Peace and Joy

"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverence; perseverence, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5:1-5


I am constantly guilty of focusing on all of the things that are going wrong in my life or obstacles that I am faced with. It is so easy to forget that I have been shown grace and that I am forgiven. I do not have to earn grace, it has been GIVEN to me. It was not free by any means, but God sacrificed his only Son to give me grace. I can't imagine what they would be like! To watch your son be beaten and spit upon. Despised and rejected. And all this for people who were created in his image to worship him but then doubted and are constantly sinning against him and looking for satisfaction in everything but God. For me!

Thank you God for reminding me of the greatness of my sins and of your grace!

Blagh!

I feel like every time I open my mouth to speak that I am throwing up words. I have so much on my mind and feel like sometimes nothing comes out (dry heaves) and sometimes everything comes out (you-know-what).
Things I am thinking about:
1. Which Buddies to mail another application.
2. Email college students to pair them with a Buddy.
3. Get paperwork from everyone so I can mail it to regionals
4. Call everyone back that left me a message today
5. Email everyone who emailed me today
6. Fill out and mail my adsentee ballot application
7. Mute the debate!--I can't take all this politics, confrontation, and arguing.
8. Pack everything I need for practicum tomorrow (notes, snack, caffeinated drink)
9. Set alarm- 5:30 am
10. Read the book about copyright laws for class thursday.
11. Did I turn in my project that was due today?
12. Fix lesson plans from last week
13. email practicum supervisor my self-evaluations, intervention plans and lesson plans from last week
14. write next week's intervention plans, lesson plans, etc
15. am I going to go to UNO for grad school
16. where will I work?
17. where will I live?
18. where will i go to church?
19. how am i going to pay for it?!
20. Stop thinking!!
I am now going to finish my glass of wine while I listen to the rain and fall asleep-- I'm pooped out!
"God is good, all the time! All the time, God is good!"

A little peek into life in the special ed classroom

1. Today we had a funeral for the month of September. (It had to die so October could take its place)
2. Apparently the word salt is sounded out as "slut".
3. One of the student's parents had a birthday this week and turned 104.

My favorite commercial

I often have my TV on in the background while I am answering emails or doing homework and I stumbled upon this amazing commercial. It provided me with many giggles the rest of the night as I would randomly think about the commercial while finishing homework. Enjoy!

Update from Lagniappe

I got this email from Curt Moore, a pastor at Lagniappe church in Bay St Louis, MS, as an update on how things are in the Bay so far:

Dear Friends,
Since Lagniappe was closed to volunteers most of the staff were out of town when Gustav came through today. My wife and I remained in Guflport while Jean Larroux stayed north of Kiln, MS for quick access back to the Bay. The following is a report issued from Governor Barbour has been edited to only include information pertinent only to the Lagniappe parrish residents of Bay St. Louis and Waveland:

Governor Barbour just reported, with limited access, the effects of Gustav. 10 foot tidal surge in Waveland. Several hundred homes damaged in Waveland. Curfew in effect 6pm-6am.

MNA's Disaster Response secured accommodations for coastal residents at First Presbyterian Church's retreat center, Twin Lakes where approximately 30 PCA families evacuated. All Lagniappe staff, families, and members are safe. Since many area residents sustained flood damage in Waveland, Lagniappe will be opening it's bunkhouses to families in need of shelter, and will also open it's kitchen to begin serving meals as soon as possible. Highway 603 was flooded today, but is expected to reopen by midmorning on Tuesday.

Please pray for travel mercies for all those returning home as well as Lagniappe staff who have been asked to return to facilitate disaster response at Lagniappe.Will report more tomorrow. You may also check out our blog for continued updates at www.lagniappechurch.blogspot.com
Curt Moore

Pray for the Bay

Hurricane Gustav is currently a category 3 storm but could be a category 4 or 5 by the time it hits land on Monday. Parts of Lousiana and Mississippi, including Lagniappe, are under a mandatory evacuation issued by the state. My heart is heavy and tears well up in my eyes as I pray for these people who have recently lost family, friends, homes, and possessions from Hurricane Katrina. Here is a little blurb from the Lagniappe church blog that gives you a picture of the atmosphere in Bay St Louis, MS as people contemplate the effects Gustav may have:

"There is a heaviness in the air here. The sentiment that I have heard over and over again is, 'I just can't do this again...' I find myself nodding in agreement. For tonight Bay St. Louis is peaceful. There is a band at the Mockingbird and I saw a clarinet player just playing to himself on Main Street this afternoon. This town has a soul that is resilient, but she is tired and weary. I know how she feels."
Lagniappe has asked that you pray the turths of Psalm 107: 23-32 as Hurricane Gustav approaches.

Psalm 107:23-32 (NIV)
"23 Others went out on the sea in ships;they were merchants on the mighty waters. 24 They saw the works of the Lord, his wonderful deeds in the deep. 25 For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. 26 They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away. 27 They reeled and staggered like drunken men; they were at their wits' end. 28 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. 29 He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. 30 They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. 31 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men. 32 Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the council of the elders."

I read this verse while watching the news and just heard that the winds have gone down 5mph and that the wind shear (winds that work against the hurricane) may keep the hurricane from gaining strength and becoming a category 4 hurricane. Cry out to the Lord! He is powerful and can still the storm to a whisper!

It has been a while

So...a lot has happened since my last post but then again..nothing really has happened. One friday night while I was home, I was talking to my dad about grad school and taking the GRE (Graduate Record Examination). I decided to sign up to take it on that Monday. I didn't study and yet managed to make an 1100. I guess this is a decent grade but I don't know what the graduate schools that I am interested in are looking for. Currently, my favorite choice for grad school is the University of New Orleans. Supposedly they have a really good early intervention program because they work with a local hospital and they have good funding. Also, I would only be an hour away from Lagniappe. :)
I have now been in school for a week. I am already overwhelmed but am trying to believe the gospel. It is taking a lot to get Best Buddies going for the year. Best Buddies has been taking up more time and effort than school. We have over 60 Buddies with intellectual disabilities then their College Buddies and extra students who do not have their own buddy.Managing 130+ people is a little overwhelming at times.
I'm enjoying my classes so far. I am taking history of social welfare, severe disabilities curriculum, educational media, and practicum. I am learning a lot of interesting things like how to make my own web page, different issues that have affected social welfare laws, and strategies to use when working with children with severe disabilities. It is awesome to be excited about school and I hope it continues through the semester!