“Her mind traveled crooked streets and aimless goat paths, arriving sometimes at profundity, other times at the revelations of a three-year-old.” Toni Morrison
Snow is relaxing, kind of.
We have had the most snow in the history of the DC metro area. IN THE HISTORY…. so in the next 100 years, people will always say… at least it wasn’t as bad as the GREAT snow of 2010. Geez…. thanks for the gift of history DC, thank you.
I think I will now pray that my car shovels itself… hehehe. (As I have no shovel…. )
How do we know when we have been given a gift? Are we meant to know?
One of the most inspiring and challenging parts of my job is to help children discover their gifts, things that they already have the potential to do, but not the knowledge. I cannot express how absolutely incredible it is to witness a child discover their own potential. For example, just today, one of my Kindergarteners was absoutely amazed at himself as he sounded out, wrote, and read: cat, hat, mat, bat, rat. “THEY ALL HAVE ‘-AT’ !!!”, he almost cried with excitement. Did I tell him that they all have “-at” ? Nope! So it goes, everyday, discovering the knowledge that unlocks the gifts we have already been given.
It intrigues me, however, that as I have grown up, the process of discovery takes a much different path. As we grow past the time in our lives when we are perpetual students, we start to have to rely on what I have always called “wise counsel”. That is, in part, listening to the words of the people who love you, know you, and see your gifts when you don’t believe they actually exist. I think first, we believe we are the only ones who truly know ourselves, but to me, now, that seem incredibly immature. I have grown to know that much of what I learn about myself comes through the eyes of a friend. For me, at least, it is not about “finding myself” but about finding a way outside myself.
I think that discovery of our own hearts is the fuel of long-term relationships. Not limited to, but certainly including, lasting friendships, marriages, and partnerships. It’s how it works, for me at least, that I find that my friend knows my heart better than I know it myself and then, but not always, vis versa. I believe that is why I feel compelled to tell people what they mean to me, because how many times can you thank someone for introducing you to the truth and depth of your own heart, your own gifting.
There is one more truth that I know, that is Christ is inside of it all. The closer we are to Him, the more we learn about who we were meant to be, a reflection of the Father.
Jesus prayed:
9 “My prayer is not for the world, but for those you have given me, because they belong to you. 10 All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory. 11 Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name;now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are. 12 During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one was lost… 13 Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. 14 I have given them your word……..22 I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. 23 I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. 24 Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!” John 17: 9-14;22-24 (NLT)
I think that God has intended us to be, for each other, a reminder of Christ inside us. And as we, together grow nearer to God, we are granted the blessing of seeing our own gifts, through the eyes of those we are in relationship with, the spirit of God reflected in us.
It’s my real school mail box!
I woke up this morning confident that October would be a change, a new month a new perspective, a new goal. And boy, did I get that! This October 1st, many things happened (quickly, might I add): I got a job offer, and then another!! And then found out that I may have a full time job, no subbing required, benefits, the whole deal! AND then, my certification was approved!!! I am officially certified to teach in Maryland! WOAH!!! It’s been a whirlwind day, probably one of many to follow. Thank you for your prayers, your support, encouragement, and hope! It has been a long five months, but it is finally here, really happening and I am ready, nervous, excited, you name it!
I wrote the title of this post and saved it this morning thinking that I wanted to take some pictures of the beginning of this season changing . I couldn’t have ever imagined that it would not be the entrance of Autumn that I would appreciate today, but the entrance of a new season of my life! God is good, and He is perfect in His timing.
P.S. I did get a picture of Katie and Molly…. so that will just have to do!
Today, I bought a pair of jeans at Ann Taylor for $11. Original price = $88. And, they are long, which means they actually fit me!
Ann Taylor Jeans for $11 = EPIC WIN!
(for all you math people… that would be 87.5% off of the original price…. DUDE!!!)
