tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60618451404052646792024-02-20T13:44:56.389-06:00Walking into a CallingMoriah Dendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658565243019777418noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061845140405264679.post-65506734108343770732012-05-07T21:06:00.000-05:002012-05-07T21:06:05.345-05:00Something Sweet about JesusGod is just so good. I think that sometimes I take this for granted. I started writing this blog a little over a year ago when I discovered I would be moving to Memphis to be a part of Urban Education Reform through Memphis Teacher Residency. A year ago I was getting ready to graduate from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor's degree. Now, I am living in Memphis and about to graduate with a Master's degree in Urban Education. This alone was the work of God. The events over this past year are just more evidence of the Lord working in my life. <br />
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I know without any doubts that moving to Memphis was me walking into my calling. I have learned a lot this year. One thing that has kept me pushing through and been encouragement to me is that the Lord is glorified more through painful and sacrificial times. This urges me to find joy in the hardships of being an urban educator. God does not call us to be live comfortable lives. I have definitely been pushed this year out side of my comforts and I still am being pushed daily. The only way that I can walk into urban education daily is through the strength of the Lord. <br />
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The glorious part of being in a situation where you are constantly feeling uncomfortable and like you are fighting against an undefeatable battle is that I have Jesus. Even on days when I am angry, sad, distraught, or defeated I know that my joy is found in the Lord. Calling His sweet name really changes everything. I know that I am not the savior for my students or any other person in urban education. However, I can try my hardest daily to surrender to the Lord and let His character be evidence that He is the one true God. Then on days when I do fail I know that I am covered by His grace. That is something sweet. The one true Savior laid down His life so I can live. He laid down His life so that my scholars can live. All I can do is trust in Him and follow Him. <br />
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This year has been one where I really had to rely on God. All I can ask for are more years to come that push me closer to Him. God really is just so good. I have never found greater happiness, joy, and fulfillment in anything as I do in Jesus.Moriah Dendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658565243019777418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061845140405264679.post-16726574883022864282012-02-25T18:44:00.000-06:002012-02-25T18:44:42.933-06:00What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger<span class="line line-s hover" id="line_11"><em class="smline sm active_sm" data-meaningid="1552">What doesn't kill you makes you stronger</em></span><br />
<span class="line line-s hover"></span><span class="line line-s hover" id="line_12"><em class="smline sm active_sm" data-meaningid="1552">Stand a little taller</em></span><br />
<span class="line line-s hover"></span><span class="line line-s hover" id="line_13"><em class="smline sm active_sm" data-meaningid="1552">Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone.</em></span><br />
<span class="line line-s hover" id="line_14"><em class="smline sm" data-meaningid="1554">What doesn't kill you makes a fighter</em></span><br />
<span class="line line-s hover"></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_15"><em class="smline sm" data-meaningid="1554">Footsteps even lighter</em></span><br />
<span class="line line-s"></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_16"><em class="smline sm" data-meaningid="1554">Doesn't mean i'm over cos you're gone</em></span><br />
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These are the lyrics to the chorus Stronger by Kelly Clarkson. I hadn't heard this song until Thursday. I was so blessed to get the oppurtunity to come home to Oklahoma for the weekend and while driving I hear this song. The song is actually about being stronger after I break up I think but when I heard what doesn't kill you makes you stronger I just started crying. <br />
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The journey my family has been on the past eight months has been a long tiring journey. My little brother is loved and adored so much by everyone in the family. He is such a joy to be around. So, when he first got sick it was like a meteor hitting my family. My family has become closer and definitely stronger over the past eight months. My brother had surgery on Monday and after surgery he lost his eyesight. The doctors did an immediate surgery for his eye. They don't know what caused this to happen but he lost blood flow to the retina and now all the nerves are swollen as well. This is causing him to continue to have a loss of vision. He is PRAISE THE LORD getting a little bit more vision back everyday. We don't know how much he will recover. Currently he has to have help getting around by holding onto someones arm. He can see within two feet of himself but mostly objects that he already knows and can identify from his knowledge of the object. He lost all eyesight when he was a lot younger due to glaucoma in that eye. I am believing in devine healing from the Lord. I also know though that none of this is a worry to the Lord so it should be of no worries to my family. I pray everyday that all of this will be worked out all for God's glory and that Connor's testimony one day will bring people to Jesus because of His works in Connor. I struggled when Connor first got sick but Connor is the Lord's child before he is anything to us here on Earth. So, I know that He has a wonderful plan for Connor that is designed to glorify Jesus. <br />
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That being said What doesn't kill us makes us stronger. I am holding up so well all because of Jesus. He is my strength and He has held me up through all of this. Daily I think about the things that I have and how I don't deserve any of it. I am so blessed to have the gift of eternal life how could I ever expect anything else. However, God continues to bless me and for that I will lay down my life to Him and serve Him. When I lay down my life He blesses me more and one of the ways has been through strength. How could I ever not believe in my God? I hope and pray that you will see the God that I see and get to love everyday. <br />
