Wow, it's been awhile. . . Apologies again but I still don't have internet at my apartment (grr) and I just dislike spending a lot of time here in the computer lab. So! Let me attempt to let you in on what's been going on with me for the past week. :o)
A couple of weeks ago, I went to NTI (New Teacher Induction) with alll the other new teachers to the district. One of the only upsides was that I met a lot of other teachers - all of whom are really cool (of course. i mean, all teachers are cool, duh)! Anywho - it was good I guess. That weekend, I attempted to get a little more settled in my new apartment. (and I don't remember what else ... that was two weeks ago)
The next week, I had teacher inservice allllll week. Something everyday! I did get to attend a couple of really good seminars on autism and also a team grouping meeting for the office that I work in. **side note** Yeah, so I work in an office now. It's totally bizarre. I always thought my "office" would be my classroom or attached to a gymnasium. But, I'm sure it's gonna be really good and a great experience.** Okay so back to last week ... I also went by the highschool a few times to see the ladies from last year. I miss them SO much. They're just so fun and there is more to them than just work - they're ... real. haha.. Anywho, I am gonna go see them a lot I think. And then this last weekend, I kinda bummed around on Saturday - got some stuff done around the apartment and stuff. Yeah.. stuff. Sunday was fun - after church we went to eat at Wings N More for a "good bye Lauren" party thing. It was good. :o) Sunday night I went helped Ashley paint her room. I am just awesome . . . I painted two whole walls. Yeah.. I rock. Basically. hehe...
This week has started off good! Yesterday, Laurie (my coworker) and I went around to a lot of the schools and met teachers, talked about schedules, etc. I also had some coaching stuff.
TODAY is/was the first day of school !!! I'm part-time, so I went to work at 8 and I got off at 12!! Yeah, this pretty much rocks. I'll go up to the highschool in about 45 minutes and visit and get ready for athletics. I might really really like my schedule :o) Haha..
In other life things, I have just kinda been cruising. Trying to make it from day to day. The end of July/beginning of August has been hectic with friends visiting (I miss you girls [and Ben]!!) and friends moving away (Love you Patrice and Lauren!!), but it's change, and I'm makin it. I think I have decided that I want to teach 9th grade Sunday School at the church. I might just be insane, but I think it'll be cool.
I gotta jet, but I'm praying for you! Please keep prayin for me!!!
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Well, my apologies for not posting recently, I've been pretty busy, and have not even had internet connection for 3 or 4 days now. So let's see.. what have I been up to?
After UMARMY, I stayed with the Smith boys for 4 days - that was a lot of fun and I hadn't gotten to see them for a long while. At the same time, I was working in the mornings for summer school doing some adaptive p.e. stuff. It was really cool - I got to work with a little boy named Jaime. He's so cute. He is learning to walk without using a walker or support from a teacher. He's getting really close. It's all in his head now. So that is going to be some stuff that I'll get to deal with in the upcoming year too.
Speaking of the upcoming year, I started back to work on Tuesday of this week. (yesterday) It's called NTI, or New Teacher Induction. It's a really good tool for classroom teachers, but it's hard to transfer the information to a totally different environment like PE. But it's all good. I'll make it I'm sure.
Another reason I haven't been around is because I've had so many friends here!! Wendy and Ginger were here (Wendy had to go back early for classes... boo), Julie visited, and Kat too!! It's been crazy fun.
I don't have internet connection at my *NEW * apartment still, but it will come soon enough. :o)
Gotta go. Love ya.
After UMARMY, I stayed with the Smith boys for 4 days - that was a lot of fun and I hadn't gotten to see them for a long while. At the same time, I was working in the mornings for summer school doing some adaptive p.e. stuff. It was really cool - I got to work with a little boy named Jaime. He's so cute. He is learning to walk without using a walker or support from a teacher. He's getting really close. It's all in his head now. So that is going to be some stuff that I'll get to deal with in the upcoming year too.
Speaking of the upcoming year, I started back to work on Tuesday of this week. (yesterday) It's called NTI, or New Teacher Induction. It's a really good tool for classroom teachers, but it's hard to transfer the information to a totally different environment like PE. But it's all good. I'll make it I'm sure.
Another reason I haven't been around is because I've had so many friends here!! Wendy and Ginger were here (Wendy had to go back early for classes... boo), Julie visited, and Kat too!! It's been crazy fun.
I don't have internet connection at my *NEW * apartment still, but it will come soon enough. :o)
Gotta go. Love ya.
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Well I'm back. Another UMARMY for the record books. What a wonderful week!! My group, Red B, along with many others, scarped and painted the Taj Mahal of UMARMY projects!! It was totally insane... BUT .. The house looks stinking amazing. I don't think I've ever seen a better looking white house with black trim and grey porch (ah that good ol umarmy standard..) !! And I have to add in here that our color group leader and assistant were totally amazing -- So much thanks goes out to Alan Rudd and Andrew Schulz for being amazing encouraging and awesome !!! You guys totally rocked the kasbah this week even if the sharif don't like it!! :o)
We had many good times (too late in the evening to really even think right now) and we laughed with each other and at each other quite a bit. Michael and Patrice taught even us white kids how to flow and make nonsense sound amazing. The Don set up and humiliated Lauren B-Dev and Brian's number was released to the common people. So funny.... !! :o)
I can't post pics right now because I'm not on my computer. Yeah, for whatever insane reason, I agreed to stay with the three Smith boys for 4 nights this week. Not so smart considering it started tonight, the night DIRECTLY after umarmy. Oh well.. I'm sure I'll live.
Well .. I think that's all I have for now. In approximately 6 days, Ryan and Kristin get married and in 7 days, Ginger and Wendy come back to CS. I can't believe it's the end of July almost!! AHHHH .... So much is going on soon - brothers' birthday, moving in, moving out . . . starting work.. Oh my!
Good night all -
We had many good times (too late in the evening to really even think right now) and we laughed with each other and at each other quite a bit. Michael and Patrice taught even us white kids how to flow and make nonsense sound amazing. The Don set up and humiliated Lauren B-Dev and Brian's number was released to the common people. So funny.... !! :o)
I can't post pics right now because I'm not on my computer. Yeah, for whatever insane reason, I agreed to stay with the three Smith boys for 4 nights this week. Not so smart considering it started tonight, the night DIRECTLY after umarmy. Oh well.. I'm sure I'll live.
Well .. I think that's all I have for now. In approximately 6 days, Ryan and Kristin get married and in 7 days, Ginger and Wendy come back to CS. I can't believe it's the end of July almost!! AHHHH .... So much is going on soon - brothers' birthday, moving in, moving out . . . starting work.. Oh my!
Good night all -
Friday, July 07, 2006
Ya know, I don't fully understand what it is about this apartment, but for some reason, Mormon missionaries are attracted to it. Now, I have respect for these men and women for going out and getting their beliefs into homes, because that carries some serious faith right there. Anyways, if you'll recall, I had some male Mormon visitors in January and we had quite the conversation. And about 10 minutes ago, I had 2 female missionaries come knockin!! I didn't want to turn them away, because they were really nice and not all that creepy, but I was just not in the mood for another long talk. I felt kinda bad, but I just didn't want to fight that fight today. I wished them luck and closed the door.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
.0.jpg)
.0.jpg)
.0.jpg)
.0.jpg)
Saturday, June 24, 2006
No Barnabas post yet . . . just know that it was amazing and I'm sure I'll write on here about it soon.
As for now . . .
I've been reading Mere Christianity recently, and today I read a chapter about the different between creating and begetting. It was very interesting. Lewis compares and contrasts how creating is to make and begetting is to become the father of. He spends a whole chapter writing about how God created us (we're like Him, but we're not Him) and how God begat (?) Jesus (He's got God's genes!). Very interesting chapter - very cool chapter.
Then today, I read an article on relevant called Let Us Decompose. It echos what Lewis talked about in how we don't create things. Humans basically rearrange things to make them "new." Let me give you a snippet from the article to better explain myself. . ..
"we reassemble existing parts, cut and paste objects and ideas from the known world, reshuffle the deck."
"when was the last time a new primary color was invented or a missing musical note discovered?"
"Musicians are judged by who they sound like (part Bob, Beck and Bruce), actors by who they look like (she’s got Jessica’s hair, Nicole’s eyes and Angelina’s lips) and books by how they read (think Harry Potter with a dash of Steele). "
"All our creations are re-creations, omelettes whipped up from yesterday’s leftovers."
I'm lovin this! Now here's my favorite part of the article:
" "In the beginning, God created ..." He composed. He assembled parts ex nihilo, "out of nothing." He spread out the canvas and drew His thumb across the celestial swath. We live in that Composition, on that Canvas; we are the parts He assembled. Herein lies our glory and our deficiency.
We create because we are like Him, but we cannot create like Him.
Unlike God, we cannot make something from nothing. Everything we shape, form, order and arrange requires something else. Like a celluloid hero, the laws of the medium bind us. Poets need language and its laws, for without it their craft is made moot. Some musical forms may push the boundaries, but sour notes are not tolerable—even by the most sophisticated. Architecture can be innovative, as long as the foundation is solid. Characters can be fresh, as long as they are believable. Art must correspond to Reality—in fact, it cannot do anything but that.
If art is the signature of man, as Chesterton suggested, then man is the signature of God. And every film, song, poem or novel, no matter how tired or twisted, is an echo of His original act. So let us borrow, bleed and recast the old, tell the Tale a thousand times over. Let us crush the berries, raise the chisel and strike up the band, for tonight we decompose. "
My favorite line in there is that "we create because we are like Him, but we cannot create like Him." It's just a reminder that our God is great and powerful and mighty, and as creative and imaginative as our human minds might be, God's imagination is. . . wow. . It's unimaginable.
Just like His love, we can't wrap our puny minds around Him because He's so big!! He's bigger than the stinkin universe! Whoa! I don't even know how big the universe is, but God's bigger?! We truly are just a grain of sand in His hands, but His vision is so intense that He can see into our hearts.
Kat said something today that I hadn't thought about in a really long time. "God doesn't care about the posture of your body. He cares about the posture of your heart."
As for now . . .
I've been reading Mere Christianity recently, and today I read a chapter about the different between creating and begetting. It was very interesting. Lewis compares and contrasts how creating is to make and begetting is to become the father of. He spends a whole chapter writing about how God created us (we're like Him, but we're not Him) and how God begat (?) Jesus (He's got God's genes!). Very interesting chapter - very cool chapter.
Then today, I read an article on relevant called Let Us Decompose. It echos what Lewis talked about in how we don't create things. Humans basically rearrange things to make them "new." Let me give you a snippet from the article to better explain myself. . ..
"we reassemble existing parts, cut and paste objects and ideas from the known world, reshuffle the deck."
"when was the last time a new primary color was invented or a missing musical note discovered?"
"Musicians are judged by who they sound like (part Bob, Beck and Bruce), actors by who they look like (she’s got Jessica’s hair, Nicole’s eyes and Angelina’s lips) and books by how they read (think Harry Potter with a dash of Steele). "
"All our creations are re-creations, omelettes whipped up from yesterday’s leftovers."
I'm lovin this! Now here's my favorite part of the article:
" "In the beginning, God created ..." He composed. He assembled parts ex nihilo, "out of nothing." He spread out the canvas and drew His thumb across the celestial swath. We live in that Composition, on that Canvas; we are the parts He assembled. Herein lies our glory and our deficiency.
We create because we are like Him, but we cannot create like Him.
Unlike God, we cannot make something from nothing. Everything we shape, form, order and arrange requires something else. Like a celluloid hero, the laws of the medium bind us. Poets need language and its laws, for without it their craft is made moot. Some musical forms may push the boundaries, but sour notes are not tolerable—even by the most sophisticated. Architecture can be innovative, as long as the foundation is solid. Characters can be fresh, as long as they are believable. Art must correspond to Reality—in fact, it cannot do anything but that.
