Tis the Season

It is crazy to thing that Christmas is almost here. Another year gone and a new one beginning. I can say that I am grateful for the Lord graciously giving me another year to live for Him. I hope and pray that everyday my life brings Him all the honor and glory.

This year, the Lord has taught me many things: patience, perseverance, and to trust in His timing. No matter how hard each of these things have been, He has been constant and that is the only thing that is sure. I have to tell myself over and over again, that we are not going to have an easy life. I believe in the One True God, who many people refuse to believe in. My heart breaks for my students who are lost and have no hope for their future. One of my good friends gave me a ring with a Bible verse on it. Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans that I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future." How wonderful it is to know this! Every time that I am down or frustrated, I look at the ring and am reminded that God is in control and that I shouldn't stress and worry about some things.

As I look forward to this Christmas season, I always enjoy the lights, trees, and everything "Christmasy", but I must remember what Christmas is all about. God sent His only Son so that we could have eternal life! How amazing is that! What more could I ever ask for?

Luke 2:1-20
    And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

     Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 

    So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

    Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

   And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying

“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

    So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them. 

Summer Travels

Thank you all for your support as I traveled to Haiti. I have a lot to share, but I need to share first what happened in Trinidad.

 Trinidad and Tobago

I was able to travel to Trinidad the end of June-beginning of July and then I left for Haiti 2 days after! This was my 3rd time to Trinidad; Trinidad is home. God is so good in allowing me to go there 3 times and to keep the relationships that I have built within the past 6 years. While in Trinidad, I had the opportunity to work with a local pastor and his family. Titus and I spent our time in youth ministry, taught students how to bake and exercise, worked with Campus Crusade, did music ministry, and spoke at another church. He also allowed me to see the special people whom I love (I mentioned them in previous posts; Uncle John, Anghnie, and many others). I never thought that I would be able to see everyone because it was a short trip, but God is faithful and brought those people to me! I know that my work is only beginning in Trinidad!

How blessed am I to be able to travel across and spread the good news of Christ!

Haiti  

I traveled to Haiti with the South Point Baptist Church Youth Group. This was their first mission trip. I can tell you that I am so glad to be a part of what happened with this group in Haiti. We worked with an organization called Mission of Hope (MOH). While there we were able to do some construction work on one of their campuses. We spent most of our time though, in the local villages; playing with the children, walking down the street talking with many people, and going house to house visiting those who had a previous need to check up on them. The people of Haiti are beautiful, caring people. They have been through a lot and are recovering as a society, but it is tough to see single room homes constructed of tarps, children with no clothes, women bathing in the water that runs along the streets...the same water where a child drinks from it, another washes their clothes, and another throws trash and waste into the water. How blessed we are in America! How easily I forget how blessed I am with the things that I have! Thank you all for your support and prayers as I was on this trip. I saw the youth's eyes opened to things that they had not seen before, saw them loving children who needed to be loved and played with, and saw them serve the Lord wholeheartedly and use their talents that God has provided them with.

The tent homes that I saw everywhere. They were only supposed to be lived in for a couple months, not years.

Local Boy

Scary large Tarantula!!!

Work Day Fun!

 Love these precious boys!

 Local Girl who I was able to build a relationship with.

 Dietle

 Boy in the village

 Sweet girl in the village.

All Glory to God!

The Only Thing

As I reflect on my first year of teaching high school students, I know that I never would have survived without the Lord right there by my side. He is the one who has given me patience and insight into the lives of my students. I can not tell you how many times He brought a student or teacher into my path to encourage or listen to what they had happening in their life.

Sometimes, I forget about perspective. I look at what I would really like to do...teach overseas. I forget about the people that the Lord has called me to minister to here at school. I can say that I am by far not perfect and I feel I will always struggle with wondering "Is this where I am supposed to be? Is this what I am supposed to do for the next 30 years?" Yet, in all those incidences where God has placed someone into my path, I know that is why I am meant to be here. No matter how hard it is for me and no matter how many times I can wish myself away to another country, God has put me here for a purpose.

This year has definitely been a learning experience. I have learned so much about teaching, coaching, life, etc. It has been a long-road but one that has been filled with wonderful experiences that I wouldn't trade. I helped coach basketball and also had the opportunity to coach softball. (Not what I wanted to do and was quite adamant that God got that one wrong)* but that goes to show that I know nothing. Out of the softball season came a great relationship with 3 senior girls and 1 junior who I have been able to encourage in Christ and been encouraged in the same manner. Never would I have met them, had it not been for softball. Again, the Lord works in mysterious ways.

*For those of you who know me, I have never played softball, so you understand how much of a challenge this was for me. It just proves that God put me their for each one of those girls.

The best thing that I can talk about from this year is how my relationship with Christ has grown. I have had to learn to be completely dependent on Him. Through all my struggles and doubts, He has been the only one to understand. Thank you Lord for your grace and love! 