This past week-end, I went on the youth ladies retreat. We attended The Revolve Tour in Baltimore! The Revolve tour is this really great, empowering and relevant conference for teen girls. The team travels around the country and is put on by the same people who do the “Women of Faith” conferences. At the conference there are speakers and concerts (which were great). One of the keynote speakers this year was Jenna Lucado, who happens to be Max Lucado’s daughter. She has written a book about the relationships that girls have with their earthly father and heavenly Father. Her introduction was that she was ‘weird’ and then proceeded to give a couple of examples to support this statement. (BTW… she is a little weird… haha… but who isn’t???)
So in honor of the Revolve Tour and the awesome girls that I spent some time with…. I AM SO WEIRD!!!
Here is my proof…. 
So what?????
OK, I LOVE the grocery store (GS). I do love all shopping. But, the GS is in it’s own special catagory!
I have officially visited every GS brand i can find in a 20 mile radius. So here it means, Giant, Safeway, TraderJoes, WholeFoods, Roots, Harris Teeter, SuperFresh, Shoppers, and the food part of Target. I am sure there are more, but I haven’t been here that long! Each one has its own unique characteristics, for example, the Harris Teeter handles the groceries for you, no conveyor belts needed and Trader Joes is so shoppable and little. But, without a doubt, I love, love, love a good concept! My newest favorite thing is the Giant grocery store “do it yourself” possibilities. As you see in the picture above, you get a scanner and then proceed to scan your groceries as you go, bagging and all!!! When you are done, you don’t have to unload everything and reload a thousand times, it’s all done at once! I think it is great because it gives me more time to peruse the aisles instead of waiting in line to unload my cart. And, to top it all off, you can self check-out too!!!! Very fast, easy, fun, could it get any better??? YES!!! The great thing is, if you do your shopping this way (as it is not required) you get an extra discount and coupons as you shop, love that!
OK, so aside from great marketing techniques, I just love GS shopping in general. After all, it is food! I am not too brand conscious and like to try new things, so it is always a great adventure deciding what to buy. I always try to avoid lists, I mean, they are crazy restricting! I like to go up and down the aisles and look. (I do actually make lists, sometimes, so that I do get what I need.) I like to leave a couple hours for this activity too, usually take 1.5hrs but has been know to take 3! (I know!!!) I try to leave enough time so that I don’t feel like I am in a hurry and can take as much time as I want to check/compare prices, look for new products, and just decided in general! I love the details like: fiber in bread, price per oz., and a million pizza/ice cream choices. In fact, I love GS so much that when I visited some famous European Cities, I took the time to check out the grocery store culture, too!! I grocery shopped in Paris on my way to the TGV, in Nice on my way to the Mediterannean Beaches, and in Rome in between the Vatican and the Piazzza Navona. (That’s 3 times in 10 days, wait, it’s 5 because I went to the GS in Nice 3 times!)
However, there is one key factor for me: proper attire. Yes, I dress for the GS. You see, I tend to be “cold natured” and therefore, GS spells FREEZING!!! So in order to get the most enjoyment out of my trip to the GS, I carefully consider what I will be wearing on my expedition, comfy and warm! (Told you, so…)
Anyway, I call this ‘wierd’ because every time I tell someone that I love the GS he/she looks at me like I am from outer space. I just can’t help it if I find it to be a cleansing and empowering experience to make so many choices for myself! I mean, how many of us struggle with simple decision making skills?
In the words of Tom Hanks as Joe Fox in You’ve Got Mail: “The whole purpose of places like Starbucks is for people with no decision-making ability whatsoever to make six decisions just to buy one cup of coffee. Short, tall, light, dark, caf, decaf, low-fat, non-fat, etc. So people who don’t know what the hell they’re doing or who on earth they are can, for only $2.95, $4.95 get not just a cup of coffee but an absolutely defining sense of self: Tall. Decaf. Cappuccino.”
In the grocery store, I get to choose how much fiber I want in my bread, how little sugar I would like to consume for breakfast, and which ketchup gives me the most condiment for my dollar. In a time where I feel so uncertain about choices and how to manage my time, life and money, the grocery store is a welcome relief.