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In the lyrics it also says what doesn't kill you makes you a fighter. I see this as fighting Satan. He can't get me down. He hasn't killed me, so, I'm going to fight for God's glory, God's word, and His people.Moriah Dendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658565243019777418noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061845140405264679.post-5460094806093182872012-02-19T19:44:00.000-06:002012-02-19T19:44:05.568-06:00Worshipping Our FatherI was in church this morning and the sermon was so good. I thought I might share some of what was said and how it has impacted me today and how I hope to make changes in my life. The sermon was about worship. I have heard before that we need to worship in all that we do and everything we do should be for the Lord. Today for some reason the words I heard were just so different. The scripture was Genesis 22:1-12 which is the story about Abraham and how he was going to sacrifice his son for God. This willingness to obey the Lord is a representation of worshipping the God that I serve and the God that has created me at a level that is so incredible. <br />
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Often people think of worship as the music portion of church. I often think that too. I have had a hard time finding a church in Memphis. I am constantly comparing churches to Journey and Antioch back in Norman. This ones worship isn't good enough, this one isn't as community based, and so on and so on. I have recently realized that church is a gathering of people that come together to hear the word or be taught and a place where we can serve to reach the unreached. To me that is what church really should be. I want to be a church that has good sound biblical teaching and where I can serve. <br />
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Anyway back to the sermon. So worship often thought of the music part of church. The pastor today said worship has to start with a picture of the God that created us. He is so amazing, so big, so mind-blowing and if I can start with some image of Him then I can start to worship. Worship is not about the music it is about serving that God! He is not a file to be put in a file cabinet but he is the file cabinet. He is our hearts. This all was like brand new words being spoke that I have never heard. The pastor then went on to say what is your Isaac? Our Isaac could be money, a job, relationships or anything that has become an idol or close to an idol in our lives. We have to remember God gave us that Isaac just like He gave Isaac to Abraham a man at 100 years of age a son. We have to be willing to sacrifice our Isaac and worship the Lord. We need to lay it down and then our Isaac and ourselves choose to worship the Lord together. <br />
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Since moving to Memphis I have let the busy and idea of not having a church home affect my relationship with the Lord. I now am going to make a concious effort daily to get closer to the Lord. I want to worship Him in everything that I do. I want everything that I do to be a complete reflection of Him because He deserves all glory from me and my life because I am nothing. If it weren't for His love and His mercy I would not have anything nor the future that He has for me. <br />
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What are you holding onto that is an idol or close to becoming one that the Lord has blessed you with? Lay it down and allow that thing and yourself to worship the Lord. He is worthy!Moriah Dendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658565243019777418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061845140405264679.post-41489840303223874402012-02-11T09:44:00.000-06:002012-02-11T09:44:40.993-06:00Servant Minded Work... It has been a really long time since I have posted about life in Memphis. I will try to shed light on all that has happened since August without gettting too detailed to keep this from being excessivly long. <br />
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<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">1</span></sup> I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29497">2</sup> My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29498">3</sup> in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29499">4</sup> I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29500">5</sup> For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29501">6</sup> So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29502">7</sup> rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29503">8</sup> See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-29503a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6061845140405264679#fen-NIV-29503a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup> of this world rather than on Christ.<br />
Colossians 2:1-8<br />
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Life over the past 8 months has been like a rolling, twisting, and never-ending roller coaster. I am so thankful and blessed that my constant and safety bar is Jesus. There is no way that I would have made it this far through the work here in Memphis without the Lord. I will update today about my family, teaching, and myself. <br />
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Family is one thing in life that we are blessed with no matter how crazy, dysfunctional, amazing, supportive, or uninvolved they are. Family is always there no matter how crazy, dysfunctional, amazing, supportive, or uninvolved we are. I love my family a lot and that also includes my adopted family of my best friend. Connor, my little brother, has been through a lot these past 8 months beginning with my families return home from moving me to Memphis. I am so ecstatic to say that he is finally doing great. Doctors released him to go back to school in January. He will have to have some more surgeries eventually, but my mom is waiting for the time being. He had two surgeries within 2 weeks of each other in December. I was home for Christmas during one of the surgeries. Praise the Lord for His faithfulness and helping Connor get healthier after the two surgeries. My mom returned to work as Connor went back to school as well. I will get to go home for Spring Break and see them then and I cannot say how excited I am to see them. <br />
