: I have no idea. Wherever the Lord leads. And at this moment, I do not know.
Thank you all for your prayers and support. I will continue to update this blog as I can. Please pray that I will find a job soon for August.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Without Him
Romans 12:9-21
1) Let love be without hypocrisy. Be Genuine.
2) Abhor what is evil. Hate Evil.
3) Cling to what is good. Love Good.
4) Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
Love one another as part of your family.
a) not lagging in diligence, Be Diligent and Hardworking.
b) fervent in spirit, Be Enthusiastic and Passionate.
c) serving the Lord; Serve.
d) rejoicing in hope, Rejoice! Have Confidence in the Lord.
e) patient in tribulation, Be Patient in every circumstance.
f) continuing steadfastly in prayer; Pray always.
g) distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Welcome and take care of others in need.
5) Bless those who persecute you; Bless.
6) Bless and do not curse. Do not Curse.
7) Rejoice with those who rejoice, and Rejoice with others!
8) Weep with those who weep. Weep with others.
9) Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not consider yourself better than others.
10) Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not care what others think, associate with those who are less fortunate.
11) Do not be wise in your own opinion. Do not be conceited.
12) Repay no one evil for evil. Look at #5. Bless.
12) Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. Bless All.
14) If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, Be Peaceable.
15) Do not avenge yourselves, but rather Do not "get even."
16) Give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,”says the Lord. Therefore
1) Let love be without hypocrisy. Be Genuine.
2) Abhor what is evil. Hate Evil.
3) Cling to what is good. Love Good.
4) Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
Love one another as part of your family.
a) not lagging in diligence, Be Diligent and Hardworking.
b) fervent in spirit, Be Enthusiastic and Passionate.
c) serving the Lord; Serve.
d) rejoicing in hope, Rejoice! Have Confidence in the Lord.
e) patient in tribulation, Be Patient in every circumstance.
f) continuing steadfastly in prayer; Pray always.
g) distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Welcome and take care of others in need.
5) Bless those who persecute you; Bless.
6) Bless and do not curse. Do not Curse.
7) Rejoice with those who rejoice, and Rejoice with others!
8) Weep with those who weep. Weep with others.
9) Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not consider yourself better than others.
10) Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not care what others think, associate with those who are less fortunate.
11) Do not be wise in your own opinion. Do not be conceited.
12) Repay no one evil for evil. Look at #5. Bless.
12) Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. Bless All.
14) If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, Be Peaceable.
15) Do not avenge yourselves, but rather Do not "get even."
16) Give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,”says the Lord. Therefore
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” If you treat your enemy by blessing them and by taking care to be kind, He will be ashamed of his behavior and hopefully see Christ in you.
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” If you treat your enemy by blessing them and by taking care to be kind, He will be ashamed of his behavior and hopefully see Christ in you.
17) Do not be overcome by evil, but Do not allow evil to overwhelm you and bog you down.
18) Overcome evil with good. Use good to defeat evil.
The closer I am getting to leaving for China, the more excited/nervous I become. I ask myself, "How do I serve those who do not know Christ without mentioning Him?"
As a Christian, these things listed above from Romans 12 is what we are called to do. I am called to do. Others will know that I am a Christian by doing those things above.
That is how I serve; by being genuine, caring for those around me, being hardworking, passionate, etc. Yet, I cannot do those things without a faith and assurance in God. He alone sustains me and works through me. (Galations 2:20)
None of those things can happen without Him.
With God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26)
Without Him I could do nothing
Without Him I'd surely fail
Without Him I would be drifting
Like a ship without a sail
Jesus, O Jesus
Do you know Him today
Do not turn Him away
O Jesus, O Jesus
Without Him, how lost I would be!
Without Him I could be dying
Without Him I'd be enslaved
Without Him life would be hopeless
But with Jesus, Thank God
I'm Saved!
Jesus, O Jesus
Do you know Him today
Do not turn Him away
O Jesus, O Jesus
Without Him, how lost I would be!
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Saying Goodbye
Goodbyes. This past week has been
nothing but goodbyes for me. I do not look forward to saying goodbye all
over again come August, but I am very excited to see where God leads,
no matter the goodbyes that have to come.
Saying goodbye is not easy. Goodbye
could mean "See you later," "I may not ever see you again," "See you
soon,"etc. The uncertainty that lies ahead is not to be worried about.
God knows exactly who I will see again on this earth. I have a joy; even
though I will not see some ever again in this life here, I know that if
they have accepted Christ as their Savior, I will see them again. How
awesome is that!
