Spending a day in His presence

I decided a few days ago to fast today. I need to seek His guidance, listen for his teaching, and ask for a mountain to be moved. When I woke up this morning I had the following email from the mom of a child in my daughter's preschool class two years ago whom I have seen in passing once in the last year.

"Trust in the Lord with all you heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

May you know of God's love for you today!

Blessings,
Melissa ;-)


It might have been a forward, there was a decent amount of recipients. But I claimed it as a word spoken directly to me. I have "met" two new bloggy friends today who have offered encouragement and a favorite blog once again spoke His truth to my heart through the message posted. I've confessed, I've sought guidance, I've made my pleas known. I've been in His word, I've been on my knees. My kids have even been incredibly cooperative (not that common around here).

But that pesky Satan continues to strike. I've just had one huge downer of a phone call. There is some major tension in the air.

Yet I will continue to stand firm in my faith. I know nothing is impossible for my God! He is faithful and will see me through. I am drawing close and I will not give up!

We watched Facing the Giants The Giants with the girls last week. I keep remembering the overriding message- NOTHING is impossible for God.

Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Joshua 1:9
...Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Jeremiah 29:11
"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."

Psalm 37:4,7
Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass ... Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him

Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Isaiah 58:11
The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong, and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail.

Pressing in

It's way too late for me to still be up, but I've been having a good night of blog reading that has ministered to me. Several of my favorite blogs (and a few new ones) so eloquently taught lessons I needed to learn or be reminded of tonight. We got home yesterday evening, back to the reality that I'm still burdened and stressed about not having a teaching job for the school year that starts in a few weeks. I never thought when I first applied to our then new county three years ago that teaching vacancies would be so rare. I know that He has something planned for me and our needs will be met and I'm trying to press into Him and His word instead of letting my emotional fears consume me. It's a constant choice to be made. It's far too easy to be anxious or worried or depressed. I'm writing down and trying to memorize scriptures that give me comfort and assurances to turn to when the fear creeps back. His plans are not mine, and I'm so glad about that! For now, I'll continue to wait, dig out my old teaching files and prepare so I'm ready if an opening does materialize, and be more and more in His word. I'm pressing in.

Away for a bit

The girlies and I are on a house/dog sitting adventure at my folk's house. Been here for a few days and we have a few more left to go. They live in a tourist destination town, so we have had a lot to do. They have mostly enjoyed late nights of sister talk instead of going to bed, what they call "Giggle girls." I have enjoyed having cable TV to flip through. Just wanted to check in :)

The decision

I just got the call I have been waiting for- and the answer was 'no'. I know that He closed this door for a reason and has something else in store for me.

The director said that I was amazing and she never expected somebody of my caliber to walk through her door. I had answered every question perfectly. But she and the board ultimately gave the job to a woman who has worked there for several years as an assistant. She told me that they were creating another class, a junior kindergarten, in a year's time and if I was available in a year, she'd like to hire me on the spot- no interview. I thanked her and said to please hold onto my information and keep in touch. I told her I understood her decision, though it was not what I had hoped to hear. I thanked her again, hung up, and burst into tears.

Thank you God for growing me through this experience. I ask that you heal my hurting heart and take away my fear and anxiety about providing income for my family. Thank you Lord for drawing me nearer to you. I know the plans you have for me are so much better than my own.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Prayer request

I have a job interview tonight- 6:45 EST.

I have been a SAHM for the past 6 years and loved every minute of it. Pre kids I was an art teacher for 7 years, first middle school and then elementary. I loved that too. Always said that I'd go back to the classroom when the Girly Girls were both in school. I started three years ago seeking a part time position in the new county we relocated to after the Girly Girls were born (a few days a week is usually available as a resource teacher), was hired after my first interview, and then the projected student enrollment did not materialize and the position was dissolved. Darn. So I have tried the past two years and there has not been anything. One school had an opening last year, but God made it clear that it was not a position I should accept. There are no openings for this coming school year. But we could use some additional income (who couldn't in these economic times?) and the Girlies will both be in elementary school the full day come September. I need to put my days to good use.

I decided that a preschool teaching position could be the perfect answer. Not a big income, but an income. And most importantly teaching pre K would be something I'd love and be really good at, and my girls would never miss me since I'd get to put them on the bus and be there to get them off. It would be a great transition back to the working world. I heard about a school that might have an opening. I emailed the director and in a matter of minutes she called. Resume and references were sent and she said she'd call to schedule an interview in a few days. When she called she was concerned that I'd not stick around, that my qualifications would have me jumping ship to a higher paying public school job. I assured her that I would never leave mid year, and there were not any public school jobs regardless. My interview was set for tonight for a 4 day pre K lead teacher vacancy. I called the head of Art for my county to see if there were any updates. Still no openings or anticipated retirements, moves, long term sub slots... Nada. Nothing. But please keep in touch.

So here I am, praying that this is the door God has opened for me. That I am a good fit for this church based preschool and them for me. I am at ease right now, supremely confident in my abilities to teach and love on the kids who would be in my class. I'm sure I'll get nervous as the interview time approaches. Would you keep me in your prayers today? I'd appreciate it!!