Scamp Adventures 1

Her name was Scamp. Really it was Sara Campton. But everyone always called her Scamp. She was 26 and had a nickname. Scamp. Did she like it? She didn't even know. It seemed more like her real name then her real name. She was Scamp to everyone that knew her.
But Tia didn't know her.
Yet.
Scamp lived on the second floor of a small apartment building on a busy street that headed downtown. This was her house. Her first place. Her pad. Her escape.
It had two small bedrooms, just enough for her and her piles of accumulated junk. Did she need it all? No.
But how do you part with things that are part of you?
You keep them in boxes and totes and bags and never touch them. But you keep them.
Someday you might need them.
She had a balcony that overlooked, well, a few sparse trees, a maintenance alley space with overgrown Eleagnus, and someone else's bare yard. She could see and easily hear the traffic that passed by on the busy road. Most of the cars that passed by had their music too loud. That was irritating. Do they want to be deaf? Does anybody care what they are listening to? Why must the house windows shiver as the music blasts past? Nothing should be that loud, not even thunder.
So many people. Going. Coming.
Busy people. Hectic lives.
Broken people. Devastated lives.
Bad people. Sinful lives.
Hardly anyone stopped, and no one every waved.
They all passed by her house, yet she never knew them. How could so many people all be going the same places and never cross paths?
Her small balcony was bare, except for a beach chair, a candle, and a random shelf thing. It had nothing on it. There were plans for it, like so many other things in Scamp's life, but it was still empty. Maybe it would work for propping her feet up? Scamp always wanted to sit out there, but the mosquitoes were too bad. That's why she bought the candle. That was five months ago and she had never lit it.
Maybe she would sit out there and do cool things.
Someday.

Her favorite part about her little haven was the big room.
Ah, the big room.
The only part of the house that looked like a house. It was decorated, in some odd, artistic yet uncoordinated way. The fireplace had great plans. Christmas would cause everyone to be green with envy over the dreams of the fireplace and mantle. Right now, it was full of a random collection of glass. Scamp had a problem. Glass is cool, but is it necessary to have a bazillion odd-sized jars, pitchers, and candle holders? It just added to the room's eccentricity.
The two fabulous old parlor chairs were antique and delightfully mustard yellow. Eventually they would be a more subtle color. Probably some variety of blue. The plaid couch added plenty of personality. Someday it too would endure a makeover. Hopefully not a DIY one.
The rug was one of Scamp's first big purchases. She went with neutral and traditional. She hoped it wasn't a mistake.
There was a rickety painted metal shelf in one strange-shaped nook that had a few games and picture albums on it. It used to be 70's green. That would be avocado. Then it was spray painted barn red. Then it was poorly spray painted brown by Scamp.
That is basically who Scamp is. She always has great ideas and good intentions, but things end up done half-way and not with great care. Like the strand of twinkle lights that burned out and was draped haphazardly across the rug. The strand burned out long ago but Scamp liked the little beaded globes that were on it. She started taking them off last week to put them on another strand, probably to hang on the mantle, but the project was abandoned one night, never to be picked up until she cleaned. Cleaning at this house meant hiding things in other rooms. Another project that started out hot and ended up not, was the basket of yarn under the coffee table. It contained the remains of many a craft begun with good intentions, but abandoned when interest was lost.
The coffee table, however, and the entertainment center, were Scamp's pride and joy. A successful example of a completed DIY project. At this house, those are few and far between. The coffee table was coral with the intentions of being the pop of color in the living room. Unfortunately, with the other above mentioned pieces, it was one of many pops of color. Colors that did not mesh.
The entertainment center was an old dresser from the garage of an old house. The bottom drawer was broken so a shelf had been put in it's place. It was painted a smoky gray-blue. Scamp loved it. It held her bizarre old TV that looked like a computer screen with funny ears. Many a happy hour was spent snuggled up on the busy plaid couch watching delightful movies on that goofy little TV.
With a last ditch effort to try and create a designer living room, Scamp had hung two gorgeous landscape canvases on the wall. Only those two things were on the wall, though, so it still looked a little bare.
This is where Scamp spent most of her time, when she wasn't sleeping.
Tonight was no exception.
She was sitting on her plump couch, staring at the blinds, and listening to traffic going by on the road.
She really wished she was going somewhere, too. To be with people. She needed people.
That's why living alone was so hard. Yes, it was nice to come home and not have to take care of anyone or impress anyone, but being the only one in this patchwork house got old. Really fast. Really, really fast.
It's not that Scamp didn't have friends and it's not like she was antisocial or awkward.  It was just hard getting someone to hang out.
People in their twenties are just beginning their careers and are always busy. There has to be a very good reason to give up their time and commit to doing something. Most of their closest friendships have already been established. It's a pity if you have to move elsewhere and start over, because all the good people are already befriended and bestie-ed. Friend groups are created and people just run in certain circles. If you're in a circle, you rarely lack for a social event! If you are between circles, you get some benefits of the circles, but there's no consistency. You end up sitting on your couch, on a Saturday night, listening to traffic when those two friend circles both spin off in different directions, leaving you standing in the middle, staring at the blinds in your living room.
That is where Scamp was.
She sighed and stood up. Maybe tonight was a good night to use her balcony porch for something. A disco ball and dance party sounded great, but she resisted. Her balcony was still slightly visible from the road and people might stare.
Instead, she pulled on her sweats, grabbed a cold drink, lit her tiki bucket-candle for the first time, and put on some music. She watched the evening sky darken. She felt the first stings of bugs that dared to brave the weak tiki bucket-candle. Did it even work? Soon, the moon was rising up through the trees. She couldn't tell if it was full, but it was at least bright. She dragged the little bucket-candle closer and closer each time she felt another bite. Finally it was sitting directly in front of her feet and she could feel the smoke floating against her legs. There were not as many bites now but if she shifted too suddenly she might burn down the apartments.
She quietly sang along to her favorite songs as they played and swatted a stray mosquito.
"Hi," said a voice.
The voice was a little high pitched and scratchy. It came from the bare yard that Scamp's balcony overlooked.
Scamp sat up and leaned towards the railing to get a better look. Who was that?
She had never seen the pitiful little swing that hung dejectedly from an old oak. As it swung slowly, the big limb slumped a little bit and then would slowly rise back up.
Now she saw the body that belonged to the voice.
"Hi," Scamp said back, smiling.
The voice belonged to a little light brown-haired girl gracefully swinging on the old swing. Her hair was pulled back in a long, tangled ponytail. Her bangs were fluffed some from the breeze and parted a little in the middle. Stray wisps floated around her face as she swung back and forth. Her shirt was purple and orange striped and her shorts were a pale blue and white polka dot pattern. Both were distinctly faded and well worn from hours of play. Neither matched the other.
Her dirty feet grazed the ground in a steady motion each time she came back down on an extra bare part of the yard. That spot had been hard earned by hours on that swing.
The little girl stared up at the tree and swung a few more minutes.
Then she spoke again, confidently.
"My name is Tia."

