Just one more day until the event I've been planning is done. I pray that the event goes smoothly with lots of people attending. Regardless of what happens, my goal is to stay upbeat and encouraging to all who helped. It's so much work and while I can't control attendance, I can control my attitude during it and afterward.
Plus after it's done, my life gets easier so I can focus on my thesis much more.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Attention to Detail
I spent a large part of today focusing on the exact wording on some parts of the college webpage. Were the semi colons used consistently throughout? Did each page have the same layout? I worked on this off and on for about 6 hours.
Then as I pulled into my parking lot, all ready to go home for a while I realized I left my coat in the car. My mind was so lost that I forgot to bend down enough and smacked my head on the car. Ouch! So much for paying attention to important details like how far to duck.
Then as I pulled into my parking lot, all ready to go home for a while I realized I left my coat in the car. My mind was so lost that I forgot to bend down enough and smacked my head on the car. Ouch! So much for paying attention to important details like how far to duck.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Refreshment
When the day is hard what do we do? Do we stuff our face with food to calm our fears? Do we run to our friend and cry on their shoulder? Do we avoid all suffering by lying to ourselves and others about the truth? Or do we turn to God, bring our cares before Him and let Him calm us down?
God's always there, no matter what the circumstances are or our location. He's ready to support us when we need it. Turn to Him, rely on His presence, and a peace will come. God did not say all of our troubles would go away or that we would never have any. Instead He said we would, but that there would always be a way out and that He would be with us. That's comfort enough in the troubled times. Joy comes with the morning.
God's always there, no matter what the circumstances are or our location. He's ready to support us when we need it. Turn to Him, rely on His presence, and a peace will come. God did not say all of our troubles would go away or that we would never have any. Instead He said we would, but that there would always be a way out and that He would be with us. That's comfort enough in the troubled times. Joy comes with the morning.
Cleaning
Today I spent a while, with a friend, cleaning my apartment. I did my dishes while she helped with other things. It's amazing what a clean apartment feels like... even though I still have some messes around. Regardless, at the end of it I even felt motivated enough to take my magic eraser around to the door and cabinets.
It's weird how we are willing to clean when we should be doing other things, like sleeping. But, in the end, having a clean place to live is good as it shows we take pride in the place God has given us to live. It also helps keep us healthy. Spring cleaning is important, and a few other times a year too.
It's weird how we are willing to clean when we should be doing other things, like sleeping. But, in the end, having a clean place to live is good as it shows we take pride in the place God has given us to live. It also helps keep us healthy. Spring cleaning is important, and a few other times a year too.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Coucous
If you have never tried coucous you are missing out. It is a wonderful starch that you can mix into things, cook by itself in just five minutes, flavor to whatever liquid you put it in, and enjoy. Plus it's cheap and as I said... it cooks in just five minutes. Buy some and eat it. You can even buy a box of it if you don't know how to cook it.
Face Down
God's been sending me some tough messages lately. Things I don't fully want to hear, but need to. Today I spent some time face down on my couch just talking to my Heavenly Father. It reminded me to be fully humble before Him and that His Will is greater than ours.
When was the last time you humbled yourself before God and were face down in His presence? Do it and see what He reveals to you as you listen to Him.
P.S. If you need a song to help you get in the right mindset, listen to Audio Adrenaline's "Underdog". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TNxLBDrhkA
When was the last time you humbled yourself before God and were face down in His presence? Do it and see what He reveals to you as you listen to Him.
P.S. If you need a song to help you get in the right mindset, listen to Audio Adrenaline's "Underdog". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TNxLBDrhkA
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Home
As I returned home tonight, I was reminded of the joys of having your own place to live. You have a place to store your things, to lay your head at night, and to cook your food. More importantly, you have a place to invite people over and to grow on your own. I love having people over and wish I had hosted more. The joy of being able to share an apartment (or house) with someone is powerful.
I spent most of the day today at someone else's house, enjoying the carpet, the pets, the sewing machine, and the comfy furniture. Most of all, I enjoyed the company of a bunch of people chatting about things concerning God.
While my apartment is no where near perfect, it is my home... and will be for about 3 or more years of my life. I get the downsides of paying bills and cleaning, but the benefits of having a warm place to call mine. I'm thankful for this apartment and look forward to living here for the unknown future.
I spent most of the day today at someone else's house, enjoying the carpet, the pets, the sewing machine, and the comfy furniture. Most of all, I enjoyed the company of a bunch of people chatting about things concerning God.
While my apartment is no where near perfect, it is my home... and will be for about 3 or more years of my life. I get the downsides of paying bills and cleaning, but the benefits of having a warm place to call mine. I'm thankful for this apartment and look forward to living here for the unknown future.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Weddings
Tonight I get to watch my first Australian wedding as one of my friends gets married. I'm very excited to see him get married and also to see what weddings are like there. The only time I've watched weddings is on tv shows and those aren't very realistic for what my friends would do.
This morning, in the hour between waking up at 8am and not allowing myself to get up that early on my day off, I drifted into the land of weird dreams. I slowly walked myself through the wedding, although this is a very different kind of wedding.