If art is the signature of man, as Chesterton suggested, then man is the signature of God. And every film, song, poem or novel, no matter how tired or twisted, is an echo of His original act. So let us borrow, bleed and recast the old, tell the Tale a thousand times over. Let us crush the berries, raise the chisel and strike up the band, for tonight we decompose. "
My favorite line in there is that "we create because we are like Him, but we cannot create like Him." It's just a reminder that our God is great and powerful and mighty, and as creative and imaginative as our human minds might be, God's imagination is. . . wow. . It's unimaginable.
Just like His love, we can't wrap our puny minds around Him because He's so big!! He's bigger than the stinkin universe! Whoa! I don't even know how big the universe is, but God's bigger?! We truly are just a grain of sand in His hands, but His vision is so intense that He can see into our hearts.
Kat said something today that I hadn't thought about in a really long time. "God doesn't care about the posture of your body. He cares about the posture of your heart."
Sunday, June 18, 2006
i'm still working on the barnabas post, so please be patient. But i think i figured out what all this itch is about!
I have poison ivy. I'm positive of that. The only question was how I got it on my forehead, eyelid, neck and ear.. and forearms!!
The culprit: my pillowcase. . . .the traitor...
We went camping one night and we took our pillows with us. At one point during the trip, our pillows were on the ground, and I guess my pillow got onto a plant.
So I think that pretty much cracks that case. I shall continue to itch . . . and I will keep my antihistamines close and my caladryl closer. :o)
I have poison ivy. I'm positive of that. The only question was how I got it on my forehead, eyelid, neck and ear.. and forearms!!
The culprit: my pillowcase. . . .the traitor...
We went camping one night and we took our pillows with us. At one point during the trip, our pillows were on the ground, and I guess my pillow got onto a plant.
So I think that pretty much cracks that case. I shall continue to itch . . . and I will keep my antihistamines close and my caladryl closer. :o)
Saturday, June 17, 2006
I can't stop itching !!!!!!!!
I have been attacked by chiggers (what a gross word) and I might have poison ivy on my eyelid. I have no idea how it could have gotten there . . . some odd transfer I'm sure.
More to come soon about Barnabas .. :o) Until then, I might have to duct tape some oven mitts to my hands, and I'll keep relying on my anti itch cream.
Oh the AGONY!!!!
I have been attacked by chiggers (what a gross word) and I might have poison ivy on my eyelid. I have no idea how it could have gotten there . . . some odd transfer I'm sure.
More to come soon about Barnabas .. :o) Until then, I might have to duct tape some oven mitts to my hands, and I'll keep relying on my anti itch cream.
Oh the AGONY!!!!
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Hey I forgot to add to that -- I will be leaving town tomorrow morning to go to Camp Barnabas!! Please pray for safe travel (I am driving!) and that God will just allow me to bless the kids in whatever way.
I'll be back June 17th . . . So yeah! Thanks!
I'll be back June 17th . . . So yeah! Thanks!
WELL!
I had my interview today. I think it went okay. They asked some really really hard questions, but it was good because it made me really stretch my brain in ways I haven't had to do in a while. I'm still thinking about them too. It's kind of funny how your college education has an impact on your philosophy. Through academia, field experience, writing papers and over thinking everything
And I stopped mid sentence because I got a phone call.
It was the head of special services, one of the women I interviewed with. She had one more question to ask me, something about health benefits.
And then she proceeded to tell me that the interview went really well. And that she would be sending in the papers to the director of personnel, recommending me for the job.
YEAH! Read that again!!
That means I got the job!!!!!!!
WHOOP!
Praise to Jehovah Jireh!!!
YAY!!!
I had my interview today. I think it went okay. They asked some really really hard questions, but it was good because it made me really stretch my brain in ways I haven't had to do in a while. I'm still thinking about them too. It's kind of funny how your college education has an impact on your philosophy. Through academia, field experience, writing papers and over thinking everything
And I stopped mid sentence because I got a phone call.
It was the head of special services, one of the women I interviewed with. She had one more question to ask me, something about health benefits.
And then she proceeded to tell me that the interview went really well. And that she would be sending in the papers to the director of personnel, recommending me for the job.
YEAH! Read that again!!
That means I got the job!!!!!!!
WHOOP!
Praise to Jehovah Jireh!!!
YAY!!!
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Hey everybody! Look at me! I have the holiest donkey in the world!
HAHAHAHA.... You guys ... check this stuff out.. it is HILARIOUS. There are four of them, so just sit back and enjoy! :o)
http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=vintage21
"In the Spring of 2003, Vintage21 had a four week series on Jesus Christ, taking a deep look at what He said and did. It was difficult at times to get past our preconceived notions that had been developed by staunch, starched Sunday School classes of old. This is a satirical look at what some people think Jesus is like. Thank goodness He's not."
http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=vintage21
"In the Spring of 2003, Vintage21 had a four week series on Jesus Christ, taking a deep look at what He said and did. It was difficult at times to get past our preconceived notions that had been developed by staunch, starched Sunday School classes of old. This is a satirical look at what some people think Jesus is like. Thank goodness He's not."
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Okay, Lauren . . .
I don't have a whole lot to blog about tonight. I'm sure I could talk all about my weekend in Arlington with my special olympics kids ... buuuuttttt I'm not. haha... Yeah. hahaha..
I've been enjoying my summer break for the past two days. It's been incredible. Monday was spent being lazy and spending time with friends on Memorial Day. Today was great - I got a few things done at the house and was lazy and watched The Producers. (it's funny!! especially if you like satires and musicals) Tomorrow, the 3rd day of summer, will be spent fixing my brakes with Ross and hopefully some other stuff.
I leave next Tuesday (hopefully) or Wednesday for Missouri to go to Camp Barnabas. I've got lots of stuff to do between now and then .. like PACK ... :o) Oh yeah, and I'm supposedly going to have a job interview next week but I'll let you know all about that later. Sorry for the long time in between posts ... I've been in mourning of the Spurs losing for a long time now ... :o\
Love you!
I've been enjoying my summer break for the past two days. It's been incredible. Monday was spent being lazy and spending time with friends on Memorial Day. Today was great - I got a few things done at the house and was lazy and watched The Producers. (it's funny!! especially if you like satires and musicals) Tomorrow, the 3rd day of summer, will be spent fixing my brakes with Ross and hopefully some other stuff.
I leave next Tuesday (hopefully) or Wednesday for Missouri to go to Camp Barnabas. I've got lots of stuff to do between now and then .. like PACK ... :o) Oh yeah, and I'm supposedly going to have a job interview next week but I'll let you know all about that later. Sorry for the long time in between posts ... I've been in mourning of the Spurs losing for a long time now ... :o\
Love you!
Monday, May 22, 2006
blame it on ... mexico?
Well .. Spurs ran out of time tonight. I'm pretty sad and depressed about it. But it was a pretty stinkin good game. Like the majority of the series between the Mavs and Spurs this year, it came down to the last possession of the game, and ultimately an overtime yet again. I, along with many other Spurs fans, were in the victory position, hands over my head in a V, for most of the second half as we came back from a 20+ point deficit at half. A great game, but the Mavs beat us out .. this year. There were some pretty sweet shots on both sides and a nail biter all the way. Heehee.. a great highlight was watching Mark Cuban in the last quarter as he looked like he was trying to poop a brick. Anyway ... I can't in good conscience root for the Mavs for the remainder of the playoffs, so I'll just stick with a great player and pull for the Suns. Go Suns Go!!
Friday, May 19, 2006
not quite blasphemous . . . :o)
This is awesome.
"And they will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." - Matthew 13:42
I've added a link to this website over in my links column. They're fun to look at!!
"And they will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." - Matthew 13:42I've added a link to this website over in my links column. They're fun to look at!!
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Today was a great day!!
Work was good - only 5 days left!! Came home, spent some time in the sun (doing that a lot lately) and ate some dinner. Then I went with the ever cool Ashley to see an totally sweet movie. Stick It. Let's just call it ... amazing.. for now. :o) So funny! Then I came home and got a phone call from an old friend who hooked me up with somethin' totally sweet. (see below) I am ready for the weekend!!! BRING IT ON!!!!
Me with my totally awesome shirt.
See? Even Mike supports the Spurs!! :o)
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Today was a good day! :o)
Slept in, which is a rarity lately. Then headed to Conroe to celebrate Patrice's graduation! We hung out at her aunt's house which is absolutely amazing and gorgeous and huge. Did some swimmin, some eatin, some water gun fightin. Then headed back to CS. Got cleaned up in a record 15 minutes (yes that includes drying hair) and got back on the road to David & Kathrin's country house. There were some other couples out there (Mike, Amy, Brandi & Matt) and we fixed supper and ate and played some very competitive Taboo. Then I headed back to CS (again). Came home, slept for about 1 1/2 hours and went to the Rec. No, I haven't turned into a workout freak, I went to help chaperone After Prom Bash. :o) It was fun! Saw lots of kids. There was this bungee jump thing that you got hooked up to and just jump and flip and stuff. I talked Donna Hanson into doing it with me. It was fun, but the harness was really really tight and I did lots of back flips so I didn't last long. After I got off, I didn't feel so good. I tried to walk it off, but ended up taking a short walk outside for some private time. (aka I ralphed = not so fun) I still don't feel good at all, but I am glad I went. I think I'm gonna go to bed and try to get up for church tomorrow. We'll see if it happens.
If you're a mom, Happy Mother's Day!!
Slept in, which is a rarity lately. Then headed to Conroe to celebrate Patrice's graduation! We hung out at her aunt's house which is absolutely amazing and gorgeous and huge. Did some swimmin, some eatin, some water gun fightin. Then headed back to CS. Got cleaned up in a record 15 minutes (yes that includes drying hair) and got back on the road to David & Kathrin's country house. There were some other couples out there (Mike, Amy, Brandi & Matt) and we fixed supper and ate and played some very competitive Taboo. Then I headed back to CS (again). Came home, slept for about 1 1/2 hours and went to the Rec. No, I haven't turned into a workout freak, I went to help chaperone After Prom Bash. :o) It was fun! Saw lots of kids. There was this bungee jump thing that you got hooked up to and just jump and flip and stuff. I talked Donna Hanson into doing it with me. It was fun, but the harness was really really tight and I did lots of back flips so I didn't last long. After I got off, I didn't feel so good. I tried to walk it off, but ended up taking a short walk outside for some private time. (aka I ralphed = not so fun) I still don't feel good at all, but I am glad I went. I think I'm gonna go to bed and try to get up for church tomorrow. We'll see if it happens.
If you're a mom, Happy Mother's Day!!
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Oh, to live as Mr Garner did . . .
"He was as selfless in dying as he was living"
What a wonderful thing to say about a wonderful man !!
"He was as selfless in dying as he was living"
What a wonderful thing to say about a wonderful man !!
"Just a few more weary days and then, I'll fly away;
To a land where joy shall never end, I'll fly away
I'll fly away, Oh Glory, I'll fly away
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by, I'll fly away!"
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. "-Philippians 4:4-8
Monday, May 08, 2006
a great story for anyone in ministry
I got this from a weekly e-newsletter I receive. It's a really awesome story that speaks volumes and testifies to why many of us are really in ministry.
Just Rock
Some people really live through hell—I mean real hell, hell on earth, hell now. Zack is one of them. His life for years was like a volcano waiting to erupt, and during that dormant time, like most kids I know, he had done such a concealment job that no one knew of the violent, unstable environment at home and inside his heart.
I had met him once or twice while at East High School, where I was working with Young Life at the time. Zack was a name among many names. I didn't know much more … until one Monday when I swung by the school around lunchtime to visit with some students and remind them about Young Life that evening.
As I entered the office to sign in, the principal, whom I had befriended, pulled me aside. He asked me if I knew Zack. It seemed to me I knew 12 Zacks, but eventually through associations I was able to zero in. The principal looked at the tile floor as he shared how Zack had found his father dead the day before in the garage. It was a clear suicide. He was an alcoholic. Turns out, the family had been suffering from his physical and emotional abuse for years.
I was dumbfounded. Zack on the outside seemed normal, even happy. I promised the principal that I'd seek him out and do what I could to care for him. He told me when and where the funeral and memorial services were happening, and thanked me.
