Am I Third?

Earlier this week I was remembering one of our favorite phrases at WinShape: I Am Third.  This phrase stems from the idea of God First, Others Second, and Ourselves Third (or JOY, Jesus-Others-You, as some learned it).  I can't remember the first time I heard this teaching -- it's always been a "truth" at church.

But on Tuesday a friend brought up an idea he'd read about-- should we really be prioritizing like this?  Or, at the core of our being, should we be all about Jesus and let everything else flow out from there?  Instead of putting God, others, and ourselves in a list of priorities, we should be thinking of them in a sphere with God in the center.

At first my mind was very resistant to the idea.  It was like trying to make my body accept a new kidney after getting rid of the one I'd had for 23 years.  But the more I think about it, the more that idea makes sense.  Christian culture has sometimes taken the idea of "thirdness" to an unhealthy level -- a place where we aren't taking care of ourselves.  In the JOY model, it almost feels like they're saying, "How you are doesn't matter."  But if we live with God at the center of everything, our lives should have the perfect balance of service towards others and taking care of ourselves. 

I think the goal should always be to put God at the core of everything we do.  With God at the center, every act and thought will bring Him glory, which is the ultimate goal.  Putting God at the middle of everything is definitely something to strive towards in my life.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these. -Mark 12:30-31

Song of the Week

I've loved this song for ages and ages.  It's one of those songs that will always put a smile on your face.  Enjoy.  :]

Artist: Buddy Holly
Everyday

Today I'm Feeling...

My writing has felt very inadequate lately, which is why you haven't seen very many blog posts.  I've had a lot of important stuff going on, but I can't seem to find the words to write about them.  Also, our county is getting pretty strict about not talking about work online, so I can't write about the 40ish hours I spend at the school each week.  I so wish I could tell ya'll all about it.  Other than work, I've been biking, Netflix-ing, hanging with friends, and spending time at church. 

Anyways, my blog inadequacies come from reading all of the amazing blogs I follow.  Ya'll need to stop being so awesome so I can write some more.  ;]  Haha, just kidding you guys.

I'll finish this little post with some of my recent faves from weheartit:

[1, 2, 3]

Can you tell I'm missing summer?  Anybody else in the same boat?

Rocking in My School Shoes

Three days in and we're making it!  The first morning was stressful and a bit hectic, but that was expected.  Every day has gotten better than the one before.  We're learning about the kids and they're learning about us.  Also, we're learning about Pete the cat.  He's rocking in his school shoes.

If you don't have a "first day of school" book, I'd recommend this one.  We're spending all week on it and the kids love it.  Major props if you read it while wearing similar "school shoes."  :]

If you started back this week, I hope you're loving it so far!  And if you're still enjoying summer, please soak up some sun on my behalf!

Song of the Week

Well, I have a couple different songs I could pick from this week.  In keeping with my indecisive nature, I'll pick both.  :]

Artist: Coldplay
Every Teardrop is a Waterfall

I am SO excited for their next album, especially after listening to the songs on their EP.

Artist: Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
Home

This is such a great summer song.  I'm loving it during these last few days of vacation.

What is your favorite song this week?

My Thought Process Re: The First Day of School

Hey, everybody!

I'm super excited for the FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL on Monday!

I mean, there will be some tough things, but I think it will be great...

Right?  I mean, nothing awful is gonna happen on the first day, right?!?

OH NO! What if something terrible is happens and I'm not prepared at all?!?

Wait...duh, Abby.  God is with you and he has everthing under control.  Whew.

YAY SCHOOL!

Finally!

Wahoo!  As of last Friday, I accepted a position to be a special ed parapro.  I'm super pumped to start off this school year and work with the five sweet kids in our class.  And in case you don't believe me, just look at my county issued ID for proof (badly edited so creeps can't come find me).  :]