1st Corinthians 14:33

this past week was an exhausting one. there is SO much going on at school, i don't know where to begin. i'm caught in the middle in a variety of ways... and the Lord is really using this situation to grow and stretch me.

i've found great solace in going to visit the 6 kids in the autism room. while some people (and sadly, even their parents) write these kids off as nothing more than a nuisance, i see their progress and potential. they completely brighten my day. i've been staying at school later to get planning done and going to visit them during my prep period during the day.

i follow quite a few blogs - some here on my blog roll and a few on my phone. many of them are heartbreaking stories that i read in order to keep those families in my prayers. i'm to the point where i feel like i know these people. one girl in particular - kate mcrae. this little girl was diagnosed with a brain tumor back at the end of june. her family was getting ready to go to the water park in arizona, and her mom noticed a tremble in her hand a few days prior that wasn't going away. little kate was admitted THAT day and has only left the hospital a handful of times since then. she's currently on a study for a type of brain cancer that has a very high relapse rate. i check on this little girl every day, and have even commented on her blog that i hope to meet a CANCER FREE kate one day when i visit my sister in arizona. i encourage you to visit kate's blog and to pray for her complete healing: www.prayforkate.com

i think satan has a knack for getting in my mind and letting me think it's ok to have a pity party instead of thanking God in my every day life for the things He HAS provided.

this past christmas i bought a calendar with daily bible verses. this past friday was a day that i knew was going to be chaotic at school. like i said, there's a lot going on that can really get me down if i let it. what was friday's verse? "for God is NOT a God of disorder, but of peace." - 1st Corinthians 14:33

as much as satan can get in my head when i'm not consciously trying to see the positive, God is there in every day circumstances - the good and the bad. what a comfort! i love when God sends me words of encouragement right when i need it....