To start, everyone had the choice of walking the preferred route: a 2 mile walk/run or you could take the stairs up for a shortcut. There were dancers through the entire thing in big square circusstyle costumes of bright colors. The bride and groom walked in together, one right behind each other, supporting each other. And the ceremony itself took place mostly behind a curtain with the married couple coming out at the end to their guests still enjoying the reception like wedding. It was a very odd dream and I doubt the wedding tonight will be like that... nor should any in my mind.
I'm just super excited to see what the wedding is really like instead of what my semi-asleep dreams make it.
This morning, in the hour between waking up at 8am and not allowing myself to get up that early on my day off, I drifted into the land of weird dreams. I slowly walked myself through the wedding, although this is a very different kind of wedding.
To start, everyone had the choice of walking the preferred route: a 2 mile walk/run or you could take the stairs up for a shortcut. There were dancers through the entire thing in big square circusstyle costumes of bright colors. The bride and groom walked in together, one right behind each other, supporting each other. And the ceremony itself took place mostly behind a curtain with the married couple coming out at the end to their guests still enjoying the reception like wedding. It was a very odd dream and I doubt the wedding tonight will be like that... nor should any in my mind.
I'm just super excited to see what the wedding is really like instead of what my semi-asleep dreams make it.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Peace
Do you ever get the feeling that you have something to do? I hate knowing that I have things I need to do, whether it's homework, work for my job, cleaning my apartment, or seeing someone that it has been too long since I last talked to them. That being said, this week has been super stressful. I've had a 5 page part of my thesis due since Tuesday: that's still a paragraph long. My apartment is a mess, even to the point that it's annoying me with the clean and dirty dishes and clothes that haven't been dealt with since I got back from the weekend. My job's craziest week is next week which I have been preparing for since November. And my social life... my need for sleep has made it so that many of my friends I haven't seen since Spring Break (which was last week if I remember correctly).
That being said, I know now that all things will work together for good. I have tomorrow off and I'm not accepting any subbing jobs. I'll work on cleaning my apartment after sleeping in a little bit. I'll wait for another update on my paper, which my adviser thankfully gave me an extension on until I know for sure what my topic is. That saves me from writing a 5 page paper on a topic that's not going to be my final one, then rewriting the entire thing. And my job... I know that next week will be crazy with advising and the symposium, but everything that can be planned for has been and it will work out. As for friends, tomorrow is Friday which means I get to watch a friend in Australia get married then join InterVarsity for the night.
Surprisingly I have a peace about everything that's going on. Nothing is staying the same and I'm behind on some things, but everything is going to work out eventually. Maybe I won't see it right now, but God's in control of everything. The big things like work, school, life, and the small things like homework, what I should eat for dinner at 9pm, and everything else. Is He is charge of everything in your life?
That being said, I know now that all things will work together for good. I have tomorrow off and I'm not accepting any subbing jobs. I'll work on cleaning my apartment after sleeping in a little bit. I'll wait for another update on my paper, which my adviser thankfully gave me an extension on until I know for sure what my topic is. That saves me from writing a 5 page paper on a topic that's not going to be my final one, then rewriting the entire thing. And my job... I know that next week will be crazy with advising and the symposium, but everything that can be planned for has been and it will work out. As for friends, tomorrow is Friday which means I get to watch a friend in Australia get married then join InterVarsity for the night.
Surprisingly I have a peace about everything that's going on. Nothing is staying the same and I'm behind on some things, but everything is going to work out eventually. Maybe I won't see it right now, but God's in control of everything. The big things like work, school, life, and the small things like homework, what I should eat for dinner at 9pm, and everything else. Is He is charge of everything in your life?
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Not moving... right now
Hey,
For those of you who keep track of where I live at all times, I'm not moving out of my apartment for the third year in a row. So any mail is still going to make it to me :) even though I will be working in PA for the summer again. But, I will be still at college for all for all of next year although prayers are really desired for how/what I'm supposed to be doing between now and graduation. Thanks!
For those of you who keep track of where I live at all times, I'm not moving out of my apartment for the third year in a row. So any mail is still going to make it to me :) even though I will be working in PA for the summer again. But, I will be still at college for all for all of next year although prayers are really desired for how/what I'm supposed to be doing between now and graduation. Thanks!
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Beautiful Weather
The weather outside actually looks and feels like spring on this first day of Spring! I had the pleasure of sitting outside on my front balcony for a while while doing my homework. I strongly encourage you to get outside and enjoy the weather since it's so rare for it to be this nice so early. Go outside!
