Yes, the skater in this video is my cousin, Seth. His dad, Billy, is one of my closest cousins. Billy is more like a brother than a cousin. Billy is the one driving the dirt bike in this video. Billy and his wife, Jennifer (whom I also ADORE!) have 3 awesome kids (Seth, Luke and Emily). They are an amazing family. I pray God allows us to spend more time together this year.
The video was made in their backyard, yep they built a half pipe in the back yard! It was also taped on the street right outside their house.
I love my crazy, loud, busy, loving, Godly family!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Monday, November 26, 2007
'Twelve Days of Christmas' gets costly
I'm not sure why but this amuses me every year. I can't imagine someone actually trying to buy all that stuff!
By DAN NEPHIN, Associated Press Writer
PITTSBURGH - While the origins of the Christmas carol "The Twelve Days of Christmas" may be a mystery, one thing is certain: It's getting more costly to buy your true love all the items mentioned.
It would cost $78,100 to buy the 364 items, from a single partridge in a pear tree to the 12 drummers drumming, repeatedly on each day as the song suggests, according to the annual PNC Christmas Price Index compiled by PNC Wealth Management. The cost is up 4 percent from $75,122 last year.
Buying each item in the song just once would cost $19,507, up 3.1 percent from last year's $18,921. And shopping online would be costlier, with the total for the 364 items costing $128,886, up 2.5 percent from last year's $125,767. You would spend $31,249 online for each item just once this year.
Though a humorous look, PNC said the index mirrors actual economic trends. PNC has been calculating the cost of Christmas since 1984.
Helping push the cost up this year is the minimum wage hike, which bumped the cost of eight maids a-milking from about $41 to nearly $47.
"They have not had an increase since 1997," said Jim Dunigan, managing executive of investment for PNC Wealth Management. "The good news is, if you're a maids a-milking, they will also see an increase in 2008 and 2009."
Higher food costs pushed the six geese a-laying from $300 to $360. And reflecting higher gold prices, those five gold rings will cost $395, up 21.5 percent from last year's $325.
"The cost of the gold rings in this year's Christmas Price Index reflects the general trend of increasing commodity prices in the Consumer Price Index, including gold," Dunigan said. "In addition, increased fears about inflation and the value of the dollar may have led investors to turn to gold as a safer place to invest their money."
Not everything is more costly. The price of a partridge ($15), two turtle doves ($40) and three French hens ($40) remained the same, as did seven swans a-swimming, at $4,200, and nine ladies dancing, at $4,759.
PNC checks jewelry stores, dance companies, pet stores and other sources to compile the list, Dunigan said.
If one had $78,000 to splurge for Christmas, there's "probably a Mercedes or a Hummer in there someplace," Dunigan said. "The key there is you'd lose the romantic value."
"I'm sure there's something on the list for everybody," he said. "If it was my wife, she'd probably go for five gold rings."
As for the origins of the carol, which has been around for hundreds of years, some contend the song was a coded way to teach aspects of Catholicism. According to such claims, the six geese a-laying represent the six days of creation and the 10 lords a-leaping represent the 10 Commandments.
Snopes.com, an Internet urban legend-debunking Web site, says there's no substantive evidence that the carol was used to preserve tenets of Catholicism.
By DAN NEPHIN, Associated Press Writer
PITTSBURGH - While the origins of the Christmas carol "The Twelve Days of Christmas" may be a mystery, one thing is certain: It's getting more costly to buy your true love all the items mentioned.
It would cost $78,100 to buy the 364 items, from a single partridge in a pear tree to the 12 drummers drumming, repeatedly on each day as the song suggests, according to the annual PNC Christmas Price Index compiled by PNC Wealth Management. The cost is up 4 percent from $75,122 last year.
Buying each item in the song just once would cost $19,507, up 3.1 percent from last year's $18,921. And shopping online would be costlier, with the total for the 364 items costing $128,886, up 2.5 percent from last year's $125,767. You would spend $31,249 online for each item just once this year.