Each and every
person that I have met have been very special to me. I know I do not get
to tell each one of you goodbye or thank you, but know that I will miss
you all dearly and whether you know it or not, you have impacted my
life for the better in Christ ( I am referring to all of you reading
this).
My Aunt and Uncle wrote this in their newsletter, "If goodbye were easy to say then I think it would mean we hadn’t truly been present." Every moment that God gives us to be together should be one that is treasured and a moment that we fully invest ourselves in. If it was not easy to say goodbye then we know that we have not invested in that moment or time.
Spend every moment, living in the moment, cherishing the memories, and thanking God for every one of them.
God be with you till we meet again
By His counsels guide uphold you
With His sheep securely fold you
God be with you till we meet again
Till we meet, Till we meet
Till we meet, at Jesus feet.
Till we meet, Till we meet,
God be with you till we meet again.
God be with you till we meet again
'Neath His wings protecting hide you,
Daily manna still provide you,
God be with you till we meet again
God be with you till we meet again
When life's perils thick confound you
Put His arms unfailing round you,
God be with you till we meet again
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
An Unexpected Blessing
It truly "blows my mind" how the Lord answers prayer, even the prayers that we may not specifically pray for. These past couple weeks, since accepting this position, I have been overwhelmed by the fact that I will not see friends and family for a long time some I may not even see 2 years from now. Two years seems like an awful, long time. I am not anxious or nervous because of this fact. I am sad, yet hopeful. That is the only way I can explain my emotions. The Lord is preparing me even now, by helping me realize and "come to terms" with the fact of not seeing family and friends. (Thankfully, there is such a thing as skype!)
Sunday, I had the opportunity to talk with my Aunt and Uncle, who are missionaries in Belgium. They were very encouraging and knew exactly my worries and concerns for moving all the way across the world. My Aunt and Uncle asked if I knew anyone else who was teaching at the school. "Well, no I don't. The only people that I have talked too have been the Principal and Assistant Principal." After our conversation, I knew that I needed a friend.
I forgot to look into "finding a friend" later that afternoon. I did not even ask the Lord's opinion in this matter either. Yet, that evening I had an email from a woman, my age, asking if I would be teaching at ZKIS and if so could we email and/or skype. My mind was "blown." "Wow, Lord...you knew my desire to have a friend, specifically another woman, whom I could talk to. I never even asked and I am sorry for not asking. Thank you for this special, unexpected blessing!"
What do I expect from the Lord? Do I not realize that He cares for me and wants to bless me in ways that "blow my mind"?
There are 3 things that I have learned, so far, during this time of preparation:
1) I have come to realize that God loves us beyond what we could ever expect. Why then would I ever let that love go? God wants to love us! Why not accept that love and lay down your life at His feet? I am made to serve and love those who God created!
2) Trust God! Pray! Know that He understands. It sounds so simple. There are days that I am so overwhelmed by how much God knows us. I know you are probably thinking"...um...Tabitha...He created you. You should know that by now." Yet, are you not overwhelmed at times by how much God cares for us and desires the best for us in our lives here on earth? "I know, I am." I am so overcome that I want others to know and come to be overwhelmed by these same thoughts. My desire is to love Him in the same way that He knows and loves us.
3) There is no greater blessing than to know that I am surrounded by believers who love me and care for me.
"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1
There is a song that I remember singing as I was growing up. Mom and I would sing this together. It is by Patch the Pirate a.k.a. Ron Hamilton. Jesus knows, longs, and loves us so much. His love has washed away our sins and He, the righteous, holy, and faithful One, will always stand by us.
Jesus knows my every word and deed
Jesus longs to meet my deepest need
He lives now to intercede
He will surely stand by me.
My God is a righteous God
My God is a holy God
My God is a faithful God
He will surely stand by me.
Jesus’ love has drawn my heart to Him
Jesus’ love has washed away my sin
His word makes me pure within
He will surely stand by me.
Sunday, I had the opportunity to talk with my Aunt and Uncle, who are missionaries in Belgium. They were very encouraging and knew exactly my worries and concerns for moving all the way across the world. My Aunt and Uncle asked if I knew anyone else who was teaching at the school. "Well, no I don't. The only people that I have talked too have been the Principal and Assistant Principal." After our conversation, I knew that I needed a friend.
I forgot to look into "finding a friend" later that afternoon. I did not even ask the Lord's opinion in this matter either. Yet, that evening I had an email from a woman, my age, asking if I would be teaching at ZKIS and if so could we email and/or skype. My mind was "blown." "Wow, Lord...you knew my desire to have a friend, specifically another woman, whom I could talk to. I never even asked and I am sorry for not asking. Thank you for this special, unexpected blessing!"