I listen to Pandora quite often and was doing so as I was cleaning my classroom for the end of school clean-up. This song came on and the words were perfect to describe how I have felt/am feeling about who I am and what the Lord is doing through me.

I heard someone say the other day  

They'd seen in me true love displayed  

Blessed by something I had done for them
 

No sooner did they speak those words 

I found myself somehow disturbed  

Uneasy as I took their compliment
 

Because I know the heart inside this man  

And I know the truth of who I am

 
The only thing that's good in me is Jesus  

The only thing that's good in me is Jesus 

I'll live long enough to know no matter what this life may show  

The only thing that's good in me is Jesus
 

If you could walk the hallways of my heart  

 And see things as they really are 

I wonder if you might be surprised

 
Seeing faded walls of pride and fear  

Rooms I've filled with faithless tears 

And corners where I've stood in compromise

 
Oh but you'd see the work his grace has done  

And you'd know just how far I've come
 

The only thing that's good in me is Jesus  

The only thing that's good in me is Jesus  

I'll live long enough to know no matter what this life may show  

The only thing that's good in me is Jesus
 

And in a thousand years 

When the dust of this world clears 

And I look back on my life and see in perfect light

 
Yeah, yeah, the only thing that's good in me is Jesus  

The only thing that's good in me is Jesus  

I know me well enough to know yeah

 
The only thing that's good in me is yeah  

The only thing that's good in me is yeah  

I know me well enough to know no matter what this life may show  

The only thing that's good in me is, yeah, is Jesus Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

Ronnie Freeman- The Only Thing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DZ7YWJvRLw

Life

I can't believe it is April already! I feel like it was yesterday when I wrote my blog about being away from home over Christmas. A lot has happened over the past few months:
I closed on my home.
Got a puppy.
Moved into my home (last weekend)!
Finalized plans for the summer. (which I will explain later)

So let me introduce you to my home and puppy.

The House! With 1/2 acre yard!

Teagan

Teagan

If you would like to see more pictures you can visit my facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/tabitha.l.hamilton.1

Despite all of the stress of buying my first home, teaching high school students, coaching basketball and now softball, teaching Sunday school, etc, the Lord has definitely taught me patience and trust. I am so thankful that I have a loving Savior who cares about the details of my life.

Now to tell you all about my upcoming summer. If you have read my previous blog posts, you will understand how important and close to my heart foreign missions is. God is faithful in providing me two opportunities to serve Him overseas this summer.

The first opportunity is going back to a place that I love and with people that I love, Trinidad and Tobago. I have airline money that was spent, long story short, to go to Trinidad back in August, that I need to use by August of this year, so I am going back to Trinidad. My brother Titus, is an amazing young man, who wants to be used by the Lord for His Glory. He will be coming on the trip with me! This will be Titus' first trip outside the U.S. I am so excited for him! We will be working with a local church and doing a sport camp to share the gospel. We will be in Trinidad and Tobago June 29-July 7.

Local Church Pastor and Family

Adriel

Uncle John

The second opportunity is to go to Haiti with my church here in North Carolina. I will be helping lead a group of high school students on their first mission trip. We will be working with an organization called Mission of Hope. Our team will be assisting the local Haitian staff with a VBS. We will be working along side the staff all week long in the mornings and helping with their orphanage by loving and playing with the children. After lunch, our group will have a specific destination in the village where we will work with local people and help with some work projects.

I am really excited for this opportunity to lead a group of high school students to Haiti. God is so good in allowing me this opportunity! As I am preparing for this trip please consider joining me in prayer and/or financial support. The trip to Haiti will cost $1200. If you would like to support me in any way, please feel free to respond to this post, and I will tell you more, or connect with me on Facebook.

As I have said multiple times, God's plans are far greater than my plans could ever be! He has given to me my heart's desire of missions by teaching in a public school and by allowing me to go overseas and share how He has saved me! My prayer and life calling is said perfectly in this song:

King of Heaven we will answer the call
We will follow bringing hope to the world
Filled with passion filled with power to proclaim
Salvation in Jesus' name!

Hear the call of the Kingdom
Lift your eyes to the King
Let His song rise within you
As a fragrant offering
Of how God rich in mercy
Came in Christ to redeem
All who trust in His unfailing grace

Hear the call of the Kingdom
To be children of light
With the mercy of heaven
The humility of Christ
Walking justly before Him
Loving all that is right
That the life of Christ may shine through us

King of Heaven we will answer the call
We will follow bringing hope to the world
Filled with passion filled with power to proclaim
Salvation in Jesus' name

Hear the call of the Kingdom
To reach out to the lost
With the Father's compassion
In the wonder of the cross
Bringing peace and forgiveness
And a hope yet to come
Let the nations put their trust in Him

Keith and Kristyn Getty

Where is your Home?

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

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. 

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.

Trust in Him at all times, you people;
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)