Who is Ms. Van Dyke?

Poetry has been our area of concentration in writing over the past couple of weeks. Last week, we ended with Definition Poetry. One of my students wrote the poem below. Things like this are rare treasures in teaching, and it's always fun to read how you're described.
As was the case last year, sometimes students make formal writing a bit more flowery than reality would prove. However, it made me smile. And trust me, this student let me know the good, the BAD, and the UGLY thoughts they've had and the words that they've spoken about me at different times this year. Unfortunately, not all of them were quite as warm or humorous as the sentiments below are! I didn't know whether to laugh or cry at their comments earlier! I'm for real. I decided to just get over them knowing that I've done my best to be the teacher that God has called me to be this year. Not everyone can love you at all times, and sometimes teacher decisions and life will seem unfair to 5th graders! That's life...it's nothing personal, right? I can't believe the year is almost over! The time flew by!! :)

Who is Ms. Van Dyke?
An energetic teacher
A crazy woman
A servant of God
A forgiving 5th grade teacher
A dramatical actor
A loving sister
A wonderful, caring daughter
A fast talker (1 second =5 words)
A warm hearted present from God
A truly lovely teacher
That is Ms. Van Dyke!

My Precious Momma

Well, we find ourselves celebrating one of the Lord's most precious gifts today...the gift of MOTHERS! My mom is a woman worth celebrating when I look back over the years and remember her faithfulness to me, my family, and most of all the LORD JESUS! She was so faithful to pray for me, to serve and support me, and to council me in the ways of Jesus. Often times throughout the years, I must admit that the good decisions that I chose to make were not necessarily the result of a desire to seek and obey the Lord, but rather out of respect for my dear mom and the remembrance of her solid advice and wise words that fortunately pointed to the main REASON that any of us should be compelled to do the right thing---the fact that it honors and pleases King Jesus. I'm so thankful for such a godly role model who knew how to be the best mother for me only because she gave her role as mother over to the LORD and trusted in HIM for guidance. I know that she'd say it was all God, but I'd still like to pat her on the back and brag on her for her dedication and commitment to me and my family.

I have learned so much over the years from my mom---about life, about responding to struggles, about admitting weaknesses and allowing HIS strength to be made perfect in those, about putting others before myself, about trusting God to do what HE promises to do, about parenthood, about marriage, and the list goes on. As I prepare for the journey of marriage, I am once again so thankful that I have my mother to turn to for prayer, for advice, and for wisdom. I am also overwhelmed by the blessing of being able to call Momma "friend". That's exactly what she's become over the years...my closest friend. She is an awesome listener, encourager, and empathizer. At the same time, she is great at speaking the truth in love and putting things in perspective even when the words are tough to swallow.

It is neat to watch the word of God come alive in your family. I am so encouraged and blessed by another mother in our family---my older sister, Heather! She is carrying on the godly principles and traditions that our mother began with us. She is teaching Michaela the word and ways of the LORD and is also seeking the LORD in how to respond to the many questions and situations that come up in motherhood! I am confident that one day someone will say to Michaela, "I'm encouraged 'when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother [Helen] and your mother [Heather], and I'm persuaded is in you also'(2 Timothy 1:5)." What a testimony that will be to God's faithfulness. It is my prayer that should the LORD bless me with children, the same could be said to or of them one day as well. What a heritage and blessing from the Father! What a responsibility that the LORD has entrusted HIS daughters with. Just one more reminder that nothing is impossible with HIM and that every good and perfect gift is from HIM.

Thanks, sweet Momma (Tommy, Bevis, Bertha, etc...)! You are a treasure that I will cherish always! I'm so proud of you! I praise God for the work HE's done in and through you and continues to do! May I grow up to be like you!

I'll end with this passage from Proverbs 31 which describes you, Momma.

"25 Strength and honor are her clothing;

She shall rejoice in time to come.

26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,

And on her tongue is the law of kindness.

27 She watches over the ways of her household,

And does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;

Her husband also, and he praises her:

29 “ Many daughters have done well,

But you excel them all.”

30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,

But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,

And let her own works praise her in the gates."

