Baggage

 

Baggage!  In the "old" days, people used this word to describe their luggage as they packed for trips.  It had a positive connotation.   In today's world, it is quite the opposite.  Baggage is something heavy we carry around with us.  Sort of like an anchor around our neck.  It is deemed a negative thing.  It is, what we are left with after failed relationships.

It used to be that the older we became, the wiser we were.  Today, we simply have baggage.  No wisdom, just problems.  The result of our years of experience.  There are not a lot of people who are age fifty or older without any.  In fact, I'd go so far as to say there is no one over the age of fifty without any; it's just the way it is.  So, how did our society take wisdom and experience a positive thing and turn it into baggage?

Every time I hear that word, I want to shout, "This isn't a bad thing...it's what makes me the person I am today."  Having had the experiences I've gone through, I now understand the pitfalls and what to look for in potential relationships.  Yet, there are times that I don't get that far in a relationship because the person I am with immediately determines, "Oops -- baggage!"

The truth is, there is a huge difference between baggage and wisdom.  Baggage is something that you continue to carry around.  You are not freed from it.  Just because you were in a failed marriage does not mean you have baggage.  If you continue to carry around the anger, then yes -- you have baggage.  However, if you have forgiven the person and moved on with your life -- you have freed yourself from that particular weight you've carried around.

As I think about God and my relationship with Christ, I think about how He has freed me.  By His dying on the cross, he has freed me from sin and condemnation.  By His example, He teaches us forgive.  "Jesus said, “Forgive them, Father! They don't know what they are doing....”  Luke 22:34 (GNT)  Forgiveness is key to letting go of our anger and pain.  It frees us from that anchor around our neck.

And so, I encourage all of you to unpack your "baggage".  Learn to take the negatives and turn them into positives.  Be grateful for the journey -- whatever it's been.  Then, share your wisdom with others.  It is through these steps that we can fully live the live God intended for us.

My Oola Journey: From Fat to Fabulous

And so it begins...again!  People must be wondering, how many times can this girl "course correct"?  Let's see...with weight loss? Um, even more than I can believe.  I think if we're honest, we all have an area of our life that we struggle with -- for me, it just happens to be weight.  I took my journey into a public forum in hopes that I would be able to end this cycle of yo-yo dieting once and for all.  However, the problem is so complex -- even more than I could possibly imagine.  It is, as I said in my earlier blog, more to do with the mental aspect than the physical.  And so, I have taken some very real and necessary steps to get on track. Again!

 For instance, tonight I wrote each of my parents a letter and went out to the darkest place I could find in Vegas -- where I could see a star or two (and I don't mean celebrity) and read the letters to them.  They are not the sugar-coated letters you have read in my previous blogs but rather, the "hard" truth, as I see it.  It is my last quest toward finding peace and finally, putting the last of my past to rest.

I am also not just setting a goal, but writing down the steps necessary to reach it.  So, I have a goal of 20 pounds to lose within the next 2 months.  That is my short-term goal.  My long-term goal is to lose 50 pounds by my birthday.  That is in February.  My 1 year goal is to be at that same weight and continuing to exercise but having a much more defined shape.  My 5 year goal is to be not just as fit but also have a completely toned body.  And yes, I believe that is possible at the age of what will then be, 59 years old.

Next -- my plan to get there.  I have begun a regimen with a protein shake in the morning and at lunchtime with smaller snacks throughout the day and a dinner consisting of protein and veggies.  I plan to continue that.  I also am going to work out in the morning instead of the afternoon.  I cannot muster anymore energy, save for my second job 2 days per week.  It seems, once I get home and sit down for five minutes, I'm done for the day. Therefore, I am going to remove that OolaBlocker.  If I walk for 30 minutes before work 3 times/week, that eliminates the exercise problem.  I am also beginning an exercise program called PIYO -- a combination of pilates and yoga the other four days.  Hopefully, it will help with strength and flexibility.  That is a home DVD set.  As a result of using these as my means of exercise, I no longer need to go to the gym.  My getting up early does not require me to drive 15 minutes each way and allow for another 30 minutes of drive-time.  Nor do I need to look like a human, which I don't at that hour.  No, instead I can use that extra half hour for reading the Bible or a devotional before I start my day.  Thus, building my faith piece as well.