Zack wasn't at school. I didn't expect to see him until Wednesday at the services, so it came as quite a surprise when, halfway through the first song that night at our large-group meeting, Zack walked through the door. Immediately, he was encircled by friends, engulfed in hugs. I was glad he was there but a little nervous, too. I had nothing to offer. What do you say to a kid in hell?
Afterward in the parking lot, I told Zack as much, told him I would be at the funeral, told him if he ever wanted to talk that I'd listen.
He looked at me and smiled as if just being there was enough. "Sure," he said. Then, he hugged me.
It was the first of many hugs, the beginning of a great friendship.
But he never talked. Periodically, we'd hit Wendy's for a Frosty. We would wander about safe topics like sports, movies and cars until our Frosties turned to chocolate milk. We'd scrunch our napkins making ready to leave, and I'd finally muster enough courage to ask him if he wanted to talk about it. He'd say, "Nah." That would be all.
Zack came to Young Life camp with us that summer; he was the first to sign up. We had a blast—his face told the story of a kid in a dream. One afternoon, he walked with me lakeside over to some rocking chairs. We just rocked, watching as people were catapulted awkwardly and painfully into the lake by the Blob, an inflatable, water trampoline. I asked him about his week. He said, "Great." I said, "You want to talk about it?" He said, "Nah." And so we just rocked.
We continued to be close. The following school year he was a junior, and he never missed a thing. He was a leader among his peers. He had the full appearance of being a new creation, but at times when I caught his eye I could see the hidden pain. We kept slurping Frosties. It became routine-we would get to the end, I would ask him if he wanted to talk about it, he would say "Nah" and give me a hug.
I felt like a failure.
He came to camp again the next summer and was personally responsible for getting a half dozen more folks to sign up. Again, he had the time of his life; again, we sat on the rocking chairs and just rocked. And by the end of the week, I knew I was a failure.
I had known Zack for two years, was closer to him than any other adult, and yet I never managed to get a word out of him. We just rocked.
That fall I received this letter:
I don't really know what to say because there aren't enough words to explain how much you mean to me. Young Life has been so important to me, and I only wish I had started coming earlier. I never had a friendship quite like ours before. Though I've only known you for a little while, you're pretty much like family to me ... I can't tell you how much I appreciate knowing that I have someone I can talk to about anything even if I can't always actually get it out and say it ... Thank you for everything you've ever done because whether you know it or not, it has really touched my life.
Blessings, Zack
I learned from Zack sometimes all you need to do is sit there and rock. Just rock. The ministry of presence may be the most meaningful ministry of all.
Ned Erickson serves as the recruitment director for Metro Denver Young Life. He is the author of Falling into Love (RELEVANT Books).
On another note, many of you may have known Robert Garner. He was the principal at College Hills Elem and also Rock Prairie Elem in College Station for many years. He was a strong member of our church and a wonderful man with a big heart. Mr. Garner passed away this morning and I can promise that along with his family, his students and co-workers are mourning the loss of a great educator.
Just Rock
Some people really live through hell—I mean real hell, hell on earth, hell now. Zack is one of them. His life for years was like a volcano waiting to erupt, and during that dormant time, like most kids I know, he had done such a concealment job that no one knew of the violent, unstable environment at home and inside his heart.
I had met him once or twice while at East High School, where I was working with Young Life at the time. Zack was a name among many names. I didn't know much more … until one Monday when I swung by the school around lunchtime to visit with some students and remind them about Young Life that evening.
As I entered the office to sign in, the principal, whom I had befriended, pulled me aside. He asked me if I knew Zack. It seemed to me I knew 12 Zacks, but eventually through associations I was able to zero in. The principal looked at the tile floor as he shared how Zack had found his father dead the day before in the garage. It was a clear suicide. He was an alcoholic. Turns out, the family had been suffering from his physical and emotional abuse for years.
I was dumbfounded. Zack on the outside seemed normal, even happy. I promised the principal that I'd seek him out and do what I could to care for him. He told me when and where the funeral and memorial services were happening, and thanked me.
Zack wasn't at school. I didn't expect to see him until Wednesday at the services, so it came as quite a surprise when, halfway through the first song that night at our large-group meeting, Zack walked through the door. Immediately, he was encircled by friends, engulfed in hugs. I was glad he was there but a little nervous, too. I had nothing to offer. What do you say to a kid in hell?
Afterward in the parking lot, I told Zack as much, told him I would be at the funeral, told him if he ever wanted to talk that I'd listen.
He looked at me and smiled as if just being there was enough. "Sure," he said. Then, he hugged me.
It was the first of many hugs, the beginning of a great friendship.
But he never talked. Periodically, we'd hit Wendy's for a Frosty. We would wander about safe topics like sports, movies and cars until our Frosties turned to chocolate milk. We'd scrunch our napkins making ready to leave, and I'd finally muster enough courage to ask him if he wanted to talk about it. He'd say, "Nah." That would be all.
Zack came to Young Life camp with us that summer; he was the first to sign up. We had a blast—his face told the story of a kid in a dream. One afternoon, he walked with me lakeside over to some rocking chairs. We just rocked, watching as people were catapulted awkwardly and painfully into the lake by the Blob, an inflatable, water trampoline. I asked him about his week. He said, "Great." I said, "You want to talk about it?" He said, "Nah." And so we just rocked.
We continued to be close. The following school year he was a junior, and he never missed a thing. He was a leader among his peers. He had the full appearance of being a new creation, but at times when I caught his eye I could see the hidden pain. We kept slurping Frosties. It became routine-we would get to the end, I would ask him if he wanted to talk about it, he would say "Nah" and give me a hug.
I felt like a failure.
He came to camp again the next summer and was personally responsible for getting a half dozen more folks to sign up. Again, he had the time of his life; again, we sat on the rocking chairs and just rocked. And by the end of the week, I knew I was a failure.
I had known Zack for two years, was closer to him than any other adult, and yet I never managed to get a word out of him. We just rocked.
That fall I received this letter:
I don't really know what to say because there aren't enough words to explain how much you mean to me. Young Life has been so important to me, and I only wish I had started coming earlier. I never had a friendship quite like ours before. Though I've only known you for a little while, you're pretty much like family to me ... I can't tell you how much I appreciate knowing that I have someone I can talk to about anything even if I can't always actually get it out and say it ... Thank you for everything you've ever done because whether you know it or not, it has really touched my life.
Blessings, Zack
I learned from Zack sometimes all you need to do is sit there and rock. Just rock. The ministry of presence may be the most meaningful ministry of all.
Ned Erickson serves as the recruitment director for Metro Denver Young Life. He is the author of Falling into Love (RELEVANT Books).
On another note, many of you may have known Robert Garner. He was the principal at College Hills Elem and also Rock Prairie Elem in College Station for many years. He was a strong member of our church and a wonderful man with a big heart. Mr. Garner passed away this morning and I can promise that along with his family, his students and co-workers are mourning the loss of a great educator.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
.jpg)
Howdy!
Not a lot to report right now . . . A little under the weather with something I picked up from the weekend. It was a fun weekend - Went on retreat with the youth to Frontier Camp. It was beautiful & such a blast. We played night games, had great worship, & hung out in the sun. I walked around on Saturday and took some pictures. Some were good, some not so great.
.jpg)
I really enjoyed hanging out with the kids and being with all the counselor girls.
This weekend, I'm staying with the Wolfe boys. I am looking forward to it !! :o)
That's all for now . . .
Thursday, April 27, 2006
!!! I completely forgot !!!
Tuesday night was pretty crazy. Around 12:30am, a random hailstorm hit us !! It was so random, in fact, that there was hail only in a few parts of CS. It was kinda scary just because it was so unexpected. I was really worried about my windshield because it already has a large crack in it. Kat went out and checked my car for me. . . She had this goofy get up . . . but for her protection of course.
So she went and checked out the cars -- thank goodness that I didn't have any damage to the windows. This morning I went out and checked it -- just some tiny dings, nothing that this summer's heat won't fix.
Not a lot happening in the world of Randi right now. Wish I had more to report. This weekend will be fun though. Brian was in need of more chaperones for the spring retreat, so I signed up to go. Next week will be good too - Spring sports banquet on Monday, fun on Tuesday, and then I'll be staying with the Wolfes next weekend along with participating in a bowl-a-thon with my coworkers.
I do have to admit though, the past 5 days have been great. Saturday, I went up to the church and played basketball with Ryan, B-Rog and Bradley and then we played The Counselor game when Thomas showed up and later played Thomas' newest game. It was a good time! Then on Sunday, Will and I traveled to Round Rock to attend Crossroads with Preston & Andy. Afterwards, Pres, Andy and I played indoor soccer. Actually, we played 2 games. It was so much fun. I wish Will could have played, but he got to watch some great amatuer soccer games. Monday, I just recooped from the weekend after work was over. Tuesday night I went and played basketball up at the church again. It was fun! I have really enjoyed spending time with people my age again. Hopefully I'll keep it up because I think that although I'm more tired, I'm much more happy.
As for now, I'll look forward to the weekend and getting away from College Station for a few days. And for tonight, :o) .... I'll go to sleep watching the South Pacific from Carnegie Hall on PBS. I can't pass up good music put to a good story.
I do have to admit though, the past 5 days have been great. Saturday, I went up to the church and played basketball with Ryan, B-Rog and Bradley and then we played The Counselor game when Thomas showed up and later played Thomas' newest game. It was a good time! Then on Sunday, Will and I traveled to Round Rock to attend Crossroads with Preston & Andy. Afterwards, Pres, Andy and I played indoor soccer. Actually, we played 2 games. It was so much fun. I wish Will could have played, but he got to watch some great amatuer soccer games. Monday, I just recooped from the weekend after work was over. Tuesday night I went and played basketball up at the church again. It was fun! I have really enjoyed spending time with people my age again. Hopefully I'll keep it up because I think that although I'm more tired, I'm much more happy.
As for now, I'll look forward to the weekend and getting away from College Station for a few days. And for tonight, :o) .... I'll go to sleep watching the South Pacific from Carnegie Hall on PBS. I can't pass up good music put to a good story.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Now, I'm not usually one to be suspect of conspiracies nor do I think a lot about governmental secrets. However . . . Today as I was sitting in front of a computer after I finished giving a reading test for TAKS, I was just surfin MSNBC.com and came across an editorial.
The title was "Junk-Food Jihad: Should we regulate French fries like cigarettes?" Now, don't get me wrong, I'm all about health and people choosing healthy lifestyles and taking pretty good care of my own health. But this article really kind of ... made me wonder, how much control is too much? Let me give you some statements from this article and then I'll share my thoughts. (Keep in mind that this is and editorial, speaks a lot from opinion and that these statements are not necessarily fact.)
Health advocates want to restrict junk-food sales, regulate advertising, require more explicit labels, and ban trans fats (also known as partially hydrogenated oils), which are often put into crackers, cookies, and other products to prolong shelf life.
For that matter, the rationale for recent bans on smoking is the injustice of secondhand smoke, and there's no such thing as secondhand obesity.
But they do clarify how it will unfold. It will rely on three arguments: First, we should protect kids. Second, fat people are burdening the rest of us. Third, junk food isn't really food.
Targeting kids is a familiar way to impose morals without threatening liberties.
It's not our dependence on foreign oil that's killing us. It's our dependence on vegetable oil.
To lower junk food to the level of cigarettes, its opponents must persuade you that it isn't really food. They're certainly trying. Soda isn't sustenance, they argue; it's "liquid candy." Crackers aren't baked; they're "engineered," like illegal drugs, to addict people.
Last year, New York City's health commissioner asked restaurants to stop using trans fats, which he likened to asbestos. But he ignored saturated fats, which are equally bad and more pervasive. Why are trans fats an easier whipping-cream boy? Because they're mostly artificial.
A fact sheet from Harkin implies that schools should treat milk, French fries, and pizza like soda, jelly beans, and gum. Come on. How many people died in the Irish jelly bean famine? How many babies have nursed on 7-Up? How many food groups does gum share with pizza? If you can't tell the difference, don't tell us what to eat.
