FRIEND DAY!!!!!!

Stay tuned....Tomorrow is our church's 16th annual friend day! The theme this year is Lumberjack. We have decorated the church and gym...it is transformed! It looks pretty neat if I must say so myself...and I must!!! We will be a blob of flannel wearing peeps! I will post pictures tomorrow night!!! I have my camera packed and ready to go!

New School Year!!!

Glad to be back teaching again! This year I teach 4th and 5th grade. Also, while another teacher is teaching my kids Bible I am teaching 3rd grade math. So...I am very busy!! I have learned a lot and am glad I got to come in the beginning of the year instead of at the end or 2nd semester. Before we started teaching this year our Pastor challanged the staff with this:

A "Baker's Dozen" of Diamonds For Christian Teachers

(What We Are As Christian Teachers)

Dr. David Hansen

1. Christians- Romans 8:9

2. Servants- Matthew 23:11

3. Leaders- Genesis 22:14

4. Teachers- Leviticus 10:11

5. Helpers-Romans 16:9

6. Listeners-Proverbs 9:8

7. Example- 1 Timothy 4:12

8. Friends- Proverbs18:24

9. Co-Laborers- 1 Corinthians 3:9

10. Learners-Proverbs 9:9

11. Burden-Bearers- Galations 6:2

12. Difference-Makers Jude 22

13. Problem -Solvers-Proverbs 16:20

~Obedience is key-Deuteronomy 26-28

~Teachability is vital-Ephesians 4:21

~ Personal Holiness is "resonable service" Romans 12:1-2

Summer!!!!!!!

I know it has been a long time....where to start?
School finished well, I enjoyed my class a lot! I am looking forward to the new school year! As for the summer I am babysitting, cleaning a house...doing whatever I am asked. It is amazing to watch the Lord provide! He promised He would- Phil. 4:19.

May 27-June 5 I went and visited my home church in Dowagiac Mi. It was a blessing to be with them again! I had a nice time visiting with everyone. I learned how to make very cool folded cards from Candy...(I will post pics later) I also had the opp. to see some of my family. Continue to pray for their salvation. On Friday the couple from my church up north came down stayed the night and we went to Shipshewana on Saturday. It was so much fun...despite the rain. I got an amazing black and white picture for my house with a verse on it (pics to come). It was a great trip.

June 7-11 I had the opp. to babysit the whole week. Our youth pastor Jon and his wife Jami and Lil Joel took our teens to camp. They have a sweet Lil girl who is 2 and I had the privilege of watching Jalyn for the whole week. It was so much fun!!! I made a lot of memories with her and laughed a lot! I did not remember to bring my camera...so I only have pics on my phone....so no pics of that week.

At the moment I am in the wonderful state of Louisiana! I arrived yesterday early in the am. It is so nice and warm here...I love it! I am visiting my friend Clarissa from camp. (and yes I remembered my camera) I am here for a week. My flight here was horrible but the Lord protected and kept me safe. There was a lot of severe thunderstorms in Atlanta so my flight from Flint to Atlanta was delayed. I was suppose to fly out at 5:30pm...didn't leave till around 9. My next flight only had a 30 min layover...which meant I had already missed the next one. However to my surprise...it was delayed too! My flight from Atlanta to Dallas FINALLY started boarding at 12:30am....I arrived in Dallas at 2:30am. I was very tired. So happy to see Clarissa and her mom!!! Then we had 3 hrs from there to get to her house in Louisiana. Drum roll please....I arrived at 5:30am....what a night!! Guess what I did???? Went to sleep! I will post pics later!!

God Gives His Grace

Psalm 30:5

"...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."

"The pain that you feel seems will never end. That this is the will of God seems so hard to comprehend. But God has chosen you to suffer in this way. So that he gets the glory as you go fom day to day.

He may not send the healing now but He will give you the grace. Suffiecient to stand the trial that you will face. You may weep all night long but joy comes in its place. While you wait for His healing, God gives you His grace.

There are so many lives you've inspired on your way. Now their watching you to see just how you'll live from day to day. Will you serve God for not they'll see as they look you in the face. Will they see the light in your eyes revealing God's amazing grace?

He may not send the healing now but He will give you the grace. Sufficient to stand the trial that you will face. You may weep all night long but joy comes in its place. While you wait for His healing, God gives you His grace."

11 Corinthians 12:9

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therfore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasur in infirmites, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."