The Story of Three Trees

In a forest one day, three young trees all agreed to pray that they would be used for some noble purpose rather than decay from old age.
The first tree wanted to become a manger where tired cattle could feed after a long day’s work. God rewarded the tree for having such modesty. It became a very special manger—the one in which the Son of God was laid.
The second tree prayed that it might become a boat. The prayer was answered, and soon its fine wood sheltered a very special passenger—the Son of God. It heard Jesus calm a fierce storm by saying, “Peace, be still.” The tree counted its life as worthwhile in order to witness such a scene.
The third tree, however, was made into a large cross to serve as an instrument of suffering. The tree was initially deeply disappointed in its fate. However, one day Jesus of Nazareth was nailed to its limbs. Strange, but the cross did not hear groaning and cursing as on other crosses. Instead it heard the Son of God offer words of love and divine forgiveness—words that opened paradise to a repentant thief.
The tree then understood that its part in the crucifixion of Jesus provided for the salvation of humankind.
In underground churches across eastern Europe, the parable of the three trees was often told as an encouragement to those suffering for their faith. These believers needed to see purpose in what they endured. They must have had such high hopes and aspirations when they originally said they wanted to be used by God for his glory. Yet, oppression seemed to have cut them off from God’s plans. How could unjust suffering play into such a plan? Like the tree that formed the cross, they realized they were also being shaped into God’s ultimate purpose for their lives. From this perspective, suffering is not seen as an interruption of God’s plans for your life, but an integral part of the process.

2 Timothy 3:12 "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution."
Revelation 2:10 "Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation [be persecuted] ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. "
Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."

Loving Life in the City

Now, there is a title I would never have imagined writing 2 years ago! I love my deep southern roots and thoroughly enjoyed growing up there. One thing that I have always loved about "home" (Foley, Alabama) is the fact that our house was conveniently located in an area with lots of fresh air and wide open spaces but close enough to "town" (namely Wal-mart and shopping centers), as well as to bigger cities such as Pensacola and Mobile. Drive in one direction and enjoy the endless miles of country roads with clear blue skies, random farm animals, and greenery, hop on a 4-wheeler for a little muddin' or off roadin' adventure, or jump in the plane for an awesome aerial view of Alabama coastline and country. Maybe even land the plane in a random field or grass strip somewhere. Drive in another direction and hit the interstate for a fun road trip cross country or to the nearest big city for some culture. We weren't real country folk, living in the boon docks, but there was a nice country, small town feel to life in Alabama. We also lived a short drive from one of my favorite places...the beach!! After living in 5 states (practically 6---a couple of miles from TN for 3 years), 2 countries, and visiting close to 15 nations, I am still proud to call south Alabama home! After all, Momma and Daddio are still there, so they make it home!

With all of that typed, it's crazy to think about the LORD calling me to a super huge city across the planet! I remember visiting New York City in college, and while there, thinking, "Who in their right mind would CHOOSE to live in a city of this size? Look at all the people, the busyness, the grime, the polution...utter chaos with no time to think straight or in quietness." God is quite comedic in taking note of the things that we think or say we would or could never do. I am now living in a city that is smaller than New York City area-wise but larger population-wise by over 2 million people. Talk about crowds and busyness! And I mustn't forget to mention the SMELLS here. OH MY STARS! I do not believe the smells will ever be erased from my memory! haha When I first got here and was trying to get used to public transportation---taxis, buses, and subways---and life with no car, I just kept reminding myself that God was with me. I didn't have to like public transportation or the smells. I just had to love God and love people!!

It hasn't even been 2 years since then, and it is so weird (divinely ordained weirdness I'm sure)---I love life in the city. There, I typed it! I feel like a traitor, but it feels good to be able to say that! God has allowed me to find things that I love about being in the city. Seoul, apart from not having my amazing family here, has sort of become home for me. It's been years since I've been able to say that! I love being able to slap a backpack on and WALK whereever I want to go. If I'm tired or want to venture further, I can easily access 1 of 3 public transportation means. Then, when I get where I'm going, I don't have to park. If I'm lost, which happens, I can just jump on the subway or in a taxi and somehow end up back at someplace familiar. From there, I can either try again or go home! Man, have I seen some crazy people, unique people, interesting people, friendly people, rude people, entertaining people---LOTS of people from LOTS of places and backgrounds. If I'm hungry, I can pretty much pick a country and find authentic cuisine from that part of the world right around the corner. If I'm not feeling motivated to work at home, I can venture over to one of 100s of coffee shops and join the masses, yet work productively in peace. And, yes, I even eat at restaurants ALONE from time to time. It's not even that weird or out of the ordinary in the big city. There are some nice outdoor places to be found, too! The blue skies are few and far between, however!

