Most of you know that I teach at a low income, free and reduced lunch school. This is a clip from the Daily Show with Jon Stewart where the lt. Governor of South Carolina makes a comparison between low income children and stray animals. It's crazy...especially if you come from a low income family or have taught them yourself.
(it might make you watch a 30 sec advertisement)
Daily Show video clip
There's just not much to say after that video.
1.28.2010
1.23.2010
God finally spoke!
I've been on this super dry spell lately where I feel like I haven't been able to hear anything from God. Of course this is my fault for not putting myself in places where God could speak through my ranting and crying and "what ifs..."
Today, God finally spoke!
Mike and I have been debating this issue of corrective eye surgery for me and the process has not been easy. The surgery would require a huge financial commitment that we really aren't able to make with financing the process AKA more debt. We are supposed to have an appt. with my eye surgeon on Monday and Mike wanted us to be sure of our decision before going into the appt. I was so stressed by thinking about it that I asked Mike to pray about it and decide and I would respect whatever decision he made (so much easier said than done by the way).
This morning at Tres Dias, I felt that block again like I couldn't come to God. I asked Him to tell what was the way and he spoke so clearly. I wrote it all down...
"God does not call us to be in debt (too late for me). When the door has been opened to this opportunity (my eye surgery) then God will provide the clarity and finances. It won't cause disunity or doubt, it won't be frustrating and it will not drown us in financial depression.
We are not called to battle flesh and blood but instead the forces of evil (anyone know the address on that one). This decision has caused animosity between my husband and me and it has caused me to be dissatisfied with my flesh. I need to refocus on loving and honoring my husband and pursuing my relationship with God. This potential eye surgery has distracted me so it is not the right time. The things that keep us from God must be disgarded."
the problem was the FLEX spending I already set aside and must spend or I lose that money. I could use the money on the following:
1. a mouthgaurd from my dentist for my TMJ
2. a weight loss program (not sure if FLEX reimburses for that)
3. new glasses and longer supply of contacts
4. visiting a back specialist for my depressed lower disks.
5. teeth bonding
Ultimately the peace I feel after this decision is so amazing. When I came home I read this to Mike and he told me that he had also been praying and was going to say the same thing. Confirmation is always a sign of God.
So for now... no eye surgery but instead I'm being in God' will and that's so much more necessary.
Today, God finally spoke!
Mike and I have been debating this issue of corrective eye surgery for me and the process has not been easy. The surgery would require a huge financial commitment that we really aren't able to make with financing the process AKA more debt. We are supposed to have an appt. with my eye surgeon on Monday and Mike wanted us to be sure of our decision before going into the appt. I was so stressed by thinking about it that I asked Mike to pray about it and decide and I would respect whatever decision he made (so much easier said than done by the way).
This morning at Tres Dias, I felt that block again like I couldn't come to God. I asked Him to tell what was the way and he spoke so clearly. I wrote it all down...
"God does not call us to be in debt (too late for me). When the door has been opened to this opportunity (my eye surgery) then God will provide the clarity and finances. It won't cause disunity or doubt, it won't be frustrating and it will not drown us in financial depression.
We are not called to battle flesh and blood but instead the forces of evil (anyone know the address on that one). This decision has caused animosity between my husband and me and it has caused me to be dissatisfied with my flesh. I need to refocus on loving and honoring my husband and pursuing my relationship with God. This potential eye surgery has distracted me so it is not the right time. The things that keep us from God must be disgarded."
the problem was the FLEX spending I already set aside and must spend or I lose that money. I could use the money on the following:
1. a mouthgaurd from my dentist for my TMJ
2. a weight loss program (not sure if FLEX reimburses for that)
3. new glasses and longer supply of contacts
4. visiting a back specialist for my depressed lower disks.
5. teeth bonding
Ultimately the peace I feel after this decision is so amazing. When I came home I read this to Mike and he told me that he had also been praying and was going to say the same thing. Confirmation is always a sign of God.
So for now... no eye surgery but instead I'm being in God' will and that's so much more necessary.