Okay .. So. I pretty much agree with this author. I know that smoking is harmful, I know that eating poorly is harmful. And I make the choice to smoke or not smoke, to eat healthily or to eat crap. And I deeply appreciate that Bryan/College Station has statutes on smoking in public places and restrictions on smoking in restaurants. And I appreciate that the FDA, CDC, USDA, etc etc etc, have required food manufacturers and other food producers to make the contents of their products public. It does make food choices a lot easier.
However, how far is too far? How much control is too much? I feel like it could get to the point to where our government will be telling us what to eat, how much to eat, what not to eat, when to eat. Just thoughts, but I just don't want to seem like Mel Gibson on Conspiracy Theory.
I suggest you take a read at this article if you're at all interested. :o) Besides, it's kind of funny.
The title was "Junk-Food Jihad: Should we regulate French fries like cigarettes?" Now, don't get me wrong, I'm all about health and people choosing healthy lifestyles and taking pretty good care of my own health. But this article really kind of ... made me wonder, how much control is too much? Let me give you some statements from this article and then I'll share my thoughts. (Keep in mind that this is and editorial, speaks a lot from opinion and that these statements are not necessarily fact.)
Health advocates want to restrict junk-food sales, regulate advertising, require more explicit labels, and ban trans fats (also known as partially hydrogenated oils), which are often put into crackers, cookies, and other products to prolong shelf life.
For that matter, the rationale for recent bans on smoking is the injustice of secondhand smoke, and there's no such thing as secondhand obesity.
But they do clarify how it will unfold. It will rely on three arguments: First, we should protect kids. Second, fat people are burdening the rest of us. Third, junk food isn't really food.
Targeting kids is a familiar way to impose morals without threatening liberties.
It's not our dependence on foreign oil that's killing us. It's our dependence on vegetable oil.
To lower junk food to the level of cigarettes, its opponents must persuade you that it isn't really food. They're certainly trying. Soda isn't sustenance, they argue; it's "liquid candy." Crackers aren't baked; they're "engineered," like illegal drugs, to addict people.
Last year, New York City's health commissioner asked restaurants to stop using trans fats, which he likened to asbestos. But he ignored saturated fats, which are equally bad and more pervasive. Why are trans fats an easier whipping-cream boy? Because they're mostly artificial.
A fact sheet from Harkin implies that schools should treat milk, French fries, and pizza like soda, jelly beans, and gum. Come on. How many people died in the Irish jelly bean famine? How many babies have nursed on 7-Up? How many food groups does gum share with pizza? If you can't tell the difference, don't tell us what to eat.
Okay .. So. I pretty much agree with this author. I know that smoking is harmful, I know that eating poorly is harmful. And I make the choice to smoke or not smoke, to eat healthily or to eat crap. And I deeply appreciate that Bryan/College Station has statutes on smoking in public places and restrictions on smoking in restaurants. And I appreciate that the FDA, CDC, USDA, etc etc etc, have required food manufacturers and other food producers to make the contents of their products public. It does make food choices a lot easier.
However, how far is too far? How much control is too much? I feel like it could get to the point to where our government will be telling us what to eat, how much to eat, what not to eat, when to eat. Just thoughts, but I just don't want to seem like Mel Gibson on Conspiracy Theory.
I suggest you take a read at this article if you're at all interested. :o) Besides, it's kind of funny.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Well, I don't really have a lot to say right now.. that's why I haven't posted anything.
So maybe I'll just put a picture here ... let me look ...
And then I realized that I have no new pictures of me... because I'm always the one behind the camera. :o) haha.. I'll bust out an OLD SCHOOL pic ... it's safe, don't worry...
See? It's safe! :o)
Love all y'all !!! (oh yeah, 2 mo til my bday, heehee..)
So maybe I'll just put a picture here ... let me look ...
And then I realized that I have no new pictures of me... because I'm always the one behind the camera. :o) haha.. I'll bust out an OLD SCHOOL pic ... it's safe, don't worry...
.jpg)
See? It's safe! :o)
Love all y'all !!! (oh yeah, 2 mo til my bday, heehee..)
Saturday, April 01, 2006
As if you guys didn't have enough things to make fun of me for . . .
I have discovered a new way to eat frosting. (to add to the ways I already do)
Let's review:
1. on a cake
2. on a cupcake
3. on a cookie
4. off my finger
5. with twizzlers
And the newest:
with Nilla Wafers.
And that's all I have to say about that
I have discovered a new way to eat frosting. (to add to the ways I already do)
Let's review:
1. on a cake
2. on a cupcake
3. on a cookie
4. off my finger
5. with twizzlers
And the newest:
with Nilla Wafers.
And that's all I have to say about that
Friday, March 31, 2006
Today was a VERY interesting day !!!
This morning, around 9:05, the fire alarm went off. We were all very surprised because there wasn't a scheduled fire drill that we were aware of. So we QUICKLY loaded all the kids into their chairs, gathered the other students and headed outside. We had no idea what was going on. I was especially confused when some teachers started running back inside!! Apparently, a water sprinkler pipe in our wing of the school popped! It was between floors, so in one class, it was coming up from the floor and down from the other. The upstairs class is an art class, and the downstairs class is the media tech room!! Needless to say, the teachers running back inside were going to try to save ALL the electrical equipment and computers in that classroom. They probably saved the district hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Since the pipe burst was in the same wing we are in, there was water everywhere in the hallways. We had to bust out some blankets from our cabinets to put under the doors so no water could get in. Other teachers did the same. There was an approximated 2 inches of water on the floors and at one point, it was flowing down the hall ! Needless to say, we couldn't enter our classroom, possibly for the rest of the day. So, Dawn, the head teacher, made the call and decided to send the students home. My co-workers and I were so pumped !! We were so excited that we were going to get to go home early.
Yeah, right. You seriously think that would happen? No.. We got the kids on buses and sent them home. But we were asked to help get students' things from the flooded classrooms and to help that process. So we stuck around til about 2ish and then I went to soccer to help put away equipment.
Tonight, the Lady Ags are playing vs China at the Soccer Complex at 7pm. Come out! (it's FREE!) I'll be there... so you already know it's gonna be awesome. ;o)
Love you all -
This morning, around 9:05, the fire alarm went off. We were all very surprised because there wasn't a scheduled fire drill that we were aware of. So we QUICKLY loaded all the kids into their chairs, gathered the other students and headed outside. We had no idea what was going on. I was especially confused when some teachers started running back inside!! Apparently, a water sprinkler pipe in our wing of the school popped! It was between floors, so in one class, it was coming up from the floor and down from the other. The upstairs class is an art class, and the downstairs class is the media tech room!! Needless to say, the teachers running back inside were going to try to save ALL the electrical equipment and computers in that classroom. They probably saved the district hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Since the pipe burst was in the same wing we are in, there was water everywhere in the hallways. We had to bust out some blankets from our cabinets to put under the doors so no water could get in. Other teachers did the same. There was an approximated 2 inches of water on the floors and at one point, it was flowing down the hall ! Needless to say, we couldn't enter our classroom, possibly for the rest of the day. So, Dawn, the head teacher, made the call and decided to send the students home. My co-workers and I were so pumped !! We were so excited that we were going to get to go home early.
Yeah, right. You seriously think that would happen? No.. We got the kids on buses and sent them home. But we were asked to help get students' things from the flooded classrooms and to help that process. So we stuck around til about 2ish and then I went to soccer to help put away equipment.
Tonight, the Lady Ags are playing vs China at the Soccer Complex at 7pm. Come out! (it's FREE!) I'll be there... so you already know it's gonna be awesome. ;o)
Love you all -
Saturday, March 25, 2006
relevant
This is an article from a Relevant email I received.. I like it :o)
Laugh Monkey by Mark Steele
Have you ever had that dream where you are alone on stage and everyone in the audience is expecting you to answer a question you didn't actually hear? And also, it's church. And also, you're naked.
That's what performing comedy is like.
I have spent the last 15 years doing, among other things, improv and stand-up comedy. This has perpetuated two consistent identifiers of my life: an unending sense of anxiety and a flaring rash when others ask me to "do something funny."
Do something funny.
Jesse Carey, the RELEVANT staffer whom I have known since he was a fetus last spring, asked me to write an 850 piece on this very statement: "Do something funny." Evidently, there was a message board thread of some sort on the subject. So, I am obliging to Jesse's strong-arming kind command request to compose an essay. For this purpose and this purpose only, I am agreeing to attempt to be funny on demand, even though today, I feel quite relevant serious.
I'm not complaining. I appreciate the God-given gift to bring others joy. But I don't always feel like turning it on. As a matter of fact, there are moments I know that I cannot turn it on - that I will fall flat on my face during the attempt and that the already-awkward moment will end with the cursed comment, "well—he was funny last time."
I am not alone in this anxiety. We all have that one talent that some find amazing and others find annoying. The refined or sometimes-unhoned detail of our existence that God seems to find a way to use even when we resist its label. The difference is: Most of us are not called upon to perform our skill at parties on a moment's notice.
· "Jason, do that quantum physics thing for Mandy."
· "Teresa, act like you're doing a price check on my ham sandwich."
· "Now you get over here and show your grandmother how you won that wrestling title."
But NO, comedy comes with obligation. I am required to do it—and do it justice, even when I feel like doing the opposite. I don't want to joke on my bad days and I don't want to bandy about witty repartee while I'm having my gums scraped by the dental hygienist. LOOK AT ME! I'M THE LAUGH MONKEY! My life-calling has been reduced to the equivalent of throwing my feces at my pile of banana peels in the corner for applause. I don't want to be the "do something funny" guy! I just want to be a human being who gets to be THE OPPOSITE OF FUNNY except for the moments where IT WORKS BEST FOR ME!
And I quickly see that I follow Christ in the same way.
Where He would quicken me to walk in His path especially in the moments I most want to stray or stop and rest, I would prefer to obey Him when it is most rewarding or impressive. Unfortunately, those moments are the exception. God's rule sounds more like this:
Hey, Mark: right now, in your bad mood when you don't particularly know or like or appreciate the smell of the other person asking you to be like Jesus—yeah, right now. Be like Jesus. Use what I've given you to work with and do something impressive. Impress an image of how Jesus can work through you when you're not really in that great of a mood.
It's why it's called a calling. Because even when we're wandering far away from home, the Voice beckons us back.
Every day, I have opportunities to destroy someone else's perception of Christ by giving in to my own comforts while calling my path His. The true miracle is that if I take the complicated choice and actually deny myself, revealing Jesus when all around expect a more human response, there is no chance that they will see me. They will see Jesus instead and one will not be confused with the Other.
The truth is, "doing something funny" isn't done for the benefit of the doer. It's done for the benefit of the one who needs the laugh. To that end, it doesn't really matter how the doer feels about the matter. It only matters that he does the "something funny" anyway. Who knows? In the process, the doer may just burst into laughter himself.
Mark Steele is author of Flashbang (RELEVANT Books) and the president and executive creative of Steelehouse Productions. He is also a really funny guy (seriously).
Laugh Monkey by Mark Steele
Have you ever had that dream where you are alone on stage and everyone in the audience is expecting you to answer a question you didn't actually hear? And also, it's church. And also, you're naked.
That's what performing comedy is like.
I have spent the last 15 years doing, among other things, improv and stand-up comedy. This has perpetuated two consistent identifiers of my life: an unending sense of anxiety and a flaring rash when others ask me to "do something funny."
Do something funny.
Jesse Carey, the RELEVANT staffer whom I have known since he was a fetus last spring, asked me to write an 850 piece on this very statement: "Do something funny." Evidently, there was a message board thread of some sort on the subject. So, I am obliging to Jesse's strong-arming kind command request to compose an essay. For this purpose and this purpose only, I am agreeing to attempt to be funny on demand, even though today, I feel quite relevant serious.
I'm not complaining. I appreciate the God-given gift to bring others joy. But I don't always feel like turning it on. As a matter of fact, there are moments I know that I cannot turn it on - that I will fall flat on my face during the attempt and that the already-awkward moment will end with the cursed comment, "well—he was funny last time."
I am not alone in this anxiety. We all have that one talent that some find amazing and others find annoying. The refined or sometimes-unhoned detail of our existence that God seems to find a way to use even when we resist its label. The difference is: Most of us are not called upon to perform our skill at parties on a moment's notice.