So, if you ever need a partner to the grocery store, let me know, I’d be more than happy to accompany you! Or go for you, no problem, I don’t have to be there for my own purposes. ( I’ve been know to just visit, without even buying anything!!)
What about Cameron Diaz?
“I can spend hours in a grocery store. I get so excited when I see food, I go crazy. I spend hours arranging my baskets so that everything fits in and nothing gets squashed. ” ~Cameron Diaz
Yep, she gets me.
1Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!
2I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 3Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8Finally, 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. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
10I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
14Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. 17Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. 18I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
20To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
21Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings. 22All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. 23The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
On my calendar page, my last update says, “experiencing what it means to follow my dreams.” I have been really thinking about that and about how much it is so incredibly true in ways that I never imagined. My best example is how I have longed for a great adventure for many years; I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but asking all the same. The things that are not easy are totally different from what I expected. For example, expressing my frustration while staying positive. I find that there are days that go both ways, and sometimes talking about it makes it better, sometimes worse. Finding the balance = difficult. I have found that it’s hard to want something so much you can feel it in your bones and at the same time question your drive, motive, and dedication. But, there are also things that I knew would be hard and have been true to the expectation: God will challenge me to put my whole trust in Him, through what ever means bring Him glory. Learning to “put my whole trust in His grace” began with infantile baptism, and the lessons continue through today. They are the most challenging and rewarding lessons of my life. The “I can’t do it without you, God, forgive me for trying” lessons. And then, there is reality, that adventure means not boring, dull, or empty. The Lord has challenged me through this adventure and used me in incredible ways, I never could have imagined, through making a way for me, bringing me peace, noting and confirming the desires of my heart, and in all these things affirming my faith. I am awaiting the day when I will discover the pattern in this intricate journey and be truly able to witness God’s great plan. Though now, I can truly say, I feel His leading and peace, yet the clarity is lacking. I know it will come, I believe it and that itself brings me peace.
Here is my prayer:
Father,
You are a great and wonderful God and I know You hear my longing and know my heart. I am thankful for your presence. I am grateful for your family who has provided me with more that I could ever ask for in support, prayer, encouragement, and needs. Your incredible faithfulness astounds me. Your presence in my life is awesome. Teach me more about how to follow your way. Help me to see beyond my limited human perception. You never let go.
With all my heart,
Amen.
Speak to me Lord for your child is here listening
Speak to me Lord for your child is here waiting on you
Unveil my eyes let me see You
Unveil my heart let me know You
Father You are the true God the one living Lord
Unveil my eyes let me see You
Unveil my heart let me know You
~ Rebecca St. James
I love this song. It is right where I am. This is what my faith looks like these days. The simple message of the praise is so powerful for me. Praise GOD!
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I’m caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won’t turn back
I know you are near
And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?
(Chorus:)
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me
And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We’ll live to know You here on the earth
(Chorus)
Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You
YES!
Thanks to Matt Redman and praiseworshipvideos (youtube) for this song/video.
Winter News Update
January 31, 2010 in life | Tags: commentary, dog, Maryland, ouch, snow, update, winter | 1 comment
It has been so much fun to have Oreo here! She has really taken to the snow. She just bounces around and gets so frisky! I love to watch her play! Me, on the other hand, winter doesn’t like me that much. I think the snow is fascinating and breathtaking. It is just so incredible the way it covers everything. But, in the past two days, I feel like I have spent more time in the snow that I might have liked. Getting used to this slippery mess is a learning curve. I have landed in the snow on my behind, arm, wrist, ankle… oh yeah, ouch. Well, sometimes in the snow… but unfortunately sometimes on the concrete. So, until i get the hang of “salting”, “sanding”, or general snow removal… I think I am going to start tying a pillow to my behind…
And one more thing,
Dear MCPS,
Since it has only snowed on weekends, I think that I deserve a “it snowed on saturday” day. Especially since my head and ankle are still sore from my recent date with the bottom step. Thanks. (Yeah, that’s not going to happen…. boo.)