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Teaching is possibly one of the hardest professions in the job force. Teaching in an urban setting is almost impossible if you do not know the Lord. Honestly I do not know how people could ever do this work without the Lord. Everyday that I walk into my classroom I have 26 little people sitting in front of me waiting for my guidance. I wish it was as easy and pleasant as that sounds too. They depend on their teachers to get the information they need for their future lives. The students in urban classes do not get the knowledge and stimulation that students in suburban setting receive. I really never thought the educaiton I received growing up was that great, but in comparison I was so blessed to attend the schools that I did growing up. Students in the urban setting don't usually recognize the importance of an education unless you really inspire them to know they can go to college. We really have to create cultures in our classrooms that are so different than classrooms they have been in before and different from the cultures on the street or in their homes. Teaching is an exhausting career. The students in my class need so much more than just a teacher. I am so blessed to be in that classroom really, but I honestly do not always feel so blessed. The great thing is that the Lord can give me the strength to be there for my students. A huge growing point for me this year was that I cannot be my students savior Jesus has to be their savior. I am in that classroom fighting for a just education for my students. ... I will try to write more often and give more updates about teaching.<br />
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I definitely have had a quite a trip over the past 8 months. One of the biggest transitions has been adapting to this new season of life. I have a great community and family here in Memphis, but it is not the family and community that I came to know and love in Norman. I still do not have a home church. That is a mountain that I am climbing but I know that my relationship with the Lord is most important. I have attended many great churches here but none of them are home. That may seem silly but that is truly how I feel. I have had to overcome comparing churches here to Journey and Antioch in Norman because there will never one like another. Church families are kind of like people they all are unique and different from others. I also love to be involved in church and love serving but so far I just cannot make that commitment to any of the churches here. I want to make sure that when I commitment to a church that I am definitely committing for the next few years and season of my life. <br />
During the rollercoaster time I have clung to the Lord and I know that He has a great plan. I know that I am here serving Him in Memphis. I do not always see it that way though. I have rough days and all I want to do is go home, but ultimately I know that I am where I am supposed to be. Memphis is a great city, the people are great, and I believe that public education here can be changed all for the glory of the Lord. <br />
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To see a video about what we are doing here in Memphis check out this video....<br />
<a href="http://video.pbs.org/video/2194187203/">http://video.pbs.org/video/2194187203/</a>Moriah Dendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658565243019777418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061845140405264679.post-63350003622464873592011-08-11T21:40:00.000-05:002011-08-11T21:40:42.916-05:00God uses the Impossible to Show His Strength<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></sup> <strong><sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">14</span></sup></strong> Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven,<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-30029f" title="See footnote f">f</a>]"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">[</span></strong><a cmimpressionsent="1" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%204&version=NIV#fen-NIV-30029f" title="See footnote f"><span style="color: #651300; font-size: x-small;"><strong>f</strong></span></a><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">]</span></strong></sup> Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30030"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">15</span></strong></sup> For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30031"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">16</span></strong></sup> Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. <br />
Hebrews 4:14-16<br />
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God is so faithful to us when we are so undeserving of His mercy and grace. These are things that I have to cling to during life right now. I love my God so much but sometimes it is hard to see how the little brush strokes go into the big picture when I do not get to see the big picture. <br />
I am blessed to be a daughter of Christ. I am so thankful to know that after this life I have an eternal life waiting. I struggle with being excited for other people's eternity. When I say that I mean that I do not want to lose the people in my life. I want them to have eternal life with Jesus too yes! I do not want to let go of people though and I do not want to have to think about living this life without certain people. Then again it says to let dead bury the dead and to follow Jesus. Do you realize exactly what that means? Jesus really pushed people not to follow him. He tried to tell them what they would be required to do and a lot of people could not handle it that is why he had twelve disciples and really only three that were truly close to Him. <br />
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So, my little brother is going through a hard time right now in his healh. I am deeply hurt over his situation and the fact that doctors cannot cure him. Oh, goodness but Jesus is the ultimate healer. He is the only one that can take this impossible situation and claim victory. I have the Holy Spirit living inside of me and I am claiming victory over Connor and his brain. This illness is to glorify God. I will proclaim to everyone until my dying day the moment Connor is healed because doctors have already claimed nothing can happen to cure the situation. Haha they do not have the Doctor that I have. This is life changing and monumental to be a living child of His. <br />