What do I expect from the Lord? Do I not realize that He cares for me and wants to bless me in ways that "blow my mind"?
There are 3 things that I have learned, so far, during this time of preparation:
1) I have come to realize that God loves us beyond what we could ever expect. Why then would I ever let that love go? God wants to love us! Why not accept that love and lay down your life at His feet? I am made to serve and love those who God created!
2) Trust God! Pray! Know that He understands. It sounds so simple. There are days that I am so overwhelmed by how much God knows us. I know you are probably thinking"...um...Tabitha...He created you. You should know that by now." Yet, are you not overwhelmed at times by how much God cares for us and desires the best for us in our lives here on earth? "I know, I am." I am so overcome that I want others to know and come to be overwhelmed by these same thoughts. My desire is to love Him in the same way that He knows and loves us.
3) There is no greater blessing than to know that I am surrounded by believers who love me and care for me.
"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1
There is a song that I remember singing as I was growing up. Mom and I would sing this together. It is by Patch the Pirate a.k.a. Ron Hamilton. Jesus knows, longs, and loves us so much. His love has washed away our sins and He, the righteous, holy, and faithful One, will always stand by us.
Jesus knows my every word and deed
Jesus longs to meet my deepest need
He lives now to intercede
He will surely stand by me.
My God is a righteous God
My God is a holy God
My God is a faithful God
He will surely stand by me.
Jesus’ love has drawn my heart to Him
Jesus’ love has washed away my sin
His word makes me pure within
He will surely stand by me.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
I have decided...
I have decided....
To follow Jesus
To pursue Him
To go where He leads me
To keep a blog so that friends and family can stay updated because...
I have decided...
To go to China.
Yes, I have decided to do all those things, not in my power, but in His alone. For some of you reading this, you are not surprised. Some of you may be thinking that I am crazy moving across the world. Yet, when I think about it, I think peace. I think a divine intervention. If you would have asked me a couple months ago if China was a possibility, I would probably have laughed and said "Yeah right!" But the best part about it is; is that God knew. He knew that I would have this opportunity. He has provided so far and said "Go. Trust ME and go."
To let you all know how the Lord provided in this way...here is the story.
Back in January, my good friend and teammate Caroline and I were talking about teaching overseas. (This is something that I have always wanted to do: I can incorporate my love for teaching and my love for reaching people for Christ, all in one!) I was clueless as to where to start even pursuing a position overseas. Caroline mentioned missionteach.com. She heard of it through her church and a woman who found a position with missionteach. So...why not? I went to the website and decided to upload information about me along with my resume. I told myself..."Oh, nothing will probably come from this." Yet, a few days later I received a phone call from Wycliffe Bible Ministries and an email from a school in China. I enjoyed talking with Wycliffe, but did not feel like that was where the Lord wanted me to be. Wycliffe is a support-based ministry. I have student loans that need to be paid and I did not feel like I should be asking for yearly support until I paid them off. Now, as Wycliffe said, the Lord will provide no matter your situation. "Ok, yes, I understand, but no. I don't want to burden others with my debt in student loans."
Now going to the school in China, ZKIS. I received an email from the Principal. He said he found my information on missionteach.com and he needed a PE teacher for August 2012. If I was interested, I was told to contact him. "Why not? Sure!" So I contacted him. I interviewed with the principal and asked questions about the school and students over skype in February. The Principal made sure that I understood not to pursue this job completely until I was sure that I wanted to teach overseas, specifically at his school. I then committed to a lot of prayer. "Lord, is China where You want me? How can I best serve You? If it is in the states, please, make it clear. If in China, show me, make it clear." And show me He did.
I did not contact this principal again until March. I cannot explain except that while I was receiving emails, phone calls, and applications from other organizations and school around the world, I knew that I needed to pursue this school in China. God gave me this opportunity. If I do not pursue it to the end, then how will I ever know if I was supposed to go? So pursue it I did, while continuing in much prayer, I sent the principal an email, asking about the position. "Is the position still available?" He immediately replied back and said yes. He had kept me in mind and was also talking with one other person for the position. "Wow! The position is still available!" I was excited...I was seeing a possibility. "Alright, Lord. I will pursue this opportunity. You put it in front of me, it is my job to go for it."
