The best experience

I had the best experience as a teacher last week. Two of my six boys submitted their lives to Christ. It was very emotional and something that I will always hold dear to my heart. I have been crying out to God for years that I could be effective for the Kingdom of God. I don't just want to waste time here on earth. I want to be useful for His purposes. I just began talking with them about Kingdom issues, and asking them some questions about where they are with Jesus. During that time, two of them told me that they had not made Jesus Lord and Savior, and one told me, "You know I have, because you were there praying for me when I did!" Honestly, I had to stop and think about what he was saying, and I realized he had gone forward a few weeks before at an altar call at church. I didn't know he was up there to be SAVED, but I did pray for him. That blew me away, too! Here I was praying for him during the most important event of his life, and I didn't even know it! So, I have been able to be involved in three (not just two) of these boys' lives during the most important decision they have ever made. It's very humbling. I cried much that day.

The down side: the battle is ON now. One boy in particular is having a very hard time living righteously. He is in trouble all of the time. Please pray for him. These boys have a major leadership quality that God wants to use in the future, but these are the training ground days for them to figure out how to please God in the little things.

And I am honored to be a part of it, even though sometimes it can be frustrating. I just have to remind myself that I have read the end of the book, and Jesus WILL be victorious.

Encouragement

I asked God one time, "What can I possibly do to walk in my 'calling'? I don't know how I can make a difference in people's lives." God, speaking through a minister, told me that one thing I can do is write encouraging notes to people. I began doing that every once in a while, and it seemed to really mean a lot to people. I didn't do it very frequently, however, and once more I asked God what I could do. He reminded me about writing encouraging notes, and I decided to try to write at least one per week to someone that He would give me words for. It was a great year when I did that. I usually had more than one per week, and although not everyone came back and thanked me, it was just good knowing I was obeying God. I stopped doing it for awhile, but I am ready to get back to it. You know, when you know that you can help in ANY way for the kingdom of God to expand, whether it's cleaning the church, mowing the lawn for someone, working in the nursery, etc. it is good to just go ahead and walk in those ways. He blesses you in the process especially when you do it with joy. I love to be an encourager. I hope more people become aware of ways that they can encourage others. For me, it's not about that person thanking me, it's about knowing that God gave me those words to say to them, and it must be His timing for them to hear them. Also, when you have something encouraging written down for you, it's nice to go back to it in the hard times.