Monday, March 19, 2012
Student Teaching
One of the best semesters of your life... in hindsight. It is so much work and very stressful as you go through being a real teacher in two different placements. But afterward it's almost as if you know you can conquer the world cause you made it through. That's an overstatement of course, but you can learn so much through student teaching. And the joys of seeing the kids even a year and a half later remind you that the hours you put in are worth it. For all those of my friends in their student teaching placement or their final prac, good luck and enjoy this time. You get to learn, make mistakes, and try new things. Don't be afraid to ask if you can do something never before done... it could work out wonderfully. After this time you can get your own classroom! It's worth it in the end, I promise.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Challenge
My personal challenge for the rest of the semester and my time in Fredonia before I leave for the summer is to see if I can go without buying groceries. The only exceptions are fresh fruit, vegetables, and milk. I think this 3 month challenge will force me to survive on the things I have and also to determine what my needs are versus what my wants are. The remainder of the food money will be donated to a charity for those who don't have enough food, hopefully a local one. Let's see how this works and hope that it clears out the food I have in my apartment before I head out for the summer.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Finances
The tv at home was tuned to the financial channel today as I watched, with my parents, As Debt Due Us Part, Princess, and The Suze Osburn show. Needless to say, while this was not the most thrilling three hours, it allowed me some time to reflect on my own finances. The importance of saving (recommended 8 months of emergency funds) kept coming up in addition to not spending on wants, just on needs unless you can actually afford it. The Bible teaches us many of these important principles as well.
However, something that was never touched on in those shows was the importance of tithing. Giving the 10% or more to God first refocuses us onto Him and allows us to trust that He is in charge of our finances. Plus with that money we can fund the vital work that His body is doing around the world whether at college campuses in the US, Australia, or Japan, at camps over the summer, or in churches all around the world. God is moving and working in our lives. Be responsible with His money and return some of it back to Him.
However, something that was never touched on in those shows was the importance of tithing. Giving the 10% or more to God first refocuses us onto Him and allows us to trust that He is in charge of our finances. Plus with that money we can fund the vital work that His body is doing around the world whether at college campuses in the US, Australia, or Japan, at camps over the summer, or in churches all around the world. God is moving and working in our lives. Be responsible with His money and return some of it back to Him.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Home?
I'm in that awkward transition stage where I have my own temporary apartment, but still visit my parents at home. Yet recently as I have been referring to my parents place, I'm realizing that it's no longer my home for now. It's where I grew up and where I spend holidays, but other than a few weekends here and there I live in my own apartment. Plus as time moves on, since I've kept the same apartment for almost 2 years, soon start a third year, who can say that I don't live there. Home is where the heart is and where you are called to be. It's not the prettiest place you can live in or the biggest, or even the one where more of your stuff is. It's the one where you feel like you are supposed to be: where you are involved in the community and church, go to school, and work.
Over the past five years as I've lived in many different places, I've always called them home in one sense. Often just as an I'm going home (to my dorm room/apartment), not as the place where I truly live. Since my apartment is now my home, and my parents a spot where I can visit for short periods of time, I realize what God is talking about when He tells us He is going to prepare a house for us. We have temporary places here that we live, but whatever time we spend on earth is just fleeting in view of eternity. I know that Jesus is preparing a wonderful place for me to live for all eternity in heaven that will be far better than anything I could ever buy here. That is where my heart should really be, seeking after God until I can join Him in heaven in my eternal home. Where we live now is fleeting, but where we spend eternity is steadfast. I'm going to heaven when I die... Are you?
Over the past five years as I've lived in many different places, I've always called them home in one sense. Often just as an I'm going home (to my dorm room/apartment), not as the place where I truly live. Since my apartment is now my home, and my parents a spot where I can visit for short periods of time, I realize what God is talking about when He tells us He is going to prepare a house for us. We have temporary places here that we live, but whatever time we spend on earth is just fleeting in view of eternity. I know that Jesus is preparing a wonderful place for me to live for all eternity in heaven that will be far better than anything I could ever buy here. That is where my heart should really be, seeking after God until I can join Him in heaven in my eternal home. Where we live now is fleeting, but where we spend eternity is steadfast. I'm going to heaven when I die... Are you?
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Storms
About 11am today, there was an amazing thunderstorm with lots of lightening and rain. The students in my class decided that due to the extreme weather they should be released from school 4 hours early. Obviously thunderstorms are too dangerous to be in school during.
What they chose to not think about was the fact that the majority of the students walk to and from school... plus the fact that normally lightening means get inside wherever is closest. They saw the end result (getting home earlier) without thinking about the actual costs.
How often do we do the same in our regular lives? We have hard times and our first response might be "I want to get out of this." We decide to take the route we know, even if it's not the safest or the best for us. Sometimes God calls us to weather the storms of life for a given time. Eventually He'll bring us out of them, but in His timing.
All of the kids got home today, at 3pm as usual, in beautiful weather. Waiting for the storm to pass can be a good choice even if it looks better to take the shortcut.
What they chose to not think about was the fact that the majority of the students walk to and from school... plus the fact that normally lightening means get inside wherever is closest. They saw the end result (getting home earlier) without thinking about the actual costs.
How often do we do the same in our regular lives? We have hard times and our first response might be "I want to get out of this." We decide to take the route we know, even if it's not the safest or the best for us. Sometimes God calls us to weather the storms of life for a given time. Eventually He'll bring us out of them, but in His timing.
