The Blessing...

On the way to work this morning I prayed like I do every morning. This morning though, I added something different, I prayed for a blessing. The day was long, as they all seem to be these days. The "Tater Tots" were their usual selves but it was just a hot, humid Monday. I got home around 5:15 pm and was faced by a night of paperwork.

Then, the phone rang. I almost didn't answer it. It was my 'I don't know you' ring tone. Assuming it was a 'call out' about some meaningless bit of information from the school, I answered it just to get it over with. The phone call brought the blessing...

My brother called me from Scotland. I'M AN AUNT!!!!!!

Amelia Joy was born on Saturday. She was 6 lbs 1 oz (like her aunt), 19 inches long, with blonde 'peach fuzz' (like my mom had when she was very young), blue eyes (like John, me and our mom) and long fingers (like her Daddy). She ended up having to be born C-section; however, all went very well. (Thank you Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh)

Mother and daughter are doing wonderful and should be discharged by Wednesday. Father is thrilled and can't wait to send photos.

It certainly is a BIG year for him! In a short amount of time he has become a father, is finishing his dissertation, and is turning 30 on the 29th. Plus, at the end of November they are moving back to the states and he hopes to be installed in his first church in January.

I have decided to celebrate by not doing paperwork tonight. I'll just try to get it done tomorrow. Tonight I shall plan all the ways this wee bairn will be spoiled, the adventures we will have, the clothes she will 'have' to have, the blessing she will be.

Saw this today and thought it was very funny.

HAMLET
(FACEBOOK NEWS FEED EDITION).

Polonius says Hamlet's crazy ... crazy in love!
Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, and Hamlet are now friends.
Hamlet wonders if he should continue to exist. Or not.
Hamlet thinks Ophelia might be happier in a convent.
Ophelia removed "moody princes" from her interests.
Hamlet posted an event: A Play That's Totally Fictional and In No Way About My Family
The king commented on Hamlet's play: "What is wrong with you?"
Polonius thinks this curtain looks like a good thing to hide behind.
Polonius is no longer online.

An interview with Jilli

I still look forward to getting to meet her someday. Sigh, I would dress like this so easily.

It keeps playing in my mind...

Song lyrics | More Power To Ya lyrics

OK! I'm waiting...

I have been praying about work and what to do with that whole situation. With things as stressful as they are there, I REALLY want to go elsewhere. I hear of jobs; however, it quickly becomes clear that those positions aren't where God wants me to be. A year and a half from now the job I have dreamed of having opens. In some ways that seems where God is pointing me to go. The thought of doing that job scares me silly, though. It would be a BIG change. I get frustrated at the thought of having to wait another 1.5 years. It feels like the 9 years should have been enough. David had to have felt the same way.

I got these devotions this morning. God's timing is so awesome. I'm sitting in a friends summer rental apt here in Tallahassee. I came for the weekend to see my friends. I've been here almost 24 hours and it has been amazing. I'm exhausted; however, refreshed. For the moment, this is my "Hebron". I have fellowshiped with a fellow believer. We have discussed some of our dreams and frustrations and both know God is in control. The worst part is I got sick last night with a migraine and am feeling it's after effects today...ugh

The years that David waited were very difficult. I can relate. Tom has toiled for 21+ years as a shift worker and now the end of that is in sight. Yes, big news for us is God answered a prayer and Tom has been offered a job as a "Work Week Manager" at Unit 3. A job that, for the most part, does not involve weekends, nights or being on shift!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU, LORD! We are just waiting for him to be released from his current position. He is so ready to start this new phase. Doors are opening, changes are starting, the light at the end of the tunnel has gotten a little bigger and a little brighter.

So now I'm going to gab a quick bite, get dressed, go to the campus bookstores to take care of a few things, go help friends with their projects and enjoy being here. I'll also keep reminding myself that God is in control.
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Waiting for God's Time
11 Samuel 2:1-11
Second Samuel 2 opens with these words: "And it came to pass after this, that David inquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the LORD said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron" (v. 1).
David found, as we will too, that we never lose anything by believing God and then patiently waiting on Him. But we will surely suffer if we take things into our own hands and rush blindly ahead.
The word "Hebron" means "alliance" or "communion" in contrast to Ziklag, which refers to self-will. Being allied with God and being in communion with Him, David was in a place to be led in the will of God.
David's reign began by reigning first over Judah. It was not necessary for David to take the throne; God saw that he received it. God moved him back to Hebron, and his own tribe anointed him king.
Seven and a half years went by, however, before the whole kingdom was put under his hand. David still had to wait, but it was God's time he was waiting for, not people's.
"There is a time there for every purpose and for every work" (Eccles. 3:17).
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Here is my devotion from Elizabeth Elliot, too. Do you get the feeling God is trying to tell me something???

Do You Want an Answer?
This is the question we need to ask ourselves when we are seeking "solutions" to our problems. Often we want only an audience. We want the chance to air grievances, to present our excuses, to make an explanation for our behavior, rather than a cure. More often than not the clearest and most direct answer can be found in the Word, but it must be sought honestly.
"The way of the Lord gives refuge to the honest man, but dismays those who do evil" (Prv. 10:29 NEB).
We can approach God's word with a will to obey whatever it says to us about our present situation, or we can avoid it and say to anyone who would try to point us to it, "Don't throw the Book at me." The latter is an evasion, which supports our suspicion that our problems are, in fact, insoluble. The honest (i.e., humble) heart will indeed find the Lord's way to be a refuge.

For today...

"Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all" (1 Chron. 29:11).

"Charity rejoiceth not in iniquity" (1 Cor 13:6 AV). Let us be willing to call iniquity what is really iniquity, rather than to call it weakness, temperament, failure, hangups, or to fall back on the tired excuse, "It's just the way I am."

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a right spirit within me." (Ps 51:10 AV)

Sometimes I need reminding...

Sometimes I make mistakes and have to accept the results. Being stubborn, independent and, yes, Scottish, I often feel that I must shoulder problems on my own. I need the reminder that when I screw up and have to deal with the consequences, or when hard times simply come my way, that God is always there and all I have to do is come to Him. When needed, I can be forgiven. When needed, He will give me the strength and resources to get through. When needed, He will open the door, window, outlet, or even blow out a wall to get me though.
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My Own Fault
Someone who is suffering as a result of his own foolishness or failure may read these words. These griefs are hard indeed to bear, for we feel we might easily have avoided them. We have no one to blame but ourselves, and there isn't much consolation there. Sometimes we imagine that we must bear this kind of trouble alone, but that is a mistake. The Lamb of God, slain for us, has borne all of our griefs and carried all of our sorrows, no matter what their origin. All grief and sorrow is the result of sin somewhere along the line, but Christ received them willingly. It is nothing but pride that keeps me from asking Him to help me to bear the troubles which are my own fault.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, take away mine.
I take Him at His word indeed,
Christ died for sinners--this I read--
And in my heart I find a need
Of Him to be my Savior.
(Dora Greenwell)
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And my "quote for the day"

There is in the worst of fortune the best of chances for a happy change.
~ Euripides

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On a separate note, but connected to my post from last night. Dr. Robert Dalzell, the father of a very dear friend of mine, lost his battle with cancer last night at 11 pm PST. He was at home with his family, like he wanted; however, that doesn't make it any easier. He and Nora were married for 49 years and he had a daughter, Jennifer who has a daughter, and a son, Drew. He was a head pathologist at 2 hospitals and an avid HAM radio user. He had a wicked sense of humor and loved watching Benny Hill.
Drew, my prayers are with you and your family. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Cancer...

is a scourge on those it afflicts as well as the families and friends involved.