The road goes ever on and on...

Just a little update on my life.

I have been living in the Loveliest Village on the Plains for 6 years, if you start from the beginning (minus a 10 months stay in Atlanta). It has been a lovely experience. I love this town. I love my family. I love my friends that are almost like a family. I love my church, which is another type of family. I have been blessed. I was also blessed with a job in January - but it was not in this lovely town on the Plains. It was an hour away, in a large, busy, concrete city. Nothing against large, busy, concrete cities, but I'm just not that kind of girl. But I do love my job in that large, busy, concrete city. I love it so much that I decided that I needed to make that large, busy, concrete city my new home.
Yes, that's right. This kid has "moving" in her blood apparently. I just can't seem to be tied down very long in one place.
I am moving stuff over this week to live in a house with a girl that has the same name as me. This is not my first time to live with another Hannah. And I don't have split personalities with the same name (for those of you were thinking of make a joke). She is also a teacher. We will live in house, and I am excited. I really am.
Leaving the Loveliest Village on the Plains is not an easy thing to do, especially since there are so many things that I love here. People, places, restaurants, Church. But, when you see the Lord guiding you, you must, must I say, obey. I am obeying. He has opened a new door for me, started a new chapter, and I am looking forward to see what it holds.
School starts next week for me (oh, dear Lord, help!) and so I am trying to get as much as I can moved over there before school starts (all the while working around teacher work days and open house...yeah). I will begin the search for a church home. If I can beg of you to pray for me, this is what I would ask for:

• an easy transition to living there
• success and ease of moving there
• preparation for school (and not freaking out!!!)
• *finding a church home*
• making friends (for those of you who know me well, this is vital to my life...being with people is like breathing for me)

It would be unrealistic to say that I will never come back to this lovely village, for I love it and it's people. I will come back and visit, but I can't promise how frequently or how long. Those of you who have blessed me with your friendship will always be part of my life, even if I'm not around. I am a very grateful lady to have been able to call this place my home and you my family.