Though a humorous look, PNC said the index mirrors actual economic trends. PNC has been calculating the cost of Christmas since 1984.
Helping push the cost up this year is the minimum wage hike, which bumped the cost of eight maids a-milking from about $41 to nearly $47.
"They have not had an increase since 1997," said Jim Dunigan, managing executive of investment for PNC Wealth Management. "The good news is, if you're a maids a-milking, they will also see an increase in 2008 and 2009."
Higher food costs pushed the six geese a-laying from $300 to $360. And reflecting higher gold prices, those five gold rings will cost $395, up 21.5 percent from last year's $325.
"The cost of the gold rings in this year's Christmas Price Index reflects the general trend of increasing commodity prices in the Consumer Price Index, including gold," Dunigan said. "In addition, increased fears about inflation and the value of the dollar may have led investors to turn to gold as a safer place to invest their money."
Not everything is more costly. The price of a partridge ($15), two turtle doves ($40) and three French hens ($40) remained the same, as did seven swans a-swimming, at $4,200, and nine ladies dancing, at $4,759.
PNC checks jewelry stores, dance companies, pet stores and other sources to compile the list, Dunigan said.
If one had $78,000 to splurge for Christmas, there's "probably a Mercedes or a Hummer in there someplace," Dunigan said. "The key there is you'd lose the romantic value."
"I'm sure there's something on the list for everybody," he said. "If it was my wife, she'd probably go for five gold rings."
As for the origins of the carol, which has been around for hundreds of years, some contend the song was a coded way to teach aspects of Catholicism. According to such claims, the six geese a-laying represent the six days of creation and the 10 lords a-leaping represent the 10 Commandments.
Snopes.com, an Internet urban legend-debunking Web site, says there's no substantive evidence that the carol was used to preserve tenets of Catholicism.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
For every negative ... God has a positive!
For all the negative things I have to say to myself, God has a positive answer for it.
When I say: It's impossible
God says: "All things are possible" (Luke 18:27)
When I say: I'm too tired
God says: "I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28-30)
When I say: Nobody really loves me
God says: "I love you" (John 3:16 & John 13:34)
When I say: I can't go on
God says: "My grace is sufficient" (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
When I say: I can't figure things out
God says: "I will direct your steps" (Proverbs 3:5-6)
When I say: I can't do it
God says: "You can do all things" (Philippians 4:13)
When I say: I'm not able
God says: "I am able" (II Corinthians 9:8)
When I say: It's not worth it
God says: "It will be worth it" (Roman 8:28)
When I say: I can't forgive myself
God says: "I FORGIVE YOU" (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
When I say: I can't manage
God says: "I will supply all your needs" (Philippians 4:19)
When I say: I'm afraid
God says: "I have not given you a spirit of fear" (II Timothy 1:7)
When I say: I'm always worried and frustrated
God says: "Cast all your cares on ME" (I Peter 5:7)
When I say: I don't have enough faith
God says: "I've given everyone a measure of faith" (Romans 12:3)
When I say: I'm not smart enough
God says: "I give you wisdom" (I Corinthians 1:30)
When I say: I feel all alone
God says: "I will never leave you or forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5)
When I say: It's impossible
God says: "All things are possible" (Luke 18:27)
When I say: I'm too tired
God says: "I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28-30)
When I say: Nobody really loves me
God says: "I love you" (John 3:16 & John 13:34)
When I say: I can't go on
God says: "My grace is sufficient" (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
When I say: I can't figure things out
God says: "I will direct your steps" (Proverbs 3:5-6)
When I say: I can't do it
God says: "You can do all things" (Philippians 4:13)
When I say: I'm not able
God says: "I am able" (II Corinthians 9:8)
When I say: It's not worth it
God says: "It will be worth it" (Roman 8:28)
When I say: I can't forgive myself
God says: "I FORGIVE YOU" (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
When I say: I can't manage
God says: "I will supply all your needs" (Philippians 4:19)
When I say: I'm afraid
God says: "I have not given you a spirit of fear" (II Timothy 1:7)
When I say: I'm always worried and frustrated
God says: "Cast all your cares on ME" (I Peter 5:7)
When I say: I don't have enough faith
God says: "I've given everyone a measure of faith" (Romans 12:3)
When I say: I'm not smart enough
God says: "I give you wisdom" (I Corinthians 1:30)
When I say: I feel all alone
God says: "I will never leave you or forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5)
my "birth verse" and my prayer
Ecclesiastes 2:26 NIV
To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness…
May this become my constant prayer and goal.