I know this is something that most people realize; however, I felt the need to state that. Cancer has affected my family. Thankfully Dad and Mom were able to sidestep its grasp quickly and without lasting consequences. Sadly, Tom lost his mom to the evil scourge in 2005 (note to any woman reading this...PLEASE GET YOUR EXAMS EVERY YEAR...IT CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE...I know that is shouting; however, I am passionate about this fact). Now, my dear friend, Drew, is dealing with his father suffering from Stage 4 cancer (liver, lung and brain). His dad is one of those who never smoked who is being struck down by this painful disease. The doctors have given him limited time, days to weeks. His mom is suffering from Parkinson's and probably won't last long after him.

My prayers are with my friend and any others walking down this path at this time.

Multitude of devotions...

A dear friend of mine is going through some rough times right now. Since they shared what they were dealing with I have been "bombarded" by devotions that not only speak to my heart but also point to things they are facing. I had thought about just sending these to them; however, it seemed that others may be blessed by these as well.
I know they know I'm praying for them as they walk through this difficult time. I pray God uses these words as a comfort and continues to make Himself known to them in every circumstance.
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Freedom from Fear
There is a sense in which every form of fear is essentially the fear of death. Jesus came to deliver us from that in all its forms. "He became a human being so that by going through death as a man he might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil; and might also set free those who lived their whole lives a prey to the fear of death" (Heb 2:14,15 JBP).
I know people whose lives are totally controlled by fear. There is no bondage more powerful and crippling. Fear takes over the mind, coercing and circumscribing all its activity. We know where that spirit of fear originates, and we know the name of the enemy who would hold us enslaved. In the name of our God we must tread down our enemies, including all the nagging "what ifs" of our lives. To those frightening possibilities Christ answers, "I will never leave you or forsake you." Let the very worst thing come to pass--even there, especially there, his hand will hold us. If we go into darkness, He is there, has been there before us, has conquered all its powers. That's why He became a man. That's why He died. That's why He rose again.
My Lord and my God--forgive my fears. Deliver me from bondage by the power of your resurrection.
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God's Secret Purpose
Whatever the enemy of our souls can do to instill doubt about the real purpose of the Father of our souls, he will certainly try to do. "Hath God said?" was his question to Eve, and she trusted him, the enemy, and doubted God. Each time the suspicion arises that God is really "out to get us," that He is bent on making us miserable or thwarting any good we might seek, we are calling Him a liar. His secret purpose has been revealed to us, and it is to bring us finally, not to ruin, but to glory. That is precisely what the Bible tells us: "His secret purpose framed from the very beginning [is] to bring us to our full glory" (1 Cor 2:7 NEB).
I know of no more steadying hope on which to focus my mind when circumstances tempt me to wonder why God doesn't "do something." He is always doing something--the very best thing, the thing we ourselves would certainly choose if we knew the end from the beginning. He is at work to bring us to our full glory.
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The Way Appointed
One aspect of the mystery of God's sovereign will is how the calculated evil of men is not only permitted, but actually becomes a necessary part of the divine plan. We are tempted to think of the wrongs done to us as hindrances, frustrations, interruptions. "What has this got to do with the will of God?" we ask, irritated and, we suppose, justifiably impatient with human interference. But the truth is that both our time and our way are in God's hands--they are "appointed." Surely it is so for all his sons as it was for the Son of Man. When He was on the verge of being "handed over for crucifixion," and betrayed by one of his own disciples, He said, "My appointed time is near....One who has dipped his hand into this bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man is going the way appointed for him" (Mt 26:18, 24 NEB).
Out of the deepest depths of human evil the good God brought salvation--the very salvation of man whose sinfulness killed the Son He sent.
Nothing can reach us, from any source in earth or hell, no matter how evil, which God cannot turn to his own redemptive purpose. Let us be glad that the way is not a game of chance, a mere roll of dice which determines our fortune or calamity--it is a way appointed, and it is appointed for God's eternal glory and our final good.
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Gentle as a Nurse
A good nurse does not pamper her charge, but seeks his best interest with fortitude, consistency, and love. Paul's love for the new Christians at Thessalonica was like that. It was no sentimental feeling. He writes of having brought them the Word:
*In the power of the Holy Spirit, and with strong conviction. (1 Thes 1:5)
*Frankly and fearlessly, by the help of our God. A hard struggle it was. (1 Thes 2:2)
*We do not curry favor with men. Our words have never been flattering words...or a cloak for greed. (1 Thes 2:4,5)
*We have never sought honor from men, from you or anyone else....We were as gentle with you as a nurse caring fondly for her children. (1 Thes 2:6,7)
Here is the pattern for all who would do God's work with souls: faithful giving of the Word, a heart true and pure in seeking God's glory, gentleness, self-giving, and plain hard work.

Recently read...

Sometimes, divine revelation simply means adjusting your brain to hear what your heart already knows.

Sometime God reveals interesting lessons from the most unusual places.

A quote and a question...

Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?
~Mary Oliver

I received this "quote" in my e-mail this morning. Over the years I have become a collector of quotes and use them in my classes to encourage and challenge my students. Sometimes the quotes do the same for me, which is why I chose them!

This is one of those "challenge me" types of quotes. The basic answer is "serve God and follow the path He sets before me". However, right now it's a little hard. I feel a little stuck. Things are starting to change and prayers are answered. There are other things that are slow, though. I guess I'm struggling with the "wait". In the end 'I' am not planning my live, God is planning it. I am still confident it will be a wild and precious life.

God has a sense of humor...

As I mentioned yesterday, we have gotten an answer to prayer (and I'm still not ready to talk about it as there are still some things yet to be revealed). While the answer took time and has been difficult to wait to learn the outcome, there are other things we have been praying about for a much longer time. As I said yesterday, my job is something I have been praying about for a while. The last 1.5 years have been especially difficult. I don't understand why I am being told to wait; however, God has said wait is his answer.