God has revealed HIMself to me again through his creativity...especially where people are concerned. In a city with millions of faces...no 2 look the same! God is awesome! Here lately as I prepare to move back to the States, I have been amazed by feelings of happiness and anticipation while at the same time experiencing feelings of---I don't know the right word(s)---maybe sadness (not really) or uncertainty. I'm gonna miss life here as I know it! I am confident that God has great things in store and am very much looking forward to marriage and life with Aaron!

I guess that from this I can learn that home is where the LORD puts or carries or calls us! Basically, it's where HE is! If HE directs us somewhere, even if it's uncomfortable or undesireable or strange or just "not for us," GOD can settle us and create a sense of security and thankfulness that only comes when we abandon ourselves to HIS keeping and trust in HIM for joy and contentment! I can't wait to see where HE directs me next. As long as HE is there, I know I'll enjoy it! :)

The Proposal

Well, Aaron was scheduled to land in Seoul around 4:30 p.m. on the 22nd of February. I was going to meet him a little after 6 in town for dinner. I had taken the 23rd and 24th off, so that we could spend some quailty time with one another during his visit. One of my closest friends and assistant principal here in Seoul, April, was going to be subbing for my class while I was out because our elementary sub was already booked. She had met Aaron when he was here in October and made their Texas connection then. :) April asked for me to come to her office to discuss the plans for the 2 days I was going to be out after taking my students to music. So... I dropped the kids off at music and then headed to the office.

When I got there, April had her MacBook opened and said, "Before we talk about the plans, I wanted you to read this message that Aaron sent in response to my invite for a homemade Mexican fiesta. I just thought it was really nice and wanted you to read it." She had me sit at her desk and said she'd be back in a minute. While I read it, I was thinking, "April sure is smiley today. It's kinda making me nervous. Aww, this message is really sweet. Aaron is such a great guy. I'm blessed." However, I always try to downplay things, so I kept my serious, professional, controlled look about me and turned to the person who was standing at the door and blurted out the heartfelt word, "Cool." How lame, huh? What an understatement of the year! I was really proud of the sweet message. I don't know why I'm so boring about things. Anyway, the person standing at the doorway was none other than my sweet man!!!

Again, I responded how every man surprising his woman dreams of..."What are you doing?" At least I had a quirky smile on. He then came over and after hugging me got his iPhone out to show me pics of him flying with my dad and his close buddy, as well as some pics of him with my precious niece Michaela whom "he had never met" to my knowledge. I knew then that he had gone to see my parents the previous weekend when my sis, bro-in-law, and Michaela were in town. He then got down on one knee, and as he was going down, again I responded how every man about to propose dreams of..."AAAron.?.?" As if to ask the obvious, "What are you doing? You better not be kiddding?" As he was looking up smiling at me, I blurted out another savor-the-moment comment through my teeth and nervous smile, "Uhhh, Cheryl (my head principal who I could see peeking through her office window into the office we were in) is looking at us."

Aaron definitely didn't care and popped the question. Of course, I said, "YES!" And after a brief moment of celebrating, we celebrated with the office staff! We then went and got my class from music, and the real and intense celebration began then. Yep, with hootin' and hollerin' and huggin'! :) Bus duty was quite the scene as well with all of my former students running out to congratulate and celebrate. My favorite part of that time was when Aaron was able to meet the boy who had prayed for him last year. The boy who wrote, "Dear Miss Van Dyke, Happy Valentine's Day. I pray that God will give you a man with a Christ-like attitude." God is so faithful, and the funny thing is that I found his card a few weeks after Valentine's Day. Almost exactly one year ago from the day of our engagement! How awesome and unexpected is that?!?!?! At this point last year, I was planning to possibly be in Korea for a few more years. I never dreamed that I would be typing a blog posting that was entitled "The Proposal"!