“Like a comet pulled from orbit,
As it passes a sun.
Like a stream that meets a boulder,
Halfway through the wood.
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you,
I have been changed for good

It well may be,
That we will never meet again,
In this lifetime.
So let me say before we part,
So much of me,
Is made of what I learned from you.
You'll be with me,
Like a hand print on my heart.
And now whatever way our stories end,
I know you have re-written mine,
By being my friend...

Like a ship blown from its mooring,
By a wind off the sea.
Like a seed dropped by a sky bird,
In a distant wood.
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you,
Because I knew you,
I have been changed for good.”
― Stephen Schwartz, Wicked: The Complete Book and Lyrics of the Broadway Musical

"Teachers affect eternity; no one can tell where their influence stops." Henry Brooks Adams

As the new school year approaches, I am filled with excitement and apprehension. I am excited to see what my class will be like and how the Lord will grow each student over the next year. I am apprehensive, wondering if I will do everything that I possibly can do for these children. I want to do right by them, but I am only human. I pray for divine strength to give more, even when I have nothing left to give; to smile, even when I'm hurt and mad; and to love all of them like Christ loves me, even the "unlovable" child.

2 Corinthians 12:9-11 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁹ And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ¹⁰ Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 
 

The Creation of the Teacher  (http://www.dltk-kids.com/school/poem-creation.htm)

 The Good Lord was creating teachers. It was His sixth day of 'overtime' and He knew that this was a tremendous responsibility for teachers would touch the lives of so many impressionable young children. An angel appeared to Him and said, "You are taking a long time to figure this one out."

"Yes," said the Lord, " but have you read the specs on this order?"
TEACHER:
…must stand above all students, yet be on their level
... must be able to do 180 things not connected with the subject being taught
... must run on coffee and leftovers,
... must communicate vital knowledge to all students daily and be right most of the time
... must have more time for others than for herself/himself
... must have a smile that can endure through pay cuts, problematic children, and worried parents
... must go on teaching when parents question every move and others are not supportive
... must have 6 pair of hands.

"Six pair of hands, " said the angel, "that's impossible"

"Well, " said the Lord, " it is not the hands that are the problem.  It is the three pairs of eyes that are presenting the most difficulty!"

The angel looked incredulous, " Three pairs of eyes...on a standard model?"

The Lord nodded His head, " One pair can see a student for what he is and not what others have labeled him as. Another pair of eyes is in the back of the teacher's head to see what should not be seen, but what must be known. The eyes in the front are only to look at the child as he/she 'acts out' in order to reflect, " I understand and I still believe in you", without so much as saying a word to the child."

"Lord, " said the angel, " this is a very large project and I think you should work on it tomorrow".

"I can't," said the Lord. "I have one that comes to work when he/she is sick.....teaches a class of children that do not want to learn....has a special place in his/her heart for children who are not his/her own.....understands the struggles of those who have difficulty....never takes the students for granted..."

The angel looked closely at the model the Lord was creating.
"It is too soft-hearted, " said the angel.

"Yes," said the Lord, " but also tough, You can not imagine what this teacher can endure or do, if necessary".

"Can this teacher think?" asked the angel.

"Not only think," said the Lord,. "but reason and compromise."

The angel came closer to have a better look at the model and ran his finger  over the teacher's cheek.
"Well, Lord, " said the angel, your job looks fine but there is a leak. I told you that you were putting too much into this model.  You can not imagine the stress that will be placed upon the teacher."

The Lord moved in closer and lifted the drop of moisture from the teacher's cheek.  It shone and glistened in the light.
"It is not a leak," He said, "It is a tear."

"A tear? What is that?" asked the angel, "What is a tear for?"

The Lord replied with great thought, " It is for the joy and pride of seeing a child accomplish even the smallest task. It is for the loneliness of children who have a hard time to fit in and it is for compassion for the feelings of their parents. It comes from the pain of not being able to reach some children and the disappointment those children feel in themselves. It comes often when a teacher has been with a class for a year and must say good-bye to those students and get ready to welcome a new class."

"My, " said the angel, " The tear thing is a great idea...You are a genius!!"

The Lord looked somber, "I didn't put it there."

