Musings on Math and Communications

Math has always been my favorite subject.I've always preferred solving a problem to writing an essay.Why is this? Math is concrete;you can always count on it to stay to the same.While science reasoning may ask a question to determine your reasoning capabilities,solving a problem requires knowing the formula or knowing how to calculate the answer.The formula never changes.

To me, the reasoning questions so often appearing on today's tests are training us to become dumb because the facts are losing their importance in the classroom and our textbooks.For instance,a teacher used to determine a student's success in algebra by how many problems were answered correctly.Now,they are tending to grade more on how the student came to the conclusion.This upsets me.However,there are some subjects such as English,particularly essays,that must be graded subjectively.My weakness has always been communication.I learned to talk later than most children and even then had difficulty pronouncing some seemingly simple words correctly.I managed to escape writing essays until high school classes and then realized that my writing skills were drastically lacking.After all the practice for the GED,writing became much easier.

Even though I would much rather minor in math or business I have decided that English will be more useful as a teacher.If I don't communicate properly,how will my future students be inspired? I'm excited to see what fun we'll have in English class in college.

I got to thinking today:I've never been in a classroom except for the ACT.It is going to be a treat!!!
Praise the Lord for the amazing things He has done and continues to do for us.I don't deserve to go to OHC but since God has worked it out,I'll do my very best to be a blessing to others and study hard.

So yesss!I'm gonna like English...

College Are you ready?Here I come!!!

Due to my recent disappearance from Facebook,I have some time to blog once more before leaving home to canvass in Texarkana,Arkansas.I can't think of any profound words to describe my joy to finally be attending Ouachita Hills this coming spring semester;but I will say that God is good all the time and He has done way beyond what my faith thought possible this time last year.

As Thanksgiving Day (this Thursday) draws near it's a perfect opportunity to remember what God has done for us each this past year and in recent decades.He has protected us when we never knew there was danger.He sends His angels to give us words when we need them most,and listens to our seemingly insignificant prayers.Not to mention the life we take for granted,the warm home in the winter,and food and water,without which we would die.

I praise God that, although there were a few bumps in the path,my first two classes are completely finished and the third will be shortly,Lord willing.I've been learning that there are some dangerous prayers to pray.One such prayer is"Lord,humble me."When we pray that prayer we have to be ready for a drastic answer.But at the end of the day,there are more important issues than grades or homework,though diligence is important;the Lord keeps bringing this to my attention because He knows how easily I forget.

Though free time is limited during canvassing programs,I will do my very best to blog at least once or twice during the Christmas program.In the mean time,I know God has precious souls just waiting for truth,May all of us canvassers put forth our very best efforts and pray for wisdom to reach God's children out there who are confused and searching for the light.You have to love canvassing!Each day there's a new adventure and a new experience.At the end of each program the little inconveniences don't seem so big anymore;you wonder why God ever chose you to participate in this work.Canvassing is a great way to build character for Heaven too.It teaches you that unity amongst the workers is more important than it seems at first glance.

Lastly,but not least important,I have to say that having so many brothers and sisters who truly care and look out for you is awesome.We are one big family!!

Praise God!!!