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Connor's situation may seem impossible now but so does public education in Memphis. This week I spent my first whole week in the school. I am so excited to be teaching with my mentor and my fifth grade students. They are some of the most precious kids I have ever met. They are stuck in a broken system though and that is detrimental to their education. They have had teachers scream and yell at them for years. They have administration coming into teachers classes telling them what is wrong in the class and yet they are not helping or supporting these teachers in educating these students. If everyone is not on the same page and accord to help educate these students then nothing will be uniform in building these students to be critical thinkers and successful students. <br />
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My heart is breaking right now for the world that we live in today. This world is broken. People are dying, starving, living in luxury, not educated, too educated, and living dead lives all because they do not know Jesus. What are we doing in life if it is not giving glory to God and showing His light to other people? This life should be lived to the fullest! We should serve, help, give, and glorify God. If I am being seen more than He what purpose am I serving, a selfish one. I know I cannot change the whole world but I can change the world around me and I want to change the brokeness that surrounds me. What do you want to do with the life you have been given?Moriah Dendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658565243019777418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061845140405264679.post-59126181946255359632011-07-17T19:03:00.000-05:002011-07-17T19:03:32.933-05:00Normanite to MemphianIt has been so long since I have posted. I am sorry about taking so long!!! Things in Memphis are always go go go. I am officially claiming Memphis as my home now. I was able to visit Norman over the fourth of July. The visit was genuinely precious time with my family. I think moving away has helped me to realize a lot in life and one is just how important my family is to me. I loved spending time with my little brother. <br />
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My little brother really is a gem in my life. He is just so sweet and always full of life. This week we found out what we thought was a tumor on his gums is a small portion of the problem. He also has a lesion on his brain so there must be more tests done to find out what the doctors will be doing and what exactly they are fighting. Luckily I have a God that is the Creator. This means he can command anything and it must listen because he was the one that created all things. I will not fear this illness but will look at as an opportunity to shout praise to the Lord. Please when you think of me be praying for my brother and my mom though as they need the faith to see the Lord will turn things out for His glory and good. <br />
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So, Memphis... I love it here. My best friend was able to visit me the week leading up to the 4th of July. She will attest that Memphis is just the city I belong in to live. The city is big but it feels like a small town. I have finished two graduate classes. I am currently attending clinicals at KIPP Memphis. This is great seeing a lot of procedures and routines emblamented. <br />
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Class of Excellence is what my MTR group is calling ourselves. There is a total of 37 people in the program and whew they really are my family. I can share things with them and know that they will comment and love on me as family. This is just a blessing to be walking through this time of my life with all of them. I have found a church finally. I went today and oh it just warmed my heart while I was there. This was such a blessing because I have attended several but not felt just like any were the one for me. I am so excited to see a family sprout out of this church as well. <br />
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A few things about Memphis... the roaches are BIG, people love their city, the lifeguard at the pool is attached to his girlfriend slightly awkward I'm not sure that anyone would be saved, and my apartment has been named the H and M (Hanna and Moriah) we like to cook dinner and Hanna is amazing at baking.Moriah Dendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658565243019777418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061845140405264679.post-69334582708433072842011-06-15T22:55:00.000-05:002011-06-15T22:55:35.188-05:00Lord Rock My WorldMemphian, from what I have gathered in two weeks of living in Memphis a Memphian is a person that claims Memphis as being their home. This could be a person that is from Memphis or a person currently living in Memphis and claims it as their home. I was a little nervous about leaving Norman, living my entire life there stressed me out a little to be moving 7 hours away. I can say now I feel as though Memphis is my true home. I will always claim Norman, the Sooners, and the Thunder but Memphis definitely has provided me with a comfort that I never felt in Norman. I honestly love this city so much! Many people were skeptical for me to be moving here as my mother found an article claiming Memphis to be 5th on the most dangerous cities in the United States. I have learned that Memphis reports every police report turned into the city no matter how petty it may seem thus making the crime ratings more extensive than other cities may claim. I also have learned that if you are somewhere you shouldn't be or doing something you shouldn't be this is when you will get into trouble. Luckily I am not doing things I shouldn't so I think it is safe to say that I am in a safe situation here in Memphis. <br />
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So much has happened in the past two weeks of living in this marvelous city! My mom, stepdad, and little brother helped move me out here. They help set-up a lot of my apartment. I was a little sad at first and really needed my apartment to feel like home before they left me here. I am so thankful for everything they did in those two days for me. When we arrived on Tuesday there were MTR graduates from this year and last year waiting to help move me into the apartment. This was just the beginning of a community and family that I cannot describe. My roommate Hanna and her parents arrived the afternoon my parents had left. I have to say she is a ball of fire. I could not ask for a better roommate to live with for the next year of Memphis Teacher Residency. She is so joyful, servant minded, hospitable, and a great encourager. We have had a lot of fun these past two weeks getting to know each other and having fun.<br />
