Lorinda

I spend a lot of my time worrying about things I have no control over. Because I think in a certain pattern, I assume others are like me and naturally are interested in the things I am. This is often not the case and I wonder why I try to change things I can't change. I do know someone though who is all powerful and in complete control and if He thinks it is necessary, there will be a change. My God can help others I cannot help. He can improve situations and change attitudes so I pray to Him often. Yesterday, I had just finished a Bible Study with some delightful women and stopped at the mall. As I was leaving a young woman approached me and told me her story. She had been battered and abused and the police stepped in and said she should leave her home so she and her daughter were living on the streets. My heart went out to her and I gave her some food, money, clothes, a bible and a few other seems. It seemed so small compared to her need. I prayed with Lorinda and told her I would have others pray. She said a shelter would be opening up in a few weeks, but until then, she was desperate to find some housing. I gave her some references and left, saddened about how little I rejoice in the fact that I sleep in a warm bed every night. I have God, church, family, friends and yet I find the most minute issues to complain about. What would I do if I really had to spend a cold night on the street? "Oh Lord, I prayed, Help me in my struggle to overcome frustration over these little tiny inconveniences and spend more time praying for folks like Lorinda."

An Important Question

Today a student asked me what I would do if my daughter got pregnant and was not married. I was a bit elated about that question because I could tell the group of kids around him about God. I said I would pray about it and support her and encourage her to keep the baby or put him up for adoption. This led to a long discussion with one student about faith. He also was a Christian and an actor. It was a blessed time and I was thankful for the opportunity.

Being led by God

It really takes a lot of peace and patience to be led by God moment by moment. It takes courage because God may lead you to places you never dreamed you would be. Most people go to the same job every day and they see the same people every day. Not true for a substitute teacher. I see different kids each day and a lot of the time I am in survival mode....knowing the lesson plan will be sketchy at best and the natives may get very restless, turning on me or each other. The other morning I was in a science class and a girl walked in late. I felt I should speak to her for some reason and when that happens, I know God has a plan for the conversation. I asked her a few questions but the conversation didn't flow naturally so I quietly began to read. I was reading my Christian literature and all of a sudden she said, "Are you a Christian?" I said I was and told her I had intended to ask the same question of her, but as a teacher I'm not really free to do that. She was impressed and I had a chance to discuss the Lord with her and my church. It was a wonderful opportunity and I felt like I could be of some help to her. Later in the day when I felt really discouraged, a boy in my class began singing about Jesus and it lifted my spirit. I want to help these kids and I know they need the Lord, but I have to wait on Him and listen before I do so.