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“I will teach you about the hand of God" Job 27:11a

 

"Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord." Psalms 34:11

"Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6 

 

Teachable moments

Today, I was faced with the incredible opportunity to explain to one of my most disobedient students who has lots of behavior challenges what a very pertinent word meant. During our bathroom break before lunch, he stepped out of line and walked over to me. He paused, then said, "Teacher, what does 'unteachable' mean?"
....cricket cricket...
This is coming from the child who had a terrible day the day before and had to sit through a very blunt teacher/parent conference about his behavior.
I began praising the Lord. Thank you for the opportunity to explain to this child what "unteachable" means.
I explained. He paused again.
"Teacher, am I unteachable?"
...cricket cricket cricket.....................
Praise be to the Heavenly Father who controls all things. He gave me the right things to say at the right moment.
I told him that he wasn't always unteachable, but that there were definitely times that he was.
He nodded and walked back to the line.
A few minutes later, he came back over and said, "Teacher, what does 'teachable' mean?"
God, you are so good. Thank you....Thank you!!!!!
I explained and praised the Lord for teachable moments.


On a funny note, this was a discussion I heard at the end of lunch:
child 1: I was baptized once.
child 2, 3, and 4: Me, too. So was my mom. So was I! I was baptized twice. (you know how kids are...they agree to almost anything that the other kids say)
child 5: I was dehydrated one time.
HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! They tickle me pink!

Bee plays house.

I was sitting outside today (on quite a lovely day, by the way) listening to the chatter of my 1st graders as they played on the playground. I never tire of hearing their little voices (yes, that's true). If they aren't saying something funny, usually they are saying something pretty deep.
Nothing deep was being sad as they flitted from play area to play area, but one distinct voice I heard over the other children, repeating the same thing several times. These group of girls were playing house. Now, I'm sure you are picturing sweet little girls, who are pretend-wearing aprons, cooking dinner, cleaning house, running errands, changing diapers, feeding baby, etc, in a pretty little white house with a picket fence. No harm done in thinking that...I used to play like that. But there is something distinctly different about these children and me. I am white. They are black. I love them like the precious treasures they are, in my sight, in their parent's sight, and in God's sight. But we are very, very different. It has nothing to do with the color from which our skin was made. No, it goes a lot deeper than that.
These precious children were born and live in some of the roughest, toughest, most dangerous parts of town (aka the ghetto). Here's a staggering fact for you: the three mischievous little boys in my class? Boys like them, who grow up where they grow up, are usually (by age 16) either in jail or murdered. Murdered. Did you hear that? My precious little ones....murdered? It brings me to tears even to think that could be what happens to them. Every ounce of my being wants something better for them. Hopefully, this little school is a step in the right direction, Praise Jesus!

But I'm not talking about snips and snails and puppy dog tails. My boys are precious. But this story is about a little girl. We'll just call her Bee. She's sweet. She's very amiable. She's very agreeable. She's feisty and full of sass, too. There is no more obvious place to see that than on the playground.
At this particular moment, one little girl was asking Bee, well, was harassing Bee, "Are you going to be my mamma?? Are you going to be my mamma?" I smiled, listening to the banter.
Then my thoughts began to drift back to a similar scene a few days earlier on the playground. Little girls were running around, playing house (you know, most little girls do that), and above the banter and noise, I heard Bee being called "Mamma".
The wheels in my mind began turning. This little girl, who's home life is pretty rough, is doing what she knows she can do - play Mamma. Whether she's seen a good example of "mamma" or not, that is what she knows she can do on the playground. She knows how to be a mamma, in her eyes. And what's saddest of all, is that, in rough places like where my little ones live, sweet little girls turn into young mammas all to easily.
After watching a few more minutes, I noticed she was a fairly good little mamma. In reference to the children, I didn't hear her yell too much, there was no violence, and she seemed to be very aware of what was going on. However, the gravity of the situation hit home, and I couldn't help but think, for the rest of the day, that my sweet little Bee would be a momma some day. I am praying that the Lord protects her and lets her grow into an adult before she is burdened with that responsibility. But more importantly, I am praying that she learns how to be a good woman, make good decisions, and protect herself.

Please be praying for my sweet Bee and all my other sweet treasures that the Lord has plans for. Let His Will be done in their life.

Joshua 1:9
"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."
 
Proverbs 22:6
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

Invisible.

Imagine.