Countdown

The countdown has begun officially this evening of the ninth day of November,2013.
I'm finally going to Ouachita Hills College(more easily pronounced ''OHC").
It seems ages since I first heard about this school twenty-two months ago from a friend and eventually began to canvass.I didn't want to go canvassing at first but I'm definitely glad that I went.
Canvassing has changed my life!
I'm eternally thankful to Jesus for His many miracles in my behalf in relation to being accepted at school.I'm thankful that God is more powerful than all the roadblocks Satan throws in the way.
Well-meaning friends have inquired why I say I've been waiting two years for OHC, when I was fifteen back then...
This is the reason:In early 2012 I made OHC my future school and started working on tests to get there.As I read through the OHC handbook I was just hoping they accepted fifteen year olds.I don't know what I was thinking because no college I know of accepts students on campus at this age.I guess I was just hoping things would fit together alright.
Well,later in the year,around May,I contacted a staff member and inquired about the age requirements;The answer rang through my head:17.......I should have known...
Oh no,two years Lord??
You mean I have to wait two years?
Silence was all God answered me with at the moment.
It was the best answer.
In time,I forgot all about the age requirement and started planning to enter school in either January 2013 or August.
Pretty stubborn...
But soon it became apparent that January wouldn't work out due to the GED date.
Oh well,August then...
Then came the call I was running away from,the call I knew was coming but was trying to pretend otherwise.
A voice on the other end of the telephone said,"I'm sorry Sarah.You will have to wait till the spring semester in 2014 to come on campus to study".
Even then,there was of course no guarantee.
I can't wait another year I said to myself...
Friends were encouraging and I don't know what I would have done without them.
Going to fast-forward now to July 2013.Location:Crowley,TX in the canvassing program.We had all just returned from a long days work and were relaxing and getting ready for bed.My phone rang.It was my mom.We chatted a bit.At the end of the conversation I chanced to ask her if any mail had come for me."Oh yeah,I think maybe so.A letter from OHC."I decided that whatever it was,whether good or bad news,I'd rather know now.I asked her to read it.
"You have been accepted."
There was more but that's all I remember hearing.
I had to ask her to repeat.Maybe I'm dreaming...
But it was true.And still is today.
I'm still in shock but never happier.
I fear that some pieces of the puzzle have been left out or forgotten.But the main picture remains.
God is good!!He really,really is...:)

There is nothing to hard for God friends.I know there are times when we don't feel like saying this.But it's true and always will be.
My patience needed a repair job big time and God has seen fit to use this waiting time as a part of the repair.There are lots more lessons to learn.
I know that college is not going to be a breeze always.
But I'm going to give it all I've got with His help. So thankful for Ouachita Hills,canvassing,the new friends I've made,and most of all,Jesus.
I pray that the Lord will use me as I move into a new chapter of life.
This post was intended to give glory to God and Him alone.I pray no other impression was left.

This might sound like a silly thing to say, but I'll say it anyways: Never give up your dreams and your goals,even it means dreaming of med school when you're seven.If God wants you there,it will happen.Don't ever let go of your goals.

The First Love

The title of this post probably has some of you guessing what in the world it is about.No,it's not a love story...
At least not in that sense of the word.
But it really is a love story.
A love story that each of us have had at one time or another;we all had a time when we began walking with Jesus and were hurried on to tell others of this most wonderful friend who placed a fire burning in our hearts to help the world.
This is really great you know.
The million dollar question is:Do we still have it?

The book of Revelation sheds light on this question.
Revelation 2:2 says"I know thy works,and thy labour,and thy patience,and how thou canst not bear them  which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles,and are not,and hast found them liars."

Apparently,these individuals do good deeds,are patient when things are rough,and don't tolerate others doing wrong around them.
Verse 3 continues...''And hast borne,and hast patience,and for my name's sake hast laboured ,and hast not fainted."
Hmm,this is a little scary.This hits a bit too close to home for comfort...These persons do not faint even under hard circumstances.They don't give up easily and appear to have a goal in sight.
The 4th verse brings these two verses to a climax with"Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee,because thou hast left thy first love."
Ouch!
Have I left my first love.Am I working for Jesus out of love for Him or out of desire for wealth or out of mere habit.Has it become just something we do or do we realize the importance of what we do for Jesus,who already gave us everything.
Even though I've heard this presented a number of times,it hit me hard this recent canvassing program during a worship given by my awesome leader.
Why do we do the right things.Why are we vegans,dress modestly and do outreach?Is it to glorify God and bring honor to His name or to make ourselves look holy...
Just a thought to think of as we go from day to day:Have we left our first love?