Today I got this devotion. God truly works in mysterious way and does has a sense of humor.
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Few of us enjoy having to wait for something we want. It is human nature to desire instant gratification, and it is divine nature to do many things very, very slowly. Growth is always imperceptible. But the farmer exercises long patience in waiting for his crop. He has done his work and is assured of the result, hence he waits quietly. He is at rest because the outcome (barring disastrous "acts of God") is certain. If we could simply remember that this is true of everything--that God's purposes are slowly being worked out for his glory and our good--we would, like the farmer, keep faith and wait quietly.
Lord, take from us all fretting and hurrying and teach us to rest our hearts in the "ultimate certainty" (Jas 5:7 JBP).

For today...

So things are starting to change around here. We finally got an answer to a prayer (more on that to come). The word for me, though, where my job is concerned is still "wait." I'm struggling with the waiting. For 9 years I have served in this position. For much of those 9 years it hasn't been the blissful experience I would have hoped it to be. There are things I would like to do and those doors haven't opened, yet, either. However, I am committed to doing what God wants me to do. Sometimes I'm not sure what it is that God wants. I have dreams, hopes, aspirations.

Today's devotion really spoke to me. This truly seems to be where I am presently sitting. I want to say "thy will be done." I want to put myself totally at God's disposal. I want God to lead and put me where He would have me be.
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The primary condition for learning what God wants of us is putting ourselves wholly at his disposal. It is just here that we are often blocked. We hold certain reservations about how far we are willing to go, what we will or will not do, how much God can have of us or of what we treasure. Then we pray for guidance. It will not work. We must begin by laying it all down--ourselves, our treasures, our destiny. Then we are in a position to think with renewed minds and act with a transformed nature. The withholding of any part of ourselves is the same as saying, "Thy will be done up to a point, mine from there on."
Paul gives four important steps to discerning the will of God:
1. "Offer your very selves to Him,"
2. "Adapt yourselves no longer to the pattern of this present world."
3. "Let your minds be remade."
4. "Your whole nature transformed."
"Then you will be able to discern the will of God" (Rom 12:1,2 NEB).

Nothing...

For the previous 3 years 'today' would be my first full day in Tallahassee. Yesterday I was particularly struck by the knowledge that it should be the day I am moving 'north for the summer'. Going to grad school was an amazing experience. It is also something that really rooted me. I came back feeling recharged and refueled. Now I feel like I am just sitting here, stranded. I miss my friends in the 'new class' from last year. While most of them and I have stayed in touch, it isn't the same as getting to see them regularly. I miss my friends from the year before me, too. While we e-mail and call, it, too, isn't the same.

I've been doing stuff around the house; however, I feel trapped. I feel aimless, bored, without direction. While there things I could be doing to get ready for school next year, I just don't want to. Next school year taunts me. Teaching 7 classes next year, with at least 3 of those being English, plus producing at least 3 shows is going to be so difficult! I worry about the morale at the school as well.

I am hopeful about Tom getting the new job. It won't be easy for him, at first; however, there is so much potential. He will be challenged and have opportunities to grow. He will be in a place where he can make a difference, make more money, feel utilized, and (biggest of all) be off shift work. He is excited and I am excited for him.

It will be another 1.5 years before I, Lord willing, will be able to make a change in job. I keep praying that position will open for me. Maybe next summer God will open the door for us to move houses. I am also praying that next summer God will allow me to go to England. This doesn't change this summer, though. I would love to go somewhere, maybe Dallas to see Anji! I don't know, though. What I do know is I can't keep sitting around here. Citrus County is draining me dry.

Someone from high school

So I was doing some random "googling" today and found this. I went to high school with Kym, this girl in this! I remember talking about Star Wars back then. Way to go, Kym!!!!

AtomFilms.com: Funny Videos | Funny Cartoons | Comedy Central

thoughts from a movie...

Thirty-seven seconds well used is a lifetime.

Your life is an occasion, rise to it.

both from Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium

Patrick Stewart on "The Scottish Play"

This is an amazing article by the NY Times on Patrick Stewart's performance of the title character in "The Scottish Play". It's no secret that he is one of my favorite actors. All I can say is...take a look.

I'm sad he didn't win the Tony for the performance; however, just that he got nominated says so much. Plus, he was one of the first out of his seat to shake the had of the guy that did win. It just shows what a gentleman he is. I just wish I was able to see the production. I know someone who did, she said it was magnificent!

Responsible to Praise

Yes, my devotions have struck again. As I sit here pondering, there are a lot of things I could say to respond to Ms. Eliot's words. However, I don't think I shall. Instead, I am going to spend some time praying and mulling over this lesson.
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We cannot always or even often control events, but we can control how we respond to them. When things happen which dismay or appall, we ought to look to God for his meaning, remembering that He is not taken by surprise nor can his purposes be thwarted in the end. What God looks for is those who will worship Him. Our look of inquiring trust glorifies Him.
One of the witnesses to the crucifixion was a military officer to whom the scene was surely not a novelty. He had seen plenty of criminals nailed up. But the response of this Man who hung there was of such an utterly different nature than that of the others that the centurion knew at once that He was innocent. His own response then, rather than one of despair that such a terrible injustice should take place, or of anger at God who might have prevented it, was praise (Lk 23:47 NEB).
This is our first responsibility: to glorify God. In the face of life's worst reversals and tragedies, the response of a faithful Christian is praise--not for the wrong itself certainly, but for who God is and for the ultimate assurance that there is a pattern being worked out for those who love Him.

It...is...FINISHED!

As of 3:15 today I am done with the 2007-2008 school year!!! I'm turning cartwheels, trust me. There is work to do this summer to make next year run smoothly; however, the work can be done from HOME! I don't have to go to that school unless I CHOOSE to!!!!

Now, if I could just make some summer plans. I know I'm going to miss being at FSU with the other MasterS_of_FSU and going up for a weekend or 2 isn't going to be the same. **sigh** I wish I was working on a PhD. Maybe God will open that door and the door to new jobs for Tom and for me.

Tom might find out within the next 2 weeks if he got the job back at Unit 3. (Please Lord???)

To celebrate the summer, I'm going to see The Cure Wednesday night. The only bad thing is I'm having to go alone. Tom is working and there really isn't anyone else to go with. Oh well, the experience will be amazing! I can't wait! I just have to think up something AMAZING to wear.

Tired!

More than tired, I'm exhausted, weary and just...done. Four more days and this school year is done. The English class is pushing my last nerve. There is paperwork that needs to be done and every time I try to work on it, something happens, ugh. There are 300 carnations and 275 roses in my class right now that need to be made ready for graduation tomorrow night (please, Lord, let all of them sell!).