I think I have done a pretty good job of actually laying out my plan.  It now requires daily follow-through.  I believe that adding 20 minutes of meditation a day would probably also help with relieving stress.  I will do that after work.  I plan to meditate on a Bible verse or liturgy.  It is healthy for clearing the mind and getting closer to God.

Yes, as I read this over, I am satisfied.  It will, perhaps, need more tweaking when I get into actually doing it.  Getting out of our comfort zone is hard;  however, I am determined to do this.  And so, as an added measure of accountability, I plan to write a weekly blog on my journey.  Yes, you -- my readers --are going to keep me accountable.  Let's face it; once I am successful, there is not one person who can deny that they too can do it.  My goal, if nothing else, is to offer encouragement in this area as well.

Just as added incentive, my gentleman friend offered me a trip away for a few days if I meet my goal.  I'm down for that -- get out of the desert?   It's on, baby!  And so, Drs. Troy and Dave, you two continue to be a part of this journey.  You have inspired me to get out of my comfort zone one more time.  You have made me realize that I can do anything as long as I write down my goals and work toward them.  It doesn't matter that I read your book a year and a half ago.  The principles work each and every time you use them.  However, the key is ...  you MUST use them!    

I will check back next week!  In the meantime, may you all shoot for the moon...and if you miss, at least you'll land in the stars!  God bless you on your journey -- whatever it may be!

My Oola Journey: From Fat to Fabulous

I have been on this weight loss journey for close to a year now.  The irony is, although I have not lost weight,  I am learning more about who I am and who I am not.  The other day, I was out with a gentleman and he said to me, Jesus says you are to love others as you love yourself.  If you don't love yourself, how can you love others?  Touché!  And I might add, point well taken.   You see, I had never thought of Jesus words in quite that context -- it is just that simple.  We need to love ourselves enough to put ourselves first. If we don't take care of ourselves then, how can we take care of others?  This gentleman has pointed out to me how important it is to have not just a healthy mind and spirit but also, physical well-being.  The three join together to make us complete.  I believe that, although he has probably not said anything particularly new -- it was new to me.  And frankly, I like that theology, if you want to call it that.

So, as I continue along this journey of getting physically fit, I have to remind myself of some very important things.  First, I am worth it.  I am worth taking out some time for myself.  I have not really learned how to take care of myself over the years.  I have, in fact, been a daughter, friend, wife and mother.  I never really learned who "Lisa" was...I sort of got lost in the shuffle.  And so, I have to get out of my comfort zone and push myself in a whole new direction.  One of the physical.  This is not just a challenge of physical fitness, however.  It is a mental challenge as well.  I have to believe that I am worth the time and effort to not only look good but feel good. 

This brings me to Oola.  Yes, it seems everything in my life revolves around Oola but the truth is, if we don't make a plan and then work the plan, we will never reach our goals.  And so, once again, I need to sit down and write out a plan; my Oola plan for the area of fitness.  I didn't do that before.  I wrote down what I wanted to lose but not how I was getting there.  Big problem.  Think about it this way;  if you are on Google maps and have a destination and a starting point but the app doesn't download the information as to how to get there, you're still lost -- right?  You might get there but only if you're a really good map-reader; those who are don't need Google.  So, now I need to sit down and write a "real" Oola plan for my fitness goals.  Not just how much I want to lose but how I am going to reach my goal; not just for one month but for the remainder of the year.  I also need to review it daily; when I wake up and when I go to bed.  Lastly, if it is not working, I will need to tweak it; or as the OolaGuys say, "course correct."  That is, in essence what I am doing now.

I have been successful in other areas of my life with Oola but this is the one that is truly the most difficult.  I believe it is because of a number of factors.  First of all, it is not just  pushing me out of my comfort zone but shoving me.  Let's face it; I have struggled with my weight all of my life.  I have lost it for others but never for myself.  Now, I need to look at where I am and say, "Am I worth this?"  The answer?  A resounding yes!   The next question, am I willing to do what it takes to get there?  Again, yes!  Bigger question;  do I love myself?  Well, to not love myself would to contradict the Bible, and that is a Word that I live by and believe.  So the bottom line is, I have to love myself in order to love my neighbor.  I need to have that mind, body, and  spirit connection.    I don't think as humans we can be complete without it.  And so, I will be actually working on my Oola plan today and posting it tomorrow.  Watch for it!  It is important so that others like myself, who struggle with this inner war can overcome it.  I am doing this not for my dad, my boyfriend, my children or anyone else.  I am doing this for me; not just to be a better person but so I can learn to love others in the way God intended.