I Repent

This morning I was contemplating what to blog about since you are most likely growing weary of my ramblings about canvassing.
Mmmm..I think it will be forgiveness today.
Have you ever had someone in your life who ruined your dreams,spoiled your plans,and marred your happiness?Or perhaps someone who spoiled your best moments or your only chance to have fun or be yourself?Someone who tries hard to shape you into their mold?Who insists on you going out in their armor? 
Recently,I was in this situation.Angry feelings of resentment raged inside.I wish I could...
But then I started asking myself what good all of this anger was doing?And of course the answer is nothing.
It's easy for us to stand up for our rights and be willing to sacrifice all reason for the sake of getting back at our enemy.
But this person has gone past the limits we say...no more mercy for them.
Just then,the Words of Jesus gently remind."Love your enemies."
But Lord...
It was almost as if He was saying,Sarah,you have done wrong too.Maybe you have treated others and me even worse than this individual.But I still forgave you..I didn't count your case as hopeless.
It was then that I realized that God had forgiven me of much more than I would ever need to forgive.He was just asking me to return a little gratitude to Him by forgiving a small offense.
It was humbling to think how much harm we do not only ourselves,but also everyone around us when we hold hard feelings and grudged against anyone.
Jesus can be pictured dying on the cross for us.He would have done it if it had only been for one of us.And how do we treat Him back?
He was willing.
Amazing love!How can it be?

A teacher to be by God's grace

It has been a while since I last blogged.Much has happened.And in this silent time I've made a decision...I will be a teacher.The Lord has been guiding me in this path for a year but I have continually run away from the idea,just like Jonah did.This won't continue!
College is teaching me so many lessons.
And guess what??
Our fall canvassing program is coming up!I'm excited again.The location will be South Carolina.Ever since I started canvassing we've never gone to the same state twice.Pretty interesting I'd say.

This post feels scattered and hap-hazard to me.But this totally describes my life right now.However,I've never been happier.
As many of the youth from my church are disappearing to work or school I can't help wondering where the time goes.These are people I grew up with.We did everything together and have a whole lot of history.Time does fly.
Some are going to be nurses,some carpenters and some teachers.
To me it seems that teaching would be a great responsibility;I'm too weak to do it alone.Help me,Jesus.

Isn't God Amazing?

Note: I truly desire that this blog would be a blessing to others;not just a diary.For this reason I've been reluctant to blog about anything.

It looks like I'll be studying Business instead of Education.Some have been disappointed.But I believe it's what I'm best fitted for.
I've been reflecting on the previous canvassing program and...well,in short,there are alot of things I wish had been done differently on my part.But it's done and many precious memories were made that are totally unforgetable.Texas was over-all the best territory ever;in line after Arkansas.
One of the lessons I learned is not to judge the territory as being good or bad before starting to canvass...For instance,one of our team's highest mornings ever was in unplanned territory consisting of random businesses and spread out neighborhoods.The morning ended with a trailer park.My previous trailer park experience was not too good so I didn't know what to expect.But God blessed.The people were thirsty.They wanted the books.Even teens were eagerly grabbing the Great Controversy...

The radio stayed so busy with everyone calling for books that I turned it down so it wouldn't interrupt.

It was definitely not rich-looking territory or well-planned but God had a purpose for reminding my leader of that area that needed to be cleaned up before moving to another town.

Isn't God just amazing?

Rejections and Such

In canvassing there are tons of rejections every day,five days a week.
Most of the time we just ignore the rejections and move on...
Thursday I didn't.
Door after door of"We have no money".
"I don't have a penny to my name."
"Honey,I don't have a dime on me."
By the way,the people who are saying this are owners of beautiful two-story mansions and fancy cars.Hmm,maybe some are telling the truth but I think not all of them are truthfully so poor.
Honestly,it isn't easy to give a friendly "God bless" while leaving.

Then it hit me like a ton of bricks.

How many times do I say the same thing to God when He wants to spend time with me.

How many times do I give a multitude of excuses why I'm too busy to have devotions or commune with Him in prayer.

Wow.An eye-opener.

Just a thought that I'm pondering on today.

This summer is flying along faster than I would like but at the same time a break sounds welcome.

My first dump bag(when someone buys all your books)was on Thursday.It's never happened before.

When the friendly couple who were smoking kept asking what else I had,my hopes went up.But they soon dropped as they said they only had a little money.
Long story short,they bought all 8 books I was carrying with instruction to hold their check two weeks.

