Truth

What is truth?

This is the second year (I think) our seniors are walking through The Truth Project (Focus on the Family). I was asked this question toward the beginning of the year and don't remember now what I answered.

How would you answer the question?

I was offered the opportunity to participate in The Truth Project with a group of adults. Our first meeting was this evening and again the question was posed, What is truth.

The teacher in the video also asked another question: Why did Jesus come to the world? Although there seem to be many answers, the one he focused on was from the following verse.

John18:37
"You are a king, then!" said Pilate.
Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."

Amazing to think that beyond coming to save the lost, to give life abundantly, to bind up the broken hearted, that Jesus responded to Pilate saying He came to testify to the truth.

The rest of the video contained many other nuggets worth pondering and then ended with this question:

Do you really believe what you believe is really real?

I'd love to hear your thoughts:)

Declaratie

I'm in the midst of phase 2 of my visa submission. Earlier this month, the ministry of cults approved phase 1 of my application. Now, I need to gather another series of papers: rental contract, physical health certificate, proof of medical insurance, and some other copies.

Today, I tackled making a 'declaration' so that I can get Romanian health insurance. Do I really need this? No. Will I ever use it? No. Can I even use it if I wanted to? Not sure, but I'm thinking not. But, it's a requirement for obtaining a visa. The last time I received a visa, I went through the same process. Since I haven't made any payments since then, I get to back pay for 3 years. So, I need to declare that I don't receive any income here. Monday, I'll meet a lawyer to tackle the submission of the paperwork at the medical insurance office in my sector.

Brain Drain

It's been a day. I love my students, but sometimes balancing two grade levels in the morning can be a bit much! Today, the 5th graders were preparing for their math test while they 6th graders were learning about turns and rotational symmetry. Not a good combination as both classes had bumps along the way. By the end of math class I had to ask my kids to give me a few minutes without asking me questions so I could 'breathe' a little bit. Then during snack break, I again requested that I actually get a break today. They were all very understanding and cheerful about it. I think it probably helped that they were recipients of the leftover treats from yesterday's staff meeting.

EU changes

Signs of EU progress in Romania:

-All sorts of cables and lines coming down off telephone poles (only to be left draped over others or laying on the sidewalk...for months)

-Tram lines being redone to meet some new regulation

-"Earth friendly" shopping--it seems that there is an EU law requiring all plastic bags to be biodegradable and that stores charge patrons for those bags. So, the era of cloth bags has come to Romania. I find myself having to think twice before walking out the door to make sure I have bags enough to carry what I anticipate bringing home. And I miss the free garbage bags, but I'm thankful for the chance to do a small thing to help the environment.

A New Woman

I spent much of this fall maxed out--trying to balance many roles and stay on top of many different things/situations. That left me with little energy once I got home from FULL days at school. I wasn't able to find the energy to cook much or do more than the basic necessities which was quite sad.

So, it has been wonderful this semester to feel like I once again have energy once I get home!! I am enjoying cooking and baking! I made poppy seed bread for small group, meatballs and gravy (although from a packet), cupcakes to celebrate a birthday, and a couple other things along the way.

I love coming home and feeling like I can tackle projects! I pulled out my crocheting that was gathering dust in the closet and smile at the progress I'm making. Dishes and laundry are getting done...

And I still love teaching! My kids are the greatest!

God is good!

Jehovah Maginnenu

The Lord our Defense

In chapel this year we are studying the names of God. As we rotate who teaches each week, I have been blessed to be reminded of some names and rejoiced to learn new names. This week, I took a turn teaching chapel.

The lesson started out talking about "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me". The reality is that words can often do much more damage than physical injury.

We discussed how we need to take words that wound to the Lord and allow him to be our defense. We don't need to grow bitter or resentful, but instead can trust that God is on our side and will defend us.

Following up on a previous lesson, we then talked about how Satan is the one that seeks to throw lies and wounding words at us most frequently. We can choose to stand against him in our own strength or to stand behind Jehovah Maginnenu and allow him to defend us. We looked at some specific lies that the kids had identified earlier and at what verses for God's word we can use to refute the lies.

To help create a visual picture, I made two different shields. One was quite small--to represent standing on our own strength and wisdom, and the other was quite large--to represent standing behind God and his promises. As I 'threw' lies at the students holding each shield during the demonstration, it was powerful to see the reality of the choice. Standing on my own, I leave myself very vulnerable. When I stand behind Jehovah MAginnenu, I stand protected. His defense might not always be immediate or visible, but he is the Lord our defense.

Student Council 08-09

We finally managed to get all of us in one place at the same time:) What a great group!