The unfortunate and fortunate part is that the whole thing was captured on video. Yep, the reading of the message through the initial celebration part. It's kind of funny though. I so wish that I was the screaming with excitement and crying tears of joy type, but I'm not, have never been, and probably never will be! However, the video really does capture "Audie" as I know myself. I think it is fun for me to watch, b/c I know exactly what was going on internally...my thoughts and emotions...none of which was portrayed by my words and actions.

Aaron knows that I love him and that I've been dying for him to ask me to marry him. Even though, we never talked about the M word, ring shopping, possible dates, etc...until after the engagement. Actually, at recess duty that day, I told my friend Julie, "Aaron better be coming with a piece of jewelry and a question, or I'm gonna be one disappointed girl. I don't want to get my hopes up though. I'm sure it will all work in God's timing, but I wouldn't mind if that timing was this visit." :) Little did I know that Aaron had arrived a day early, was already hiding in Seoul, and was about to be at my school hiding in the principal's office, setting up the video camera for that very purpose. It was fun introducing Julie to my fiance just 3 hours later in the parking lot!

I am blessed beyond my wildest imaginings at age 28 with a man who loves the LORD, and because of that love can love me in a way that honors God. In turn, I can finally say that I love Aaron more than I thought would ever be possible for me to love someone and have respect for him that only comes through his willingness to be honest and open and to keep Jesus the center and foundation of our relationship. I am so thankful and am confident that God will be faithful to lead and direct us through the good times as well as the difficult times as we move forward from this special place that we find ourselves in now...ENGAGEMENT!!

I am here able to testify that:

"NO GOOD THING WILL HE WITHHOLD FROM THOSE WHO WALK UPRIGHTLY."

Psalm 84:11

"FOR AS THE HEAVENS ARE HIGHER THAN THE EARTH, SO ARE [HIS] WAYS HIGHER THAN [MY] WAYS AND [HIS] THOUGHTS THAN [MY] THOUGHTS."

Isaiah 55:9

When you "DELIGHT YOURSELF IN THE LORD", HE will "GIVE YOU THE DESIRES OF YOUR HEART." When you "COMMIT YOUR WAY TO THE LORD [and] TRUST ALSO IN HIM", HE will "BRING IT TO PASS."

Psalm 37:4-5

TRUTH

Where do I begin? I have a feeling that this posting is going to be rather RANDOM. I have tons roaming around in my head and heart but am not quite sure how to articulate them or organize them. Through Christ, maybe you can take something from this posting and be encouraged by our great Father God. HE has been quite evident in multiple ways these last weeks.

First of all, let me say that I'm overwhelmed by what a great GOD we serve! HIS goodness leaves me breathless, HIS faithfulness leaves me awestruck, and HIS love consumes me!

One thing that I've been faced with a lot is the fact that HIS truth endures forever. I've been attending a Thursday night Bible study/discussion group where we've been watching The Truth Project series. We have looked at several areas dealing with truth and have looked at them through God's word and HIS point of view and then heard popular opinions held by the world that oppose God's word. The series has been very challenging and thought provoking. It has caused me to evaluate what I believe to be truth, how that matches up to God's word, and how prepared I am to discuss what I believe with others, especially those who disagree. If I'm honest, I have to admit that I am not nearly as prepared as I should be or hope to be. It has convicted me to truly study God's word in order that I may know what I believe and how to share it with a perverse and confused generation. There are so many untruths out there that are craftily put together with partial truth to deceive those searching for absolute and real Truth. Colossians 2:8 says, "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ." Sadly, we as believers can be taken captive by the untruths of this world. At times, I find myself treating traditions or learned "beliefs" as truth when in fact they are nothing more than lifestyle preferences and good habits. It is important that our view of what is true matches up with what God's word says is Truth.

I was caught off guard by a question that was asked at the beginning of The Truth Project series. "Why did Jesus come into the world?" The answer that Jesus HIMself revealed was not the one most commonly given in Sunday school classes or within the Christian community. In John 18:37, Pilate asks Jesus, "You are a king then?" Jesus answered with this, "You are right in saying that I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, TO TESTIFY (BEAR WITNESS) TO THE TRUTH." God is the ultimate source of Truth, and to glimpse truth, we must gaze upon HIM. I like this quote: "What we believe and how we act defines what we trust to be reality (TRUTH)."