· "Jason, do that quantum physics thing for Mandy."
· "Teresa, act like you're doing a price check on my ham sandwich."
· "Now you get over here and show your grandmother how you won that wrestling title."
But NO, comedy comes with obligation. I am required to do it—and do it justice, even when I feel like doing the opposite. I don't want to joke on my bad days and I don't want to bandy about witty repartee while I'm having my gums scraped by the dental hygienist. LOOK AT ME! I'M THE LAUGH MONKEY! My life-calling has been reduced to the equivalent of throwing my feces at my pile of banana peels in the corner for applause. I don't want to be the "do something funny" guy! I just want to be a human being who gets to be THE OPPOSITE OF FUNNY except for the moments where IT WORKS BEST FOR ME!
And I quickly see that I follow Christ in the same way.
Where He would quicken me to walk in His path especially in the moments I most want to stray or stop and rest, I would prefer to obey Him when it is most rewarding or impressive. Unfortunately, those moments are the exception. God's rule sounds more like this:
Hey, Mark: right now, in your bad mood when you don't particularly know or like or appreciate the smell of the other person asking you to be like Jesus—yeah, right now. Be like Jesus. Use what I've given you to work with and do something impressive. Impress an image of how Jesus can work through you when you're not really in that great of a mood.
It's why it's called a calling. Because even when we're wandering far away from home, the Voice beckons us back.
Every day, I have opportunities to destroy someone else's perception of Christ by giving in to my own comforts while calling my path His. The true miracle is that if I take the complicated choice and actually deny myself, revealing Jesus when all around expect a more human response, there is no chance that they will see me. They will see Jesus instead and one will not be confused with the Other.
The truth is, "doing something funny" isn't done for the benefit of the doer. It's done for the benefit of the one who needs the laugh. To that end, it doesn't really matter how the doer feels about the matter. It only matters that he does the "something funny" anyway. Who knows? In the process, the doer may just burst into laughter himself.
Mark Steele is author of Flashbang (RELEVANT Books) and the president and executive creative of Steelehouse Productions. He is also a really funny guy (seriously).
Friday, March 24, 2006
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Oh my goodness, if you missed the varsity girls' soccer game tonight (which I assume ... all ... of you did) you missed a freaking great game. Basically the outright district championship was on the line. If Consol beat Belton, we would have been co-champs. If Belton had won, they would have been outright champs.
Well, we tied. Even with 20 minutes of overtime. It was one of the best games that I have seen this group of girls play. It was just ... dang. A good game. We were down 2-0 at halftime, Pryor gave a good talk in the field house, the girls went back out and Ky scored from outside the 18 yd box (because their goalie wasn't too great). Belton put up a hard fight with two goals called back because they were offsides. Then we were granted a direct kick about 22 yds outside the goal, off to the left. Baker took the kick and just put it in to the right back corner. The whole team was so excited.
Oy. Next/Last home game of th 06 season is next Friday, against Copperas Cove. Come watch me coach! :o) 5pm for JV and 7pm for varsity. Whut whut!
Well, we tied. Even with 20 minutes of overtime. It was one of the best games that I have seen this group of girls play. It was just ... dang. A good game. We were down 2-0 at halftime, Pryor gave a good talk in the field house, the girls went back out and Ky scored from outside the 18 yd box (because their goalie wasn't too great). Belton put up a hard fight with two goals called back because they were offsides. Then we were granted a direct kick about 22 yds outside the goal, off to the left. Baker took the kick and just put it in to the right back corner. The whole team was so excited.
Oy. Next/Last home game of th 06 season is next Friday, against Copperas Cove. Come watch me coach! :o) 5pm for JV and 7pm for varsity. Whut whut!
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Today has been a relatively good day! I got up ... pretty late and decided to actually go out and get some sun. So I loaded up some food, some stuff to read, got dressed for the occasion and headed out to a secluded spot. I spread out my blanket, put on some sun screen, got my magazine out and settled down for a while. I read for what seemed like a really long time, but somehow I didn't get very far into the 'zine. After a little while, a family showed up to play on the playground on the other side of the pavillion. Didn't bother me too much because I really couldn't see them, and they couldn't see me. However, after a little while longer, some other people showed up and came within 20 feet of me. I decided it was time to go, as I just wasn't very comfortable with them cooking out and me being so close to their party. So I left and went to wash my car. I didn't get it very clean, but I did get most of the dirt off and most of the glass chalk off the back window which was left by the soccer girls.
I came home and later decided to go to the grocery store since I was very very low on food. Of course I totally forgot my list, so I resorted to walking every aisle. This has its ups and downs because you get to see all the food and remember what was on the list, but also you just start picking food off the shelf ... So now I have a lot of food. :o)
After putting away the groceries, I watched NCIS and then put in LOTR: Return of the King. Being my luck, Katharine owns the extended version. And I think by extended, they mean, an extra hour of footage. Wow that thing was 250 minutes long!! And if you do good math, then that's a little over 4 hours long!! What a great story. I probably finished a little early because I fast forwarded through the spider parts. (shudder)
The last 15 minutes of the movie was wonderful. Gandalf returns to the Shire to take the four Hobbitses and Bilbo to Rivendale. They are taking Bilbo to board the last ship to leave Middle Earth. It's a great part of the movie, very moving. There is a twist, however; Frodo is going too. His friends do not know this, and they are visibly torn by his departure. Frodo says some words about how the intention of their adventure was to save the Shire, which they had accomplished. He adds that the Shire is not his anymore, but Sam's. As Frodo says goodbye to his friends, there are hugs and tears shared by all. He turns toward the ship and boards. End movie.
As this played out, I must admit, that I shared tears with the Hobbitses as well. I couldn't help but think about how, one day, I too will leave the Shire. The Shire belongs to someone else other than me, and there is a whole new adventure waiting outside of Middle Earth. Tears and hugs will be shared by friends and I will turn away and board my ship.
Gosh I pray for that day . . . but tomorrow I will wake up in the Shire and I will have my own adventures here at home.
I came home and later decided to go to the grocery store since I was very very low on food. Of course I totally forgot my list, so I resorted to walking every aisle. This has its ups and downs because you get to see all the food and remember what was on the list, but also you just start picking food off the shelf ... So now I have a lot of food. :o)
After putting away the groceries, I watched NCIS and then put in LOTR: Return of the King. Being my luck, Katharine owns the extended version. And I think by extended, they mean, an extra hour of footage. Wow that thing was 250 minutes long!! And if you do good math, then that's a little over 4 hours long!! What a great story. I probably finished a little early because I fast forwarded through the spider parts. (shudder)
The last 15 minutes of the movie was wonderful. Gandalf returns to the Shire to take the four Hobbitses and Bilbo to Rivendale. They are taking Bilbo to board the last ship to leave Middle Earth. It's a great part of the movie, very moving. There is a twist, however; Frodo is going too. His friends do not know this, and they are visibly torn by his departure. Frodo says some words about how the intention of their adventure was to save the Shire, which they had accomplished. He adds that the Shire is not his anymore, but Sam's. As Frodo says goodbye to his friends, there are hugs and tears shared by all. He turns toward the ship and boards. End movie.
As this played out, I must admit, that I shared tears with the Hobbitses as well. I couldn't help but think about how, one day, I too will leave the Shire. The Shire belongs to someone else other than me, and there is a whole new adventure waiting outside of Middle Earth. Tears and hugs will be shared by friends and I will turn away and board my ship.
Gosh I pray for that day . . . but tomorrow I will wake up in the Shire and I will have my own adventures here at home.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
I was really looking forward to Spring Break. And now it's here!
Here's the plan - I plan on cleaning house. I've done okay so far. Almost all of my clothes are clean and put away... almost. I really want to get out of the house tomorrow though. I fully plan on spending most of the day outside. I don't know what tomorrow will include. I need to wash my car, but the forecast has rain for the second half of the week. I want to get a little tan, I guess I could find somewhere to go and read. I have two books that I want to read this week, Captivating and catch up on Come Thirsty for church. So I guess I'll pack myself a lunch, some drinks, snackies, a magazine, my books, and oh yes, sunscreen. We'll see what happens. Haha.. I really want to do something active, like play tennis or soccer orrrrrr I don't know. Got any suggestions? Or offers? :o)
Here's the plan - I plan on cleaning house. I've done okay so far. Almost all of my clothes are clean and put away... almost. I really want to get out of the house tomorrow though. I fully plan on spending most of the day outside. I don't know what tomorrow will include. I need to wash my car, but the forecast has rain for the second half of the week. I want to get a little tan, I guess I could find somewhere to go and read. I have two books that I want to read this week, Captivating and catch up on Come Thirsty for church. So I guess I'll pack myself a lunch, some drinks, snackies, a magazine, my books, and oh yes, sunscreen. We'll see what happens. Haha.. I really want to do something active, like play tennis or soccer orrrrrr I don't know. Got any suggestions? Or offers? :o)
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.Ephesians 3:20-21
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
We won against Bryan tonight! Yay! So much better than last week's JV game . . . oy.
I don't have anything awesome or inspiring or funny to tell you guys. .. Oh wait.. hah yes I do...
Kat has decided that she wants to perfect "specialty" dunks on her door basketball goal. Yes, I am talking about the kind that are about 5 inches tall, hang on the back of the door and come with little orange basketball. She claims to have already perfected one shot; essentially she hits it off the wall above the basket, then catches it and dunks it. Now, I haven't seen this yet, but I'm sure there will be more updates to come. :o) Makes for a loud evening that lasts about 30 minutes. Seems like a good workout . . .
Love you all! :o)
I don't have anything awesome or inspiring or funny to tell you guys. .. Oh wait.. hah yes I do...
Kat has decided that she wants to perfect "specialty" dunks on her door basketball goal. Yes, I am talking about the kind that are about 5 inches tall, hang on the back of the door and come with little orange basketball. She claims to have already perfected one shot; essentially she hits it off the wall above the basket, then catches it and dunks it. Now, I haven't seen this yet, but I'm sure there will be more updates to come. :o) Makes for a loud evening that lasts about 30 minutes. Seems like a good workout . . .
Love you all! :o)
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Tuesday night
HEY! The team is playing against Bryan this Tuesday!!
JV plays at 4pm, varsity at 5:30pm, and guys' varsity at 7:30pm.
Come out to Tigerland Stadium and watch some great rivalry!
JV plays at 4pm, varsity at 5:30pm, and guys' varsity at 7:30pm.
Come out to Tigerland Stadium and watch some great rivalry!
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
I know this is corny -- but it is SO true.
People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.
When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. (or for you to offer the same FOR or to THEM). They may seem like a god send and they are.. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
THANK YOU for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.
When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. (or for you to offer the same FOR or to THEM). They may seem like a god send and they are.. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
THANK YOU for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
laissé les bons temps roule!
It's Fat Tuesday!!
Monday night was great. I .. ME.. Randi .. YES .. Me.. I cooked dinner. Not only was it dinner -- but it was red beans & rice and boudain. Oh yes.. that's right .. boudain. Uh huh.. and for those of you who don't know what boudain is - I won't tell you what it is other than it's really good eatin. And then you have to try it . . . THEN I'll tell you what it is. ;o)
Anyways. Kat and I had some people over for Fat Monday simply because I wouldn't be able to have people over tonight because I'll be in Harker Heights for soccer games. It was good! We had, as aforementioned, red beans & rice, boudain, cornbread, banana pudding and king cake. Oh yes, and Ryan brought over some kick butt cafe au lait. He said it was "king cake" flavored. It was good whatever flavor you wanna call it.
Other than having a good time and laughing and having everything feel like it used to, the best part of the night was when Ryan complimented me on dinner. From a guy who cooks and throws around words like creme and marinade and all these culinary terms, that was like the highlight.
I wish I could send you some Tony Chachere's red beans & rice and some HEB bought boudain and king cake. . . But I'll just pray that you "laissé les bons temps roule!"
It's Fat Tuesday!!
