The lies I am believing...

I am so quick to listen to the voices in my head. The voices that tell me:

*If this is God's plan, how come everything isn't going smoothly
* You are loosing money

*You may never teach again

*This is too hard, you shouldn't do it

*Can you get out of it?

*Why aren't you at peace?

*GOd's will Amanda, are you sure you are in it?

But then there is truth speaking to me, the small voice caled the Holy Spirit, that stirs quietely within me, to let me know.. GOD IS WITH ME

GOd is my comforter, healer, restorer, Prince of Peace, returning to Michigan to follow his purpose.

Our goals and visions for Michigan:

*Starting and Finishing Grad School

*Amanda working

*Starting a Family

*Buying a house

*babysitting my niece Anna and nephews Ian and Aaron

*Spending time with my sister Julie

*Spending time with my other sister Emily

*Spending time with my parents and In-laws

*Visiting Upper Michigan

*Seeing College Friends

*Spending time with Family and Friends (our purpose)

I put my life in God's hands.. I will choose to trust

My Vision

My prayer is that this picture may be one of many to come. Photography is a passion of mine and I hope to pursue it in the future. I need determination which I sort of have, money which I don't hardly have enough of, and an artful eye which I'm still working on. I am seeking a professional who will take pity on me and teach me their ways.

Faith of a mustard seed

Why is it that I was so confident about my faith in God in good times when I am comfortable. But the minute my job is taken, I start to crumble. My security and hope is in Jesus however I still get caught in the details. My prayer is for strength, faith of a mustard seed and peace within the unknown.

My future is with Him Always

Lent

As Lent is quickly approaching, I'm trying to decide what area of my life do I need to work on/change. A few areas that I am contiplating are:

**Give up T.V. watching

**Give up Fast Food

**Pursue placing my thoughts on my blog/photography

Unsure still, but glad to be talking through my thoughts once again. Well I better go and watch the Bachelor, then 24 while I still can.

Be strong and courageous in Jesus.

Work-Aholic

My name is Amanda Nelson and I'm a workaholic. I never realized that I was one, because surrounding me were my teacher friends working just as long and as hard as I was. But my eyes became open when I heard this woman's story on the radio. She said, "I used to work as a sales associate for an accounting firm and my work defined my identify. However, now I am a stay at home mom and feel that I have no sense of identity anymore." I thought to myself, "how sad is that women whose whole life was her work, oh wait Amanda, that is you, your identity is wrapped up in being a teacher. It's what you think, breathe and live. This became disturbing to me because I don't want to end up like that woman, depressed because now her identity is mother and that is not enough. So, as a result of this epiphany I have decided to set a 70 hour limit on work this week starting today and lasting until Saturday. I'm off to a great start with 0 hours clocked in for today. However, I have conferences on Thursdays that last until 7 that could create a bit of a problem. I'm going to strive to trust the Lord through all of this and know that he will provide where I can not. At the end of the day, whatever I can not finish will be covered by God's Grace.

How the Debate Just Like My School

While I sit here and watch Obama and McCain bash each other on Live Television and Tom Brocroft reminding them of debate rules, I can't help but be reminded of how similar this debate is just like my school. These two men are too busy pointing the fingers and someone else instead of work together and solve problems EFFECTIVELY. I have parents, colleagues, and administrations who want to talk, complain and point fingers instead of meet the needs of these students. They want to holler and hear their own voice when nothing important is coming out. I desire for my students to learn academically, socially and emotionally. I wonder which candidate really cares about the needs of my students? I'm still thinking.....

Burned Out!

I've always heard the saying that most teachers quit within the first five years of teaching. I'm beginning to understand why. I always hear that the first year of teaching is the hardest and if I get through that, then I would be fine. However, I feel that the second year is even harder. I'm always getting frusterated with parents calling and complaining, not to mention 38 students to work with. Everyday I come home exhausted and tired, but I am too stressed out to actually sleep. Instead I stay up working until bed time leaving very little down time. I'm beginning to wornder if I made the right decision in choosing a career that would drain so much of me. I feel that I have very little to give when I get home and that makes me sad for the home I need to take care of, the husband I am called to care for, and the simple joys that make me smile. But something that I learned this week at Sunday school is that deremination is a virtue and I am strong enough to finish the race. Paul did not give up when it got hard, so I will not either. I am going to keep my eyes on the prize and finish strong.