A couple days later I received an email from the Assistant Principal. (He is going to become the Principal in July, because the current principal and his wife are retiring due to China rules.) He said he would like to set up an interview that week. We set the time for Thursday, April 12th, 8:30pm my time. "Oh my goodness!!! I have another interview! This is really exciting Lord! Well, it probably won't work out...oh well, still, I have an interview with China!!!" Those were my exact thoughts.
April 12th, 8:30pm. The assistant principal (AP) came on skype. "Oh no, what if I mess up? What if? What if? What if?" I dressed appropriately for the interview. I knew that the AP would probably not see the outfit, but this was professional. "This is a job interview, I am going to treat it like I am in China, in person." The AP called and I answered. He definitely knew how to make me feel comfortable and relaxed during the interview. We talked back and forth and then he started asking concept questions. "How would you teach in this situation? What if you had a child who knew no English? How do you teach? Give an example of a basketball lesson. What grades do you like to teach? Do you have a preference? etc." I answered all of those questions to the best of my ability and I felt really good about answering and talking with him. After all those questions, the AP ended his questions by saying that he thought I would be a great fit for their school and that I seemed like a genuine person. "That's was nice of him to say." I then proceeded to ask what he likes best about working at that particular school. He sold me on his answer. "The best part is working with a community of believers. Coming together for one purpose and serving Him together. Secondly, working with the students. They want to learn. There is no such thing as dreading Monday morning."
I was sold on serving the Lord together with one purpose. I was thinking to myself, "Yes, I can see myself there. I would love to be part of that community." The interview ended and he said he would let me know what he decided, probably within the next two weeks. "Alright. Two weeks. Ok, Lord. I pursued the opportunity. Now it is a waiting game."
I stayed up late that night watching "War Horse." So, before bed, I decided to check my email. Low and behold, just 5 hours later, I had an email from the AP.
It said:
"I spoke to the Principal after our conversation this morning and we would both be delighted if you could join our teaching team this summer. As I said yesterday, your personality, ideas and training will be a great asset to our ever growing school and I am very confident that you can make a valuable contribution to our school's future.
Every Blessing,"
"Oh my goodness!!!! AHHHHH!!!!!!!! What?! This can't be happening." I closed my computer...opened it back up...."No way!!!! I must be dreaming!" Nope, I wasn't dreaming. ZKIS offered me the position. "Oh no....what do I tell my parents?" I had not told them about pursuing this position with China because I never thought it would work out. I had a few friends who knew and were praying with me, but I honestly thought it would not happen. Our plans are not God's plans! I accepted the position the next Monday morning. I had a peace. "Yes, Lord. I will follow. Lead me."
That is how I have come to the decision about China. As I write this, I can't help but still be in awe of how He works. Who knew?
I have the position in China. Now it is up to the Chinese government. Will they let me in? I don't know. If the government says no, then I can't go, but still, I can't help but know that no matter what happens, God is in control. If He wants me there, it will be made possible. Please pray with me as I continue in prayer that the Chinese government would grant me access to their country.
I have decided to follow Jesus,
I have decided to follow Jesus,
I have decided to follow Jesus,
No turning back, no turning back.
Wherever He leads I'll go,
Wherever He leads I'll go,
I'll follow my Christ who loves me so,
Wherever He leads I'll go.
To follow Jesus
To pursue Him
To go where He leads me
To keep a blog so that friends and family can stay updated because...
I have decided...
To go to China.
Yes, I have decided to do all those things, not in my power, but in His alone. For some of you reading this, you are not surprised. Some of you may be thinking that I am crazy moving across the world. Yet, when I think about it, I think peace. I think a divine intervention. If you would have asked me a couple months ago if China was a possibility, I would probably have laughed and said "Yeah right!" But the best part about it is; is that God knew. He knew that I would have this opportunity. He has provided so far and said "Go. Trust ME and go."
To let you all know how the Lord provided in this way...here is the story.
Back in January, my good friend and teammate Caroline and I were talking about teaching overseas. (This is something that I have always wanted to do: I can incorporate my love for teaching and my love for reaching people for Christ, all in one!) I was clueless as to where to start even pursuing a position overseas. Caroline mentioned missionteach.com. She heard of it through her church and a woman who found a position with missionteach. So...why not? I went to the website and decided to upload information about me along with my resume. I told myself..."Oh, nothing will probably come from this." Yet, a few days later I received a phone call from Wycliffe Bible Ministries and an email from a school in China. I enjoyed talking with Wycliffe, but did not feel like that was where the Lord wanted me to be. Wycliffe is a support-based ministry. I have student loans that need to be paid and I did not feel like I should be asking for yearly support until I paid them off. Now, as Wycliffe said, the Lord will provide no matter your situation. "Ok, yes, I understand, but no. I don't want to burden others with my debt in student loans."