Lord, please give me the strength to get all of the work tomorrow and the rest of the year. I know I can't do it without you. And, please, let me recover from all of this quickly and without problem.

From my devotions...

It is not always easy to know whether a thing we long for is a temptation from Satan to distract us from obedience and make us discontent, or something God actually wants to give us and therefore wants us to pray for. There is no such thing as something "too good to be true." God is loving and lavishly generous and has promised to give what is good--that is, what He who is omniscient knows to be good for us.
So today I asked Him to give me the prayers He wants me to pray and to give or withhold anything according to his plan for me. Nothing is too big to ask of Him, not even an ocean lot. It is God's business to decide if it is good for me. It is my business to obey Him.
"No good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly" (Ps 84:11).
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Once again, thank you, Lord, for the impact you have used Elizabeth Eliot to have on my life. May I remember this lesson today and in the days to come.

Thoughts for today

"To change for others (or for someone else) is to compromise who you really are."
~Mona Lisa Smile

As this school year draws to a close I have been thinking/praying about the future. How much longer will God have me stay at CRHS? Mona Lisa Smile, may not be the greatest movie ever; however, there is much there that speaks to me. Julia Roberts character reminds me much of myself.

I am beginning to pray for a specific job. In 1.5 years what could be my "dream job" will be opening. Many feel this is what I have been being groomed for for 10 years. I want to do what God wants me to do.

CRHS is becoming increasingly miserable. People are leaving in such great numbers. 20+ teachers leave each year and that number hasn't slowed in 5+ years. It isn't a happy place to work. I constantly feel that I am expected to conform to a mold dictated by administrative powers. I stand against being "Simonized". I don't want to conform and don't think that I should have to. I crave a place where I am supported, respected and encouraged...and where I do not have to teach English!

So, while I do not want to change for others...I do want to change for God. I am trusting Him to open the door to a future job. (The more I pray about this the more miserable CRHS becomes.) I am leaning on his leading and provision for all things.

I can't wait to see the future unfold...

my hope...

Lead me, Lord, to the Rock that is higher than I. Let me hear your word, give me grace to obey, to build steadily, stone upon stone, day by day, to do what You say. Establish my heart where floods have no power to overwhelm, for Christ's sake. Amen.

Crossing the picket line...

I'm breaking my 'strike' to talk about something that is really hitting me hard...

It seems to go from bad to worse. I'm trusting God; however, the storm seems to be getting worse. Lord, Help me...please. I'm sinking fast and might drown.

I'm finally getting to read the local paper for today. On the front page there is an article on the cuts to the school board and some of the things we can expect for next year. They actually mentioned the possibility of us having a pay cut. They are "hoping" to give us our 'step' raise of $500; however, we will probably see nothing beyond that and we don't have a contract for next year, yet.

I looked on the Chronicle's web site for a link to the article; however, they didn't have it posted on the site (like I'm surprised by that one).

Anyone know of a job for a Drama Teacher/Director with a BA in English and a Masters in Theatre???

On Strike???

I have borrowed most of this from The Conventicle (I hope you guys don't mind!); however, it seemed like it would work for me as well. If you have any thoughts, feel free to respond.

Rather than saying my blog is on hiatus, I think it would be more awesome, sweet, stupendous, good, noble to say that I am on strike. A strike over what, you ask? Not sure. But here are some ideas I have been considering:


1) Teachers get paid the salary they deserve

2) Drama in the schools is recognized as a valid subject and not just a fluff course.

3) When all anonymous commenters in all of blogdom write their real name, drop their moral outrage over book reviews and stuff, and say sorry for hijacking posts (I'm looking at you, 'anonymous'), I shall post again.

4) Until someone can give a satisfactory explanation for the dismissal of ___(insert appropriate name)___ from ___(insert appropriate reality TV show)_____, I shall post no more forever.

5) When Peter Jackson agrees to direct The Hobbit, I shall come down off the mountain with yet another post about obscure things to be read only by people who already know them.

6) Equal cuts are made to sports (Football in particular) that are suggested for other school programs and entire school schedules are not adjusted for athletics. Please stop telling us all things are equal when it is painfully obvious that the opposite is true. Maybe this could be expanded to include state spending for education??? Cuts to education only hurt the students.

7) School administrators do not look at a certificate or resume, see a degree or certified area and automatically assume it means a person is able to teach a subject.

8) Standardized state mandated testing of students...'nuff said.

9) When Tetris: The Musical earns a Tony for "Best New Musical" I shall post again.

10) When my students happily do all of their homework every night and come to class anxious to participate in every activity.

Right, well I'm just brainstorming here.

Until my next post: Power to the ____________ and down with _____________ for a better _______________. Join me as I strike for this.

But I'm tired!!!!!

When we are puzzled by delays and detours, let us think about the great purpose of life: to glorify God. The lessons He wants to teach us "in the wilderness" are priceless means of providing us with a song we could not otherwise have sung: "In Thy constant love Thou hast led the people!" (Ex 15:13).

The above is part of my devotions from today. I am puzzled by everything going on in my life right now. I'm tired and frustrated. While, ultimately, everything will work out for God's will, the here and now is a little intense and overwhelming. It seems that there are changes on the horizon but the waiting is hard.

Tom might be getting another job. We really really hope this job is part of God's will. It would be such a great opportunity: better hours, more money, different environment, etc.

For me? That's the hard part. I just don't know what God is leading me to do. It seems that I keep being told "wait". It seems that there is change coming, I just don't know what that change shall be. When I look at the things I enjoy I don't know how they could fit together.

I like/love:
God
my husband
my family
my friends
my dog (Maggie!)
theatre
directing
research
acting
working backstage
California
teaching
learning (should I get a PhD? if I should, from where?)
FSU Theatre (I'm going to miss being there this summer)
Christian High School/Christian Unified Schools (of El Cajon)
photography
travel
flying
reading
shopping
jewelry (I would love to learn how to make jewelry)
clothing (I would love to learn how to sew/sew better)
music
movies
gadgets
not having to get up for work at 5:15 am!
riding my bike
walking
Mustangs
animals
costume crafts

So how do these things come together to create a career? What is it God wants me to do???



PS...something I just heard "Coincidence is just God in a fake mustache and sunglasses." Hmmmmmmm, I never thought of it like that.

just for me...

Yet again, God has used my morning devotions to speak to me. Even though I am discouraged and totally exhausted, I will push forward. God will sustain. This period is only temporary and He will prevail. (but, Lord, I really am so very tired...)

Training Through Chastening

Hebrews 12:1-11

If you are now going through testing, there are three things you should especially remember.

First, God's way is the wisest way. Training is always accompanied by some type of hardship.

Even athletes realize they cannot properly train without giving up some of the pleasures of life and enduring the hardship of training. God trains us through chastening.