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MTR started things off with a bang! We had a welcome dinner, Hoe Down, Orientation, and Lonaroo all within the first week of being in Memphis. Memphis things that MTR has taken the 2012 class of excellence to do: Civil Rights Museum, this was a phenomenal experience I learned so much about the rich history of Memphis and well words cannot describe the emotion felt during this experience. Stax Records Museum, this was a tour and video of the Stax Recording Museum we saw outfits from Tina and Ike Turner, the blue cadillac Issac Hayes drove, records and records from so many other Memphian artists during the 60's. This experience also was great for learning the culture of Memphis. So many talented people came out of Memphis. Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley. Even if a person is not a huge Elvis fan this was a fun outting. Elvis started Rock-n-Roll and that revolutionized music. I had fun during all of these experiences and the awesome thing is that these are just beginnings to many more iconic places in Memphis. This city has so much to offer that it is mind blowing! <br />
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Family and community is so important for the spirit. My actual family I miss. My family is walking through a tough time right now. My little brother Connor is ten years old. He is so precious and whew really a great child. When we came out here his right side of his face was a little swollen so we thought he might have something wrong with one of his teeth. My mom took him to the dentist the day after they returned home. We found out that he has a tumor that is on his jaw. This is more complicated because he has a port-wine stain on the same side of his face. The blood vessels from the port-wine stain are feeding the tumor causing it to grow really fast. He has an appointment this Friday with a professor at the OU Dentistry College. Hopefully we will found out some good news and this will be taken care of soon. I know that my God is the ultimate Healer and He will take care of Connor. My other brother Cheyenne is listed to deploy anyday for Iraq as well. Please say a prayer for my brothers and family just so they will rely on God and know that He has it all under control. So with all of this my family and community here in Memphis are vital to me right now. I am so grateful for every person that is going through this program. Each person is so unique and they all really are where they should be. I cannot imagine our family with anyone else in it or with anyone missing from it. I am already falling in love with these people as my family.<br />
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Grad school has officially kicked off as well. We are in two courses right now that are four weeks long. Tomorrow I will be a fourth of the way finished with two grad classes. That is kind of ridiculous for me to think about. These classes do take a lot of time. I have never read so much in my life nor have I had to use so many out side sources for papers. I have mutiple papers in one course and in the other I have several quizes and projects in both. Needless to say it is becoming my life. I really enjoy the material being covered though and know it is all worth it. I am where God has called me and He is doing some big things here in Memphis!<br />
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I will leave you with some images from the past two weeks....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3oNPGpE4X6E/Tfl8kSTXoAI/AAAAAAAAAAw/XEt3H0S--wc/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3oNPGpE4X6E/Tfl8kSTXoAI/AAAAAAAAAAw/XEt3H0S--wc/s320/010.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">outfit from Ike and Tina</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FBC-Dx4Q3hc/Tfl8snhc4GI/AAAAAAAAAA0/1-CMQfjizS4/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FBC-Dx4Q3hc/Tfl8snhc4GI/AAAAAAAAAA0/1-CMQfjizS4/s320/033.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Jungle Room</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3U0G4HGsVqg/Tfl9YcQCb7I/AAAAAAAAAA4/FEtl7SQ5YJY/s1600/Stax+group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3U0G4HGsVqg/Tfl9YcQCb7I/AAAAAAAAAA4/FEtl7SQ5YJY/s320/Stax+group.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2012 Class of Excellence</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v6N5bPizbCY/Tfl9m8ZcF4I/AAAAAAAAAA8/3ANBCn25_jI/s1600/Hoe+Down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v6N5bPizbCY/Tfl9m8ZcF4I/AAAAAAAAAA8/3ANBCn25_jI/s320/Hoe+Down.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">MTR residents, graduates, and staff</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Scy9qbl2wdY/Tfl9ue7JphI/AAAAAAAAABA/fASIFz06tFw/s320/Biting+the+dust+in+3+legged+race.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Um... well Hanna and I in a 3 legged race and I bit the dust</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OKUSG-qvF0Y/Tfl98Nc92HI/AAAAAAAAABE/awb_3qenErk/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OKUSG-qvF0Y/Tfl98Nc92HI/AAAAAAAAABE/awb_3qenErk/s320/009.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hanna and I made cake pops for our first day of grad school!