Monday night was great. I .. ME.. Randi .. YES .. Me.. I cooked dinner. Not only was it dinner -- but it was red beans & rice and boudain. Oh yes.. that's right .. boudain. Uh huh.. and for those of you who don't know what boudain is - I won't tell you what it is other than it's really good eatin. And then you have to try it . . . THEN I'll tell you what it is. ;o)
Anyways. Kat and I had some people over for Fat Monday simply because I wouldn't be able to have people over tonight because I'll be in Harker Heights for soccer games. It was good! We had, as aforementioned, red beans & rice, boudain, cornbread, banana pudding and king cake. Oh yes, and Ryan brought over some kick butt cafe au lait. He said it was "king cake" flavored. It was good whatever flavor you wanna call it.
Other than having a good time and laughing and having everything feel like it used to, the best part of the night was when Ryan complimented me on dinner. From a guy who cooks and throws around words like creme and marinade and all these culinary terms, that was like the highlight.
I wish I could send you some Tony Chachere's red beans & rice and some HEB bought boudain and king cake. . . But I'll just pray that you "laissé les bons temps roule!"
Friday, February 24, 2006
As I was reading Ginger's blog today, in her comments, someone left a link to a speech that Bono recently gave at the National Prayer Day breakfast in Washington, DC. It is pretty flippin awesome.
What Bono says is just amazing and convicting all at the same time. Makes ya think . . . and then really, really respect those who give all of their time, money, and effort to those who really need.
And finally, it’s not about charity after all, is it? It’s about justice. Let me repeat that: It’s not about charity, it’s about justice. And that’s too bad. Because you’re good at charity. Americans, like the Irish, are good at it. We like to give, and we give a lot, even those who can’t afford it. But justice is a higher standard. Africa makes a fool of our idea of justice; it makes a farce of our idea of equality. It mocks our pieties, it doubts our concern, it questions our commitment.
He said, stop asking God to bless what you’re doing. Get involved in what God is doing—because it’s already blessed.
What Bono says is just amazing and convicting all at the same time. Makes ya think . . . and then really, really respect those who give all of their time, money, and effort to those who really need.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
oh so funny
Marcus finds THE funniest stuff on the internet... have a sample of his latest discovery:
In order to survive a nuclear attack, you must remember to stop, drop, and be Chuck Norris.
Chuck Norris' tears cure cancer. Too bad Chuck Norris has never cried.
I am pretty sure these are derived from this website. If you want a laugh, and then cry . . . this is the place to go.
I don't have anything else to really say. . . Julie is really funny too. Here are some samples of her insanity from Tuesday night (procrastination can do this to you.. don't let it happen to you).
sometimes when i drink coke i like to put some in my mouth and violently shake my head left and right to get rid of the carbonation. it's like shaking a coke... in your mouth
sometimes when i eat chocolate i go into a dream-like state and see everying made out of chocolate. then i frolic around in place and start eating everything around me. it's heaven
sometimes when i'm hot i put as much of my body in laine's freezer at a time and then switch positions so the other parts can cool off
one time i had a dream that i was walking outside and i slipped on a cloud. and so i got up and i yelled at it. so then it started pushing me. so i got out my numchucks and started fighting with it. and then i conquered it so it let me ride on it. so i rode around campus on a cloud and pushed people down. and then while they were on the ground the cloud rained on them, and then i kept doing that until everyone was on the ground. and then the cloud turned into a pot of gold and bam, i was rich
one time at band camp, we reinacted that american pie scene. you know, the one where the people at camp are playing songs on a stage ... it was such a rush
sometimes i put on all my clothes and time myself so that way if the fire alarm goes off i can put on all my clothes and run out of the buliding and if it burns, i'll still have clothes
She's a special girl. Gotta love that Julie . . . (and now for the grand finale.. drum roll please!)
sometimes when i'm doing i don't even know what i make weird faces in the mirror. and one time i opened my mouth because i wanted to see that hanging ball thangy. well so i did and then it was really gaross because there was a ball of phlegm hanging from the hanging ball thang. so then i sang some christmas songs and took some drugs and went to bed. that's partially true.
In order to survive a nuclear attack, you must remember to stop, drop, and be Chuck Norris.
Chuck Norris' tears cure cancer. Too bad Chuck Norris has never cried.
I am pretty sure these are derived from this website. If you want a laugh, and then cry . . . this is the place to go.
I don't have anything else to really say. . . Julie is really funny too. Here are some samples of her insanity from Tuesday night (procrastination can do this to you.. don't let it happen to you).
sometimes when i drink coke i like to put some in my mouth and violently shake my head left and right to get rid of the carbonation. it's like shaking a coke... in your mouth
sometimes when i eat chocolate i go into a dream-like state and see everying made out of chocolate. then i frolic around in place and start eating everything around me. it's heaven
sometimes when i'm hot i put as much of my body in laine's freezer at a time and then switch positions so the other parts can cool off
one time i had a dream that i was walking outside and i slipped on a cloud. and so i got up and i yelled at it. so then it started pushing me. so i got out my numchucks and started fighting with it. and then i conquered it so it let me ride on it. so i rode around campus on a cloud and pushed people down. and then while they were on the ground the cloud rained on them, and then i kept doing that until everyone was on the ground. and then the cloud turned into a pot of gold and bam, i was rich
one time at band camp, we reinacted that american pie scene. you know, the one where the people at camp are playing songs on a stage ... it was such a rush
sometimes i put on all my clothes and time myself so that way if the fire alarm goes off i can put on all my clothes and run out of the buliding and if it burns, i'll still have clothes
She's a special girl. Gotta love that Julie . . . (and now for the grand finale.. drum roll please!)
sometimes when i'm doing i don't even know what i make weird faces in the mirror. and one time i opened my mouth because i wanted to see that hanging ball thangy. well so i did and then it was really gaross because there was a ball of phlegm hanging from the hanging ball thang. so then i sang some christmas songs and took some drugs and went to bed. that's partially true.
Yeah.. so special... :o)
I hope you have enjoyed this fun filled post!! I love you and I miss you!
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Sunday, February 12, 2006
I have discovered that I haven't been a very good friend. Let me explain ...
I've been mentally preoccupied lately with work, soccer and the future. As much as I need to focus on where I will be (or not be) next year, I need to remember what I have now. And what I did have. I have a few friends who have moved back to College Station over the past year and I have not spent time with them at all. I don't know why - and I don't have any acceptable reason to explain my actions.
I saw them tonight. I went to an event that I haven't attended in a long time and they were there too. (sounds like I used to attend AA huh.. haha) One of them seemed particularly hurt that I hadn't kept in touch with her and now I just hope that I haven't lost that friendship.
Sorry that this seems so dreary. It's not how I feel all the time - just something I was thinking about.
I've been mentally preoccupied lately with work, soccer and the future. As much as I need to focus on where I will be (or not be) next year, I need to remember what I have now. And what I did have. I have a few friends who have moved back to College Station over the past year and I have not spent time with them at all. I don't know why - and I don't have any acceptable reason to explain my actions.
I saw them tonight. I went to an event that I haven't attended in a long time and they were there too. (sounds like I used to attend AA huh.. haha) One of them seemed particularly hurt that I hadn't kept in touch with her and now I just hope that I haven't lost that friendship.
Sorry that this seems so dreary. It's not how I feel all the time - just something I was thinking about.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
news to you ...
So, for whatever reason, I never told you guys about the Mormons who came to my door one night. Mormons came to my door one night. Haha.. I invited them and we talked for a long time and they brought up one verse that has stuck in my head. It was Ezekiel 37:15-23 essentially. Here's what it says:
I had never studied nor read this scripture, so when they asked me what I thought it meant, I really didn't have much to say, which really really frustrated me.
This has stuck in my head for all this time. Last night when we were driving home from Temple, I was thinking as the other two coaches were talking about some political things involving Israel and Palestine, etc. And as I listened to their conversation (it wasn't eavesdropping), I totally got it!
This week, our bible study was about the mystery that was made known to Paul (as in Ephesians 3:6).
One stick was the nation of Israel, and the other, the Gentiles. Not the Israelites of the Middle East and the "Israelites of the Americas."
It was a mystery to me - the prophecy of Ezekiel - but the mystery was solved a long time ago through Christ!!
Sorry if it doesn't make sense.. It's just been a good day :o)
The word of the LORD came to me: "Son of man, take a stick of wood and write on it, Belonging to Judah and the Israelites associated with him.' Then take another stick of wood, and write on it, 'Ephraim's stick, belonging to Joseph and all the house of Israel associated with him.' Join them together into one stick so that they will become one in your hand. When your countrymen ask you, 'Won't you tell us what you mean by this?' say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am going to take the stick of Joseph—which is in Ephraim's hand—and of the Israelite tribes associated with him, and join it to Judah's stick, making them a single stick of wood, and they will become one in my hand.' Hold before their eyes the sticks you have written on and say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will take the Israelites out of the nations where they have gone. I will gather them from all around and bring them back into their own land. I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel. There will be one king over all of them and they will never again be two nations or be divided into two kingdoms. They will no longer defile themselves with their idols and vile images or with any of their offenses, for I will save them from all their sinful backsliding, and I will cleanse them. They will be my people, and I will be their God.
I had never studied nor read this scripture, so when they asked me what I thought it meant, I really didn't have much to say, which really really frustrated me.
This has stuck in my head for all this time. Last night when we were driving home from Temple, I was thinking as the other two coaches were talking about some political things involving Israel and Palestine, etc. And as I listened to their conversation (it wasn't eavesdropping), I totally got it!
This week, our bible study was about the mystery that was made known to Paul (as in Ephesians 3:6).
This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
One stick was the nation of Israel, and the other, the Gentiles. Not the Israelites of the Middle East and the "Israelites of the Americas."
It was a mystery to me - the prophecy of Ezekiel - but the mystery was solved a long time ago through Christ!!
Sorry if it doesn't make sense.. It's just been a good day :o)
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Today has been mucho fun !
Went to church, went to lunch at Schlotsky's. Then went home and chilled for awhile. Got ready for the youth football game. I wasn't planning on actually playing but I went out anyway. When I got there, I was having a good time just watching and taking pictures and talking and all that. The adults played dirty and the refs were too strict ! We have them out there to keep things "fair" but really, when you have 11 grown men against 6 highschoolers and 5 jr high kids is that really all that fair? Not so much. Soo... I got frustrated after the first half because of all this. It seemed like more time was taken figuring out how many people were on the field than actual playing of football. And everyone was arguing because Jay is really really good at heckling and getting people's frustration level up. About half way through the 2nd half, I got fed up with the way things were going so I grabbed a belt and got on the field. It was awesome - I ended up recovering a kick off, completed a 8yd catch with a 7 yd run, and totally "tackled" Jerry House. As Rachel B put it, "Randi was a hoss and juked like 5 guys." Hehehe.. I'm down with that :o)
After the game, I went out to the church and watched the big game with the youth and counselors. It was a good time - just some good football overall.
Now I'm gonna go watch a kick butt Grey's Anatomy w/ Kat and then hit the hay so I can start a brand new week! By the way, I am feeling a ton better than 2 days ago. My nose is getting clearer and feeling a lot better. Thanks for all of you who stuck up for me or just asked how I was. :o) I appreciate it!
If you live far away from me, I miss you and I love you so much!! Email me and let me know how you're doing!!
Went to church, went to lunch at Schlotsky's. Then went home and chilled for awhile. Got ready for the youth football game. I wasn't planning on actually playing but I went out anyway. When I got there, I was having a good time just watching and taking pictures and talking and all that. The adults played dirty and the refs were too strict ! We have them out there to keep things "fair" but really, when you have 11 grown men against 6 highschoolers and 5 jr high kids is that really all that fair? Not so much. Soo... I got frustrated after the first half because of all this. It seemed like more time was taken figuring out how many people were on the field than actual playing of football. And everyone was arguing because Jay is really really good at heckling and getting people's frustration level up. About half way through the 2nd half, I got fed up with the way things were going so I grabbed a belt and got on the field. It was awesome - I ended up recovering a kick off, completed a 8yd catch with a 7 yd run, and totally "tackled" Jerry House. As Rachel B put it, "Randi was a hoss and juked like 5 guys." Hehehe.. I'm down with that :o)
After the game, I went out to the church and watched the big game with the youth and counselors. It was a good time - just some good football overall.