The sun is sparkling as is rises on the lovely English countryside. Everything is wet with dew, which radiates the sun's cheerful rays. The sky above is becoming a more brilliant blue with each passing moment. Birds are happily chirping and flitting from branch to branch. There, nestled in a grove of lush trees, sits a lovely old train station. A small dirt road crosses the tracks and passes beside the old station. In the lull of the early morning, no sounds are heard from the wooden deck that borders the tracks. The old wooden benches stand empty. The air is thick with anticipation, however. Even the old station itself seems to know the exciting things that will happen next.

As if on cue, as the sun crests a small hill and fills the station with its glow, young people begin arriving. A few at a time, they come from all directions, milling about on the platform. Some are anxiously peering down the tracks, waiting for the anticipated train.

However, as time passes, the masses of people gather into clusters. As the day progresses further, strong bonds begin to develop. These bonds between young men and young women eventually result in them pairing off. Even loners who were not in clusters find someone with which to pair themselves. No one stands alone on that platform.

But there is one who is alone.

She is a simple girl. She has no incredible talent. She neither sings like an angel nor does she dance like a fairy. She is not eloquent with words or writing. She is neither the prettiest nor the ugliest. She merely is.
She stands and watches from across the dirt road. Does she wish to be on the platform?

Oh, she does indeed. She wishes it with all her might.

Her feet are squarely set in quicksand. Her voice is so muted that it almost seems like she cannot talk. The more she struggles, the more steadfast her feet become in the quicksand.
She calls. No one hears her.
She waves. No one sees her.
She cries. No one wipes away her tear.

She...is invisible.

Suddenly, her head snaps to the direction of the tracks. In the distance, the faint whistle of the approaching train is heard. It causes such joyous rapture on the platform that it seems like the old station might just shudder and fall to the ground.

She looks at her feet, praying that they will slip free.

One after another, men drop to their knees in admiration, ardent words spilling from their lips. Women rejoice as their beloved's take them into their arms. The whistle is much closer now.

She struggles, tears streaming down her agonized face.

On the platform, even the ones that are not meant to be together, and are almost guaranteed not to last, are stirred with the emotions in the air. The profess their undying love, even if they do not mean it, and embrace with temporary happiness.

The train whistle now blasts loudly as it pulls in to the station.

Her eyes slowly look up.

The couples celebrate: hands clasped into their lovers, arms circled around shoulders and waists, and smiles lighting every face.

Her struggles cease as the couples fill the train. The doors quietly close, as if a silent prison cell door slides into its lock.

She is alone.

Yet another train pulls away to a far away destination. 

As the ruckus dies with distance, the old train station stands quietly in the waning light. The birds cease their chirping, retiring to their homes for the night, causing an eerie silence to envelop the station. The shadows become longer as night fills the void that day left as it departed.

She stands alone, again.

Invisible.

The Lord is at work.

"The Lord is my shepherd..."
 I was a sinful, doomed, human being. The Lord loved me enough to send His Only Son to live in flesh on the earth and then to die an excruciating death on a cross. To conquer death, He triumphed over the grave and rose on the third day. Through His blood, and only through His blood, I was and am redeemed. I serve a marvelous Savior, Who is gracious and faithful daily. He never forgets me and always provides, even in ways I do not understand or expect.


 "...I shall not want..."
God was so good to me during my internship and my schooling. Probably the most obvious way He provided for me was providing finances. Through the generous hearts of friends and family, my tuition was paid for and some spending money was available. I never had to do without. Another way that He provided was through granting me wonderful people to teach and instruct me during my schooling and internship. Also, He has provided me with a job! Praise the Lord! Through the guidance of a professor, I came in contact with Montgomery Christian School, a small school (K-4th) lead by Trinity Presbyterian Church in Montgomery, AL. I am officially the 1st grade teacher to ten sweet children. I am so thankful for the Lord providing this job! It is such an answer to prayer! I start teaching in January, so feel free to pray for me. As a new teacher, I feel very unprepared to guide these children, and I just hope that I have been trained enough to be able to teach them what they need to know.

"...He maketh me to lie down in green pasters: he leadeth me beside still waters..."
Thankfully, I have been blessed with a roof over my head, a car to get me from A to B, food, a paycheck, family, and so many other wonderful things that many people have to do without. Even though it seems like little sometimes, it truly is enough.

excerpts from Psalms 23

But since this is Christmas time, I can not allow myself to forget to mention the reason we celebrate. Christ, the Savior of the World, came and was born in a stable. Through His life and death, we can be saved!

Isaiah 9:6
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

in light of the eternal...