</div>Moriah Dendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658565243019777418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061845140405264679.post-40015979958083042542011-05-27T15:49:00.000-05:002011-05-27T15:49:55.794-05:00See you soon, Goodbye, and HelloWow, so I have three and half days until I am in the car driving to Memphis, Tennessee. I never thought that I would move to Tennessee. The surprises God has for us are, well, epic usually. I was meeting with my mentor in January/Feburary and I told her that I wanted to start praying for God to rock my world. Well, He will definitely do just that if you ask for it. :) This past week I finally got really excited about moving because it finally seems real. I have been seeing friends and family that it will be the last time to see for a while. Some people in my life I am blessed to say see you soon and others I am saying goodbye to them. I think that life is kind of crazy in the sense that really there are people in my life now that I may not ever see or speak to again. Luckily I have gone to college in Norman, my hometown, but there are people here that will also be moving away. I have been so blessed in the past couple years to build relationships with people that invested in me and that I was able to invest in, grow in Christ together, and make lasting memories. I have started shedding tears with the see you soons and goodbyes. I know that most of the tears will be shed when my mom gets in her car and leaves me in Memphis. These will not just be tears of sadness but tears of joy, excitement, and some for being scared. I know I should not have fear but it is kind of scarey thinking that I will be alone seven hours away from home. Following these tears will probably be a lot of laughter and hugs and the next step will begin. The hellos... I will be making a lot of new friends in less than a week. I believe we will be more than friends though we will be a family. The environment provided by Memphis Teacher Residency is one that will cultivate lasting life long relationships. I get butterflies thinking about this because I get so shy when I first meet people. As most know I do not stay shy for long, I do like to talk hahaha. David Montague the director of MTR told us during the Spring Selection Weekend "embrace the butterflies". So that is what I am trying to do now with the anticipation of the move. Embrace my butterflies, and enjoy the adventure and surprises set before me. :)Moriah Dendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658565243019777418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061845140405264679.post-33236938409882460982011-05-25T09:52:00.000-05:002011-05-25T09:52:36.815-05:00BlessingsMy God is such a good God. I feel as though the Lord has been showering me in blessings over the past week. I am so thankful and want to share what He has been doing for my life. (I will start with most recent). <br />
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I was lying in bed reading the Bible the other night when I felt directed to go to Philemon. I honestly have never paid much attention to this particular book of the Bible but I turned to it to read. I have found myself taken back with the passage : Philemon 1:4-7<br />
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<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29943"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">4</span></strong></sup> I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29944"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">5</span></strong></sup> because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29945"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">6</span></strong></sup> I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29946"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">7</span></strong></sup> Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people. <br />
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I have never struggled with having faith in God, but with so many events making moving to Memphis a struggle I was beginning to have doubts and a lot of worries. God knew just how to encourage me at the right time and remind that I have to have faith in Him. <br />
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I was struggling with paying my bursar off before moving to Memphis as well. I have talked to a few people in the Bursar's office several times and they seemed reluctant to help. I understood that they deal with a lot of students and a lot of people trying to pay off their schooling. I talked to Janice and she told me she would not be able to release a transcript until my entire bursar was paid off. I told her thank you and hung up. Five minutes later she called me back. She was able to remove service fees and charges from my account lowering the balance to $62! This was such a blessing I can not describe the thankfulness I have for this blessing. <br />
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Someone so sweet and generously left an envelope outside my apartment on Tuesday. This envelope had money in it that has helped me tremendously during a time of need. I do not know who it was and cannot thank them enough. I just pray that God will shower them with blessings for their kindness. <br />
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Last Monday I found out about being scammed. After a lot of freaking out I went to see my mom at home. She was incredibly calm about the whole situation. She was the most loving and supportive mother ever! She started to laugh and told me she had been given a raise at work that would be effective that paycheck. I cannot help but smile, because God has known from the beginning of time that this would happen. Often we need to experience events to remind us that we cannot walk through this life without Him. He is a powerful God that loves us so much and we need Him. <br />
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Overall of these blessings He has given me so much peace. I can only describe as a peace from God. I know without a doubt that moving to Memphis is the right choice and I am beyond thrilled and excited to see all that awaits in Memphis!!!!! All praise and glory be to God my Father!Moriah Dendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658565243019777418noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061845140405264679.post-50843102670349094662011-05-17T09:37:00.000-05:002011-05-17T09:37:40.396-05:00Praise During the Good and BadGod is so faithful, good, and constant. I know that no matter what situation in life good or bad He is with me and loves me. I am so blessed to have family and friends that support me in this life. I graduated from OU this past Saturday. It was such a great day where I got to sit next to girls that I have grown close to in the past two and half years. I have been greatly effected by those girls and two guys. They were a group that constantly supported and encouraged one another. A group that during ridiculous class assignments pushed on and completed professor expectations. A group that made themselves available when another was going through a hard time or celebrated with others in the good times. I am truly going to miss everyone so much! <br />