Also...
Father, I'm poised on the edge of so much uncertainty. I'm ready and willing to take the leap. Catch me and show me where to go. I'm leaning on you and trusting that you will guide, direct, govern and lead the way. Take charge...I'm broken and waiting.
To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness…
May this become my constant prayer and goal.
Also...
Father, I'm poised on the edge of so much uncertainty. I'm ready and willing to take the leap. Catch me and show me where to go. I'm leaning on you and trusting that you will guide, direct, govern and lead the way. Take charge...I'm broken and waiting.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
God does answer and guide...
I've still be trying to live day by day; however, I'm still struggling with what God would have me to do next. The school just doesn't seem to be where I am supposed to stay. Tom doesn't think I should leave until I have something else ready. While I understand his point, I don't think I should stay someplace that is so frustrating. I don't know that I am supposed to stay at the school. It seems like my time there is rapidly drawing to a close. In many ways, though, I don't know what to do.
I do know God is in control. I guess I'm just getting impatient. I know I need to wait on God and his timings; however, I just don't always feel like I can wait. It's amazing, though, that when I feel like I can't hold on much longer God sends me something to help. This morning my inbox held this devotional.
SO, while I may not understand. I will wait for God to point me in His direction.
God Will Guide You
James 4:13-17
We do not need to be in a state of unrest about the future. Some worry needlessly and wonder, "Why doesn't God let me know what He has in mind for me in the future?"
Some people may be wondering what God's will is for them five or ten years from now.
It is important, however, that we recognize that God knows everything about the future, even if we do not, so the important thing is to trust Him today with our lives and leave the future to Him.
If God is calling you today into some particular ministry, then obey Him, even though you do not know what the future holds. As we are sensitive to God, we can expect Him to guide us.
Psalm 32:8 says, "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye." I'm so glad He guides us with His eye because He can see far beyond anything we can see.
Because God knows the future completely, He will never be too late in telling us exactly what we need to know. Some things we need to plan for in the distant future, but most things are achieved simply by walking by faith today.
As we trust God to give us wisdom for today's decisions, He will lead us a step at a time into what He wants us to be doing in the future.
"The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way" (Ps. 25:9).
I do know God is in control. I guess I'm just getting impatient. I know I need to wait on God and his timings; however, I just don't always feel like I can wait. It's amazing, though, that when I feel like I can't hold on much longer God sends me something to help. This morning my inbox held this devotional.
SO, while I may not understand. I will wait for God to point me in His direction.
God Will Guide You
James 4:13-17
We do not need to be in a state of unrest about the future. Some worry needlessly and wonder, "Why doesn't God let me know what He has in mind for me in the future?"
Some people may be wondering what God's will is for them five or ten years from now.
It is important, however, that we recognize that God knows everything about the future, even if we do not, so the important thing is to trust Him today with our lives and leave the future to Him.
If God is calling you today into some particular ministry, then obey Him, even though you do not know what the future holds. As we are sensitive to God, we can expect Him to guide us.
Psalm 32:8 says, "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye." I'm so glad He guides us with His eye because He can see far beyond anything we can see.
Because God knows the future completely, He will never be too late in telling us exactly what we need to know. Some things we need to plan for in the distant future, but most things are achieved simply by walking by faith today.
As we trust God to give us wisdom for today's decisions, He will lead us a step at a time into what He wants us to be doing in the future.
"The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way" (Ps. 25:9).