All of the kids got home today, at 3pm as usual, in beautiful weather. Waiting for the storm to pass can be a good choice even if it looks better to take the shortcut.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Church Visitors
When we are see new visitors, young or old, at church do we welcome them or do we automatically judge them? It's so important to talk to them, make sure they feel welcome instead of ignoring them or worse talking about them. No matter what they look like, they are either members of God's family and therefore our siblings or they are someone who is looking to know God and this visit might be their only chance. Regardless, God calls us to love our neighbor as ourselves, not judging them. He loved even the worse sinners and we are called to do the same.
This week, try to reach out to the visitors at church and even better is bring more visitors!
This week, try to reach out to the visitors at church and even better is bring more visitors!
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Closeness
Recently, I experienced what it felt like to be needed by someone. To have them know that you are physically close to them so that they can hold your hand as you walk down the hall or watch a movie together. To have them touch your face and then get closer as they get scared. To be able to 'save' them from a 'horrible' situation that they can't figure their own way out.
This is what our Heavenly Father wants us to do to Him. To draw close to Him so that He knows we need Him and so He can guide us. He'll help us through the obstacles of life and be by our side at all times. We just have to reach up and accept His extended hand.
Do we seek God and truly desire to have Him near us at all times? Do we run to Him when we are scared or do we run to our friends?
Note: Please do not interpret these situations in the wrong manner... young children have an innocent love and trust of all adults and like to know that you are near them. God calls us to love like little children.
This is what our Heavenly Father wants us to do to Him. To draw close to Him so that He knows we need Him and so He can guide us. He'll help us through the obstacles of life and be by our side at all times. We just have to reach up and accept His extended hand.
Do we seek God and truly desire to have Him near us at all times? Do we run to Him when we are scared or do we run to our friends?
Note: Please do not interpret these situations in the wrong manner... young children have an innocent love and trust of all adults and like to know that you are near them. God calls us to love like little children.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Campfires
A renewing time to reflect on life and to catch up with friends. Also a great camp tradition and way to connect with everyone else at camp. When partnered with s'mores and songs it's even better. My computer desktop reminds me every day of the importance of connecting with friends over a campfire (even though it was the most pitiful campfire ever). FYI: Australia has no graham crackers (bbq chicken flavored rice crackers substituted), lacks the correct kind of marshmallow (too sugary) and Hershey chocolate, and we did not have a fire pit, just a soda can with gas on fire in it. Not the traditional campfire, but still my favorite picture from Australia, partially because of all of the extra elements. All it's missing is one of my closest friends and it would be great.
So anyway, back to campfires: they are a place of renewal. Yet they are also extremely dangerous. My mind flashes back to the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The story is posted below, but reminds us to honor God even when we will get hurt doing it. (And yes, I realize that lesson has nothing to do with campfires at summer camp... but that's what's going around in my head.)
Daniel 14-30
and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up? 15 Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?”
16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us[c] from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual 20 and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. 21 So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. 22 The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, 23 and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace.
24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?”
They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.”
25 He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”
26 Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!”
So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, 27 and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.
28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. 29 Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.”
30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the province of Babylon.
So anyway, back to campfires: they are a place of renewal. Yet they are also extremely dangerous. My mind flashes back to the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The story is posted below, but reminds us to honor God even when we will get hurt doing it. (And yes, I realize that lesson has nothing to do with campfires at summer camp... but that's what's going around in my head.)
Daniel 14-30
and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up? 15 Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?”
16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us[c] from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual 20 and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. 21 So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. 22 The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, 23 and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace.
24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?”
They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.”
25 He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”
26 Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!”
So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, 27 and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.
28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. 29 Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.”
30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the province of Babylon.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Freedoms and how we use it
We have so many freedoms in this country, but are we thankful for them? We have, with few limitations, the freedom to say what we want, to go where we want to, practice whatever religion freely, and more. If we can speak the name of Christ with limited fear of persecution why don't we? We aren't imprisoned for our faith, yet we still have a quiet mouth in regards to our faith. After learning about jail at church, Paul's time there and also what life is like there now for prisoners, I realized that we need to speak about the love of Christ and how he can change us. As the radio stated: we talk about things that are important to us, yet somehow we censor God ourselves. Yes there are rules we should follow... but the most important rules are God's. Be His ambassador in your workplace or school and be thankful for all of the freedoms we have. Also, remember our brothers and sisters in Christ who do not have the same freedoms and could be seriously harmed or killed for speaking about Christ. Pray for them as you pray for the courage to stand up yourself.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Babies!
Babies have come up alot in conversation and around me. From 1st graders discussing how babies were made on Friday, to seeing a baby at a neighboring table (and the college students reactions to it) at dinner Fri night, to playing with a 1-2 year old at church this morning, and finally to returning home to see that a 9 year old has given birth to a baby. Four times in two days is so many.
I can't lie and say that having kids never crosses my mind. I am excited to have children of my own, but I know that my time to be a mom is not now. For now, borrowing children is the best way I can think of to still have interactions with them. You don't have all of the responsibility for them (like paying for food/clothes/housing/toys or dealing with crying/diaper changing), but you get to enjoy them for the good parts.