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I am finally getting really excited about moving to Memphis. Two weeks from today and I will be making that wonderful 7 hour drive with my mom, little brother, Allison, and Carissa (two of the greatest friends I have ever had). I know that this is where God is called me to be. I have encountered several road blocks along the way that have made me question whether it was the right time for Memphis but I know that Satan will try his hardest to keep us from doing God's will. I will not let Him step in the way. God is the ultimate victor and I will praise His name. <br />
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My latest road block has been that I was scammed out of $3,000. I thought I had a girl that would take over my apartment lease since it does not end until May 2012. Well in the process of doing logistical things she sent me a check and asked for the excess amount (after 2 months rent was taken out) to be wired to a person that would be doing the shipping of her things. I tend to be a trusting person and think that all people are doing good. This all happened and three days later my bank called to inform me that the check was not able to be cleared from the other bank. Thus all the money that I had taken out of my account to be wired was not really in my bank and now my account is being charged for all of that money. I was sent into an immediate state of distress because I do not have that kind of money. Then my mom and Carissa brought me back to reality and told me to talk to God. I went through every kind of situation and circumstance I could imagine praying to God but decided I will praise His name! He is my provider and He knew from the beginning of time that this was going to happen. My mom was so good to me when I went to see her. She reminded me that money is just money. I am not going to die, nobody else will die, nor is anyone hurt. Money is just something that comes and goes it is not a relationship that we have any person or God. I am not really sure what is going to happen now. I do know that God will take care of me though. I will still be moving to Memphis. I will have to pay that $3,000 to the bank somehow and look for a new person to take over my lease, but God will help me. I am His daughter and these silly antics that are trying to distract me from moving have no weight in my decision. <br />
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Honestly, I think that this makes me more excited about moving to Memphis because I know that God has BIG plans for me or it would all be a breeze moving. Last summer I went to the Philippines for a mission trip. The night before we were supposed to start a youth camp all 11 passports were stolen with $7,000 U.S. dollars. We overcame that situation through Jesus, on the last day of camp all 11 passports were returned to the hostile where we were staying. We had a phenomenal youth camp with those students and Satan was trying to get us down before there was Victory in Jesus' name. I have faith that God will provide for me and I know that He has a plan for me in Memphis.<br />
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His love has set me free!Moriah Dendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658565243019777418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061845140405264679.post-21555327418862388252011-04-21T12:03:00.000-05:002011-04-21T12:03:40.914-05:00Oh, How He Loves UsThe best feeling in the world is knowing that I have a Father in heaven that loves me unconditionally no matter what I do in life. I have been so blessed to see His unconditional love in my life. There are three different types of love eros commonly known as erotic love strong feelings towards another, philos a love based on friendship, and agape an unconditional love. Some of the best stories I have read in the Bible show God's agape love for his people. He has shown mercy and grace to many because He loved them. I believe He showed this most of all by sending Jesus to save us. His son was handed a life to live that none of us could ever compare to. Then Jesus died on the cross so he could be the sacrifice for our lives. This weekend is Easter thousands of people will go to church that normally do not attend a Sunday service. I believe that God will show people His love through countless sermons this weekend but it is our responsibilty to follow up with His love. What will we do with His love to share it with others? <br />
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I have spent a lot of time meditating on His love for me His daughter. I have been through moments within the past week of frustration and stress. Those nights I slept with the feeling of God wrapping his arms around me like I am His precious child that he will take care of. <br />
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So, I had the worries about my busar and getting my lease taken over before moving to Memphis in a short five and half weeks. It makes me laugh because I stress and fret as if God did not know how everything would be going for my life. People say His timing is perfect and that is indescribally true. I have been finalizing things with a girl that will be taking over my lease starting the beginning of May. This is a blessing for my lease to be taken over and for me to be able to apply what would be May rent to my bursar. I know that as things are slowly falling into place for me to move my bursar will be paid off before the end of May. I have a test the Praxis II test on April 30th. This test is for Tennessee, I was worried at the beginning of studying for it because it has material from all four main subject areas and I do not remember a lot of the content that is specified to study for the test. This week a peace has resided over me about this test. I know that every move thus far has been of the Lord and He will be with me as I take the test. <br />