Second, God's time is the best time. God was working out His purpose through Joseph. It was impossible for Joseph to realize it at the time, but later he could look back and see that God's time had been exactly right--everything had worked out.

But imagine the lonely years of waiting. God does not act too early nor too late. He is never in a hurry but accomplishes things in His own time.

Too many of us either lag behind or run ahead of God's time. But we need to remember that the clock of divine providence keeps strict time. Because of our circumstances it may appear to be slow at times and fast at others, but the all-wise God knows precisely when to act.

Third, God's grace is sufficient. He will give us the grace we need to be patient.

James 1:4 says, "But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." The word "perfect" means "mature" or "complete." God is seeking to teach us valuable lessons so we will be mature believers.

"Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty" (Job 5:17).

My students strike again

So, a couple of my students went to Disney Hollywood Studios on Monday. One of them tells these 2 dandy's she knows how to play the ukulele and the rest is history. I think my favorite part is they guy in the background, it looks like he's having his photo taken. I wonder what stories he'll tell people when he goes home!

For today...

God's ways are mysterious; they are beyond man's comprehension. As God sovereignly works, man is often unable to understand why he is being led down a certain path.

"Man's goings are of the Lord; how can a man then understand his own way?" (Prov. 20:24).

Little Girls

This is from our Showcase. Ashley performed this song at Districts and was awarded a Superior for Solo musical (she got a Superior in Monologues and was a part of the one act which also got a Superior). I wish she would realize how talented she is. This isn't the greatest video of the performance; however, I don't feel like loading my video of the performance right now. She will accomplish great things if she doesn't get in her own way!

Thought for today

To be Christ's slave is perfect freedom.
~ELizabeth Eliot

A man going after his dream

This is an interesting article about a guy going after what he truly wants...his triple scoop of ice cream. I wish JoCo all of the best. He is doing what so many (including me) wish they could do...leave their job and pursue their dream.

Advice for today... (as well as a goal and a reminder)

Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done.

-C.S. Lewis

More from the 'net

Here is a wonderful NPR interview with the one, the only, COOKIE MONSTER!!!!!!! It really is a great interview and reminds me so much of growing up with Sesame Street.

Also, in an answer to my posting yesterday on the design on a dime, my brother sent me this link. (sorry, embedding wasn't acting nice!) It's quite fascinating! 3 graphic artists recreate Omaha Beach on a shoe string. Thanks, John! (PS: Traveling mercies. Tom and I are looking forward to seeing you and Angela!)

Interesting tech information...

This is an interesting article on several young filmmakers who are "designing on a dime". Kudos for them!

This is sad but true...

-> Principals and administrators may life off headlines, but teachers live off whether their students learn. (This is so true. It is for this very reason that there are more and more problems in the schools today.)

-> Teaching is a craft, and many great teachers instruct in totally different ways. Too many school systems are becoming device-driven--they're buying computer devices because they're there.

Here is a link of a full article on the ills of technology in the classroom at one school.

Special note

To Kaycee...
I'm so proud of you. Know I'm always here for you and stand behind your choice 100%.
The next 19 weeks will be difficult; however, you can do it! Don't let the nay sayers discourage you. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

hugs to you...
~tate

A timely word well spoken

Yes, once again, God has used Elizabeth Eliot to cut right though some things. I think in every life there are those times when misunderstandings occur. There are those in my life with whom I was close but now, for whatever the reason, things are discordant. In some cases God has restored that relationship, in others this is not true. i shall continue to commit to pray for those people and leave them at the feet of the Almighty. If He chooses to restore the relationship, so be it.

Thank you, Lord, for continuing to teach me. Thank you, also, for never giving up.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Leave "Him" to Me

When there is deep misunderstanding which has led to the erection of barriers between two who once were close, every day brings the strengthening of those barriers if they are not, by God's grace, breached. One prays and finds no way at all to break through. Love seems to "backfire" every time. Explanations become impossible. New accusations arise, it seems, from nowhere (though it is well to recall who is named the Accuser of the brethren). The situation becomes ever more complex and insoluble, and the mind goes round and round, seeking the place where things went wrong, brooding over the words which were like daggers, regretting the failures and mistakes, wondering (most painfully) how it could have been different. Much spiritual and emotional energy is drained in this way--but the Lord wants to teach us to commit, trust, and rest.

"Leave him to me this afternoon," is what his word is. "There is nothing else that I am asking of you this afternoon but that: leave him to Me. You cannot fathom all that is taking place. You don't need to. I am at work--in you, in him. Leave him to Me. Some day it will come clear--trust Me."

"Humble yourselves under God's mighty hand, and he will lift you up in due time. Cast all your cares on Him, for you [and the other] are his charge" (l Pt 5:7).

my kids doing what they do...

Yikes...me in 'Director Mode'

for today (from my devotion)

Life is full of things we can't do anything about, but which we are supposed to do something with. "He himself endured a cross and thought nothing of its shame because of the joy." A very different story from the one which would have been written if Jesus had been prompted by the spirit of our own age: "Don't just endure the cross--think about it, talk about it, share it, express your gut-level feelings, get in touch with yourself, find out who you are, define the problem, analyze it, get counseling, get the experts' opinions, discuss solutions, work through it." Jesus endured. He thought nothing of the shame. The freedom, the freshness of that valiant selflessness is like a strong wind. How badly such a wind is needed to sweep away the pollution of our self-preoccupation!

Analysis can make you feel guilty for being human. To be human, of course, means to be sinful, and for our sinfulness we must certainly "feel" the guilt which is rightly ours--but not everything human is sinful. There is a man on the radio every afternoon from California whose consummate arrogance in making an instant analysis of every caller's difficulties is simply breathtaking. A woman called in to talk about her problems with her husband who happens to be an actor. "Oh," said the counselor, "of course the only reason anybody goes into acting is because they need approval." Bang. Husband's problem identified. Next question. I turned off the radio and asked myself, with rising guilt feelings, "Do I need approval?" Answer: yes. Does anybody not need approval? Is there anybody who is content to live his life without so much as a nod from anybody else? Wouldn't he be, of all men, the most devilishly self-centered? Wouldn't his supreme solitude be the most hellish? It's human to want to know that you please somebody.

Sometimes readers of things that I write tell me long afterward that they have thought of writing me a letter, or have written one and discarded it, thinking, "She doesn't need my approval." Well, they're mistaken--for wouldn't it be a lovely thing to know that a footprint you have left on the trail has, just by being there, heartened somebody else?

A Reminder

God wants to work the impossible through me if I will allow Him to do so.

Christ said, "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you" (John 15:7). God wants to perform the impossible by using believers as His human instruments.

God asked Abraham and Sarah, "Is any thing too hard for the Lord?" (Gen. 18:14). I, too, must respond to this question. As I face seeming impossibilities, do I think God is unable to perform what He has promised?