So when asked which is the greatest commandment?  Jesus replies, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ ³⁸ This is the greatest and the most important commandment. ³⁹ The second most important commandment is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.'"  Matthew 22:36-39 (GNT)

Dream...then dream bigger!

Today, I was e-mailing someone and sharing with them my deepest dreams.  After my divorce, I had no hope -- no dreams.  But now, life is different.  It is joyful and blessed; and yes, filled with dreams .    So, what is a dream?   In my mind, a dream is a direction based on goals.  It is a process that you set in motion. 

Here  I go - talking Oola.  Because this is what it's about -- going after my OolaLife!  Because, it is integral to who I am today.  I believe in it.  Oola has worked for me.  It does not take the place of God for He is the hub around which my life centers.  But certainly, without the structure of Oola, my life would be far different than it is today.

One of my dreams is moving out of Las Vegas.  Now, that is a "real" dream. I have found the location.  I just need to save enough money to make the move.  Initially, I thought it would take a year but I am finding that it will take much longer due to a financial setback.  It happens -- it's called life.  Does it mean I abandon my dream?  No.  Plan it; do it.

So what dreams do I have with regard to my field.  Although teaching is a passion, writing full-time is high up on my list of dreams.  Writing offers me relaxation and my mind just naturally gravitates toward it.  I love the written word on the page.  More importantly, I love the way my fingers fly across the keyboard when I have an idea I wish to get down on paper.  As I think up words and the juxtaposition of them in my article -- there is not a better feeling in the world, than seeing the finished product!  I love when I hear in my heart something that triggers an idea.  That particular moment makes me feel closer to God.  Faith -- my hub.

Financially?  Well, let's face it -- the finances are not in the greatest shape, although they are moving in the right direction.  It is slow.  But after a devastating turn of events, I cannot expect to recoup my losses in a year or four.  I believe it will take me between five to seven years to plant my feet on solid ground.   That alone could be enough to make one lose hope.  After all, I'm 54 years old.  Not many years before retirement, if there is such a thing.  But I have to look at the positives.  My credit score has crept up in the past year.  I have a small savings. Retirement is looking more and more like a possibility as I plan for it.  You heard me...planning!  Key to your future.  When I first divorced, I kept saying  I will be working until they drag me out of the classroom feet first.  You know what?  If that's the reality, I can live with it.  At least I can say, I have worked in a profession I love.  Of course, I plan to look back at this article in 15 years and say, "Wow, look what I've accomplished since then!"  I believe it will happen-- not just because I choose to be positive but also because I am following God's direction for my life.  Whether it's writing or helping a child read--both are my passion--  and in my heart, that's the true measure of success. For now, I just need enough money to cover my bills; and by the grace of God's provision, I am doing okay.

Friends; whether I know them from Twitter, Facebook, work with them, go to church with them, lived in Kuwait with them or grew up with them, I have been blessed with many. I am grateful to have lived such an incredibly diverse life.  For whatever reason,  people tend to gravitate toward me.  Perhaps it's my honesty.  I am at times outspoken but speak with love, which is key.  I like to make people laugh.  And anyone who knows me, knows that I am compassionate.  Just as I love them, they likewise care for me.  They talk me through my problems and offer encouragement when I need it; whether through prayer, words or even a hug.

As for fun?  I definitely need a bigger push in that direction.  I find I need to develop more interests. I tend to be rather focused on my faith, family and field.  No, I definitely need to work on the fun aspect.  However, it needs to fuel my creativity; perhaps a painting class or ballroom dancing -- Latin style!  Yes, I am a bit adventurous; something I really like about myself.  I'm not your average grandma who sits, reads the newspaper and knits. No, I prefer to be active and try new things. 

