When I started teaching kindergarten in 1998 at the highest poverty school in the district, I was so scared.  Was I really hearing from God? I had my doubts, but He made it clear that was where He wanted me.  It wasn’t love at first sight but by the end of the first week, I was hooked!  As my friend Peggy, a Christian school teacher, said, “I can’t believe they’re paying me to do this!!!”  Like her, I absolutely loved it!

From the journal . . . July 2001

Concerning the new principal at my school:

Lord, I don’t know if she loves You.  But we prayed for just the right person, and I believe You appointed her.  So, You will work it for good for those who love You.

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

 I know that I’m at my school for Your purposes.  Help me to keep Your purpose ever before me.  Lord, what is Your purpose for me there?

And God Said to Me:

Pray for the kids and staff.  Encourage them to look to Me.  Live honestly and I will reveal Myself through you.

I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me (Galatians 2:20a).

Don’t be afraid to be known for who you are.  I will defend you and you need not be ashamed. 

“Fear not, for you will not be put to shame; And do not feel humiliated, for you will not be disgraced (Isaiah 54:4a).

Don’t worry about fitting in.  Be kind. Be friendly.  Don’t worry about being misunderstood but also, don’t be afraid to voice your concerns regarding the children.  Kids first.  I have given you good sense about these children.

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed (2 Corinthians 9:8).

 Trust that ‘sense.’  Expect good from them.  I want you to teach values. You can do that without breaking school policy.  Integrity, decency, and kindness.  These are not debatable.  I will be with you.  Don’t fret about the new principal. You will be fine.  I am for you!  If I am, who can be against you?

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? (Romans 8:31)

I enjoy reading about what the Lord said to me, especially concerning my role with the students. For the time that principal was there (about 3 years) I didn’t have significant problems with the students or the parents.  In fact, my class’s academic achievement scores were the best ever! 

On the other hand, I never had so much trouble with a principal not liking or appreciating me. The first year was fine but something happened the next year. I still don’t know what, but I was out of favor and that year was horrible! By the grace of God, I did come out of it though, without losing my job!

I went back to these words from the Lord often during that time. He said I would be fine, but I confess, it did not feel fine at all! I believe the principal wanted to run me out of the school and I was tempted, but God made it clear that I was meant to be there and could not quit! In the end she was the one to leave, and I stayed until I retired eighteen years later! 

God is always true and always faithful!!!

Let’s hold firmly to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful (Hebrewa 10:23).

Your lovingkindness, O Lord , extends to the heavens, Your faithfulness reaches to the skies (Psalm 36:5).