Just this past week, a Korean girl approached Aaron and me as we were touring Seoul. Having Korean "students" ask you to take a survey is not out of the ordinary here in Korea, so I decided to help this girl out with her "school work." I immediately notice that the questions on her survey were spiritual. I thought, "Oh this is great. She's a Christian trying to reach out to the lost English speakers in Seoul." As I neared the bottom of the questionnaire, I came across a strange question about the purpose of Mother God. We began to talk, and the girl assured me that she was a Christian but that she wanted me to understand and believe in Mother God. She began to take verses (many from Old and New Testaments) out of context and very articulately explain and try to convince me of Mother God, her purpose, and the importance of knowing that element of God. Each time I quoted or paraphrased a verse in opposition to what she said, she quickly shared another verse and opinion. At the end of our conversation, I had to tell her that I'd be praying for her but that she was never going to convince me of her belief. I got her phone #, because she wants to meet up again and discuss the issue. Apart from the Holy Spirit convicting her, she is not going to change her beliefs. I don't even know how to discuss this with her, but I'm confident that nothing I say, no matter how articulate or TRUE, can change her heart. Please pray for me that I will view her as Christ sees her and that my heart will be burdened for her to see the Truth. Pray that I will be willing to call her and to discuss my beliefs with her. I'm not even sure how to prepare. The strange thing is that she has mixed this weird belief with the truth of Jesus Christ as the hope for our salvation. May Jesus speak through me. May I rest in "...Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge...in order that no one may delude [me] with persuasive argument." Colossians 2:2-4
May I be able to gently instruct her "in the hope that God will grant [her] repentance leading [her] to a knowledge of the truth, and that [she] will come to [her] senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken [her] captive to do his will." 2 Timothy 24-26

I need prayer. I can see it being easy to ignore this situation. I believe that she will not change, and confrontation is not something I enjoy. However, I want to trust in God's faithfulness and power to do the impossible and to increase my desire to see HIS truth reign and captivate a wandering heart. I honestly believe that she knows the Truth but has mixed in some untruth.

Okay, I'll spare you any other random things that I've learned. This one topic is quite enough for now!

"He Who Glories, Let Him Glory in the LORD!!"

"That, as it is written, 'He who glories, let him glory in the LORD.'"

I Corinthians 1:31

I was blown away by something that a student of mine handed in for his writing assignment. After reading a story about Wilma Rudolph, world famous American runner, the kids had to write a paragraph about a goal they've had in the past and how they accomplished that goal. Like most of the examples I gave when assigning the writing, most of the finished products I received were focused on academic and athletic achievements. Some of the students did give credit to God for helping them reach their goals, but I found the topic that one precious student chose as his achievement gripping and convicting. We were just talking about boasting in the LORD in our elementary faculty morning devotions last week and how it is always good to remember the ways in which God has been strength in our weakest areas and how HE's enabled us to overcome those areas at times and even achieve great things for HIS glory.

I was so encouraged to read what one of my students felt like was a paper-writing-worthy achievement. I've copied it below:

"My grandfather was not a Christian before I became a 2nd grader. Today, he believes in the LORD. This started when I asked him what he believed in. He answered what I didn't expect, something else but not God. So I told him about everything I learned from my teachers. He still did not understand me, so I just let him borrow a Bible from me. He learns about God, but I also learn too. As a result, today we talk about God together and learn from each other and discover verses together."

Praise God that this little one cared enough to talk to his grandfather about Jesus! It has made quite an impression on my dear student, b/c he was in 2nd grade three years ago. Honestly, most of the students produced pretty boring and poorly written paragraphs about winning a race at recess or getting a good grade on a particular test. There is nothing wrong with being happy with those everyday accomplishments, but I'm so blessed to have had this student who carefully considered what he thought to be a wonderful accomplishment and to look beyond last year. I'm challenged to eagerly share Jesus with others or at least find out where they are spiritually, and then, when God does something wonderful, to glory/boast in the LORD and share it with others.