So, as I write down my dreams, I just want to take a moment to thank the Oola guys; Drs. Troy Amdahl and Dave Braun as well as, everyone on their team that makes Oola possible  A huge "Thank you!" for writing your book!  Without it I wouldn't be the person I am today...I went from a divorcee with zero self-esteem and even less money to someone who, in a little over a year, managed to work out a budget that actually balances, start a small savings, bring up her credit score, bought a car, write both a blog and a book, contribute articles to various blogs, teach, do volunteer work and still manage to get out once in awhile.  No small task.  I have done all this without complaining too much -- nobody's perfect!  Most importantly, I approach life with anticipation and an attitude of gratefulness.  There is nothing life can throw at me that I will not look at it without focusing on the question, "What has this experience taught me?"  and "What am I grateful for as a result of this experience?"  Also guys, thank you for not only inspiring my life but this particular post.  In their book, "Oola:  Finding Balance in an Unbalanced World" the Oola guys write something like this.  Dream.  Then throw away that dream and dream bigger.  They have taught me that no dream is too big.  It just takes perseverance and hard work.  Set your goals and go after them. 

So, as I reflect on my dreams, I am thankful for the gifts and talents God blessed me with; courage, passion, creativity and a willing spirit.  I hope through my writing that others are encouraged.  Those who feel as I once felt -- that there is nowhere to turn -- take heart.  There is hope.  God is our hope.  He is the one that fuels us with the energy and strength we need to get through the rough times.  He is also the one I thank each and everyday as I pray for all those who have stepped into my life and helped to encourage me.  Without them, I would not be where I am today.

Persevere.  Be strong.  Most of all, dare to dream; throw those dreams away and dream bigger!  For our dreams are the foundation upon which our lives are built.

Challenges

As we go through life, we face challenges.  Life is never perfect.  Often times, Christians become frustrated.  They think to themselves, "but I believe -- so, why is my life like this?"  God doesn't promise a perfect life, but he does promise to be there when life is not so perfect.

Take, for instance, when I divorced.  Life was extremely difficult.  The years leading up to my divorce were nearly unbearable.  Yet, I never lost hope.  Even those days when it felt like there was no hope for me, I persevered.  I clung to God's promises in the Bible.  I listened to YouTube; specifically, praise and worship songs and something called Scripture lullabies.  I prayed and when I couldn't string two thoughts together, asked Christians to pray for me.  Even as I write this, I remember that pain.  And the tears flow.  It's God's way of cleansing us -- a spiritual baptism; washing away our pain.

Even in the present, as I work -- and I mean, work hard --I don't care that I'm tired.  I catch a nap when I can and move on.  God has a way of making us feel that everything is going to be okay.  Even when our mind says, "Yes, but..."  God says, "Leave it to me."  Yes, give all your cares to Him.  He will handle the day to day.  Yes, we have to function and work through the details but He will handle the big stuff.  Give it to Him.  He knows the plan.  Allow Him to work it out for you.

When I date, I have questions.  I don't understand things and find myself wondering, "Will I ever come through this without a blemish?"  Unscathed?  Unscarred?  No, those will stay with us forever.  But our scars are what make us who we are.  I have physical scars from events in my life, whether they be happy events such as giving birth or painful events, such as surgery.  Whatever the reason, those scars serve a purpose.  They are reminders of who we are and where we've come from.  Likewise, with the scars that you can't see.  They are there for a reason. To remind us of where we've been, and how far we've come.  They are our badges of courage and strength.  They are reminders of our past; who we were and who we have become.   They are God's way of  reminding us that He has been with us.  After all, Who healed us?

Of late, I have found myself lonely.  I know God is there and yet, I long for someone physically to be here-- to share the day to day.  Yet, I know being lonely and alone is not bad.  I'm happy with my life.  So, why do I feel this void?  I'm not sure.  I have been told I need to learn how to relax.  The truth?  I'd say, yes.  I need to re-learn how to kick back and just have fun.  I have started but I am just in the beginning stages.  I know that having a man in my life does not necessarily equate with fun or lack of loneliness.   Let me tell you, there is nothing worse than being alone in a marriage.  To lie in bed next to your mate -- back-to-back-- and know that sting of rejection, night after night. There is nothing more painful than that; that, is real loneliness.

So, what is the purpose of this blog?  It's to let you know that regardless of your circumstance, to be grateful.  Thank God.  His wisdom is greater than ours.  I believe we are faced with challenges for a very real reason; that is, to glorify God.  How do we handle the challenges life throws at us?  Do we step up to the plate, face them for what they are and solve our problems?  Do we turn to God?   Or are we going through life without really being present and experiencing the journey? 