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He shows His love everyday in the small and big things in life. We just need to take the time to appreciate the small and big. I think that we should take His love and share it with others. We should be selfless with this love it is unconditional and everyone deserves to encounter a love like His.Moriah Dendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658565243019777418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061845140405264679.post-88576568206087246982011-04-15T09:33:00.001-05:002011-04-15T09:33:32.424-05:00Listen to this playlist: moriahdendy's Playlist<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://c.gigcount.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bHQ9MTMwMjg3Nzk4MzI3NyZwdD*xMzAyODc3OTk5Nzc3JnA9Njk*MzAxJmQ9Jm49YmxvZ2dlciZnPTEmbz*2NDNmYWNlNjYxMTY*/MTk5ODQ1YjNiOWEzZWQzODFmMiZvZj*w.gif" /><div style="text-align: center; margin-left: auto; visibility:visible; margin-right: auto; width:450px;"><object width="450" height="470"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.musiclist.us/mc/mp3player_new.swf"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="never"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="flashvars" value="config=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indimusic.us%2Fext%2Fpc%2Fconfig_pink.xml&mywidth=450&myheight=470&playlist_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.musiclist.us%2Fpl.php%3Fplaylist%3D85237731%26t%3D1302877992&wid=os"></param><embed style="width:450px; visibility:visible; height:470px;" allowScriptAccess="never" src="http://www.musiclist.us/mc/mp3player_new.swf" flashvars="config=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indimusic.us%2Fext%2Fpc%2Fconfig_pink.xml&mywidth=450&myheight=470&playlist_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.musiclist.us%2Fpl.php%3Fplaylist%3D85237731%26t%3D1302877992&wid=os" width="450" height="470" name="mp3player" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" border="0"> </embed> </object> <br/> <a href="http://www.musiclist.us"><img src="http://www.musiclist.us/mc/images/create_pink.jpg" border="0" alt="Get a playlist!"/></a> <a href="http://www.musiclist.us/playlist/21820859147/standalone" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.musiclist.us/mc/images/launch_pink.jpg" border="0" alt="Standalone player"/></a> <a href="http://www.musiclist.us/playlist/21820859147/download"><img src="http://www.musiclist.us/mc/images/get_pink.jpg" border="0" alt="Get Ringtones"/></a> </div>Moriah Dendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658565243019777418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061845140405264679.post-68659408575936762562011-04-14T13:30:00.000-05:002011-04-14T13:30:29.006-05:00Bliss in the BattlesI have decided to create a blog because I am on a fast track journey with the Lord to living out my calling. I want friends and family to be able to keep up with me and the life that has been set before me to live. I also want to glorify God is every thing that happens in my life. I want to share all His victories so that people may be encouraged, grow, and be strengthened to share about what the Lord is doing in their lives.<br />
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I recently was accepted into a program in Memphis, Tennessee. Memphis Teacher Residency <a href="http://memphistr.org/">(MemphisTR.org</a>) is an organization focused on equipping people to become highly effective teachers in urban areas. I will be living there and getting a Master's degree from June 2011-May 2012. After completion of the Master's program I will be placed into a school to teach. I foresee Memphis becoming my new home. Of course if the Lord calls me to serve Him somewhere I will follow Him. <br />
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I learned about the organization after a girl forwarded me an email she received about MTR. I was a little surprised because she knew that I had a heart to serve inner city children but we had not had many conversations about my future. I took time praying over the decision to apply to the program or to finish the full program at OU. I decided I would wait a year to apply because it would be more logical to go in a year. Especially since I was already placed on a mission trip to be an assistant leader to the Philippines. The reality is I was making a decision on my own. I wrestled with this decision because I was not receiving any peace about not applying to MTR. So I finally applied to the program. I was astonished when I had my phone interview I was immediately asked to go to the Spring Selection Weekend in March. I could barely remember the questions in the phone interview and knew the Lord was speaking through me that day. As I took my first trip alone I drove 7 hours to Memphis in March. I am usually a very high strung and stressed out kind of girl. That weekend I can say was life changing weekend. I have never felt the Lord with me more than I did then. I had so much peace that I cannot describe it nor can I give credit to anything but God. I was extremely calm while I saw other girls going over their lessons again and again. I simply put my headphones in and listened to worship music because I knew I was there for Him that weekend and not me. So within a matter of three days after the weekend I was invited to attend MTR for the class of 2012. This was a relief just so I knew what I would be doing after graduation. I also knew without a doubt this was the Lord's calling for me to serve him in Memphis.<br />
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So, since that phone call I have been in a whirl wind of action preparing for the end of my undergraduate at OU. I had to start sending things to Tennessee for background checks and for enrollment with Union University which is the University my Masters will come from through MTR. <br />
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I hit a small bump earlier this week as I tried to get my transcript. I still owe money with the bursar at OU and they will not let me receive my transcript until it is paid off. This was the beginning of battles to be won by Jesus. So I frantically began to panic. The Lord does not stress nor does He not foresee the events that we will encounter. MTR was so amazing to allow me until the end of May to turn in my transcript based on the situation. I claim this as the Lord having favor and providing for me. <br />
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Small bump number two happened last night. I thought that I had my lease covered since it is until May of 2012. The person that was going to take over my lease is now not able to. I realized as I began to worry that this is not of the Lord. Satan will try to detour us from plans God has set before us because He does not want the Lord to have victory. I know that through experience when Jesus has big plans for us there will be many battles to try to throw us off track. I will not let these small curve balls win in my life and I want to share all of God's victories with you!!!Moriah Dendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658565243019777418noreply@blogger.com0