Even with older kids as I substitute, help with kids at church, and today went to a middle school outreach basketball game, seeing the kids in multiple contexts helps build the relationship. You can see how they behave in different areas and also show that you care about them (still without feeding/driving/etc them).
So my personal philosophy is to work with kids in other settings such as school, church, babysitting, or camp, until the time when I am ready to be fully responsible for having a child of my own (and my husband's). Babies don't disappear, they grow up and you are always responsible for them. And for all of the children and teens who sadly are having babies... I hope that we as society will do something to help reduce your number. You should be responsible for yourself before having another life to take care of.
I can't lie and say that having kids never crosses my mind. I am excited to have children of my own, but I know that my time to be a mom is not now. For now, borrowing children is the best way I can think of to still have interactions with them. You don't have all of the responsibility for them (like paying for food/clothes/housing/toys or dealing with crying/diaper changing), but you get to enjoy them for the good parts.
Even with older kids as I substitute, help with kids at church, and today went to a middle school outreach basketball game, seeing the kids in multiple contexts helps build the relationship. You can see how they behave in different areas and also show that you care about them (still without feeding/driving/etc them).
So my personal philosophy is to work with kids in other settings such as school, church, babysitting, or camp, until the time when I am ready to be fully responsible for having a child of my own (and my husband's). Babies don't disappear, they grow up and you are always responsible for them. And for all of the children and teens who sadly are having babies... I hope that we as society will do something to help reduce your number. You should be responsible for yourself before having another life to take care of.
Sleep
So you think that after yesterday I would have learned my lesson about extremely long days... nope. I believe that even though it's 3am, it still counts as yesterday's post as I have not been home since before 8am. Probably working for 14 hours followed by 9 hours of socializing/dinner was not the best idea especially since I had a headache for the last 9 hours of it. O well... break starts today. Whatever that means. I think it means I get to have many fewer on campus hours and don't have to go to my 5 hours of class. But I still have on campus work to do and hopefully subbing. And it also means that not as many friends are around so I might (possibly) get some of my work done for the rest of the semester. Maybe sleep will fit in there too? Who knows??
Enjoy Spring Break!
Enjoy Spring Break!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Today
Today I learned about exhaustion.
Physical exhaustion from having a late broomball game after playing basketball with elementary kids. Then getting about 5 hours of sleep before going to work at 8am and leaving at 9:30 pm. I worked the entire time, with the exception of a 45 minute field placement and a 2.5 hour class that I ate dinner during. Anyway, sadly I did not get nearly enough work done so I'll go in to my office tomorrow after subbing and I'll probably have to work some during break.
Isn't break about actually getting a break? So far mine will be filled with lots of homework, the leftovers of my actual work, and probably 35ish hours of subbing/tutoring. I might need to rethink break and actually relax some. O well, there's always next year (I think). Really break just means I don't have the five hours of class a week and I get to spend my days substituting instead of being in the office and subbing.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to April.
Goodnight!
Physical exhaustion from having a late broomball game after playing basketball with elementary kids. Then getting about 5 hours of sleep before going to work at 8am and leaving at 9:30 pm. I worked the entire time, with the exception of a 45 minute field placement and a 2.5 hour class that I ate dinner during. Anyway, sadly I did not get nearly enough work done so I'll go in to my office tomorrow after subbing and I'll probably have to work some during break.
Isn't break about actually getting a break? So far mine will be filled with lots of homework, the leftovers of my actual work, and probably 35ish hours of subbing/tutoring. I might need to rethink break and actually relax some. O well, there's always next year (I think). Really break just means I don't have the five hours of class a week and I get to spend my days substituting instead of being in the office and subbing.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to April.
Goodnight!
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Acknowledgement
Yesterday as I left a high school after subbing for a day, one of the students I had called across about 25 feet to day goodbye to me, by name. This really surprised me, because while I knew his name (by chance cause remembering names is not my strength), I had him for just one period. However, this lifted my mood for the rest of the day and even causes me to smile a bit writing it today.
If simply saying "Bye Miss ..." can mean so much, why don't we acknowledge others as often as we could? One of the reasons I chose to go to a medium sized school was so I could see people I know when I walk from one part of campus to the other. It's not as small as high school where I knew everyone, but seeing someone you know and actually acknowledging each other is a mood lifter. That two second exchange, which doesn't always require words, reminds people that we are thinking of them and that they are important. It shows that we know them and care about them.
As I walked into the library last night for class, someone commented "I don't see you much around campus anymore." Sadly, that's true. Even though I spend 26 hours on campus between work and class, plus friends/clubs outside of it, 23 of the hours at least are spent in one building...mostly in my office. I kinda hide in my office, but whenever I see someone walk by my office that I know it's exciting to be able to acknowledge people.
When it is so quick and easy to smile at someone, to say hello, or to even just nod, why do we sometimes quickly pass them by without even acknowledging them? For your good and mine, let's take that 2 seconds to transmit the fact that we know someone and care about them.