"For with God nothing shall be impossible" (Luke 1:37).

A thought for today

One of God's arrangements is that after winter there should come beautiful spring days. It happens every year and it happens in every life.

-Father Joseph

I know I must be in a "winter" of my life and of my walk. It is comforting to know this time will pass and there are brighter things on the horizon. God is in control. While I know this, this is still a time of coldness...hardship...difficulty. Please, Lord, HELP!

musical morning

This morning Tommy was flipping through the the channels shortly after I got up and he discovered the video for 'One Night in Bangkok" from the musical Chess. I love that show and that song! Right after that video ended Howard Jones "What Is Love" video came on. One of my favorite artists and one of my favorite songs!!! Tommy also made me cinnamon rolls for breakfast. (he's really amazing)

It was quite a way to start the day!!!

An answer?

So, shortly after I posted last night I went to bed and slept soundly but not enough. This morning I am tired and fatigued. I opened my email, though, to discover this devotional from 'Back to the Bible.' Is this an answer from God about what to do about work for the next 2 years??? I will be praying about this and seeking His will. (humanly, I don't know how I can do 2 more years of this. The English situation is pushing me to my limit!)

PLEASE, Lord...HELP!!!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Testing Follows Triumph

Genesis 16:1-6

Ten years had passed since God had first promised Abraham descendants, and now three years had gone by since God had reassured Abraham of this same thing.

Whereas in Genesis 15 Abraham is seen as a man of faith, in chapter 16 we see him as a man of unbelief. He could wait no longer for God to fulfill His promise.

A lack of patience tends to foster unbelief. In chapter 15 Abraham believed the Lord; in chapter 16 he hearkened unto the voice of his wife. In chapter 15 Abraham walked after the Spirit; in chapter 16 he walked after the energy of the flesh.

What a sad inconsistency in the life of this man of God. Only Jesus Christ could say, "I do always those things that please him" (John 8:29).

Abraham was tested by the suggestion of a well-meaning wife. Would he take matters out of the hand of God and act in the energy of the flesh?

This test was the trying of the patience of his faith. Would he wait on God to fulfill His word in His own time and way, or would Abraham's patience give out and the flesh take over? God wanted him to have a mature faith.

What would you have done in his situation?

"Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise" (Heb. 10:35,36).

holding on by the finger tips

"Life unwinds like a cheap sweater. Since I gave up hope I feel a lot better" ~Steve Taylor

These day's I wish I could just give up. This job is making me increasingly unhappy. Tommy isn't happy, either. His job isn't good and another door just closed.

Lord...could we PLEASE have new jobs??? (or winning lottery numbers) I just don't know if I can do 2 more years like this. I can't keep teaching English. It is draining every ounce of life and energy out of me.

I DON'T UNDERSTAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As 2007 comes to an end

It has taken me a good many years to realize that in the School of Faith, what I am required to do I am enabled to do. Provision has been made. I am not alone and there is nothing to fear, for "God can be trusted not to allow you to suffer any temptation beyond your powers of endurance. He will see to it that every temptation has a way out, so that it will never be impossible for you to bear it."

From a "sister"

To my sisters in the Lord...

There comes a time in every woman's life when she has to take a close look at herself. Not at her circumstance, not at what she did, not how unfair life is, or at who made you do it. She has to just look at herself.

Have you ever admired a woman who has been through changes in her life? Or have you made up in your mind that she is just messed up. Before you make this mistake, take a closer look. A woman who has endured the most unusual life is someone of wisdom, someone who has been chosen by God to go through things that have made her stronger.

Think of all the great women in the Bible: Mary Magdalene, Ruth and Naomi, the woman with an issue of blood, and Esther, to name a few. Mary was a prostitute, a very uneasy woman. But by the time Jesus was done with her, she was His closest follower. Esther was unfortunate in marrying an abusive man, but by the time God was done with her, she had married one of the wealthiest men in the land!

Women are so quick to beat the next one down instead of trying to hold her up. Before you wonder, 'What's up with her?' ask yourself, 'What's up with me?' That woman could be my mother, sister, aunt, in-law, stepmother, niece, grandmother, great-grandmother, neighbor, friend, or co-worker, etc. That woman could be ME.

Women are the carriers of life, not the channels of death. Let's build and encourage each other, as did Ruth and Naomi. Pass this to all the women in your life.

Encourage and love, forgive and forget, and trust that the woman that receives this will be touched in some way

It is finished

evil FOR~PD is done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm too tired to feel any relief, though. Now I get to look forward to CAR~PD academy and internship...great.

I'm still praying for a new job.

The meaning of giftedness...

For a long time the meaning of giftedness has been restricted to the rigid confines of achievement and accomplishment. Academic toppers are, and should be entitled to their share of glory, but in the process of lauding top scorers and scholarship winners we may be crowding out those who actually have advanced and complex patterns of development but just don’t fit the system’s definition of ‘top students’.
Characteristics of gifted individuals: If 75 per cent of the following 37 characteristics fit you, you are probably a gifted adult.
Are you a good problem solver?
Can you concentrate for long periods of time?
Are you a perfectionist?
Do you persevere with your interests?
Are you an avid reader?
Do you have a vivid imagination?
Do you enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles?
Often connect seemingly unrelated ideas?
Do you enjoy paradoxes?
Do you set high standards for yourself?
Do you have a good long-term memory?
Are you deeply compassionate?
Do you have persistent curiosity?
Do you have a good sense of humor?

Read

Are you a keen observer?
Do you love mathematics?
Do you need periods of contemplation?
Do you search for meaning in your life?
Are you aware of things that others are not?
Are you fascinated by words?
Are you highly sensitive?
Do you have strong moral convictions?
Do you often feel out-of-sync with others?
Are you perceptive or insightful?
Do you often question rules or authority?
Do you have organized collections?
Do you thrive on challenge?
Do you have extraordinary abilities and deficits?
Do you learn new things rapidly?
Feel overwhelmed by many interests/abilities?
Do you have a great deal of energy?
Often take a stand against injustice?
Do you feel driven by your creativity?
Love ideas and ardent discussion?
Did you have developmentally advanced childhood?
Have unusual ideas or perceptions?
Are you a complex person?
*Adapted from the Institute for the Study of Advanced Development.

One way to identify gifted individuals is their style of thinking. They usually employ divergent thinking. Their style is original and they tend to come up with crazy ideas, which other people find strange. But sometimes it is these crazy ideas that go on to become the most recognized ones of our time.

Gifted individuals face many challenges, with one of biggest being the inability to be correctly identified by the individuals who should be helping them realize their true potential.

As with any other student, it would be a shame if parents, teachers and peers did not recognize the strengths of gifted students and allow them to reach their true potential. But what must educators and parents do in order to make sure this does not happen?

