Be An Encourager

Something I've noticed is that it feels great to be encouraged. I try to be encouraging, but I'm sure that it doesn't happen all the time. In this age, people tend to belittle and speak negatively to those around. We are called to be the opposite. How much of a difference could we make if we were to encourage the people we come in contact with? Imagine what people would think. Some people could be the janitor, your boss, your spouse, your kids, your parents, co-workers, the mailman, etc. The list could go on and on. A little encouragement goes a long way.

1 Thessalonians 5:11-24 says
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.
May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it."

How are we doing at obeying this scripture?

Catch Up

Wow it's been a long time since I last posted. Honestly, I don't know why I haven't made a few minutes here or there to keep you all informed. I apologize for that.

Here are some things that have happened over the past month and a half:

I got a long term sub job for the end of this school year
I bought two pocket bikes (baby motorcycles)
I got hired for next year
We have been spending a lot of time with our friends


I don't think that I mentioned the long term sub earlier, but I am done now. School got out June 21. It was a very helpful experience and I was able to inherit a bunch of 5th grade materials.

Through my usual browsing of Craigslist, I saw a posting of two pocket bikes for $50. It's my birthday this month, so I figured that I would spend some of that money early on this good deal. The bikes weren't working at the time I bought them, but I have put a little more money and TLC so that they can. I am getting close to having them both ready for some fun times. This will be something enjoyable we can fool around with in our free time.

The most exciting thing that has happened is that I got a job for next year. I am now a 5th grade teacher at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School in Colton Joint Unified School District. Yeah, a whole lot of words, but I'm not complaining. I started substituting at this school during the time that the teachers were going to strike (they never did because WE got the money they wanted). The principal is friends with our friend/mentor who did our pre-marriage counseling. A great thing is that the she and a handfull of other teachers at the school are believers. It seems like I am going to have a healthy support team that can guide me through my first year in my own classroom. I am a little nervous about the year, but I am way excited too! The school is year-round, so I have November, March, and July off. Many teachers have told me that they love the year round system. I hope that I do too.

To sum it up, God is continuing to bless Brittany and I. We are so grateful for everything that He has done. I don't know exactly why he chooses to do so many things for us, but I am going to do my best to live in a manner worthy of the Gospel so that others may know Him. Thank you for your prayers and thoughts. I will do my best to keep you all informed as things unfold.