If simply saying "Bye Miss ..." can mean so much, why don't we acknowledge others as often as we could? One of the reasons I chose to go to a medium sized school was so I could see people I know when I walk from one part of campus to the other. It's not as small as high school where I knew everyone, but seeing someone you know and actually acknowledging each other is a mood lifter. That two second exchange, which doesn't always require words, reminds people that we are thinking of them and that they are important. It shows that we know them and care about them.
As I walked into the library last night for class, someone commented "I don't see you much around campus anymore." Sadly, that's true. Even though I spend 26 hours on campus between work and class, plus friends/clubs outside of it, 23 of the hours at least are spent in one building...mostly in my office. I kinda hide in my office, but whenever I see someone walk by my office that I know it's exciting to be able to acknowledge people.
When it is so quick and easy to smile at someone, to say hello, or to even just nod, why do we sometimes quickly pass them by without even acknowledging them? For your good and mine, let's take that 2 seconds to transmit the fact that we know someone and care about them.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Five Love Languages
The Five love languages are ways that people speak and understand emotional love. There are also different dialects and we should learn the language of our spouse.
1. Words of Affirmation-verbal compliments, encouraging words, kind works, and humble words.
2. Quality Time: Togetherness, quality conversation, quality activities (i.e. movie watching)
3. Receiving Gifts: visible symbols of love: It's the thought that counts
4. Acts of Service: Doing requests, helping with housework, etc.
5. Physical Touch: Holding hands, kissing, embracing etc. implicit or explicit
If you think about it, in general one love language kinda sticks out more as the way you want to be loved. The trick is to then know your spouse's love language and share it.
Before you go thinking that this is something super cool that I thought of... it's totally not. It's from the book "The Five Love Languages"... or in my case "The Heart of the Five Love Languages" (the short version) by Gary Chapman.
I just read the book (which is really short) and I can pass it off to anyone else who wants to borrow it. Or you can check out the website at http://www.5lovelanguages.com/learn-the-languages/the-five-love-languages/ You can even take an assessment to determine what your love language is. I recommend checking it out.
1. Words of Affirmation-verbal compliments, encouraging words, kind works, and humble words.
2. Quality Time: Togetherness, quality conversation, quality activities (i.e. movie watching)
3. Receiving Gifts: visible symbols of love: It's the thought that counts
4. Acts of Service: Doing requests, helping with housework, etc.
5. Physical Touch: Holding hands, kissing, embracing etc. implicit or explicit
If you think about it, in general one love language kinda sticks out more as the way you want to be loved. The trick is to then know your spouse's love language and share it.
Before you go thinking that this is something super cool that I thought of... it's totally not. It's from the book "The Five Love Languages"... or in my case "The Heart of the Five Love Languages" (the short version) by Gary Chapman.
I just read the book (which is really short) and I can pass it off to anyone else who wants to borrow it. Or you can check out the website at http://www.5lovelanguages.com/learn-the-languages/the-five-love-languages/ You can even take an assessment to determine what your love language is. I recommend checking it out.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Thankful for the little things
Today I realized how thankful I am for the little things in life. Like a clean load of laundry, mostly clean dishes but plenty to eat off of, food in the fridge and the cabinet, and a bed or couch to sleep on. That's just the tangible things. Other things like friends who encourage me and entertain me, family to provide support when asked, and a hope that tomorrow will be a great day! God provides all we need, even when we don't really understand what we need. He knows and gives us more than we can ever ask for or desire. Thank Him!
I heard earlier this year a challenge...I challenge you to ponder it: What if we only had the things today that we had thanked God for yesterday?
I heard earlier this year a challenge...I challenge you to ponder it: What if we only had the things today that we had thanked God for yesterday?
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Break
Today is a great day to take a break from reading my blogs and to instead spend some time listening to what God is trying to teach you. So get off the computer and go do it.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Waiting : Part 2
Last night I played Life: Twists and Turns with friends. It's the same basic game, except each person gets a credit card instead of real money and you collect life points. You make the choice to start at Love (marriage/kids/friends), Live (experiences/travel), Learn (college), or (something that involves working). Each has it's benefits and you can move quickly or slowly through each section of life to see who gets the most life points in the end. We learned at the very end that getting married early (and having 7 kids) is the best way to get life points, although you are very poor.
We each made choices about how to go through life, when to buy a car, get married, or buy a house.
It helps us remember that we can't do everything at the same time and some things we have to wait for.
In my actual life (not last night's game), I chose to go to college, graduate, keep going to school while working. Now this looks just like I am focusing on my education which is a great understatement. Each summer, I work at a camp somewhere to get more life experiences. I also work during the school year, as an RA, substitute teacher, or now a Graduate Assistant to prepare for my future career and have fun. Plus, I had the amazing ability to spend a semester in Australia studying... hidden under the 4.0 was hours of building friendships and learning more about God and myself. So while I've waited on the "love" track, I have built so many friendships and done what God has called me to do (for the most part).