1.17.2010
I AM the biggest loser
This is not a bad thing :)
8 teachers and myself are starting the Biggest Loser competition at my school on Tuesday. I'm just getting my mindset going now!
I have actually started watching the Biggest Loser for the first time and my decision to do this competition is for several reasons:
1. It was part of my New Year's Resolution
2. Although my cholesterol, blood pressure, thyroid, sugar intact etc is all okay right now, I feel my self sneaking dangerously into a bad place.
3. I hate looking at my body and for that matter I hate Mike looking at my body and that's not definitely not okay.
4. I need to have something hard to work at. I'm lazy and I need a challenge.
If anyone wants to offer tips on how you think I can be the most successful, I'm open to suggestions!
8 teachers and myself are starting the Biggest Loser competition at my school on Tuesday. I'm just getting my mindset going now!
I have actually started watching the Biggest Loser for the first time and my decision to do this competition is for several reasons:
1. It was part of my New Year's Resolution
2. Although my cholesterol, blood pressure, thyroid, sugar intact etc is all okay right now, I feel my self sneaking dangerously into a bad place.
3. I hate looking at my body and for that matter I hate Mike looking at my body and that's not definitely not okay.
4. I need to have something hard to work at. I'm lazy and I need a challenge.
If anyone wants to offer tips on how you think I can be the most successful, I'm open to suggestions!
1.12.2010
In order to have a potroast, you need to have faith and the Holy Spirit
I went to the 10/10 connection at Grace North church again last Monday night. As usual it was wonderful. I think of 10/10 like getting new sparks plug or tune up. Going to church and group and reading my bible keeps me moving obviously but going to 10/10 is a punch.
The theme last night was hospitality. What was interesting was that the main point addressed the reasons why women don't always want to be hospitable. There is such a laundry list:
1. It's too much work to clean my house
2. I don't know how to cook, what if the food is horrible?
3. What if we have nothing to talk about?
4. What if they think my home is too small or scoff at it?
Etc
Etc
Etc
There is a heart in hospitality though that comes from the focus being about other people and not about us. Matt. 20:25-26 We are called to serve one another. That's the commandment and hospitality is a form of that
Acts 2:46 It's not a hard task and typically so much simpler than we turn it into.
Acts 6:5 If hospitality is something that doesn't come naturally, then you better bring along faith and the Holy Spirit to make that pot roast because God is able to command everything we do and He will empower us.
For me, I don't struggle with not being able or desire to be hospitable. I love it! I love it so much I get frustrated when people don't want to come over often enough and I get jealous when my friends go to other houses because I really want them to come to mine. This is another part that popped up in the middle of the sermon and just slithered in and settled on my heart. Oh goodness...
2 Corinthians 9:7 We are called to open our homes to all who would enter and do it cheerfully and without grumbling even if we're tired, or stressed, or don't have the super tasty food. For me I'm called to stop grumbling and sinning just because my friends don't choose my house to be at.
Hospitality Tips:
1. Be prepared by planning time and food
2. Clean the day before so everything isn't piled into one day.
3. Consider you guest's children. Do you have a basket of toys, coloring books, some extra bibs, peanut butter and jelly in case they don't like the pot roast?
4. Allow your guests time to come and and breathe without crowding them.
5. Have a pitcher of ice water with lemon and lime slices in the fridge so you are prepared with refreshments.
6. Make the meal that works, don't try out that new recipe on your guests. Too much stress...you want to enjoy your guests.
7. If you have overnight guests, prepare a little basket with some water and possible forgotten items.
Bottom line that really hit home for me: If I see clearly, then my perception will be correct. To do that I need to make my pot roast with faith and the Holy Spirit.
This is not mine...it's from bbcgoodfood.com
The theme last night was hospitality. What was interesting was that the main point addressed the reasons why women don't always want to be hospitable. There is such a laundry list:
1. It's too much work to clean my house
2. I don't know how to cook, what if the food is horrible?
3. What if we have nothing to talk about?
4. What if they think my home is too small or scoff at it?
Etc
Etc
Etc
There is a heart in hospitality though that comes from the focus being about other people and not about us. Matt. 20:25-26 We are called to serve one another. That's the commandment and hospitality is a form of that
Acts 2:46 It's not a hard task and typically so much simpler than we turn it into.