Now I'm gonna go watch a kick butt Grey's Anatomy w/ Kat and then hit the hay so I can start a brand new week! By the way, I am feeling a ton better than 2 days ago. My nose is getting clearer and feeling a lot better. Thanks for all of you who stuck up for me or just asked how I was. :o) I appreciate it!
If you live far away from me, I miss you and I love you so much!! Email me and let me know how you're doing!!
“ For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love. ”- Psalm 33:4-5
Thursday, February 02, 2006
It's been a few days since I've been here. Basically because I have felt like poo-poo for the past three days. I've pretty much figured out why...
Monday: At afterschool practice, I played with the girls because there was an odd number and I also worked out a little with them in the weight room. And then, later that night, I went up to the church and played some hardcore basketball with a whole mess of people. It was fun, but it sure wore me out.
Tuesday: A storm front came through, bringing all my friends; mold and all the other cool airborne allergens
So basically, Tuesday I was very tired - a mixture of the uber workout from the night before and the change in weather. Wednesday was worse. Not only was I tired, my sinuses and nose were killing me. I was majorly congested and it was just.. messy. So I skipped bible study :o( and tried to just relax with my sinus headache. Today I woke up and was feeling pretty good. I didn't have a headache but my stuffiness was still there. Throughout the day I haven't felt horrible because I was able to get some medicine to help me out. And I also had a Dr Pepper which makes almost anyone feel better. I'm pretty wiped out still but I'm surviving.
Tomorrow we have our first district home game of the season against Harker Heights. We'll see how it goes... We're not expecting to be wiped out but it will be a game!
Keep me in your prayers - I am starting a job hunt annndddd... So yeah, I'm enjoying my job but I need to move on! Haha..
Love you all!!
Oh I love this verse.. It's one of my favorites!! It was today's "Verse of the day"
Monday: At afterschool practice, I played with the girls because there was an odd number and I also worked out a little with them in the weight room. And then, later that night, I went up to the church and played some hardcore basketball with a whole mess of people. It was fun, but it sure wore me out.
Tuesday: A storm front came through, bringing all my friends; mold and all the other cool airborne allergens
So basically, Tuesday I was very tired - a mixture of the uber workout from the night before and the change in weather. Wednesday was worse. Not only was I tired, my sinuses and nose were killing me. I was majorly congested and it was just.. messy. So I skipped bible study :o( and tried to just relax with my sinus headache. Today I woke up and was feeling pretty good. I didn't have a headache but my stuffiness was still there. Throughout the day I haven't felt horrible because I was able to get some medicine to help me out. And I also had a Dr Pepper which makes almost anyone feel better. I'm pretty wiped out still but I'm surviving.
Tomorrow we have our first district home game of the season against Harker Heights. We'll see how it goes... We're not expecting to be wiped out but it will be a game!
Keep me in your prayers - I am starting a job hunt annndddd... So yeah, I'm enjoying my job but I need to move on! Haha..
Love you all!!
Oh I love this verse.. It's one of my favorites!! It was today's "Verse of the day"
"However, as it is written: 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him'— "
- 1 Corinthians 2:9
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Well, I was just sitting here wondering what I had been thinking about this week. But I haven't been thinking much to be honest. I've just been sitting listening to others talk. Which is kind of annoying because I should be listening to God or at least thinking about things that are relevant to my life instead of just listening to the stories or gossip of others. I really can't think of anything that I have been pondering over the past 24 hours, which frustrates me. It makes me feel like I'm just going through my day; work, lunch, work, soccer, home. And then when I get home, I'm found in front of the tv or the computer screen. Or both.
But as I sat down to write on this, I went to find the verse of the day. I found this out of Mark.
This is the place where I have found myself once again. It's the place where I was at the end of May, on the ground, cleaning mold off siding. It's the place where I was mid-August when I got a job (hallelujah) as an aide in a school district. And it's the place where I am now, an assistant coach who does laundry for the team. It's not my favorite place to be. But I know that I have been in each of these positions for a reason. These places have found me low on the ladder, humbled.
God is teaching me something. I want to listen this week. I want to ponder what He is telling me. I want my days to be abnormal, unpredictable.
But as I sat down to write on this, I went to find the verse of the day. I found this out of Mark.
Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." - Mark 9:35
This is the place where I have found myself once again. It's the place where I was at the end of May, on the ground, cleaning mold off siding. It's the place where I was mid-August when I got a job (hallelujah) as an aide in a school district. And it's the place where I am now, an assistant coach who does laundry for the team. It's not my favorite place to be. But I know that I have been in each of these positions for a reason. These places have found me low on the ladder, humbled.
God is teaching me something. I want to listen this week. I want to ponder what He is telling me. I want my days to be abnormal, unpredictable.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Sunday, January 22, 2006
How awesome and amazing to worship without electricity. This morning, the power went out in some areas of CS. When I got to church this morning, I was kind of excited when I figured out there were not going to be any lights! I knew that this morning's worship would be extraordinary. It was great to have a wrench thrown in our plans so that God would be our only focus this morning. I wish the power would go out every week.
Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our MakerPsalm 95:1-6
Saturday, January 21, 2006
It was a good weekend for the most part.. I mean, it's basically over. We had a tourney this weekend in Austin. It was fun... winning... Unfortunately we won the first game, lost the second, and then won the last two. So basically we got 5th place in a tournament that we should have owned. But what can I do.. nada. So we just wait til Tuesday to play Round Rock McNeil. It should prove to be an intense couple of games. Apparently it will be the hardest games we've played thus far. Hopefully we'll have a good showing and all the injuries that were sustained this weekend (quite a few) will heal up enough to where they can play and not be further injured. It's hard to be around highschool girls again becuse I forget how dramatic and moody they can be. I'll get used to it.
Tomorrow is Sunday, so church is on the schedule and then a night of tv with Extreme Home Makeover, Desperate Housewives, and Grey's Anatomy. We'll see what I end up doing during the afternoon. Maybe a little studying or laundry or somethin.
I hope your weekend was great! And that the upcoming week is blessed!
Tomorrow is Sunday, so church is on the schedule and then a night of tv with Extreme Home Makeover, Desperate Housewives, and Grey's Anatomy. We'll see what I end up doing during the afternoon. Maybe a little studying or laundry or somethin.
I hope your weekend was great! And that the upcoming week is blessed!
Thursday, January 19, 2006
It's been a blah week. Nothing too exciting.
The roomie got back this week, so the apartment is slightly more hopping. Haha.. there's someone else living here. WHOOP! I have been so excited to have Kat back. We don't really get to see each other because our schedules are kinda weird, but oh well.
I have to leave tomorrow morning early for a varsity tournament in Austin. Hopefully we'll win the thing and just blow the competition out of the water. Yeah, that would rock. We'll see. :o)
There's nothin else to it. Just know that if you live in another city, state or country, I miss you TONS.
The roomie got back this week, so the apartment is slightly more hopping. Haha.. there's someone else living here. WHOOP! I have been so excited to have Kat back. We don't really get to see each other because our schedules are kinda weird, but oh well.
I have to leave tomorrow morning early for a varsity tournament in Austin. Hopefully we'll win the thing and just blow the competition out of the water. Yeah, that would rock. We'll see. :o)
There's nothin else to it. Just know that if you live in another city, state or country, I miss you TONS.
For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the
Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks
for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord
Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and
revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your
heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has
called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his
incomparably great power for us who believe.-Ephesians 1:15-19a
Thursday, January 12, 2006
The Chicken Salad Mystery
Alright. So I found this tub of chicken salad from HEB in my fridge. I know that had been bought over the break because I sure didn't buy it and it wasn't there when we moved in. So I had to run through all the people who stayed at the apartment in the past 3 weeks.
I first thought of Wendy because I knew that she had gone out and bought some icecream and I really had no idea what else she had bought while she was here. I asked her and she said, "i don't remember buying any chicken salad. maybe it was ginger." So that narrowed it down...
Then I asked Ginger if she was the culprit. She answered me back and told me that it wasn't her, maybe it was Kat and Sara. Doy... Sara cooked dinner for us one night and they had gone to the store to buy food. Why didn't I think of my roommate first?
So I asked Sara about it tonight and she told me that yes, they had bought the chicken salad. Her first question was "is it moldy?" Haha...
So I'm thinkin I might eat some this weekend. If I don't get around to it, then yes, Sara, it will be moldy.
I first thought of Wendy because I knew that she had gone out and bought some icecream and I really had no idea what else she had bought while she was here. I asked her and she said, "i don't remember buying any chicken salad. maybe it was ginger." So that narrowed it down...
Then I asked Ginger if she was the culprit. She answered me back and told me that it wasn't her, maybe it was Kat and Sara. Doy... Sara cooked dinner for us one night and they had gone to the store to buy food. Why didn't I think of my roommate first?
So I asked Sara about it tonight and she told me that yes, they had bought the chicken salad. Her first question was "is it moldy?" Haha...
So I'm thinkin I might eat some this weekend. If I don't get around to it, then yes, Sara, it will be moldy.
Monday, January 09, 2006
Okay, I apologize for the last post. I was trying to do that in a random spare moment, but that moment expired much more quickly than I had planned. Now I have 5 minutes, so I'll try to get in as much as I can.
Christmas was good, not a whole lot to report there. I did get a digital camera via Christmas money so I will be able to put some pictures on here every once in a while.
After Christmas, I was able to get back to the new apartment and get some stuff done around there for the upcoming party. Kat and I threw a New Year's Party with a bunch of fun folks.
Earlier that day I attended Kathrin & David's wedding which was just awesome. I loved being there and being part of that. Ginger and Wendy came in to visit us for New Year's and that was such a treat. I love seeing my friends.. and gosh do I miss them already.
Okay well my break is definitely over. So ... I'll get back to you guys hopefully later this evening. Phew!
Christmas was good, not a whole lot to report there. I did get a digital camera via Christmas money so I will be able to put some pictures on here every once in a while.
After Christmas, I was able to get back to the new apartment and get some stuff done around there for the upcoming party. Kat and I threw a New Year's Party with a bunch of fun folks.
Earlier that day I attended Kathrin & David's wedding which was just awesome. I loved being there and being part of that. Ginger and Wendy came in to visit us for New Year's and that was such a treat. I love seeing my friends.. and gosh do I miss them already.
Okay well my break is definitely over. So ... I'll get back to you guys hopefully later this evening. Phew!
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Okay, so it's been a really long while since I last blogged... I'll try to sum it up for you...
For Christmas weekend, Mom, Ross, Brett and I drove out to Midland for a few days to spend with the family. It was fun! We went to church and did the whole Christmas dinner thing. We drove home on Tuesday and I started getting the apartment a little more settled. I finally got the last of the stuff out of the house and got things arranged.
I just ran out of time -- soooooo I'll have to do this later ... haha.. yeah ...
For Christmas weekend, Mom, Ross, Brett and I drove out to Midland for a few days to spend with the family. It was fun! We went to church and did the whole Christmas dinner thing. We drove home on Tuesday and I started getting the apartment a little more settled. I finally got the last of the stuff out of the house and got things arranged.
I just ran out of time -- soooooo I'll have to do this later ... haha.. yeah ...
Monday, December 19, 2005
As my mom says, I'm procrastinator-extraordinaire. It's just the truth. It's 12:30 on Monday afternoon and I should be moving stuff... but what am I doing? Yes, updating my blog. Be thankful that I care that you know what I've been up to. :0)
Okay - so this past week has been fun. Wendy came in town last Tuesday night. And it's been non-stop hangin out grouped with work, soccer and the moving process. So here's what we've been up to ...
Tuesday: Wendy, Julie, Kellie and I went and saw RENT. So good :)
Wednesday: I had to go to work that morning, but left early and came home and tried to pack some stuff up. Wendy and I went out to dinner at Wings then came back and watched tv and talked.
Thursday: I had work. Then Wen and I got some stuff moved from the house to the apt - probably the most productive I have been so far in this move, went to Freebirds for lunch, moved some more, I had soccer practice, then dinner at home with Mom and Wendy, followed by more tv time.