You see, I want us all to take a moment and stop.  Feel God's presence.  Know that He is with us and around us.  That He does cradle us in His arms.  When we are on our knees and broken and crying out to Him, He is there -- He is listening.  If you don't believe me, look around you during those times of crisis.  Who is with you?  Friends? Family?  Whose arms are encircling you?  They are His arms.  He created us and placed these people in our lives to lift us up when we are weak.  He sends them to help us to our feet.  When we are in the depths of darkness, look whose hand is outstretched.  There will be someone!  And if there's not, perhaps you have not made your needs known.  Talk with a friend, a family member, a trusted counselor or pastor.  They will help you through that time. 

During my struggles, I had to reach out.  I still do.  My divorce is over but life continues -- and yes, there are ups and downs as I continue on this journey. Yet, I am hopeful.  I believe.  God is with us.  He is our Light, Strength and Salvation.  He is our Father.   The One who created us and loves us the most.  He will never leave us.  Believe it.  He's there and He wants to help you.  Go to Him and open your heart.  For it's through our challenges that we grow in ways that we never dreamed possible and His glory comes shining through.

Scripture lullaby link:

http://youtu.be/Q4Af1zhUPxs

Life Lessons

Today was an interesting day.  It was the first time in my life I said good-bye to not one man but two.  God put on my heart that they were not the ones chosen for me.  God is healing me.  In my previous life, I would have just gone with the flow.  I would have kept a boyfriend because it made me feel good to have someone calling me and I didn't want to be alone on a Saturday night.   That was the "old" me.  Today I am listening to God; what He lays on my  heart.  He knows best.  Discernment.  Being still enough to listen to what he wants for me. (Psalm 46:10)

Life as a single has been, at times, overwhelming.  I don't do relationships well.  I don't know what is expected on a date.  I struggle with trusting another person.  I think that happens if you've been in a relationship where someone pretends to care in order to get your money.  I'd heard of such things but I never thought it would happen to me.   I thought I was too smart and that I would see it coming.  The truth is, I am smart.  But I gave my trust to someone instead of something.  That something is God. 

We have to be willing to listen to our gut.  If something doesn't sound or feel right, it probably isn't.  The one man I broke it off with was incredibly attractive to me.  I knew the possibility of us becoming closer was very real.  Yet, I cut it off.  Not because he was a bad person but because I knew that we were diametrically opposed on some very important issues regarding God.  I thought we could work through those but I realized that would most likely not happen.  Did I end it prematurely?  Maybe.  But I really don't want my heart broken again, and I will do whatever it takes to avoid it.

So now, there is no one in my life.  No phone calls.  No dates.  And I have to be okay with that.  I need to find other outside interests.  I do have a class coming up on a survey of the Bible, and frankly, am looking incredibly forward to that.  I am planning to sign up for a yoga class and yes, I have my usual extra job and Sunday morning ritual of Bible study and church.  My Saturdays are sacrosanct and no one had better call me before 10 AM.  I like to sleep late and have my home-brewed cappuccinos with, as a friend calls it, a little love (cinnamon) on top.  I also enjoy writing -- what else?  Blogs!

And so, there you have it.  A great life plan.  A single woman able to do exactly what she wants, when she wants to do it.  My life is my own.  My time is my own.  I cannot guarantee that I will not have loneliness but as they said in Bible study the other day, a bad marriage does not assuage loneliness.  In fact, being lonely in a marriage is worse than just being lonely and alone.  That is, something I can attest to first-hand.  

So ladies (and gentlemen), allow God to be first in your life.  Allow Him to do a work in yours.  For when we look to God, all other things fall into place.  That is, an undeniable truth.

What in the World?

Tonight I received an urgent prayer request from a a pastor.  It was quite extensive.  As I read it, I briefly remembered a fundraiser for Iraqi refugees.  I had not heard of the situation in Iraq.  I do not have television nor do I subscribe to newspapers.  It's my way of staying in my own little "bubble".  My happy place.  As I read the e-mail, I was sickened.  Could what I was reading truly be happening in the world? 

About once a day, I check in with CNN.com to see if I am missing anything.  There was nothing regarding this situation.  And so, I did a more intensive search.  And came upon the article that this pastor was referencing.  It was in a Catholic magazine.  It spoke of the beheading of Christian children in Iraq.