Acts 6:5 If hospitality is something that doesn't come naturally, then you better bring along faith and the Holy Spirit to make that pot roast because God is able to command everything we do and He will empower us.
For me, I don't struggle with not being able or desire to be hospitable. I love it! I love it so much I get frustrated when people don't want to come over often enough and I get jealous when my friends go to other houses because I really want them to come to mine. This is another part that popped up in the middle of the sermon and just slithered in and settled on my heart. Oh goodness...
2 Corinthians 9:7 We are called to open our homes to all who would enter and do it cheerfully and without grumbling even if we're tired, or stressed, or don't have the super tasty food. For me I'm called to stop grumbling and sinning just because my friends don't choose my house to be at.
Hospitality Tips:
1. Be prepared by planning time and food
2. Clean the day before so everything isn't piled into one day.
3. Consider you guest's children. Do you have a basket of toys, coloring books, some extra bibs, peanut butter and jelly in case they don't like the pot roast?
4. Allow your guests time to come and and breathe without crowding them.
5. Have a pitcher of ice water with lemon and lime slices in the fridge so you are prepared with refreshments.
6. Make the meal that works, don't try out that new recipe on your guests. Too much stress...you want to enjoy your guests.
7. If you have overnight guests, prepare a little basket with some water and possible forgotten items.
Bottom line that really hit home for me: If I see clearly, then my perception will be correct. To do that I need to make my pot roast with faith and the Holy Spirit.
1.08.2010
Verisyse Lens Implantation
It looks like Mike and I have decided to go ahead with this eye surgery. As it turns out I am not a candidate for either popular methods of LASIK so therefore I am considering and planning for Verisyse™ Phakic Intraocular Lens procedure.
Considering my prescription which is floating somewhere around -14.5 in my right eye, this will hopefully guarantee at least 20/40 vision.
I made the mistake of watching at least some of this video though and now I'm queasy about the procedure itself. The good news though is that I won't have to wear contacts or glasses anymore.
Considering my prescription which is floating somewhere around -14.5 in my right eye, this will hopefully guarantee at least 20/40 vision.
I made the mistake of watching at least some of this video though and now I'm queasy about the procedure itself. The good news though is that I won't have to wear contacts or glasses anymore.
1.03.2010
What Giada doesn't tell you...
It's not secret that I have been watching Everyday Italian and Giada at Home like clock work since October... in fact I DVR her shows so that I can catch them all. I can't tell if I love her food or have convinced myself that if I just look at her long enough, I'll magically start looking like her. If you don't know what I mean by "her" I'm referring to Giada DeLaurentis.
Anyway...she frequently uses pancetta in her cooking. I tried using pancetta last night in my cooking. Saffron rice with pancetta. What she doesn't tell you while she looks perfect sauteing her pancetta is that it's basically bacon and bacon has fat and fat pops when it cooks. So now I have two red circle sizzled into my arm as evidence of my attempt to duplicate her recipe. I'm just not as glamorous.
Finally...I've been pondering the idea of a New Year's Resolution. Every year I make at least 1 and every year I make it to about the end of January. This year I don't even want to make one because I know I won't complete but there are a couple things I really want to do and it seems like a new year with a new start is such a great time to try it.
1. My weight- can I just ring this over dinged bell? I decided I need to have a competition. I want to compete against someone to see who can lose a higher percentage of their body weight and I want there to be a prize. I don't know how to make this happen.
2. presentation- when I was in college my friend Alissa once told me that although I didn't necessarily have the most expensive things and I wasn't always fancy, I was always put together. My nails, face and skin were clean, I smelled good, my hair was styled (not fancily), I had a little makeup on and I always had some accessories to finish off my look (a belt, earrings, hat etc). I am lazy now. I was to be more put together again. I think it comes with taking some pride in how I appear to others. Plus I always felt better too.
