Old Blog, New Name

For some time now, the name of my blog has bothered me---"Teacher's Notes".  Originally, I started writing to keep notes while teaching in Africa, kind of a travel blog for family and friends back home.  I never intended to continue writing after the summer of 2012.  However, in God's providence, the "notes" continued following Dad's tragic accident and untimely death.   Then, in the midst of a new season of parenting multiple teenagers, the words seemed to flow even more.   Still, I'm not trying to TEACH anything to those who stumble across this blog, so the name seems unfitting.  Sure, I'm a teacher, but I have no intention of sharing information from my classroom. My teaching profession is just one of the many aspects of life.   

I've considered some questions to come up with a more appropriate name:  Why do I write and what is the purpose?  Is it just an online diary of sorts?  As one who is prone to wander from the Lord in my thoughts, words and deeds, just as a sheep wanders from the fold, I hope my writing reflects a journey of stumbling faith in the midst of this broken world and mostly a faithful Shepherd who continually protects, guides and sustains me.  I hope the grace and mercy of the Lord shines through my weakness and that fellow stumblers will be encouraged to seek Christ as well.  In those moments when I feel the most vulnerable, such as middle of the night anxiousness, (most especially at my father's bedside during his final hours) "the Lord is my shepherd" plays over and over and over in my mind and heart.  No matter the role-- teacher, mother, wife or friend--- I am no more than a needy sinner (a sheep) in need of the steadfast love and unending faithfulness of the Lord Jesus.  His forgiving mercy and abundant goodness should be the theme of my writing.  So much of life is confidential and not appropriate to share in a blog, but my journey with the Lord, in the midst of it all, is an open book and one that I will continue to record if the Lord wills.

"Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.  Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise!  Give thanks to him; bless his name!  For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever; and his faithfulness to all generations."  Psalm 100: 3-5

" Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.  For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."  Isaiah 43