This is part of an application I had to turn in for a school...Christian school, to be exact. I thought you might want to know a little about what I think about the Christian walk.

1. Describe your relationship with Jesus Christ.

My life would be nothing without Christ. He is the only reason I have any hope. Without Him, my life would be in shambles and I would be a miserable mess. As restated from His promise to Israel in Hebrews 13:5, He has promised that “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” I know that He walks beside me in every part of my life, guiding me with His sovereign hand. He knows what my future holds, even when I do not, and I confidently put my trust in Him and His purpose for me on this earth. Like any relationship, my relationship with Christ takes effort. I know that I grow in Him when I read my Bible and when I pray. I also know that He continues molding and teaching me as I interact with other believers and non-believers. Many times the things of the world distract me from spending time in the Word, but I am constantly brought back to it when I realize what my life is like without it.

2. On what basis do you believe a person gains eternal life?

Scripture says it the best. Romans 3:23 tells us that “…all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” No man can ever achieve eternal on his own, because we are all born sinners and die sinners until some perfect gift takes our condemned place. In John 3:16 it tells us that “…God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” In Ephesians 2:8-9 it says, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, all people have the option to be made whole. We have to make that choice though, by admitting our sin, believing in Christ, and allowing Him to be in control of our life. 1 John 1:9 says “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

3. Have you reached that point in your life where you know that if you were to die today that you have eternal life?

Praise the Lord that I have made that decision and He has saved me. I am continually being sanctified through everything that happens in my life. I will never be perfect, this side of heaven, but I am continuing to grow stronger in my walk with the Lord. I realized my need for His saving grace in my life when I was 5 years old. I was blessed to have godly parents who raised me to know and follow the Lord. I was never lacking for opportunities to grow and serve the Lord. In college, I realized that I had not fully given over parts of my heart and life in complete surrender to the Lord. I re-dedicated my life to Him in 2007.

1. Describe your family experience (and marriage). What relationship do you have with your parents (and spouse)? What would your family (spouse) think if you were offered a position in this school?

As mentioned previously, I have been blessed with godly parents who pushed and prayed for me to live a holy life that was acceptable to the Lord. After my salvation, I was always told that I represented Jesus Christ first and foremost, and then that I represented my family. My parents were quick to correct me when I was wrong, but they were also quick to recognize growth and successes in my life. My parents have supported and prayed for me in each step of my life. One of my greatest fears would be disappoint them or to let them down. I was homeschooled through a godly curriculum, so I know that my parents would be thrilled for me to teach in this school, where Biblical views are embraced and taught.

2. While recognizing that each of us develops spiritually over our lifetime, describe your spiritual development, particularly regarding your Bible study, prayer life, and church activities, and any specific ways this maturity is shown in your life?

I have always known that prayer, reading your Bible, and church involvement were vital to a believer’s life. Through the use of my talents, I have served in the church body since my teenage years. Overseas, my sister and I lead music and also provided childcare during our small Sunday services. Sometimes I was taking care of children my own age or just a little bit younger. In college, I was able to get involved with the youth, leading small discipleship groups, going to youth services, and leading groups for discipleship weekend events. I was so thankful for this opportunity, because, not only did they challenge me to live a holier life, I was also able to challenge them on their world view. Most of these girls have lived easy, American lives and know very little of sacrifice and need. I was able to slowly open their eyes to the urgency of the gospel. I have also been able to see many of these girls that I worked with while they were in 8^th grade begin their first semester at Auburn this year! What a blessing to be able to worship alongside these wonderful young women of God!

I was also blessed to study under an incredible college pastor, who constantly turned our attention back to the gospel and Jesus Christ. He was an incredible leader that challenged us and encouraged us to die to self and constantly look for opportunities to tell others about the great love of God! One thing that I still distinctly remember about his teachings was that, no matter the topic or the book of the Bible, he could always show us the scarlet thread of the story of Jesus throughout Scripture. It taught me to look at the Bible in a different way, seeking to find how Jesus was tied into that part of Scripture. Another very important thing that has stuck with me was that he constantly reminded us that life was not about us. Life is about serving and honoring Christ. In order to properly do this, we must allow our sinful, selfish nature to die – giving up much worldly “happiness” for the joy of living in Christ. This is something I still struggle with in daily life, but I am striving to become more like Christ. I must die to self.