Now going to the school in China, ZKIS. I received an email from the Principal. He said he found my information on missionteach.com and he needed a PE teacher for August 2012. If I was interested, I was told to contact him. "Why not? Sure!" So I contacted him. I interviewed with the principal and asked questions about the school and students over skype in February. The Principal made sure that I understood not to pursue this job completely until I was sure that I wanted to teach overseas, specifically at his school. I then committed to a lot of prayer. "Lord, is China where You want me? How can I best serve You? If it is in the states, please, make it clear. If in China, show me, make it clear." And show me He did.
I did not contact this principal again until March. I cannot explain except that while I was receiving emails, phone calls, and applications from other organizations and school around the world, I knew that I needed to pursue this school in China. God gave me this opportunity. If I do not pursue it to the end, then how will I ever know if I was supposed to go? So pursue it I did, while continuing in much prayer, I sent the principal an email, asking about the position. "Is the position still available?" He immediately replied back and said yes. He had kept me in mind and was also talking with one other person for the position. "Wow! The position is still available!" I was excited...I was seeing a possibility. "Alright, Lord. I will pursue this opportunity. You put it in front of me, it is my job to go for it."
A couple days later I received an email from the Assistant Principal. (He is going to become the Principal in July, because the current principal and his wife are retiring due to China rules.) He said he would like to set up an interview that week. We set the time for Thursday, April 12th, 8:30pm my time. "Oh my goodness!!! I have another interview! This is really exciting Lord! Well, it probably won't work out...oh well, still, I have an interview with China!!!" Those were my exact thoughts.
April 12th, 8:30pm. The assistant principal (AP) came on skype. "Oh no, what if I mess up? What if? What if? What if?" I dressed appropriately for the interview. I knew that the AP would probably not see the outfit, but this was professional. "This is a job interview, I am going to treat it like I am in China, in person." The AP called and I answered. He definitely knew how to make me feel comfortable and relaxed during the interview. We talked back and forth and then he started asking concept questions. "How would you teach in this situation? What if you had a child who knew no English? How do you teach? Give an example of a basketball lesson. What grades do you like to teach? Do you have a preference? etc." I answered all of those questions to the best of my ability and I felt really good about answering and talking with him. After all those questions, the AP ended his questions by saying that he thought I would be a great fit for their school and that I seemed like a genuine person. "That's was nice of him to say." I then proceeded to ask what he likes best about working at that particular school. He sold me on his answer. "The best part is working with a community of believers. Coming together for one purpose and serving Him together. Secondly, working with the students. They want to learn. There is no such thing as dreading Monday morning."
I was sold on serving the Lord together with one purpose. I was thinking to myself, "Yes, I can see myself there. I would love to be part of that community." The interview ended and he said he would let me know what he decided, probably within the next two weeks. "Alright. Two weeks. Ok, Lord. I pursued the opportunity. Now it is a waiting game."
I stayed up late that night watching "War Horse." So, before bed, I decided to check my email. Low and behold, just 5 hours later, I had an email from the AP.
It said:
"I spoke to the Principal after our conversation this morning and we would both be delighted if you could join our teaching team this summer. As I said yesterday, your personality, ideas and training will be a great asset to our ever growing school and I am very confident that you can make a valuable contribution to our school's future.
Every Blessing,"
"Oh my goodness!!!! AHHHHH!!!!!!!! What?! This can't be happening." I closed my computer...opened it back up...."No way!!!! I must be dreaming!" Nope, I wasn't dreaming. ZKIS offered me the position. "Oh no....what do I tell my parents?" I had not told them about pursuing this position with China because I never thought it would work out. I had a few friends who knew and were praying with me, but I honestly thought it would not happen. Our plans are not God's plans! I accepted the position the next Monday morning. I had a peace. "Yes, Lord. I will follow. Lead me."
That is how I have come to the decision about China. As I write this, I can't help but still be in awe of how He works. Who knew?
I have the position in China. Now it is up to the Chinese government. Will they let me in? I don't know. If the government says no, then I can't go, but still, I can't help but know that no matter what happens, God is in control. If He wants me there, it will be made possible. Please pray with me as I continue in prayer that the Chinese government would grant me access to their country.
I have decided to follow Jesus,
I have decided to follow Jesus,
I have decided to follow Jesus,
No turning back, no turning back.
Wherever He leads I'll go,
Wherever He leads I'll go,
I'll follow my Christ who loves me so,
Wherever He leads I'll go.
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