Scott and Kenlynn's House

I had the privilege of going to one of my mom's cousin's house. I met them "again" at my grandpas funeral and got their info. I contacted them and was able to go for a visit. I was very excited first of all to find out that they are believers!!! What a huge praise as well as a blessing! I was able to visit with them from Feb-11-Feb 14. They are a very sweet family and I enjoyed my stay! I am glad to know that I have family members who are saved!!! Here are a few pics of the kiddos. They have 5 boys and 1 baby girl. I did not get any pictures of Kenlynn....not sure how that happened. I will have to get some next time. Enjoy:

Kylee Rose

This is Scott...

(The youngest boy) John loves baby Kylee

Here are the 3 of the boys: Michael, Zachary and Austin..watching a movie...

I realized I had no pictures of Ryan or Kenlynn....sorry. I will get them next time! Thank you for your hospitality Scott and Kenlynn! I have been thinking of you guys this week! I am praying for you and the kiddos to get well soon! Love you!

I'm Amazed!!!!

"In God's heart theirs a place that only I can fill. I find amazing grace when I'm found within His will. He's reserved a sacred place where we can spend the day. He's waiting there for me inviting me to stay.

Everyday I'm amazed that God would spend the day with me. I'm overwhelmed by His grace that He would feel such love for me. To Him I'm worth saving and my heart is craving: to know

Him in His righteousness and understand His ways. Everyday in every way I'm amazed.

In my heart theirs a place that only God can fill. He covers my disgrace with the blood that Jesus spilt. He invites me to a place. Where we can spend the day. He's waiting there for me inviting me to stay.

Everyday I'm amazed that God would spend the day with me. I'm overwhelmed by His grace that He would feel such love for me. To Him I'm worth saving and my heart is craving: to know Him in His righteousness and understand His ways.

Everyday in ever way I'm amazed, I'm overwhelmed that He would feel such love for me. To Him I'm worth saving and my heart is craving to know Him in His righteousness and understand His ways."

In everyday in every way I'm amazed!!!

I have been very overwhelmed by the Lord and all that He continues to teach me. What an amazing thought that God would spend the day with me! He promises to never leave me nor forsake me!

"...for he hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee."

Hebrews 13:5

For Denielle

Sorry this has taken so long!!! Here it is:

Banana-Apple Bread

-1/2 c. shortning (1/4 cup oil)

-1 c. sugar

-2 eggs

-1 c. finely chopped apple (1 Large)

-1 c. mashed banana (about 2)

-1 1/2 c. flour

-1 tsp baking soda

-1/2 tsp salt

~Cream shortning gradually adding sugar and eggs. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Spoon batter into greased and floured 9x5x3 in loaf pan. Bake at 350 F for 60 mins.

~Good to eat warm with peanut butter!!! :)

Psalm 46:1-3

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore

will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried

into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the

mountains shake with the swelling thereof."

Psalm 46:10

"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will

exalted in the earth."

Psalm 61:2-3

"From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed:

lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou has been a shelter for me, and a

strong tower from the enemy."

Psalm 62:5-8

"My soul, wait thou only upon God; 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; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah"

Psalm 73:23-28

"Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou has holden me by my right hand. Thou

shalt guide me with thy counsel and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in

heaven but thee? and there is none upon the earth that I desire besides thee. My

flesh and my heart faileth but God is the strength of my heart and my portion

forever."

How can a Christian draw closer to the Lord?

Pastor Hansen spoke on this.....very encouraging!!

James 4:7-9

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness."

1. TRUST in His Timing

-to trust in Hm is to put your faith in Him

-I need to TRUST Him everyday!

-I need to be keeping and building my faith in Him....seeing it and watching it.

A. His perfect timing

-When the timing is worked correctly God gets the glory!

-Proverbs 3:5-6

B. His timing is purposeful

-is my purpose self motivated or Spirit motivated?

2. RELY on His Promises

-11 Corinthians 7:1

-In a stage of more fully relying on Him

-I need to keep relying on His promises

A. His promises are dependent upon confession

-without confession we lack reliance-pride

-as we rely on His promises we have-hope

B. His promises are deciphered in consecration

-my hope is made alive when I have reliance on Him

3. WAIT for His Answers

-Isaiah 30:18

-Psalms talks numerous times on waiting on the Lord-Psalm 25:2

-Integrity-found in the heart

-uprightness-found in the action

Psalm 37:7- WAIT ON HIM!!!

A. Waiting teaches patience

Psalm 40:1-3

B. Waiting tests perseverance

Philippians 4:13

C. Waiting tenders providence

Psalm 130:5-8

4. BELIEVE in His Miracles

-Mark 9:23

A. Believe with vision

-God is still in the "business" and can do it!!!

-I can't stop believing in His miracles now

-I need to completely trust in Him

-Romans 13

-Am I believing that God can do it?

-He is waiting for me to let go and to let Him do it

-I can not do anything!