As I mentioned yesterday, we tend to want everything to fall perfectly in place in our own scheduling. I wrote my plan from my junior year of high school. For any guys reading, I would alert you that most girls regularly update their 5 and 10 year plan... but they have one. Mine for most of college was: graduate while being in a long term relationship, go to grad school, and get married after grad school with Teach for America still in the view. I think late in my junior year of college I realized this wasn't going to happen. So I made another change... I no longer have a structured timeline for when I want things to happen. I know that God loves me and will provide good things to His children who ask. My focus now is just to serve God in the place(s) gives me. I'll finish my Masters in the next year (Dec, Jan, or May), work (full-time locally next year or part-time next year and full-time out of state the following year), get a relationship whenever the time is right, and keep serving in the ways that I keep finding. I'm not moving until I've been given directions on where to go and been given permission to leave. Right now: I've been called to help as the 'old' person on campus and to help led the kids on Wednesdays. This is my mission right now and how God is preparing me for my future.
With that being said, it's a constant battle for me to remind myself that I don't have to worry about finding the right guy for me. The desire to get married, and have kids, is regularly present especially as more friends get married. But I know that my call right now is to wait and to serve God in other ways while preparing myself to be the wife my husband deserves. Proverbs 31 provides directions on how to be the right kind of wife while 1 Timothy 4:12 provides support for me in my current mission. It states, "don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." This is the verse I try to live by and I'll probably do an series of blogs specifically on it as it constantly is rolling around in my head. (It helps that I have a poster of it on my bedroom wall.)
Since I seem to be getting wordy, I'm going to close with Isaiah 40:31.
"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (KJV)
We each made choices about how to go through life, when to buy a car, get married, or buy a house.
It helps us remember that we can't do everything at the same time and some things we have to wait for.
In my actual life (not last night's game), I chose to go to college, graduate, keep going to school while working. Now this looks just like I am focusing on my education which is a great understatement. Each summer, I work at a camp somewhere to get more life experiences. I also work during the school year, as an RA, substitute teacher, or now a Graduate Assistant to prepare for my future career and have fun. Plus, I had the amazing ability to spend a semester in Australia studying... hidden under the 4.0 was hours of building friendships and learning more about God and myself. So while I've waited on the "love" track, I have built so many friendships and done what God has called me to do (for the most part).
As I mentioned yesterday, we tend to want everything to fall perfectly in place in our own scheduling. I wrote my plan from my junior year of high school. For any guys reading, I would alert you that most girls regularly update their 5 and 10 year plan... but they have one. Mine for most of college was: graduate while being in a long term relationship, go to grad school, and get married after grad school with Teach for America still in the view. I think late in my junior year of college I realized this wasn't going to happen. So I made another change... I no longer have a structured timeline for when I want things to happen. I know that God loves me and will provide good things to His children who ask. My focus now is just to serve God in the place(s) gives me. I'll finish my Masters in the next year (Dec, Jan, or May), work (full-time locally next year or part-time next year and full-time out of state the following year), get a relationship whenever the time is right, and keep serving in the ways that I keep finding. I'm not moving until I've been given directions on where to go and been given permission to leave. Right now: I've been called to help as the 'old' person on campus and to help led the kids on Wednesdays. This is my mission right now and how God is preparing me for my future.
With that being said, it's a constant battle for me to remind myself that I don't have to worry about finding the right guy for me. The desire to get married, and have kids, is regularly present especially as more friends get married. But I know that my call right now is to wait and to serve God in other ways while preparing myself to be the wife my husband deserves. Proverbs 31 provides directions on how to be the right kind of wife while 1 Timothy 4:12 provides support for me in my current mission. It states, "don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." This is the verse I try to live by and I'll probably do an series of blogs specifically on it as it constantly is rolling around in my head. (It helps that I have a poster of it on my bedroom wall.)
Since I seem to be getting wordy, I'm going to close with Isaiah 40:31.
"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (KJV)
Friday, March 2, 2012
Waiting Part 1
Today I realized just how impatient people are. We want instant answers, instant rewards, and instant responses. I know I dislike waiting on others and standing around before I learn what the plan is or if there is one. That's probably one of my biggest pet peeves. Kids like to see something quickly or be rewarded that day for their responses.
Technology has aided in giving us instant gratification or instant responses. Our computers are fast and can find answers on so many different topics without doing much work. We now carry our cell phone and I know I've gone back into my apartment after forgetting it just in case someone needed to get ahold of me. Now, let's think about what we text/call for and if those things really need instant answers or if we are just being impatient. Just now I had to wait a minute (or less) for my page to load as the rainbow circle spun around. Instead of just sitting and waiting, I decided to wait for about 20 seconds then got up to get more dinner. Anyway:
Not everything in the world gives us an instant response and God sometimes says wait to our prayers. We aren't the center of the world and God is in charge of everything so things don't go according to our plan.
Example: My 10 year plan as a junior in HS was to go to Geneseo for my undergrad then move to South Dakota with Teach for America. I would have a long-term relationship in this time and the only thing that would get in the way was if I got engaged/married.
Real Life: I did not even apply to Geneseo, am still in school getting my Masters, and still haven't had a relationship so marriage will not get in the way of Teach for America. Instead so many other things might... but I'm ok with it.
