Psalm 51:7-13

There is nothing I can say to preface this sermon, other than PLEASE listen to it. I promise it will be worth your time. Click the link below, then once you are on the new page, click the little blue MP3 box next to the title "The Process of Transformation". 

The Process of Transformation - The Austin Stone Community Church (3.15.09) - Jeff Mangum

Teaching

I am 3/4 of the way through my first year of teaching.  So far, here is a list of the top 10 reasons I love it. They are in no particular order, and if the number has an  * by it, then it means this reason is likely unique to the school at which I teach.

1. My kids show love in refreshingly unexpected ways.
   
2. *I am shown daily how God works in the lives of our youngest brothers & sisters.  I never cease to be amazed by the Holy Spirit's work in them.
3. I am constantly challenged to find new ways of presenting old ideas to keep my kids engaged.
4. *The parents in my classroom have gone out of their way to make me feel welcomed and encouraged on a weekly basis.  Several of them have been a balm to my soul during times of trial this year, and I hope they know how much I appreciate them. 
5. I love learning -- and to teach something really forces you to learn it.
6. *Mentoring my children in more than just the rules of the English language -- actually mentoring them in areas that have eternal consequence is a burden and a joy all at the same time.
7. *My team is incredible. I am surrounded by Pauls and Barnabases who spur me on not only in my teaching skills, but in my walk with the Lord. I am truly blessed.
8. Our literature books are awesome.
9. I am increasing my vocabulary by ridding it of banned words.
10. *I haven't gotten to do this yet -- but I already know it makes the list. Next month we are going to NASA for 3 days!

Surgery

So after the crazy mix-up with people in Woodville thinking my mother had a bad reaction to anesthesia and died, she actually is having surgery tomorrow.

After 13 years of ridiculous attacks that would lay her out for hours she has finally found a doctor who was able to diagnose her problem as her gall bladder. So tomorrow, at 6am, she is going to have it out, praise God!

God is really cool

The Lord is doing some amazing things in my life and the lives of many I am close to right now. I don't have time for a full update right now - but wanted to let you know how cool He can be!

There are so many TINY things I am seeing His hand in...and those tiny things are adding up to HUGE eternal significance :)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On a more somber note, my aunt, Elaine Clow, passed away this morning. Please pray for my family during this time. My uncle, to my knowledge, has never professed faith in Christ. It is my prayer that during this time he will come to know the saving power of our Lord, and trust in Him for all his comfort.

2 days and counting

December 28: Didn't eat as much as I wanted to in order to keep my metabolism up...but at least I didn't eat much crap.  Took all intended vitamins & supplements. Jogged/walked 1.6 miles with Clay...of that I think he said we jogged .6...which is WAY more than I would have ever done without him there.  Did not spend time in the Word.

December 29:  Again, didn't eat as much as I should have metabolism-wise, but didn't eat too much junk either.  Took all intended vitamins (including the fish oil packet), but did not drink enough water.  Hip Hop Abs for 30 minutes followed by Windsor Pilates for 20.  Some time 

in the Word earlier pondering Body Systems (I'm in charge of Science and we start the Skeletal System next week), and am headed to read another chapter in The Search for Significance.  

I promise not to bore you with daily updates...I'm just excited I actually managed to do something this week!