Monday, November 19, 2007
Sometimes the truth "hurts"
One of my students sent this to me. I don't dislike Wikipedia, I just think too many people take the information at face value. They don't double check the information. I totally believe in a place (or places) where people can share ideas and information; however, there has to be a verification for information presented as fact.
It also bothers me how many students think the internet is a primary source. So many students are unable (or unwilling) to do research in books and magazines. How are they going to survive college???
It also bothers me how many students think the internet is a primary source. So many students are unable (or unwilling) to do research in books and magazines. How are they going to survive college???
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Saturday, November 17, 2007
I resign...
My Resignation as an Adult
I am hereby officially tendering my resignation as an adult.
I have decided I would like to accept the responsibilities of a 5 year old again.
*I want to go to McDonald's and think that it is a four star restaurant.
*I want to sail sticks across a fresh mud puddle and make ripples in a pond with rocks.
*I want to think M&M's are better than money because you can eat them.
*I want to lie under a big oak tree and watch the ants march up its trunk.
*I want to run a lemonade stand with my friends on a hot summer's day.
*I want to go fishing and care more about catching the minnows along the shore than the big bass in the lake.
*I want to think the world is fair.
*I want to return to a time when life was simple.
When all I knew about were colors, multiplication tables, and nursery rhymes.
When I didn't know what I know now.
When all I knew was to be happy because I was blissfully unaware of all the things that should make me worried.
*I want to think that a quarter is worth more than a dollar bill because it is prettier and weighs more.
*I want to think that everyone is honest and good. I want to believe that anything is possible.
*I want to be oblivious to the complexities of life and be overly excited by the little things in life again.
*I want to believe in the power of smiles, hugs, a kind word, truth, dreams, the imagination, the Tooth Fairy, a kiss that makes a boo-boo go away, making angels in the snow, and that my dad and Grand-dad are the strongest people in the world.
~So......here's my checkbook and my car keys, my credit cards and the bills, my 401K statements, my stocks and bonds, my collections, my insurance premiums, my job, my house and the payments, my e-mail address, pager, cell phone, computer, and watch. I am officially resigning from adulthood. And if you want to discuss this with me further, you'll have to catch me
cause........
tag! You're it!
I am hereby officially tendering my resignation as an adult.
I have decided I would like to accept the responsibilities of a 5 year old again.
*I want to go to McDonald's and think that it is a four star restaurant.
*I want to sail sticks across a fresh mud puddle and make ripples in a pond with rocks.
*I want to think M&M's are better than money because you can eat them.
*I want to lie under a big oak tree and watch the ants march up its trunk.
*I want to run a lemonade stand with my friends on a hot summer's day.
*I want to go fishing and care more about catching the minnows along the shore than the big bass in the lake.
*I want to think the world is fair.
*I want to return to a time when life was simple.
When all I knew about were colors, multiplication tables, and nursery rhymes.
When I didn't know what I know now.
When all I knew was to be happy because I was blissfully unaware of all the things that should make me worried.
*I want to think that a quarter is worth more than a dollar bill because it is prettier and weighs more.
*I want to think that everyone is honest and good. I want to believe that anything is possible.
*I want to be oblivious to the complexities of life and be overly excited by the little things in life again.
*I want to believe in the power of smiles, hugs, a kind word, truth, dreams, the imagination, the Tooth Fairy, a kiss that makes a boo-boo go away, making angels in the snow, and that my dad and Grand-dad are the strongest people in the world.
~So......here's my checkbook and my car keys, my credit cards and the bills, my 401K statements, my stocks and bonds, my collections, my insurance premiums, my job, my house and the payments, my e-mail address, pager, cell phone, computer, and watch. I am officially resigning from adulthood. And if you want to discuss this with me further, you'll have to catch me
cause........
tag! You're it!
Friday, November 16, 2007
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Monday, November 12, 2007
Showing my support
As a fan, as an performing arts teacher, as a (sort of) writer, as a reader...I support the WGA.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
compelling...
The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.
My confession:
I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees.
It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, "Merry Christmas" to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a crche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.
I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that Americais an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.
Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship Nick and Jessica and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where Nick and Jessica came from and where the America we knew went to.
In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.
Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her "How could God let something like this happen?" (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response.
She said, "I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?"
In light of recent events...terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found recently) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK.
Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.
Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK.
Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.
Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with "WE REAP WHAT WE SOW."
Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says .Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.
Are you laughing?
Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.
Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.
Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then just discard it... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in. My Best Regards .
Honestly and respectfully,
Ben Stein
My confession:
I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees.
It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, "Merry Christmas" to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a crche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.
I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that Americais an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.
Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship Nick and Jessica and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where Nick and Jessica came from and where the America we knew went to.
In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.
Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her "How could God let something like this happen?" (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response.
She said, "I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?"
In light of recent events...terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found recently) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK.
Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.
Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK.
Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.
Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with "WE REAP WHAT WE SOW."
Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says .Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.
Are you laughing?
Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.
Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.
Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then just discard it... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in. My Best Regards .
Honestly and respectfully,
Ben Stein
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
A psalm/prayer for me...
"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul" (Psalm 143:8, NIV).
Monday, November 05, 2007
CHRISTIAN WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS
An Angel says, "Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice."
1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more.. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13 . Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot.. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you Jesus."
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36 . Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)
1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more.. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13 . Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot.. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you Jesus."
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36 . Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)
I'm trying, Lord!
Every day the Lord is teaching me. It has been a difficult period as of late. I'm trying to wait on God and His timing but I admit to sometimes getting frustrated. I know in the end I'll be a better person because of all of these things. I know God will provide in amazing ways. It's nice, though, when He sends a little 'pep talk' to encourage and strengthen.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The more often faith is tried, the easier it becomes to endure trials because they produce patience. And through trials, the believer becomes more steadfast in his faith.
Endurance is the ability to withstand hardship or stress. Patience is the ability to bear pain without complaint, evidencing self-control.
In a sense, both of these ideas are involved in the statement of James that "the trying of your faith worketh patience" (James 1:3).
The Greek word translated "patience" is made up of two words that literally mean "to remain under." When a person remains under a testing, he endures that testing, and the testing itself produces patience as the believer remains under the burden.
Self-control, which is so closely related to patience, is part of the fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22,23. Thus, if we wish to acquire more patience and self-control, it means we will have to endure more testings.
Even though the testings are severe, the Christian who has total confidence in Christ can have joy in the midst of the testings. And the patience we develop will enable us to wait until the Lord fulfills His promises to us.
Hebrews 10:36 says, "ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise." Galatians 6:9 says, "Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer" (Rom. 12:12).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The more often faith is tried, the easier it becomes to endure trials because they produce patience. And through trials, the believer becomes more steadfast in his faith.
Endurance is the ability to withstand hardship or stress. Patience is the ability to bear pain without complaint, evidencing self-control.
In a sense, both of these ideas are involved in the statement of James that "the trying of your faith worketh patience" (James 1:3).
The Greek word translated "patience" is made up of two words that literally mean "to remain under." When a person remains under a testing, he endures that testing, and the testing itself produces patience as the believer remains under the burden.
Self-control, which is so closely related to patience, is part of the fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22,23. Thus, if we wish to acquire more patience and self-control, it means we will have to endure more testings.
Even though the testings are severe, the Christian who has total confidence in Christ can have joy in the midst of the testings. And the patience we develop will enable us to wait until the Lord fulfills His promises to us.
Hebrews 10:36 says, "ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise." Galatians 6:9 says, "Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer" (Rom. 12:12).
Sunday, November 04, 2007
tired!
I'm tired and I need a vacation!!!!!
I don't feel like grading journals tonight...I don't feel like doing lesson plans tonight...and I ABSOLUTELY don't feel like doing any work for FOR-PD.
I just want to curl up on the couch, watch a little TV, relax and recharge.
I don't feel like grading journals tonight...I don't feel like doing lesson plans tonight...and I ABSOLUTELY don't feel like doing any work for FOR-PD.
I just want to curl up on the couch, watch a little TV, relax and recharge.
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