January 2020 . We all have times where we are desperate for encouragement.  The setting of this journal entry was during one of my hardest years in my career as a kindergarten teacher.  Unlike other years, it seemed like there were more ‘hard’ days than ever before and this was only November.  This day was particularly bad and I was desperate. I’m putting this in the ‘teacher’ category but I think many of you can relate to the Lord’s encouragement!  He is The Wonderful Counselor!  Is 9:6

From the journal   .  .  .  .  November 2016

Lord, it’s so rainy.  I am content though. . . sort of.  But I am also distraught.  I have not been doing well as a teacher – which is a huge piece of my identity.  Yet first, I am Yours.  There is such comfort and hope in that.  So often I cry, Lord.  I didn’t get to my reading assessment yesterday.  I took long in getting the right papers to the students.  We didn’t do our scarecrows.  We didn’t even get to math.  I didn’t get my planning period either. My organization is a mess and I can’t get the class calm enough for me to teach.

And I believe God said:

What did you do?  You prayed in the morning.  You encouraged Mrs. Boone.*  She’s important to me and she needs friends at school   You listened to Miss Young.  She needs support.  She confided that her confidence is so low this year.  You can help her.  We will do this together.*  I love those little ones you are teaching.  I love you.  When you are weak, I am strong.  Each child is very important to Me.  Allen and Nate and Talli.  All of them.  When you don’t see progress, you must have faith and believe.

1Thess 5:14 2Thess 2:16

January 2020 note: This next part is kinda funny. It’s like I didn’t fully receive what I believe He had just said. So typical.

Lord, I’m really worried about math.

Seriously?  Math?  We’ve got this.

Jesus.  Thank you for Your smile.  I could hear You and I could feel Your love.

I know.  This is not that serious.  You tend to take yourself too too seriously.  Relax. 

I adore You Lord.