I almost fell over of shock.

They wanted all the books.

God truly is a giver of good gifts.

Even though there are times when it doesn't look very bright or hopeful,He is still there.

Rainy weather is my least favorite weather to canvass in.Worse than snow or heat.

I'm just thankful that God holds this work in His hands and his workers as well.Even though we are such pitiful messengers sometimes...

Students Working on a Scholarship?

Hello,my name is Sarah.We're students working a special scholarship project.I'll let you take a look....

.......

.......

How many times do us canvassers repeat this phrase every day?I don't know.I don't want to.But I do know this:It borders on 100 times per average day.We canvass 5 days a week.All summer.

Yeah,you get it.

It's alot of times.

I've found myself repeating this phrase without the slightest thought of what I was saying this week.It's good and bad at the same time.It's good because it means I've finally learned the prescribed canvass(a long process) and can now cease struggling to create a new canvass at each door.But something troubles me also;it means I am getting into the habit of canvassing.It means that I'm doing things from habit instead of necessarily trying to canvass.I'm not doing a good job of explaining this but what I mean is that I pray that the fire we had at the start of our journey with Jesus may never flicker and die out.

I noticed that this summer my love of businesses wasn't as strong as before.I didn't really care where my leader dropped me off.

Now to get back to the introduction I used.Yes,we are students working on a scholarship project.We definitely need money for our education.But our mission goes much deeper...it goes deeper than scholarships and school and money.

The efforts we put forth in the heat and cold,in the sun and rain and snow,may tell in Heaven.It will be worth it.

Sometimes we struggle to drag ourselves to the finish line without collapsing.Literally.But there is a Heaven ahead where the will be lots of time to rest.Forever.Shall we now give our best to the Master?

This summer is perhaps my busiest summer ever.Not only cause I'm canvassing,but also that I'm taking a correspondence course as well.If you don't hear from me often,know that I love you all and will eventually get a few minutes to blog about what's happening.In the mean time,please pray for me and my entire team as we work here in Crowley,Texas.

All the Way My Saviour Leads Me

As I reflect upon the past few months,I see God's mercy ordering events from something as small as a kind friend being willing to print important documents off the computer to a pretty huge step like being accepted to Ouachita Hills College.

I'm still in shock.

Still in amazement at how blocked doors were opened and gigantic mountains were removed by Jesus.

The words of the hymn "All the Way My Saviour Leads Me" are especially comforting to me.

"For I know what-ere befalls me,Jesus doeth all things well".As a canvasser,these last few words of the first stanza hold a special meaning.Those who canvass or do any outreach know well that
 there are dangers and trials that come but Jesus does do all things well.

He has sent His angels to watch over us and keep us safe from harm.But sometimes He does not protect us from all trials and hardships;not because He doesn't care but because He sees our characters could improve to be more like His.

This is precisely what happened to me this last canvassing program. A multitude of trials came slamming their way towards not only myself but alot of the canvassers.

I'm afraid the fire of wanting to work for God had begun to cool off prior to the program.

It was a wake-up call to me to be more alert that we're in a battle.It's not over yet. The more earnestly we work the sooner it will end,but until that day we must press on until Jesus comes. :)

It's a Blessing

This is it.My time here in Kentucky is quickly drawing to a close.
Soon many of us will be celebrating our friends' graduation from Ouachita Hills College.
I think it will be awesome to actually be able to visit the school I've been planning on attending for over a year:)
I can feel it in the air.This summer will be the best yet.
I will hopefully get to work on my first class during the summer by correspondence!You have no idea how exciting this is.It is actually here.Finally! Ahh thank you Lord!

Last week I glided down the stationary isle in Walmart and found a few things that will keep all the papers organized so I don't lose important documents while I'm in college.


As I shared a short while back,God has been speaking to me with that "still small voice" and telling me He wants me to be a teacher.Why He would want me to do this I have no idea.But I know this:He is calling me.

I will go,Jesus.

The decision is made.

Yes,the winds of change are blowing.In a matter of months,life has begun to race along at alarming speeds.But it's a blessing.