I personally try to avoid politics, right or left wing media and just try to remain neutral in all stories that I hear.  But this is not a story in which I can remain neutral.  It is indeed a terrible story, one of genocide and persecution.  It is, in its most basic form, evil.  I am amazed that such things exist in the world when I hear of them.  Women being raped and killed, children beheaded and their heads placed on poles in a park.  Others -- adults -- are crucified.  The pictures in the magazine are gruesome.  More importantly, they are heartbreaking.  I sit here tonight, deeply saddened by what I've seen.  And I'm also saddened by my complacency.  You see, I have been living with my head in the sand.  I jokingly say that I don't watch the news but when I hear the planes overhead, I will duck and cover.  But I cannot be complacent about this.  These are babies being killed in the name of religion.  Wrong on so many levels.  It is not just scary -- it is a warning.

The Bible says, "When he ripped off the fifth seal, I saw the souls of those killed because they had held firm in their witness to the Word of God. They were gathered under the Altar, and cried out in loud prayers, “How long, Strong God, Holy and True? How long before you step in and avenge our murders?” Then each martyr was given a white robe and told to sit back and wait until the full number of martyrs was filled from among their servant companions and friends in the faith." Revelation 6:9-11 (The Message)

You see, people tend to think that the Bible is some metaphorical book that may or may not apply to their lives as they choose to apply it.  Yet, it tells of our ancestry.  It foretells of our savior; His birth and death -- and not just that, it gives specifics.  In Isaiah 53:2-9 it says,

 "The servant grew up before God—a scrawny seedling,
    a scrubby plant in a parched field.
There was nothing attractive about him,
    nothing to cause us to take a second look.
He was looked down on and passed over,
    a man who suffered, who knew pain firsthand.
One look at him and people turned away.
    We looked down on him, thought he was scum.
But the fact is, it was our pains he carried—
    our disfigurements, all the things wrong with us.
We thought he brought it on himself,
    that God was punishing him for his own failures.
But it was our sins that did that to him,
    that ripped and tore and crushed him—our sins!
He took the punishment, and that made us whole.
    Through his bruises we get healed.
We’re all like sheep who’ve wandered off and gotten lost.
    We’ve all done our own thing, gone our own way.
And God has piled all our sins, everything we’ve done wrong,
    on him, on him.

^7-9 He was beaten, he was tortured,
    but he didn’t say a word.
Like a lamb taken to be slaughtered
    and like a sheep being sheared,
    he took it all in silence.
Justice miscarried, and he was led off—    and did anyone really know what was happening?"  (The Message)

 

And in Revelation,  it tells of the end of time. Now, I don't know or even wish to elude that we are in the end times.  But, I do know that children being killed simply by virtue of the fact that they are born into Christian families is wrong.  Killing is wrong.  We have the Old Testament, which gives us the Ten Commandments.  Again, a set of rules to guide our moral compass.  Number six states, "No murder." Exodus 20:13 (MSG)

I struggle with the pain these parents are suffering through.  If we look back in the Bible, there are many stories of children being killed.  I know that our country doesn't want to get involved in a war but can we really sit by and allow this to happen?  The best we can do individually is to pray for these families.  Pray that they are able to escape this brutal fate.  That the Lord continues to be with them and put a hedge of protection around them.  God does answer prayers.  It is true that sometimes the answer is "no."  Yet, I know we have a compassionate and just God.  One that does listen.  I would ask that the readers of this blog to join in prayer each and every day for this reign of terror to end.  That someone, would reach out to this part of the world and help.  There have been far too many genocides carried out in the name of religion.  This must stop!

I am attaching the link to the article.  It is incredibly graphic but I hope you will read it anyhow.  We know that when two or more are gathered, the Lord is with us.  Perhaps it will compel you to take action and actively pray for our Lord to intervene and protect those families. 

Heavenly Father -- you are the Alpha and the Omega.  You knew us all before we were born.   You even knew the numbers of hair on our heads.  Lord God, we come before you and lift up these families that are being persecuted in your Holy Son's name.  We ask that you put a hedge of protection around them.  Just as you led Moses to the Red Sea and helped him part it, we ask that likewise, you use your greatness to perform a miracle and watch over all who are being persecuted.  We pray for your divine intervention and put a stop to this unnecessary murder. Holy One, we know that in order to be good there is bad.  Yet, these are babies that are being killed.  Yes, they are in your hands and in heaven.  Yet, it seems incredibly unjust for them to be murdered in Jesus' name.  Father, give the families the strength they need.  Help them.  Build them up even stronger in your Word and in their faith.  We pray for Your hands to be on them and to bless them and keep them.  We ask for all of this in your precious and holy Son Jesus' name, Amen!