However until more help is readily available, what are the gifted to do?

Sadly, not enough is known about giftedness. More time and energy need to be spent identifying traits among the gifted, especially since it is these students who go on to contribute much to improving the state of our world.

Acknowledge the possibilities, identify your capabilities and allow yourself to be different. You never know, you may be the next Einstein.

wrong on so many levels...

Jeff Dunham; Achmed's "Jingle Bombs"

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from Elizabeth Eliot...

I want to learn, too, that it is not an extraordinary spirituality that makes one refuse to do ordinary work, but a wish to prove that one is not ordinary--which is a dead giveaway of spiritual conceit. I want to respond in unhesitating obedience as Mary the mother of Jesus did: Anything You say, Lord.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

This was cute!

OK...this is totally do-able. I want to try it...maybe for me (only with a LONGER sweater to make a longer skirt!) This would be cute for a show, too!!!!!!!!!!!

Lucky Oedipus...

The show today was horrid. Why did they fall apart?????

I got a bit snappy and weepy with Tommy this morning. I have reached a point when I have simply given up. I'm exhausted and am tired of trying. I'm not going to bother Tommy with my job woe's any more. I am going to try to stop talking about my work woes, period. God, it's all yours. Do with the job what you will. I'm tired of it and can't do it anymore. Father, direct this situation as you will. I'm done.

On top of everything, I am having an awful allergy attack.

Embracing my "gothiness"

Take the Goth Quiz - Are You Goth? at QuizRocket.com!
Make Your Own Quiz

I love my family

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!

'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.

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)

This is so powerful...

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.

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).

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???

Another song from my past...

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!

Songs from my past...

What is it about this song????

Maybe it's cliche; however, this song really gets to me.

Showing my support

As a fan, as an performing arts teacher, as a (sort of) writer, as a reader...I support the WGA.

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

I'm trying.....

"He gives the very best to those who leave the choice with Him."
~Elizabeth Elliot

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).

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)

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.
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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).

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.

Don't Stop Believing!!!!!!!

This is just too great NOT to share. :-)

True, but OUCH!

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

For some reason I haven't been able to embed video into my blogs. There have been several things I wanted to post. Maybe I'll try to post the links; however, it just doesn't seem to be the same.

thoughts from Herman Melville via Elisabeth Elliot

Here's an antidote in the musings of a sailor in Herman Melville's great classic, MOBY DICK:

"What of it if some old hunk of a sea-captain orders me to get a broom and sweep down the decks? What does that indignity amount to, weigh, I mean, in the scales of the New Testament? Do you think the archangel Gabriel thinks anything the less of me because I promptly and respectfully obey that old hunk in that particular instance? Who ain't a slave? Tell me that. Well, then, however the old sea-captains may order me about, I have the satisfaction of knowing that it is all right; that everybody else is one way or other served in much the same way--either in a physical or metaphysical point of view, that is; and so the universal thump is passed round, and all hands should rub each other's shoulder-blades, and be content."

Most of us are not exactly under the orders of "some old hunk of a sea-captain," but we are meant to be willing and cheerful servants of anybody who happens to need us. Have I a true servant-heart? I should have. I will not be anything like my Lord Jesus if I haven't, for He came not to be served but to serve. He set for us a radiant example of how practically He meant it. He washed feet. Knowing His own origin and destiny, He did it with grace and He did it with love.

And what is our origin? Our destiny? We, too, "come from God and are going back to God." Is there any job, then, that is really "beneath us?" Any "thump" that we really mind?

"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love" (Galatians 5:13, NIV).
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Is God 'thumping' me and showing me how to be a servant??? Is this part of the lesson I am supposed to learn in my present circumstances?

From today's devotions...

Someone has said, "The present must forget the past by correction, or else the past will become a moral and spiritual liability for the future."

Consider some items that need to be forgotten: failures--they keep our faith from advancing; successes--they create pride (see Prov. 16:18); losses--they drag us down so we cannot serve the Lord the way we should; grievances--they produce false attitudes (see 1 Cor. 13:6); sorrows--God can heal all heartaches; discouragements--we need to remember Christ, not disappointments, thwarted hopes and plans.

for today

Courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to do the thing we fear.

I feel, in spite of all the promises of God, as helpless as a worm today? There's a special word, too: "Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, O worm Jacob, O little Israel, for I myself will help you" (Isaiah 41:14, NIV).
(the above is excerpted from Elisabeth Elliot)

I may be exhausted and overwhelmed with all there is to do; however, God is in control. He will give me the strength and power to make it through. And while the prayer I utter is "Please, Lord, Help me!" He hears and knows. He knows what I need and knows all the issues. I can rest in Him and let Him lead.

More thoughts for today...

Never be afraid to try something new.

Remember:
Amateurs...built the ark.
Professionals...built the Titanic

a thought...

Art is never dangerous -- unless it tells the truth.

FOR-PD

I don't like the FOR-PD class I'm being forced to take.

~AND~

my job has been very frustrating. I keep praying for what God would have me do. I can't keep going the way things are.

Lord, please help!!!!!

Some good thoughts...

Jerry Bridges on Four Essentials to Finishing Well

Paul endured to the end but Demas, as far as we know, did not (2 Timothy 4:7,10), even though he was once a fellow worker (Philemon 1:24). This is a sobering thought because so many of us are still very young. Finishing well is guaranteed to none of us, apart from the grace of God. How can we, like Paul, endure by God's grace?

1) Daily time of focused personal communion with God. It must be daily, otherwise we will find ourselves drifting in the wrong direction. Demas was in love with this present world. Our time with God must build in us affections for God that trump the temptations to love this world. It's helpful to have a plan, but the plan must direct us to God himself.

2) Daily appropriation of the gospel. The gospel is for sinners. Before we spend time in communion with God, we must come to him with the attitude of the tax collector who prayed, "Have mercy on me, a sinner," and trust God alone to make us righteous. This alone will give us the confidence to approach God and have communion with him.

If we don't daily appropriate the gospel then we will begin to base our spirituality on our performance, which will eventually lead us either towards pride or despair. But reminding ourselves daily that we are sinners and that, by God's grace, we've been clothed with the righteousness of Christ, will equip us with true and pure motivation to continue following Jesus and renouncing the desire to love this world. We ought to work hard, not in order to earn God's approval but because we already have it.

3) Daily commit yourself to God as a living sacrifice. Romans 12:1. The Old Testament sacrifice that Paul alludes to was daily performed by the priests. He carries that same significance over to new covenant saints. Our bodies are on loan from God, and we must daily re-consecrate ourselves to him. Just as Paul appealed to Philemon (Philemon 1:8-10), even though he had the right to command him, so also he appeals to us to give ourselves to God. The sheer wonder of the mercy of God should cause us to spontaneously give it, and this we will do if we daily bask in his love.