I remember one of my first canvassing leader's favorite sayings-"It's a blessing".If you asked him how the day had been,you knew before asking what his answer would be-It's a blessing.At that time I didn't really think seriously about it,but later I've come to see it.

It's a blessing.

It's a blessing that we have work and study to keep us busy.Idleness is the devils's workshop.And we don't want to end up there so it's a blessing that there is lots to do.

By now you're probably tired of hearing this phrase but I think it effectively sums up this post.

It is a blessing!

What Really Counts

On one normal Sabbath afternoon I was sitting at the piano practicing diligently for church.

I've never had much of a natural talent for piano,or music in general.

However,recently I decided  to just try to play by ear out of plain will-power.

So it was with this attitude I was practicing a few songs after potluck.

As I finished the chorus of ''All to Jesus I Surrender" one of the little girls came striding triumphantly down the church isle.Let's call her Amy~it's as good as any name.
It quickly became evident that she had important things to share with me.

I was thinking-I'd kinda like to finish my piano practicing but didn't say so.

Amy is a former student of mine from way back when I taught the children's Sabbath School class.She was not the easiest child to deal with.Always getting distracted and having to be reminded a hundred times that she was not the one in charge of class...

But she is precious now.

She's changing...

And she needs me.She needs a "big girl'' to pay attention to her.

The piano key cover clicked shut,hiding the keys from view and I invited Amy to join me on the bench.

So what if I'm not the best pianist.

People are worth more.

It's the little things that count at the end of the day.

It's not the big events that tell for time and eternity so much as the little hugs and prayers and visits.

At the end of the day it's not good grades,beauty,or talents that count so much as the lives Jesus worked through us to touch.

Yes,people are more important than a good looking report card or  the finest music.

We never know when the book of our life will shut,never to reopen again on this earth.

It's the little things in life that truly count.

I have sooooo far to go.Lord take away selfishness please.

Because He Holds my Future

There has been a silent period since I last blogged. Need  to catch up.

The spring canvassing program flew by.Before we know it the summer will be here.And you will find me in Texas canvassing.
Each day I have to catch my mind and bring it back to the present.Canvassing-canvassing-canvassing is all I can think of.College is the only other thing on the mind.

Lately I've been reviewing all the options for  majors at the college of my choice-Ouachita Hills.

There's Media.

Business(the one most attractive)

Elementary and Secondary Education

And last, but not least, Personal Evangelism(the one I wanted until I discovered public speaking would be a major part of fulfilling graduation requirements.)

There are others,FYI.But these are the ones I'm considering.

For years,I've had a passion and love for math and anything connected to the subject.Considering that,business would be the natural choice.But God said no.Not because there's something wrong with it,but I'm guessing it's cause He sees I must get out of my comfort zone.

I'm the kind that becomes lazy quite quickly if not challenged to come up higher.

God knows this.

I'm not sure what all the reasons are for why He'd call someone  to give up their dream profession,but it's enough that He knows why.I'll trust Him.

I used to be very determined-"I'll never be a teacher!"

Now I'm beginning to wonder...

Starting to reconsider...

What is my goal?

What is my aim and purpose?

If He calls me to be a teacher,will I accept?

It's beyond my imagination to be a teacher.

Dear Lord,you are going to have to strengthen me.Make me willing please.You have done so much for me.I should be more than happy to do anything for you.

Because You live,Precious Saviour,I can face tomorrow~because you live,all fear is gone.You hold my future.And life is worth living bacause You live:)

Hello and Goodbye

High School is behind me....
College is before.....
Many things are unknown to me....
I have plans....
I have options....
But no secure anything....

Except one thing is very sure,I know God has a special plan for my life and that He won't leave me.When other thing are unsure,this remains forever sure for all of us.

I wait in excitement for this summer that I plan to spend canvassing.10 weeks of character-building canvassing.Canvassing that prepares for any other kind of work.Work that even though hard at times,is always worth it.God's work is a joy. There's joy following Jesus.

 Trying to prepare mentally,Spiritually,and physically for 10 weeks of the most trying, yet most wonderful work I've ever done.