5. REJOICE in His goodness

-Song of Solomon 1:4

-Deuteronomy 26:11

A. Goodness brings praise

-11 Thessalonians 1:11

B. Goodness brings positives

Zachariah 9:17

C. Goodness brings promptitude

Psalm 16

6. REST in His presence

-Psalm 16:11

-When in God's presence we find joy which makes us have peace!

-I need to rest in His promises!

-Trusting in the Lord = Rest

A. Giving my situations to God

-Psalm 37:7

B. Going on Satisfied with God

-Proverbs 19:23

Conversations with the Sander Kiddos

I was going shopping yesterday with Jake and Ruth and kiddos. As we were headed to Houghton Lake (30mins away), I realized I had forgotten my purse. Well...instead of going shopping I will just enjoy the fun fellowship with them. Oh, just so you know, Cara just turned 5, Desirae will be 4 next week and Tyler is 2. Anyway, here are some of the conversations we had:

Desirae: Miss Jenny, are you old enough to have your own gum?
Me: Yup
Desirae: Oh...How much gum can you have?
Me: How much ever is in the pack
Desirae: Oh...
Cara: Oh yeah because you are a 4 and a 2.
Me: What? How old am I Cara?
Cara: That's right you're 40...I mean 42.
Me: Really??? No silly...I am 24...change the numbers around.
Cara: That's old!!!

It is dark as we are traveling back at night.

Tyler: Miss Jenny I can't see you....
Me: That is because it is dark out. I am right here Tyler.
Tyler: Hey Miss Jenny! If you walk in da wada you fall in da wada.
Me: Really?
Tyler: Yeah, be carfo
Me: Ok...I will

Tyler (shouting): Miss Jenny I can't see you!!!!!
Me: I am right here Tyler...watch as that car passes then you can see me.
Tyler: K....I see you!!!
Me: Yeah...isn't that cool!!

Me: Tyler....where are you???? I can't see you...Tyler!!!
Tyler...shh I here Miss Jenny...I here. See me?

Tyler: Miss Jenny!!!!!! Look...I see da hang mail moon.
Me: You do? Where? That is not a hang nail moon...that is a banana moon.
Cara: No, it is none of those. It is a fingernail moon.

These kids are so much fun!! I love them...they keep me laughing.




Well...today was a half day and I was very excited that my kids finished all of their work. Praise the Lord!!! One of the students in my class is the the niece to the people I rent from. Anyway, since Aunt Emily could not have Abby over and her sister went to someones. She asked if she could come to my house. How could I say no?? I wasn't going anywhere. So, Abby came over for the afternoon. I told her that she should feel special because she is the first person to come and see me. Other plans that I had of having company fell through. She thought that was cool. I told her usually I would just have a sandwich for lunch but since I had a special guest I would make lunch for her. We had pasta, chicken nuggets (kids favorite) and Pineapple. After lunch we played UNO for quite a while. It was a lot of fun. I enjoyed having her.

Things have been a little busy around here! My grandpa passed away on new years day so I was gone for about a week. It was a hard one because I do not believe he was saved. Despite the circumstances of going to my home town, I was very glad to see my church family. I have missed them a lot. It was nice to see them. Thank you Pastor Stacey and Mrs. Wilder for allowing me to stay with you! It is only about four hours from here and coming back it took us about 10 because the roads were so bad! Praise the Lord that we made it safely. I returned to school that Friday-Jan.8th. I was very glad to be back. I missed the kids, I had not seen them since before Christmas break.

Last week was a good week of school despite the illnesses. We had the flu and strep going around. Monday we had 7 kids and 2 teachers out sick. Since there were that many, we did not have school on Tuesday. Praise the Lord I have been healthy. On Friday 2 of the little boys at our school accepted the Lord as their Savior!!! Praise the Lord! That made for a great week!!!!! Also, I heard from the Peppels and their youngest son Micah also accepted the Lord as his Savior! What wonderful news!!

On Thursday the church had a housewarming shower for me. That was a blessing. The Lord provided some things that I needed! I am thankful for them! It is neat to continue to watch the Lord provide. Why wouldn't He??? He promises to: Philippians 4:19, "But my God shall supply all your needs..." What a wonderful promise!

This weekend I was able to make some apple cinnamon muffins and some apple banana bread in my new lil' oven. Very fun! They taste amazing if I must say so myself and I must!!!

Today, I really enjoyed the message...it was just what I needed! After church I went to the Sander's and had a great time. I am very thankful for them!

Desirae, Tyler and Cara

Tomorrow is a teacher in service day. We are going up to Kinross, Michigan and attending a teacher's conference. I am really looking forward to! (even though we have to meet at 6:30am) It will be my first one and I am sure it will be very beneficial.