Friday: Last day of school for the semester, Faculty luncheon, moved some, went to On The Border with Kat and Wendy, watched a movie
Saturday: Went to IKEA with Mom and spent wayyyy too much money, put together some furniture, went to dinner with Wendy, Kat and Andy at TGIFriday's, W,K & I went around town taking goofy goofy pictures, stayed up til 3am
Sunday: Church, lunch at Cotton Patch with Wendy, Kat and the Don, nap, Tim's memorial, drove to Round Rock for church, ate dinner with Wendy and Andy at Pok-E-Jo's BBQ, drove home, hung out with those awesome kids (Colleen, Kyle, Val, Denise, Will and Ben) along with Kat, Wendy and the Don, stayed up til 2am
And now it's Monday... and I'm being so anti-productive on this moving thing it's not even funny. I gotta get some shoes on and turn off the computer. Only a few more days until Christmas!! We leave Saturday morning for Midland and we will return Tuesday.
Merry Christmas everyone !! I love you all !!
Okay - so this past week has been fun. Wendy came in town last Tuesday night. And it's been non-stop hangin out grouped with work, soccer and the moving process. So here's what we've been up to ...
Tuesday: Wendy, Julie, Kellie and I went and saw RENT. So good :)
Wednesday: I had to go to work that morning, but left early and came home and tried to pack some stuff up. Wendy and I went out to dinner at Wings then came back and watched tv and talked.
Thursday: I had work. Then Wen and I got some stuff moved from the house to the apt - probably the most productive I have been so far in this move, went to Freebirds for lunch, moved some more, I had soccer practice, then dinner at home with Mom and Wendy, followed by more tv time.
Friday: Last day of school for the semester, Faculty luncheon, moved some, went to On The Border with Kat and Wendy, watched a movie
Saturday: Went to IKEA with Mom and spent wayyyy too much money, put together some furniture, went to dinner with Wendy, Kat and Andy at TGIFriday's, W,K & I went around town taking goofy goofy pictures, stayed up til 3am
Sunday: Church, lunch at Cotton Patch with Wendy, Kat and the Don, nap, Tim's memorial, drove to Round Rock for church, ate dinner with Wendy and Andy at Pok-E-Jo's BBQ, drove home, hung out with those awesome kids (Colleen, Kyle, Val, Denise, Will and Ben) along with Kat, Wendy and the Don, stayed up til 2am
And now it's Monday... and I'm being so anti-productive on this moving thing it's not even funny. I gotta get some shoes on and turn off the computer. Only a few more days until Christmas!! We leave Saturday morning for Midland and we will return Tuesday.
Merry Christmas everyone !! I love you all !!
Saturday, December 17, 2005
So.. I've been moving. That's why the lack of updates. Also, soccer takes a lot out of me so when I come home I do next to nothing. If I get the chance, I'll take pics of the new apt and post them on here.
Wendy came in town earlier this week, so that's another reason for not posting - we've been hangin out and having fun and whatnot. She's been a big help to both Kat and I during this move. I know that I'm nowhere near done so it's going to take a few more days. There's also the possibility that we won't have internet or cable until next Thursday. Seems kind of silly.. I guess I should be able to do without both, but when all of my friends are gone, most of my entertainment is gone too. It will be a good time to watch some movies, hang out with my mom and/or dad and get the apartment into a settled state. Oh yeah, and get ready for Christmas packing, etc.
It's kind of odd that I only have 2 weeks off for Christmas this year. I'm so used to having 3 weeks at least. It's all good though.
Sorry if this post is lacking in energy - I'm sorta tired and just trying to get the info out :o)
Ginger gets home next week!!! This is something I'm pumped about. It's been weird not seeing her at all for the past ... 4 months. Only 4 months?? Yikes... Ah well, I'll have all my friends in one state for at least .... (it's too late to be figuring out this math..) 5 days is a good round guess. I'm sure it's more than that.
I'm off to dream land! Mom and I are going to Houston tomorrow for a short period of time so I can get some furniture for the new apt :o) Yay!
Wendy came in town earlier this week, so that's another reason for not posting - we've been hangin out and having fun and whatnot. She's been a big help to both Kat and I during this move. I know that I'm nowhere near done so it's going to take a few more days. There's also the possibility that we won't have internet or cable until next Thursday. Seems kind of silly.. I guess I should be able to do without both, but when all of my friends are gone, most of my entertainment is gone too. It will be a good time to watch some movies, hang out with my mom and/or dad and get the apartment into a settled state. Oh yeah, and get ready for Christmas packing, etc.
It's kind of odd that I only have 2 weeks off for Christmas this year. I'm so used to having 3 weeks at least. It's all good though.
Sorry if this post is lacking in energy - I'm sorta tired and just trying to get the info out :o)
Ginger gets home next week!!! This is something I'm pumped about. It's been weird not seeing her at all for the past ... 4 months. Only 4 months?? Yikes... Ah well, I'll have all my friends in one state for at least .... (it's too late to be figuring out this math..) 5 days is a good round guess. I'm sure it's more than that.
I'm off to dream land! Mom and I are going to Houston tomorrow for a short period of time so I can get some furniture for the new apt :o) Yay!
Sunday, December 11, 2005
This was my away message for Saturday night ... it pretty much explains a lot .. :o)
apt 67.
scandalous photos.
dreaming of weddings.
taking skank kat's pants off.
shakira.
julie's truck.
ashley's 20th.
dirty dirty music.
christmas lights.
dancing with walmart santa.
saran wrap.
tortillas.
great friends.
THIS IS WHAT FUN (since i'm not in college..) IS ALL ABOUT!!
apt 67.
scandalous photos.
dreaming of weddings.
taking skank kat's pants off.
shakira.
julie's truck.
ashley's 20th.
dirty dirty music.
christmas lights.
dancing with walmart santa.
saran wrap.
tortillas.
great friends.
THIS IS WHAT FUN (since i'm not in college..) IS ALL ABOUT!!
Friday, December 09, 2005
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
an update to earlier:
Well, today was a very interesting day. Our class today was super low-key. A bit of tension this morning with kids coming in, emotions being shed, a general state of shock. There were random people there, counselors to offer an ear, distraught kids, shocked teachers. We didn't do a whole lot; watched tv, watched a movie, had lunch in the classroom, made Christmas ornaments for their parents and looked at pictures of Tim.
This blog is slow going because I don't want to face it. I don't want to face the fact that my student, my friend, my homie Tim Pratt is never coming to school again. I don't want to think about how he died, I don't want to think about the things people say or said, I don't want to think about the way this has affected our school and I don't want to think about how this is going to affect me. I have no clue. I think this is the first time I've cried all day. I am really good at putting up a front, but get me alone with my thoughts and I become a teary eyed, sniffling ... person.
I don't remember the last thing he said to me, or the last thing I said to him. I don't even know if I told him goodbye yesterday. But I remember how he was yesterday. Yesterday was a good day. He didn't get in trouble, he earned his Pepsi. In weightlifting, he was goofy Tim who just wanted to make faces at himself in the mirror. He bench pressed his max yesterday, 45 lbs. He worked hard yesterday and made me smile.
Y'all please pray for the Pratt family. If you could only begin to understand their life... if I could only begin to understand...
Jennifer is in guarded condition in ICU, the other survivor Courtney is out of ICU in stable condition. Our school is in shock, and grieving. Pray for us!
I love you guys.
Well, today was a very interesting day. Our class today was super low-key. A bit of tension this morning with kids coming in, emotions being shed, a general state of shock. There were random people there, counselors to offer an ear, distraught kids, shocked teachers. We didn't do a whole lot; watched tv, watched a movie, had lunch in the classroom, made Christmas ornaments for their parents and looked at pictures of Tim.
This blog is slow going because I don't want to face it. I don't want to face the fact that my student, my friend, my homie Tim Pratt is never coming to school again. I don't want to think about how he died, I don't want to think about the things people say or said, I don't want to think about the way this has affected our school and I don't want to think about how this is going to affect me. I have no clue. I think this is the first time I've cried all day. I am really good at putting up a front, but get me alone with my thoughts and I become a teary eyed, sniffling ... person.
I don't remember the last thing he said to me, or the last thing I said to him. I don't even know if I told him goodbye yesterday. But I remember how he was yesterday. Yesterday was a good day. He didn't get in trouble, he earned his Pepsi. In weightlifting, he was goofy Tim who just wanted to make faces at himself in the mirror. He bench pressed his max yesterday, 45 lbs. He worked hard yesterday and made me smile.
Y'all please pray for the Pratt family. If you could only begin to understand their life... if I could only begin to understand...
Jennifer is in guarded condition in ICU, the other survivor Courtney is out of ICU in stable condition. Our school is in shock, and grieving. Pray for us!
I love you guys.
Please pray for our school. Last night, one of the students in my class died in a car accident. His sister is in critical condition; please pray for her. Another Consol student died and two other girls were also involved in the accident. This is the extent of my knowledge. But please be in prayer for Consol, for the students, for our class, for our teachers, for me. I don't know what is going to happen today, but I know that the rest of this week is going to be hard; the rest of the semester is going to be hard as our students slowly come to understand the "circle of life."
Lord, I don't know what to think right now. I don't know what to feel. But Lord, even if I can't understand, help me to be strong for others. Help me to do what I do well and be there for them to listen, to cry on. Lord, take care of him - "Now I know only in part, but then I will know fully."
Lord, I don't know what to think right now. I don't know what to feel. But Lord, even if I can't understand, help me to be strong for others. Help me to do what I do well and be there for them to listen, to cry on. Lord, take care of him - "Now I know only in part, but then I will know fully."
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Well, this week has been insane. Not necessarily a bad insane, but insane nonetheless. Soccer tryouts started this week and that was fun but hard. It has been wearing me out physically and giving me some stress, but I'll get used to it. :)
Today, Dec 1, is World AIDS Day. There are statistics everywhere telling us about how this disease is running rampant. And it frustrates us because we feel so overwhelmed by the sheer numbers and widespread devastation of it all. But, unfortunately for me, as I listened to Oprah tonight on the Late Show, she said something that made a lot of sense to me. (And for the record, I was watching David Letterman, not the Oprah Show...) She said that the world is not doing its part. The world could make a huge difference if every person just did what they could. Not what they feel like, but what they can.
Like the body of the church, we are called to use our gifts according to the grace given us. (Romans 12:4-8) This includes so much!! Paul says to give according to our faith, whether it is baby faith or mature faith, as long as we are sharing the Word of God, nothing is lost! (Philippians 1:18) Paul says serve, teach, and encourage. He says to do all of this generously, diligently and cheerfully!!
So if we do what we can, whether that be through vigilant prayer, traveling to give a personal hand and smile, or to give monetarily, do what you can. But do it generously, diligently and cheerfully. Give to the orphans and widows in their distress -- our world, and through your serving in love and kindness, you will serve God! (James 1:27)
Have a wonderful weekend!! Happy Holidays!
Today, Dec 1, is World AIDS Day. There are statistics everywhere telling us about how this disease is running rampant. And it frustrates us because we feel so overwhelmed by the sheer numbers and widespread devastation of it all. But, unfortunately for me, as I listened to Oprah tonight on the Late Show, she said something that made a lot of sense to me. (And for the record, I was watching David Letterman, not the Oprah Show...) She said that the world is not doing its part. The world could make a huge difference if every person just did what they could. Not what they feel like, but what they can.
Like the body of the church, we are called to use our gifts according to the grace given us. (Romans 12:4-8) This includes so much!! Paul says to give according to our faith, whether it is baby faith or mature faith, as long as we are sharing the Word of God, nothing is lost! (Philippians 1:18) Paul says serve, teach, and encourage. He says to do all of this generously, diligently and cheerfully!!
So if we do what we can, whether that be through vigilant prayer, traveling to give a personal hand and smile, or to give monetarily, do what you can. But do it generously, diligently and cheerfully. Give to the orphans and widows in their distress -- our world, and through your serving in love and kindness, you will serve God! (James 1:27)
Have a wonderful weekend!! Happy Holidays!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