4) A firm belief in the sovereignty and love of God. Lamentations 3:37-38. Life is full of pains, through natural circumstances and the ill will of others. But God is sovereign over all such evils, and—by faith—we can give thanks for them. God is using them to conform us to the image of Christ and will never leave us or forsake us. The gospel and the promises of God will never fail, nor will he take them from us.

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John MacArthur on What can ensure an enduring ministry? Consider Paul.

Throughout the book of 2 Corinthians we see that Paul was a sufferer--overwhelmingly--both from outside and inside troubles. Yet at the end of his ministry he said that he had fought the fight, finished the course, and kept the faith.

How did Paul endure?

1) He embraced with all his heart the superiority of the new covenant. 2 Corinthians 3. Paul never lost his sense of the glory of God's grace to forgive, sanctify and save his people.

2) He embraced the reality that ministry is a mercy. 2 Corinthians 4:1. Paul acknowledged that he was the chief of sinners. His own salvation was an undeserved gift, as well as the grace given him to proclaim the gospel. Burnout in ministry is a misnomer. The real issue is that ministers have unrealistic (and unmet) expectations of deserving better treatment. It is a mercy that pastors don't stumble, that their wives and children don't desert them, and that their congregations don't abandon them.

3) He embraced the essential necessity of a pure heart. 2 Corinthians 4:2a. Paul had no secret sinful life. A hidden life of sin will be made known. Those who don't battle against sin on the inside will ultimately disappoint all whom they hope to minister to. You must study the Scriptures so that when sin is near, your conscience will not let you down.

4) He was certain of his responsibility to accurately handle the Scriptures. 2 Corinthians 4:2b. He determined to never handle Scripture in an adulterated way. He had a relentless commitment to biblical fidelity. Those who manipulate the Scriptures and, therefore, the people of God, will not endure in effective ministry.

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Is Hell the Absence of God? R.C. Sproul gives a masterful response to this common explanation:

It is common to say that hell is the absence of God. Such statements are motivated in large part by the dread of even contemplating what hell is like. We try often to soften that blow and find a euphimism to skirt around it.

We need to realize that those who are in hell desire nothing more than the absence of God. They didn't want to be in God's presence during their earthly lives, and they certainly don't want Him near when they're in hell. The worst thing about hell is the presence of God there.

When we use the imagery of the Old Testament in an attempt to understand the forsakenness of the lost, we are not speaking of the idea of the departure of God or the absence of God in the sense that He ceases to be omnipresent. Rather, it's a way of describing the withdrawal of God in terms of His redemptive blessing. It is the absence of the light of His countenance. It is the presence of the frown of His countenance. It is the absence of the blessedness of His unveiled glory that is a delight to the souls of those who love Him, but it is the presence of the darkness of judgment. Hell reflects the presence of God in His mode of judgment, in His exercise of wrath, and that's what everyone would like to escape.

I think that's why we get confused. There is withdrawal in terms of the blessing of the radical nearness of God. His benefits can be removed far from us, and that's what this language is calling attention to.

R. C. Sproul, The Truth of the Cross (Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust, 2007), pp. 157-158.

Sufficient unto the day...

All our fears represent in some form, I believe, the fear of death, common to all of us. But is it our business to pry into what may happen tomorrow? It is a difficult and painful exercise which saps the strength and uses up the time given us today. Once we give ourselves up to God, shall we attempt to get hold of what can never belong to us--tomorrow? Our lives are His, our times in His hand, He is Lord over what wil1 happen, never mind what may happen. When we prayed "Thy will be done," did we suppose He did not hear us? He heard indeed, and daily makes our business His and partakes of our lives. If my life is once surrendered, all is well. Let me not grab it back, as though it were in peril in His hand but would be safer in mine!

Today is mine. Tomorrow is none of my business. If I peer anxiously into the fog of the future, I will strain my spiritual eyes so that I will not see clearly what is required of me now.

"Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof"--and the work thereof. The evil is not a part of the yoke Jesus asks us to take. Our work is, and He takes that yoke with us. I will overextend myself if I assume anything more.

God chains the dog till night; wilt loose the chain
And wake thy sorrow?
Wilt thou forestall it, and now grieve tomorrow,
And then again
Grieve over freshly all thy pain?
Either grief will not come, or if it must,
Do not forecast;
And while it cometh, it is almost past.
Away, distrust;
My God hath promis'd; He is just.
--George Herbert, "The Discharge"

This was too funny!!!!

Doh!!!!!!!

Police in Oakland, California spent two hours attempting to subdue a gunman who had barricaded himself inside his home. After firing ten tear gas canisters, officers discovered that the man was standing beside them, shouting to please come out and give himself up.

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AT&T fired President John Walter after nine months, saying he lacked "intellectual leadership". He received a $26 million severance package. Perhaps it's not Walter who's lacking intelligence.

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An Illinois man pretending to have a gun kidnapped a motorist and forced him to drive to two different automated teller machines. The kidnapper then proceeded to withdraw money from his own bank accounts...

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Fire investigators on Maui have determined the cause of a blaze that destroyed a $127,000 home last month - a short in the homeowner's newly installed fire prevention alarm system. "This is even worse than last year," said the distraught homeowner, "when someone broke in and stole my new security system..."

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A man walked in to a Topeka, Kansas Kwik Shop, and asked for all the money in the cash drawer. Apparently, the take was too small, so he tied up the store clerk and worked the counter himself for three hours until police showed up and grabbed him.

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In Medford, Oregon, a 27-year-old jobless man with an MBA blamed his college degree for his murder of three people. "There are too many business grads out there," he said. "If I had chosen another field, all this may not have happened."

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Police in Los Angeles had good luck with a robbery suspect who just couldn't control himself during a lineup. When detectives asked each man in the lineup to repeat the words, "Give me all your money or I'll shoot," the man shouted, "That's not what I said!"

God continues to teach...

Notes from John Piper

Why Do We Resist God's Sovereignty??
There are two ways that the soul can resist the truth of God's sovereign governance over all evil that is implied in Genesis 50:20 “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.”

1. The soul can resist with an unbelieving and rebellious spirit that willfully resists God's right and power and wisdom in “meaning evil for good.”

2. The soul can resist with a humble mixture of love for God's holiness, justice, and love, on the one hand, and mental perplexity as to how these could be consistent with God's “meaning evil for good,” on the other hand.

#2 brings God's patient, merciful displeasure, leading eventually to greater light.

#1 brings God's punitive displeasure, leading eventually to death, if there is no repentance.



In other news of note, my dad--the chief of the clan--has entered the blogosphere with an interesting site devoted to all things Tweeddale. Check it out at tweeddaletributaries.blogspot.com