My prayer life is something that is almost constant. One thing I love is communicating, and I can not imagine not being able to communicate with Christ. That is one thing I have loved about commuting to and from AUM. When I have those longs drives, most of the time I use it to think and prayer. It is quiet and I am not distracted by the commotion of the world. I do, however, have to remind myself not just to ask for things. God loves to talk to His children, but much of our conversations should be praise and gratefulness. It is very easy to lean too much on the supplication and neglect praising God for who He is and what He has done. I am a firm believer in praying about things, though. If someone comes to me with a concern or problem that is weighing on them, my words can only help a little. God is much more powerful, so one of the first things I do is to pray and ask God to comfort and guide during this crisis. I also do not make big decisions without seeking God’s approval. I believe that decisions will become clear many times in reading Scripture, which reflects us asking God to show us what path to choose.

3. Describe the ways in which you are training your family in spiritual growth before Christ. Your church involvement is important, but please elaborate on other ways in addition to this.

Since I do not have a family of my own yet, I try to help my brother, sister, and parents grow in Christ, just like they help me. I pray a lot for the Lord to guide my family members as they make decisions and just as they go through life. I will not hesitate to praise them when I see the Lord being glorified through something they have done. I also have an alarm set on my watch to take a brief moment each day to pray for the man that the Lord has for me to marry. I pray that God will be glorified in his every action, word, and thought. I pray that God will give him a servant leader’s heart that will bless those around him. I pray for his relationship with his family, especially his parents. I pray that God will protect his mind and heart from evil. Sometimes it varies from day to day, but I always try to focus on how he can serve God instead of asking why I haven’t found him yet.

5. Describe two of your most important objectives in life and the way(s) in which your plans are designed to help you reach those objectives. Naturally you want to “be a good teacher,” please be more specific.

One of the things that I believe the Lord has laid on my heart is to be a teacher. I love being able to help children learn. It thrills my heart to see them grasp a concept finally and watch their little face light up with joy and confidence! I also believe that there are many children in the world being lead astray because of a lack of loving authority in their lives. Even if I do not make much of a difference to many kids, if there are just one or two, I would count my life and hard work as a success. I want to provide an environment where, not only do children get the chance to learn, but they also reap the benefits of learning the differences in right and wrong, according to Scripture. Everything reverts back to Scripture. I want children to be able to see the consequences for actions and see the importance of responsibility. I want to give many children who do not have this kind of guidance at home an opportunity to learn how to be good, even if they are sinners. While trying to teach them what is right and wrong, my prayer would be for them to realize their need for a Savior and be able to put their faith in Him.

Another thing that I see as a life goal is to be a wife and mother. Since this has not happened yet, I can only train and prepare myself to fulfill those roles when they come along. I want to be able to respect and honor my husband, which my relationship with my father has trained me in that area. I also want to be able to care for him, and my relationship with my mother (and the many college boys who have crowded my humble home for home-cooked meals) has trained me in that area. Through my work in churches alongside wives and mothers, I am also learning how to raise a godly family, under the authority and co-support of a husband. I pray that I am able to be half as good a wife and mother as my own mother is.

6. Cite three experiences that you have had in your lifetime that you believe had a dramatic and/or long-lasting effect upon you. Please explain how Christ has used these to change, develop and mature you.

The first experience that has really changed my life was the decisions my family made to move overseas to serve God. This not only physically changed our family, but we were different emotionally and spiritually. Emotionally, I learned empathy. Most of the people around us were hurting and poor. I was able to use my skills and talents to help ease their pain. Once, for 6 months, I went every week to this elderly lady’s home who we think had Parkinson’s disease. I sat on the steps of her front door as she lay in her old bed in her one-room, dirt floor home and read the Bible to her. It was a huge sacrifice because she smelled and cried a lot. But I was able to minister to her aching heart by reading her something better than medicine. I did this purely from the fact that I felt sorry for her because no one but her husband cared about her. Spiritually, I grew as I learned to place my faith for everyday things in the hands of God. I saw Him meet so many needs that I could not help but believe Him and praise Him. I learned to give and give and give of myself until I had nothing left to give, only to be filled back up to give some more. Every experience molded me into who I am today.

The second huge event that shaped my life was when we adopted my brother. He was abandoned on the hospital steps of the town I lived in. He was 3 days old. After months and months of struggling with paperwork and authorities (14 months, to be exact), he was finally ours. The emotional battle for him was so difficult. We would be ready to pick him up, only to be denied because of lacking a phony paper. At one point, we had to return for stateside assignment without him. Seven months of frustration. “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.” (Psalms 68:19) First there was good news then there was more bad news. However, on May 24^th, my 16^th birthday, 2004, he officially became a Hocutt. He is a blessing (sometimes in disguise). I cannot imagine my life without him. One verse that the Lord gave to me a few months after we finally got him was Proverbs 13:19a, which says “The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul…” He is truly sweet to my soul.