God gives strength.There have been days,especially in the last program when I wasn't sure I had energy to keep going.I was physically worn out.But it's those times when Jesus carries your bag for you and keeps you going.

Jesus didn't have a comfortable time on this earth when He was here.
We have it alot easier then He did.

Any work for Him does require sacrifice.  
Often sacrifice means alot more than we thought.At least for me.

Christ is calling for us to give Him 100% of our devotion.

Not 95%,as it's so easy to do.

I'm praying that this year will be spent not doing my will,but God's will.

Trials will come.

Blessings will come.

Joys will come.

God will be with us through it all.

Pre-GED blog

Today is a sunny,cheery day.So beautiful :)

Many thoughts are dashing madly through my mind.Tomorrow is the G.E.D. test.A test I've been preparing for months for.

Also,this day marks the year mark since I first decided to try out the canvassing work.I still can't express how thankful I am to have had the priviledge of beginning this work.I'm still just a beginner,have a lot to learn. I need more experience.But I'm blessed to be able to canvass.

If it wasn't for Jesus and His great mercy and love,I don't know where I'd be today.Don't even want to think about it.

Is working for God always easy? No.Is it always comfortable? No.Are people always nice at doors?No. Do we have to sacrifice? Yes.

Is it worth it? YES.

Is Heaven cheap enough? YES

Did Jesus have it easy? NO

Will we have it easy always? NO

Should we still do it? YES

Is it rewarding in the end? YES


Hectic schedules are good for me.I need them.It prompts me to something higher :)

God is good---all the time :)

Success Redefined

I totally meant to blog last week but everything has been so hectic....Thankful for the Sabbath.Since I started canvassing I have a whole new appreciation for this special day to commune with our Creator and spend time with others in fellowship.

I was thinking of what to blog about.Okay,got an idea...:)
God's Direction in our lives-A subject that has had me confused for a while....!
What happens when we want to do something or go somewhere really bad,and God says the word we don't want to hear-NO!   Do we throw our hands up and get angry or determine that it has to be our way or no way?
Each day calls for a review of the motives behind what we do;even good things.Like literature evangelism or helping at church...just to name a few...
Recently I have been asking God what motives are behind the work I do and unfortunately it has not always been right motives.Zeal is good.Energy is needed.Perseverance is neccesary.But what of motive? We can be doing all the right things and still lack in the Christianity essential to salvation.


In canvassing techniques are important.Without them,our influence for God and His truth is marred.But there is something way more important.That is a connection with Jesus.Techniques can sell books;only a true connection with God can touch lives.

Canvassing is more than reciting a memorized phrase over and over,more than getting the book in the hand,more than smiling;even our prayers can end up stemming from wrong motives if we don't watch out.Unless we ourselves know God as a friend how can we expect to lead others to someone we don't know?The Lord has been showing me that more than a hurried 2 minutes of devotions is needed.The key is not quantity,but rather quality.An hour long worship will not earn us any merit.
But how do we get to know a friend? By spending time with them,right? It's the same way with God.

Just some thoughts from my studies.

Time to Canvass Again!!

So it's time for another canvassing program....I'm excited!!!Really excited!:)
This is a real blessing to be able to go....to Conway,Arkansas.!
Sorry about the excitement.I will calm down in a few minutes guys...

I want this next program to begin on the right track--with Jesus.
I desire to be more fitted for God's work after this.
God:Please use this UNQualified vessel to do your work.
 I long to be a better mouthpiece for God,a more obedient child of His.

Without God helping me,I can't do this work.But He has promised to be with us.I will trust Him.

It is a priviledge to work for God.
Lazyness tends to creep into our work if we don't watch it(at least for me).
Please Lord,I want to be willing to Surrender ALL for you.
I was contemplating the words of the hymn"All to Jesus I Surrender"....oh,let me not just sing those words but live them.
So this begins the canvassing programs of the year-2013!
Lord,use me.

Our Hiding Place

                       Our Hiding Place

Have you ever longed for a Hiding place?I know there are times when I have longed for one.Jesus is our Hiding Place,friends.He really is..:)