3. get a talent- I am a talentless lump. I can't do anything especially well. I'm not particularly artistic, musical, athletic, economical etc. I like to cook but am still being popped by my pancetta and frequently burn dinner (which Mike still graciously eats). I need to be good at something...anything really
So it will be interesting to see where I am one year from now...
Anyway...she frequently uses pancetta in her cooking. I tried using pancetta last night in my cooking. Saffron rice with pancetta. What she doesn't tell you while she looks perfect sauteing her pancetta is that it's basically bacon and bacon has fat and fat pops when it cooks. So now I have two red circle sizzled into my arm as evidence of my attempt to duplicate her recipe. I'm just not as glamorous.
Finally...I've been pondering the idea of a New Year's Resolution. Every year I make at least 1 and every year I make it to about the end of January. This year I don't even want to make one because I know I won't complete but there are a couple things I really want to do and it seems like a new year with a new start is such a great time to try it.
1. My weight- can I just ring this over dinged bell? I decided I need to have a competition. I want to compete against someone to see who can lose a higher percentage of their body weight and I want there to be a prize. I don't know how to make this happen.
2. presentation- when I was in college my friend Alissa once told me that although I didn't necessarily have the most expensive things and I wasn't always fancy, I was always put together. My nails, face and skin were clean, I smelled good, my hair was styled (not fancily), I had a little makeup on and I always had some accessories to finish off my look (a belt, earrings, hat etc). I am lazy now. I was to be more put together again. I think it comes with taking some pride in how I appear to others. Plus I always felt better too.
3. get a talent- I am a talentless lump. I can't do anything especially well. I'm not particularly artistic, musical, athletic, economical etc. I like to cook but am still being popped by my pancetta and frequently burn dinner (which Mike still graciously eats). I need to be good at something...anything really
So it will be interesting to see where I am one year from now...
12.31.2009
Happy Anniversary my love
Did you know that 5 years ago tonight Mike and I started down the path that has led to our marriage? On January 1, 2005 Mike and I officially started dating each other. In the last 5 years I can't even start to imagine the adventures we'd embark on.
Started youth ministry at Good Shepherd Oct. 2004
Drew's first wedding October 2005
Student teaching Fall 2005- exhausting for both of us!
My ASU graduation December 2005
Started working in Madison as a long term 3rd grade sub April 2006
We both resigned from Good Shepherd May 2006
Mike spent the summer at NAU to finish spanish 2006
Moved into the Swando with E and A (if you don't know what that means, then you aren't super cool)
First year teaching at Camelview August 2006
Mike's ASU graduation December 2006
Christie's wedding August 2007
Scottie died November 2007
First white christmas in Colorado 2007
Resigned from teaching January 2008
Recinded my resignation from teaching April 2008
Moved in with the Hunts May 2008
Started teaching 7th grade science at Park August 2008
Mike started with JCFS March 2009
ENGAGED!!!! April 2009
Married June 2009
Moved into our first home together Oct 2009
5 years with the man that God designed just for me January 2010
Love you babe.
Started youth ministry at Good Shepherd Oct. 2004
Drew's first wedding October 2005
Student teaching Fall 2005- exhausting for both of us!
My ASU graduation December 2005
Started working in Madison as a long term 3rd grade sub April 2006
We both resigned from Good Shepherd May 2006
Mike spent the summer at NAU to finish spanish 2006
Moved into the Swando with E and A (if you don't know what that means, then you aren't super cool)
First year teaching at Camelview August 2006
Mike's ASU graduation December 2006
Christie's wedding August 2007
Scottie died November 2007
First white christmas in Colorado 2007
Resigned from teaching January 2008
Recinded my resignation from teaching April 2008
Moved in with the Hunts May 2008
Started teaching 7th grade science at Park August 2008
Mike started with JCFS March 2009
ENGAGED!!!! April 2009
Married June 2009
Moved into our first home together Oct 2009
5 years with the man that God designed just for me January 2010
Love you babe.
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