Resolve Things

Interesting observation...we really need to resolve things clearly when uncomfortable conflict arises. Here's why...if you leave things "if-y", you can potentially call into question the integrity of others who aren't really a part of the situation. The "fringe" people. Well, I'm in one of those. A situation seems to have not been resolved clearly enough...put off...put off...and somehow the window was left open to call "me", a "fringe" member, into question. I personally know that I didn't do anything wrong, but the circumstances have been very interesting. Hopefully, all parties take responsibility for their parts. Hmm...

Career Questions

So...I've put the "career" back on the questioning table. I do that from time to time, which is probably a healthy thing to do. I try to not ever ask those questions after a bad day or challenging experience though. I want any changes to be due to insight and calling...not frustration. To be honest I actually was hoping that God would open some doors a year ago, but nothing came my way. I re-upped for another year for lack of direction...and an economy that probably wouldn't allow for a "quit and find something else" decision. So, here I am again. Lately, I've found myself begging God for guidance. I need my arrow to point in a direction so I can chase after a sunrise. It's an odd predicament because I believe in the mission of the school, and I have aspects of my daily responsibilities that I am passionate about. I just think that my own life-vision is changing.

Abortion Survivor

This is very interesting. Worth watching the whole thing. As a 'Feminists For Life' supporter, I also think it's necessary to bring support to the women in this position...most are making the decision based on fear. Hence, why I support organizations and relationships that bring support...

The Situation

Do you ever find yourself in a situation where you know that how it turns out will be SO telling? Oh man...I'm observing one of those right now. I'm so absolutely sure that it's going to help me with some decisions. Now to get things moving faster...Hmm. ;)

Great Video

Wow! A "Must See"...

Season's End

well, the sand v-ball season finally came to an end. it was so cold when we played our last game, but we did well! we took 3rd place overall! i'm so unbelievably sore, but oh well!...it was so worth it! i'm already excited for next year!!

Volleyball Tournament!!

well!!!...it's true! we made it to the season tournament for sand volleyball! i'm...so...shocked!! haha! what i'm more excited about is that we beat the purple team. sheesh!...we were behind them in points for a while, and it drove me crazy because we are better! we made it though...LOVE IT! so, here's to crossing another thing off my life list! i'm totally going to play next year!!!

Ovarian Cancer Walk

Many know that my Mom is an ovarian cancer survivor. :) Well, there's a fundraiser coming in November that I think my family is going to participate in. Should be great fun!

Walk for Ovarian Cancer

Purple Funk

Yesterday was basically a horrible day. It ended better...which was an immense blessing! I got up today and decided that I would give the day a jumpstart. It's time for the purple funk. It's a crazy shirt I have that basically resembles a halucination on fabric. Can't...Go...Wrong! (hopefully). ;)

Tough Day

You know how they (whoever they are) say that sometimes "it has to get worse before it can get better"? Well, I think I'm in one of those moments in time. I actually had the thought last night that I might be losing heart...not the norm for this chica in the least. Ha!...usually I'm fighting too much heart. ;) So I'm praying that the clouds have silver linings...and they probably will...just can't see 'em at the moment.

Here's Psalm 61 for today.

1 Hear my cry, O God;

listen to my prayer.

2 From the ends of the earth I call to you,

I call as my heart grows faint;

lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

3 For you have been my refuge,

a strong tower against the foe.

4 I long to dwell in your tent forever

and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. 

5 For you have heard my vows, O God;

you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.

6 Increase the days of the king's life,

his years for many generations.

7 May he be enthroned in God's presence forever;

appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.

8 Then will I ever sing praise to your name

and fulfill my vows day after day.

Good verse for today

I love how the Message version of the Bible puts things sometimes.

Romans 12:17 "Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone." :)

All of Romans 12 in that version is pretty interesting, I must say.

9/11

A friend posted a video today on Facebook as a tribute to those that died on 9/11. I can still remember where I was that day...with a lot of confused kiddos...and how everything changed because of the attack. What a terrible and sorrowful day! The stories of those who perished and those who fought to save as many as possible are so moving...to this day.