Link to article:

http://www.catholic.org/news/international/middle_east/story.php?id=56481






















 

School Daze

It is those frantic first few days of the school year.  Meetings, preparing rooms and trying to figure out what to do with those children the first few days of school.  Always important; really hard to plan.  I must say, this year is off to a rousing start.  Certainly, not without the help of God.

We've already had our first week of school.  It actually flew by really fast!  We are learning new technology -- I must confess, it is the bane of my existence.  There are two reasons for this; 1) because it's new and change is hard and 2) it's technology, I'm in my 50's and the two are not copacetic -- enough said! 

Yes, I am definitely technologically challenged.  I struggle with texting, let alone new software.  To me, I'd rather have my gums scraped than learn something new that is technologically based.  And yet, in an effort to keep in touch with my children and friends, I do it.  I much prefer the comfort of a PC with a "real" keyboard.  I suppose one day they will invent text messaging you can do from a real computer -- perhaps it's already out there and I just don't know about it.  Either way, just having a conversation on a cell phone via text makes my palms sweat.

Today was professional development.  We had some time to take our questions to our techno-guru; another teacher who took a class on this stuff. I just needed the basics, such as putting an assignment in the gradebook and doing seating charts -- no biggie, right?  Well, the good news is, I am teachable.  Yes, if I pay really close attention and someone walks me through it, it is possible for me to get my techno-groove on.  The downside, of course, is that I only know what I know.  So, anything further that is required -- I'm lost.

I'm what one would call a kinesthetic learner.  That is, I learn by doing.  Unfortunately, that is not very practical in the day to day.  Although, as teachers, we are expected to offer lots of hands-on-learning, it does not seem to happen in the "real" world.  How I wish that were offered when I was in school.  No, we learned by looking and listening.  For me, if you hand me a sheet of instructions and say, "Here, go for it!"  it might as well be written in Russian.  Think of it this way...ever put together a swing set for your children?  Well, that's basically how all written instructions look to me.  What happens when you are finished building it?  A handful of nuts, bolts and screws remain?  Well, mine always ended up that way!  The kids, fortunately, lived.  But, like the swing set, the computer program always seems to have a screw or two loose...or perhaps, that's just the ones in my head?

This is now week two.  I have watched all the required curriculum which, I believe is close to fifteen videos and some have quizzes to go with; and you must pass with 100%!  This is no small task.  I have learned how to input lesson plans on the new computer software the district has adopted and even tweak them for my special needs students.  I have also learned how to take attendance properly, make a seating chart and input classroom assignments.  All in the span of 11 days.  Not to mention put together a classroom which I moved into this year.  Yes, my aide and I had to unpack all my stuff that was dumped on about half a dozen desks.  Oh and teach for the last 5 of those 11 days.  Yes, us teachers sure have the (perceived) easy life!

I have a friend who said to me, "Let me put this in perspective," when I was lamenting about the end of summer.  "You suck!"  I suppose there is some truth to that.  After all, we do have summers off -- not me per se, but many teachers do; the lucky ones who don't work two jobs to pay off school loans.   Few and far between, since most districts require a minimum of a Master's degree in order to become highly qualified which is now a "must do."

Now here's the thing.  In listening to me write about this, you would probably think, "Wow, she hates her job!"  Quite the opposite...rather, I hate being asked to do things that, although have something to do with my job, don't really impact the students directly.  Ask me to take a course on engaging children in the classroom and I'm all over it.  But, ask me to take a course on a new software that we're rolling out...puh-lease!   Truth be told, I love my job.  As I enter year six, this looks to be the best year so far.   So, I guess as summer comes to a close and we enter into the season of autumn, I think back to those days of singing, "School Days"....or as I prefer to refer to it, "School Daze!"  For it's that crazy time of year when we, as teachers, multi-task to the -nth degree with our heads spinning for at least the first month.  For me, it's a magical time that takes me back to my childhood and holds special promise for the students that are now in my care. 

So as I close this blog, I want end it in a special way.  As I listen to this song, I realize that my job is what makes me tick; so does my writing.    This is how I feel about my job, the kids I work with and my life in general...may everyone be so blessed!

"Happy" by Pharrell Williams

http://youtu.be/CEN9I8jJ0Nk