Have you forgotten?

For the next couple of months, I will be participating in a soul-winning program called Operation GO. I have attended two weeks of it so far and I have found it to be very insightful and practical. I think it would have been nice to participate in this type of program when I first got saved, but the Lord wanted me in it 11 years later. Anyway, as we were talking about how to present the plan of salvation, someone used an example of one of their opportunities while door-knocking. This lady presented the Gospel to another lady who just then realized that she had asked the Lord to forgive her sins and to save many years ago, only she forgot about it. My initial reaction was "how can you forget something like that?" The lady being witnessed to, after receiving the Lord as her Savior, continued going to the same church she had been going to (it was not a Bible preaching church) and "forgot" about her salvation while being falsely indocrinated by that church.

II Peter 1: 1-9 says:
1Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:
2Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
3According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
5And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
8For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

Look at verse 9: But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

Wow! Losing that first love and going right back to what you have been pulled out of makes a person blind to the fact that they had received salvation. It makes me wonder how many people out there are saved. Of course, I know that this is not something for me to know because man only sees the outside, but God sees the heart and knows truly whether or not someone is saved. Without growing, you can not look back to see where you have come, thus making it hard to remember your salvation.

Update

Hi folks! Sorry that I have not been able to write often. I have been pretty busy. It is hard to believe that the third week of school has already come to an end!
I'm not sure what I wrote the last time, so so if I repeat myself, sorry! I have a huge blessing to share first: I was given a car! I now have a 1991 Toyota Corolla. I'll still drive my tank around when it works well. I knew I was going to need to get a new car eventually, but I just put that on the back burner. God supplied my need before I ever even prayed about it! I am very thankful He provided, despite my lack of faith in Him.
I am also blessed to be teaching. I can not say that everything has gone the way I wanted or planned, but God has been teaching me through this experience and service for Him already. I know I still have a long way to go.
It is interesting to see what a small world it is. I have met other people here that know others from home and Fairhaven. I just find it neat.
I have gotten involved in the nursery, choir, and Operation Go (a soul winning program in the form of a class). I attend the College and Career Sunday School (I'm not old enough for the Career Singles class - the name of the class makes me laugh...it sounds like they are making a career out of being single!).
I am looking forward to seeing God's plan for my life unfold. I still can not believe I am teaching in Virginia! I had no idea that the Lord would lead me here. I would love to hear from you if you have the time to respond. I miss my friends and family, but I do hope to see many while I am home for Christmas break.
In His service,
Nicole

Two weeks have already passed for the school year? That's hard to believe. None of these days have seemed to slow down in the least. I have a hard time getting everything in as it is. Today was picture day and my class didn't got to go in until after recess. I hd to get my pic taken for my ID card and the kids thought it was something that I had to get mine taken too.
Some of my students frustrate me to no end while others just melt my heart. Please don't get me wrong, I love all of my students. I want to see them succeed in not only school, but life as well. I have some thinkers in my my class. During Bible class, they were asking questions that not a single person can truly fathom (like God not having a beginning or ending). They were being quite theological.
Teaching is not just something to do to get a paycheck. I have wanted to be a teacher for quite some time. I have 17 students who need to draw close to God, whether in their devotion to Him or to give their lives to Him. This is no small task. Even though many of the children claim to be saved, there may be one who isn't. God has given me the opportunity to plant and possibly sow the seed of salvation in their life. I not only must teach this, but life it as well. I am not perfect, but by the grace of God, I can be used of Him.

Day two went much better than day one, but the kids still need some work! ;) I still have to do some more arranging of the seats since I have a certain corner of students that like to talk to each other. Tomorrow I will see who well they can do when they see there are consequences to their actions. Now, I am not saying that discipline in itself corrects everything. It can not. There has to be proper instruction taught. I am trying to do that. I don't want to give out any worms, but I'm sure I will be tomorrow. I do enjoy teaching, but boy does it make it a long day! Well, I must go. I still have a few other things to accomplish before visitation (and then dinner). Have a blessed day!

...Many times I'm tried and tested...

After the first day of school, that is how I feel. I guess after teaching at a very well disciplined school, I should have know not all schools are the same. Also, second grade is a bit different from fourth.
Now, I'm not saying that I don't enjoy teaching because I do. I just had different expectations and was somewhat let down when they weren't achieved. I envisioned the first day of school going a little more smoothly. Tomorrow is another day and another chance. I do want to see God working through me to reach these kids.
Now, back to the drawing...errr...chalkboard.
Have a great day!

I am unable to access my Xanga right now, so I will update by way of blogger. It's not my choice online journal, but it will suffice.
I am half way through teacher orientation and we have had some great meetings thus far. Friday, the school is hosting lunch at a restaurant (for the teachers, of course!). I have been very busy and I am very tired right now (and it's only 9 pm!). I had to do a bunch of paperwork and lesson plans. It's hard to understand everything a new school wants you to do, but I know its possible to get through in one piece.
I have been working on getting my room in order. It's starting to take shape. I have my main bulletin board finished and recently I have been working on the room decorations. I'm almost done with those. I just may call it a night and get some much needed sleep. After I stop for dinner, though.
I really am looking forward to the opportunity to teach. I also want to make a Godly impression on my students. Have a great night!

Just a quick update to let you know that I made it to VA, am all moved in, and looking forward to the upcoming school year!

Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

I love my church family. The Lord really blessed me when He directed my path to WBC. They have seen me grow up on the bus and have spent much time in prayer over me. Now, I am not saying this to be prideful, but to share what my church has done and how they have been there for me. I am so blessed to have them in my life.

Pastor called me to the front during the evening service to let all the folks know that I am leaving, moving to VA, and entering full-time Christian service. Then they prayed for me. That is certainly one of the greatest things your church family can do for you. I am appreciative of their intercession for me.

I leave tomorrow night. I planned on leaving in the morning, but the part to my car isn't going to be in until Mon. morning. I also found out that my dad is willing to tow my car behind his truck and get the rest of my stuff there. He's going to drive! This will also give me the opportunity to witness to him, as we will be in the truck for 11-12 hours. Please be in prayer about this with me.

Carol and I at her wedding

A recent pic of me with my new hair cut

IIIIIIIITTTTTTT'SSSSSSSSS BIBLE TIME!!!!!!!

I love Neighborhood Bible Time! 11 Years ago, I was saved during NBT. I was able to be home for the weekend and help a litlle with the teens. It continues through Friday. I gave each of the evangelists a cd with the pics I took during those two days (There were many more than I shared here!). For mor info on NBT, check out www.nbtime.org.

Our Bible Time Evangelists

"Mr. Glen"

"Mr. Tom"

Yummy!

That's smashed banana, twinkies, M&M's, pretzel sticks, and whipped cream. It went from hand to hand right on down the line the waiting girl captain who shasmed it some more until all the ingredients were passed and then the boy captian had to eat it.

Smash and Pass

Up...

Down.........

The boys had a push-up contest

They are trying to shoulder push each other out of the boundry

Up, up, and away!

And they're off!

Standing ready to let go

The Balloon Parade

More Hillbilly Baseball