You know what I've been thinking about though? How much I disagree with the notion that the event gives people permission to be prejudiced against Muslim people. To me, those that go that route of thinking stand in a position of revenge as opposed to justice. I'm pretty sure that's never right.

Anyway, much remembrance today...and prayers for peace and those left behind.

You Can Do This

Can you tell that I've been looking at clips to motivate kiddos??

Risk

Love this clip!!

We started our retreat for the secondary kids with this clip. Love it!

Great Quote Part 2!!!

This is so awesome! I talked about a friend's quote in my post yesterday regarding our uniqueness. He sent me the one it was referrencing. It's had me thinking so much! Every now and then I experience a bit of lonliness in some of my areas of passion. It stops my movement, makes me wonder which direction to go...on and on and on. Turns out that those feelings are NOT a call to shrink back...but to share. Hard to do...but meant to do? Looks like that's the plan! Maybe the lonliness ends in the sharing...

“I have found that the very feeling which has seemed to me most private, most personal and hence most incomprehensible by others, has turned out to be an expression for which there is a resonance in many other people. It has led me to believe that what is most personal and unique in each one of us is probably the very element which would, if it were shared or expressed, speak most deeply to others.” – Carl Rogers

Food for Thought

"The thing that makes you unique is what you are meant to speak about. It's the piece you bring." A friend said this to me the other day. It has me thinking a lot.  

Fear Challenge

I listened to an interesting sermon today about fear. There was an interesting comment that got me thinking...and agreeing actually. The pastor said..."Sometimes our fears are actually our salvation". He meant that sometimes the things that terrify us most are actually a key to our heart's freedom. I've actually experienced this in moments where I've had to hang on to God and courage and step through some of my fears...SO much growth came through those challenges. Food for thought when the next fear challenge arises... :)

The First Day of School...AGAIN!

Well...here we go! No matter what I've forgotten, it's here! I usually have a bit more excitement, but this one has been such a tough prep that I'm actually experiencing...relief! Haha! Once that first bell rings, the year just takes off. Hopefully, there aren't too many glitches...but either way...oh well!! Can't really do anything about it now! HAHA!

Give Me Jesus

This is just such a sweet song that I need to hear sometimes. I went searching for it on youtube (Ortega's version is my fav) and stumbled across a tribute video that he did for Ruth Bell Graham. I love what Billy Graham says towards the end. I had always heard that they loved each other so much. *sigh*

Micah 6:6-8

6 With what shall I come before the LORD
and bow down before the exalted God?
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
with calves a year old?

7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams,
with ten thousand rivers of oil?
Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression,
the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

8 He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.

Whoa Brennan!

Man, I love this guy!

Our Deepest Fear

I can't say I agree with everything this author believes, but I sure do love this quote. It actually speaks to some of what God's been nudging me in lately.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear in that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our Light, not our Darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the World. There is nothing enlightening about shrinking so that other people won’t feel unsure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. As we let our own Light shine, we consciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

-Marianne Williamson

Jack's Tips

I knew I got that Freak Out Countdown from somewhere!!

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

i'm sitting at my desk absolutely freaking out. you know...one of those moments where you give yourself 10 seconds to freak out before you go back to the tasks at hand. ;) this has to be one of the most disorganized intro's to the school year that i've seen in ages. waaaaayyy to many last minute decisions...and of course the details of those fall to me...not cool. it's been very overwhelming. ahhh! well, i sat down to have my "freak out countdown" when this song came across my pandora. reaction...ok, i can do this. granted, i might die...haha...but part of me can know some peace while plodding...

Women's Retreat

I always recommend these when they come around. I love, love, love the book 'Captivating'. It's a book for women about living from the heart in a great romance with God. The similar book for men is 'Wild at Heart'. Anyway, there's a women's retreat coming up. I think I'm going to aim for it. :)

Captivating Retreat: Unveil

Let's be honest...

Mean...People...Suck!

Ya, I just wanted them to know that I know! ;)

Curriculum Writing

One of my favorite things to do in regards to the teaching portion of my job...well, one of them...is curriculum writing. I LOVE coming up with the objectives, activities, tests and projects. Ways to translate into all of their learning languages...and share the wonder. Woo! So great! :)