My five year, ten year, and often even one year plans have been changed massively and it's a constant struggle for me to be ok giving God complete control of my life's schedule and waiting on Him... but I'm getting ahead of myself as that's the topic of Part 2.
If you just can't wait until tomorrow, you can entertain yourself in the meantime with this link that I got off of someone else's facebook. http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2012/02/13/5-signs-waiting-has-weakened-your-faith/ . I'm not making any promises that what I talk about will directly connect to this, or even indeirectly, but it's a good read regardless. I don't plan that far ahead of time. Until next time...
Technology has aided in giving us instant gratification or instant responses. Our computers are fast and can find answers on so many different topics without doing much work. We now carry our cell phone and I know I've gone back into my apartment after forgetting it just in case someone needed to get ahold of me. Now, let's think about what we text/call for and if those things really need instant answers or if we are just being impatient. Just now I had to wait a minute (or less) for my page to load as the rainbow circle spun around. Instead of just sitting and waiting, I decided to wait for about 20 seconds then got up to get more dinner. Anyway:
Not everything in the world gives us an instant response and God sometimes says wait to our prayers. We aren't the center of the world and God is in charge of everything so things don't go according to our plan.
Example: My 10 year plan as a junior in HS was to go to Geneseo for my undergrad then move to South Dakota with Teach for America. I would have a long-term relationship in this time and the only thing that would get in the way was if I got engaged/married.
Real Life: I did not even apply to Geneseo, am still in school getting my Masters, and still haven't had a relationship so marriage will not get in the way of Teach for America. Instead so many other things might... but I'm ok with it.
My five year, ten year, and often even one year plans have been changed massively and it's a constant struggle for me to be ok giving God complete control of my life's schedule and waiting on Him... but I'm getting ahead of myself as that's the topic of Part 2.
If you just can't wait until tomorrow, you can entertain yourself in the meantime with this link that I got off of someone else's facebook. http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2012/02/13/5-signs-waiting-has-weakened-your-faith/ . I'm not making any promises that what I talk about will directly connect to this, or even indeirectly, but it's a good read regardless. I don't plan that far ahead of time. Until next time...
Thursday, March 1, 2012
That little bundle of anticipation as you open up the mailbox to see if you got letters then again as you peek up the stairs to see if any packages arrived. I rarely anticipate actually getting mail so each time is a surprise. Plus I pay all of my bills online so I don't really get letters asking for money.
Instead I get junkmail (sometimes for people who lived in this apartment years ago), paychecks (which are always a joy cause I don't track my payperiods much or how much I work), and my personal favorite: letters/cards. I'm lucky to live in a family where my extended family sends cards for each holiday. Not just the big ones, and there's nothing wrong with getting two cards from the same person for the holiday. Little celebrated card holidays such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Valentine's Day bring about the smile remembering someone was thinking of me. Even better are the personalized notes inside of the cards or best yet: the few penpal letters that come. (I would get more penpal letters if I responded to them quicker, i.e. not the 6 months it took last time.) I love reading what someone specifically wrote, just for me.
What's super cool (and I'm only using that phrase cause it's late and I need sleep) is that God wrote me 66 letters that I can read whenever I want to. He talks about every subject depending on what I'm interested in that day. And through the Holy Spirit as I read them, it is specifically personalized to fit me and what I need to hear at that time. For example:
7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD: The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him.
8 A third time the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”
Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10 The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”
Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:7-10
God calls us and lets us know what we are supposed to do. Are we listening and reading His Word?
Note: I am guilty of not spending nearly enough time reading God's Word and need to crack open the Bible in my apartment and spend some awesome time reading His letter to me. Lately, I've just been biblegateway.com ing the verses I have wanted to use and then studied them more in depth. But, my heart desires to read that letter of love and promise He wrote to me and all of His children.
Instead I get junkmail (sometimes for people who lived in this apartment years ago), paychecks (which are always a joy cause I don't track my payperiods much or how much I work), and my personal favorite: letters/cards. I'm lucky to live in a family where my extended family sends cards for each holiday. Not just the big ones, and there's nothing wrong with getting two cards from the same person for the holiday. Little celebrated card holidays such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Valentine's Day bring about the smile remembering someone was thinking of me. Even better are the personalized notes inside of the cards or best yet: the few penpal letters that come. (I would get more penpal letters if I responded to them quicker, i.e. not the 6 months it took last time.) I love reading what someone specifically wrote, just for me.
What's super cool (and I'm only using that phrase cause it's late and I need sleep) is that God wrote me 66 letters that I can read whenever I want to. He talks about every subject depending on what I'm interested in that day. And through the Holy Spirit as I read them, it is specifically personalized to fit me and what I need to hear at that time. For example:
7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD: The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him.
8 A third time the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”
Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10 The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”
Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:7-10
God calls us and lets us know what we are supposed to do. Are we listening and reading His Word?
Note: I am guilty of not spending nearly enough time reading God's Word and need to crack open the Bible in my apartment and spend some awesome time reading His letter to me. Lately, I've just been biblegateway.com ing the verses I have wanted to use and then studied them more in depth. But, my heart desires to read that letter of love and promise He wrote to me and all of His children.
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