A third time when I truly saw the Lord working in my life was in 2010 when I took my first job after graduation in Atlanta, GA. It was the most difficult 10 months of my life. I was incredibly lonely and depressed. My job was very physically taxing and I never seemed to get over the exhaustion. I was not happy where I was and I was not happy with what I was doing. I could not find a church that felt like a match. I was very self-centered and angry with God that I was having to struggle while doing something I hated. The Lord was with me every step of the way. I have never felt so close to the Lord. I began to realize that I was there because He wanted me there. He was teaching me to live completely through Him. I had no one. I had nothing. I had only Him – and that was enough. He gave me several scriptures that taught me to trust in Him. Psalms 37:4 says “Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” I was learning that the desires I had I my heart were human, not heavenly. He may not have been meeting the desires I had as a fallen human. Instead, God wanted my heart to grow in Him, drawing closer to Him each day. When that happens, our hearts are changed to be more like His. Then, He grants us the desires that our hearts learned by being near to His heart. Another treasure that he gave me in May of 2010 was 2 Corinthians 12:9, which says “And he said unto me, ‘My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Again, as I type this, my heart wells with love for the One who inspired this. A third verse that always reminds me of the deep love of Christ for his young beloved is Romans 8:37-39. This is one of my all-time favorite verses in Scripture. “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” If that doesn’t give you hope, then I do not know what will!

1. Please explain your thoughts and practices in the area of such spiritual gifts as speaking in tongues, healing, the interpretation of prophecy, etc.

I had never seen anyone speak in tongues, be miraculously healed, or prophecy, but just because I have never experienced it does not mean I do not believe it. As far as speaking in tongues goes, if the person or persons are doing it to attract attention to themselves then it is wicked. However, if it is from the Lord, there will be someone present who can and will be able to translate (1 Corinthians 14, especially verse 5). If the prophecy is from the Lord, then it will come true. I believe that the Lord is in control of all things. If He wants someone healed, whether through medicine or miracle, it will happen. He is the Great Physician and nothing is too powerful for Him. I just think that most people today overlook the many miracles of God to the point that nothing seems like a miracle. I know personal friends who are missionaries to Africa who have experienced all three of the above spiritual practices.

4. What are you beliefs regarding premarital sex, homosexuality, and abortion?

I believe what the Bible states. Marriage is to be between a man and a woman, separated only by death. Marriage is made for us to have an earthly representation of the relationship between Christ and His church. No where in the Bible does it say “Thou shalt not have sex before marriage”, but it does imply that anyone who had sex with someone before marriage (or outside of marriage) was a disgrace. In most circumstances, those people were put to death because of their disobedience. I have personally made a commitment to abstain from sex until my wedding, and, God-willing, I will be able to hold true to that commitment.

Murder is a sin, even if it is an unborn child. One of the Ten Commandments states “Thou shalt not kill”. It can not be more clear than this. Psalms 139:13-16 says “For thou has possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are they works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in they book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.”

This is only part of the application...yeah, it is quite lengthy. But, now you have a glimpse into the mind of a woman who is trying to honor God.

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26

Circle of life

I will never understand time...where it begins nor why it runs out. 

Some of my sweet friends lost a Godly mother today and another friend was celebrating the birth of a baby. The Lord is faithful, and I pray that each life that begins would have the opportunity for greatness in the eyes of the Lord. That is the measure of true success.

photos courtesy of:

clock tower

Arlington cemetery

newborn babe

Lamentations 3:21-24

"This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him."

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace."

blessed times two

The Lord continues to remind me of His faithfulness! Praise the Lord!
This morning our pastor preached about showing the Gospel to others through our lives and actions and words. He encouraged us to live as Jesus did, showing love and compassion. In my heart, I knew that I needed to begin living the Gospel everyday to the people I live with and work with. However, the Lord surprised me. I was blessed twice today by Christian brothers and sisters. First, one bought my lunch, as a blessing. Second, another gave me a check, saying that the Lord put me on her heart. The Lord continues to surprise me and bless me, even (and especially) when I do not deserve it. How faithful He is to provide for His children!! Praise the Lord!