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.
Philippians 4
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!
Exhortations
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.
Thanks for Their Gifts
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.
Final Greetings
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.
One of the greatest things that a person can learn in their lifetime is to experience others. This seems silly I guess, of course we see and hear everyone. But, what I mean is more that that, I mean, intentionally, purposefully, and with respect. From time to time, I find myself purposefully looking away, not with the intention of respect, but with the intention of ignorance. You must know what “they” say, “what you don’t know can’t hurt you”, right? I wonder a lot in those situations what the good thing to do would be. I don’t say right because to me, right is subjective and good, not so much.
As humans we are naturally learners, so we tend to observe and consume bits and pieces of information just by looking, hearing, and experiences. I believe we link the experience with a necessity for action, so what we don’t see, we don’t have to do anything about. Right? Well, at least that is the way that I tend to operate. Avoiding the “now I have to do something” thoughts is really my intention. Being aware of this attitude has caused change in me. I sincerely hope that I have improved my ability to lay aside the guilt, and give people the dignity that they deserve and I would expect, myself.
And why? Because, if the norm was to live out under the stars, we’d stare at people who lived inside and set up programs to help the break free of their plight. And if the norm was to wheel around instead of walk we’d pass laws to make sure buildings included stairs and extra chairs so that “walkers” would be able to participate in daily life in an accessible way. We all have some challenge, we all have some strength. Some things stand out and some can be hidden. Look with respect, look and find yourself, look and learn. Listen to people, their story, their challenges, and wisdom.
I have found, that there is nothing that I HAVE to do, but for me, I choose to see you as I see myself: You’re not perfect, you have something to offer, something to teach me, something to learn from me, you have a story, a past, a present, a future, you can change, and be changed. (Even if it seems/is hard.)
Now what? Well a small step for me what this awesome website: www.r-word.org. It’s not only about equality, but about respect and that is probably the two best things anybody can do for their community, respect it and point out how much we are not in it alone.
Check out http://www.r-word.org/ (you don’t have to do anything, just look, and if you want, make a pledge of action)
One more thing, before you go… Galatians 3:28 28 There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. (NLT)
*B.A.S.I.C = Brothers And Sisters In Christ
I am iPod updating. Not much to say except that I got great feed back from an interview. 
Any encouragement helps. Love the iPod and can’t wait for the computer!! And getting a hair cut today!
recalcitrant:
- Main Entry: re·cal·ci·trant
- Pronunciation: \-trənt\
- Function: adjective
- Etymology: Late Latin recalcitrant-, recalcitrans, present participle of recalcitrare to be stubbornly disobedient, from Latin, to kick back, from re- + calcitrare to kick, from calc-, calx heel
- Date: 1843
1 : obstinately defiant of authority or restraint
2 a : difficult to manage or operate b : not responsive to treatment c : resistant <this subject is recalcitrant both to observation and to experiment — G. G. Simpson>
synonyms see unruly
— recalcitrant noun
Never new this word before today. Learned it when reading about personality types. This wasn’t mine of course. Hahaha. Personally, I find it extremely fascinating. I love to compare my results with other people.
I am an ENFP by the way, according to facebook and every other MBTI that I have taken. According to wikipedia this means:
- E – Extraversion preferred to Introversion: ENFPs often feel motivated by their interaction with people. They tend to enjoy a wide circle of acquaintances, and they gain energy in social situations (whereas introverts expend energy).
- N – iNtuition preferred to Sensing: ENFPs tend to be more abstract than concrete. They focus their attention on the big picture rather than the details, and on future possibilities rather than immediate realities.
- F – Feeling preferred to Thinking: ENFPs tend to value personal considerations above objective criteria. When making decisions, they often give more weight to social implications than to logic.
- P – Perception preferred to Judgment: ENFPs tend to withhold judgment and delay important decisions, preferring to “keep their options open” should circumstances change.
ENFPs are initiators of change, keenly perceptive of possibilities. They energize and stimulate others through their contagious enthusiasm. They prefer the start-up phase of a project or relationship, and are tireless in the pursuit of new-found interests. ENFPs are able to anticipate the needs of others and to offer them needed help and appreciation. They bring zest, joy, liveliness, and fun to all aspects of their lives. They are at their best in situations that are fluid and changing, and that allow them to express their creativity and use their charisma. They tend to idealize people, and can be disappointed when reality fails to fulfill their expectations. They are easily frustrated if a project requires a great deal of follow-up or attention to detail.
Yep, it’s pretty much right on.
