They say the funniest things....
While singing "This is how we overcome"
"Ms Brenda, they spelled mourning wrong!!!"
"No it's right! How do you think it's supposed to be spelled?"
"M O R N I N G"
As I smiled inside...we had a great lesson on words that sound the same but have different spellings and different meanings.
Their reaction was "OHHHHHH"
This one...was more difficult! While singing "A New Anointing"
"Ms Brenda, what is Anoint...ing?"
"What do you think it is?"
"Sounds like a jelly!"
"Well, to anoint something is an act of applying something...like pouring oil."
"So......it's a season to pour new oil?"
"Welllll....it is an act of doing something. It's like making a dedication to something much like they did in the Bible."
"So, it was a new season to dedicate themselves to something new and fresh?"
"YES!...Now...let's sing!" :o)
I love what I do!!!!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Making a difference
Do I make a difference?
In effort to remember and never forget this story....I blog. It all started...20 years ago..and leads to today.
I wasn't a banner student in high school. I was lucky to make D's. I would try, but give up. Eventually, I just stopped trying. I didn't feel smart. I was there for social reasons. I wanted friends...relationships...people to like me. Even in that area, I still struggled.
My senior year brought many new things to our school. New teachers, a new principal, and yet, another year for me to struggle. That part, had not changed.
I had made it through half of the year knowing there were certain things I had to accomplish in school to graduate, but was struggling to reach those milestones. I knew in the next few weeks an English research paper was due. In order to graduate, I needed to do really well on this paper. But, I really was focused on having fun.
I had been assigned to write a paper on Leonardo Divinci, who himself, was not a man who loved to be taught, but rather, loved to work & learn with his hands. The only education he had was a very basic one. He always had one thing in mind, and that was to reach a goal and feel a sense of accomplishment. He was a man with a vivid imagination and felt like nothing was impossible. I became very intrigued with his personality and his personal goal for success. Therefore, I wrote a paper...even though, I didn't really know how.
I had my mom look over it the night before I turned it in, however, she also didn't know what I was really supposed to be doing, other than writing a paper.
The day came to turn in my paper and I was just a little nervous. It was either pass or fail time.
At the end of class, my teacher calls me to the front. "Did you do this all on your own?"
Oh.....I WANTED TO MAKE SOMETHING UP QUICK!!! Praying "Please God, give me the right answer to say right now"....so I said
"Yes, I did it on my own, but I had my mom look over it last night"
The next words.....so simple....but changed the rest of my year.
As this teacher looked me in the eye, he said: "You did a really good job"
I went the rest of the day with those 6 words in my head, playing them over and over. They were simple, but they mattered to me. For once, someone liked what I did. Someone believed in me. Someone that didn't know anything about me, anything about my past, anything about my family, anything at all......he believed in me.
The rest of the year went by rather quickly. I was making up for lost time in all 6 classes I was trying to do my best to pass. I didn't graduate with honors, but I did complete the goal and felt good about my efforts. After that....I never spoke to that teacher again. I was unable to thank him. I was unable to tell him what a difference he made in my life.
Fast forward 20 years.
I have graduated college and moved on to a wonderful career doing one of the most rewarding things a person can do....save the human life, or be with them as they move on to eternity.
The summer of 2010 was crazy. I had just graduated & was being trained in several different areas in the hospital. One in particular was the Trauma ICU. I was at the end of my training and basically working on my own. I had completed all of the steps but was just being observed in case anything went wrong that I didn't know how to handle.
I went to work, printed off my patient list as usual....but something was different.
This time, there was a name I recognized in the Trauma unit. Could it be? Was it really THAT teacher from 20 years ago that made such a difference in my life? Nah! There is no way.
I proceeded to the unit to get report and heard about this terrible accident involving a man who feel off a ladder and relocating his throat under his left ear. It wasn't pleasant, but we don't always deal with pleasant. Clinically, things were not in this man's favor. At this point, all he had on his side was God, and I was praying they were on the same team. Then....I was told....it was my teacher. The man that made the difference in my life would now rely on me, my skills, my hands, my knowledge.....and I felt so green! I was nervous....but probably not as much as he was!
He had been there for several days and had already undergone a tracheotomy. Today was the day to take him off of life support and make sure that he is going to breath on his own. That's always a scary day....for them...and for me.
I walked in and introduced myself. He didn't recognize me....so I thought. I'm 20 years older, have 3 kids now, and changed my last name. No way he could remember me. I proceeded to to explain what was about to happen. Boy, did he look nervous. He had questions and I took the time to listen and read his lips since he could not speak. He was scared of the unknown. I assured him that if anything happened, I would be right there, and I also had backup ready, so we were all prepared. Once I was able to calm his fears & gain his trust in me, I prepared all the necessary equipment and was ready to shut off the ventilator. But......then.....I stopped.
The next words were what I had been waiting that whole time to say:
"I guess this is probably a good time to tell you that you were my teacher 20 years ago huh?"
Oh my!!! I watched his heart rate sky rocket on the monitor and his blood pressure increased and his lips moving ever so rapidly saying "I'M SORRY! I'M SORRY! I'M SORRY!"
I'm sure at this point, he was wondering if he had ever given me a bad grade! Ha!
I smiled from ear to ear, and watched his face turn from total fear, to total reassurance and trust. At that moment, he had no where else to go, except to trust me. I took him off the ventilator and stayed by his side reassuring him that he was breathing fine and that I wouldn't leave him. He did very well.
Later that evening, I was able to speak to his wife in the waiting room & tell her the story of how her husband made a difference in my life, and now, I feel I am getting to give that back to him. Yet, he didn't even know what he had done for me. It was time for me to go home for the day but I didn't want to leave him without reassuring him he was going to be fine. I went to tell him goodbye and ended up telling him how much of a difference he made in my life. He just laid there. He couldn't speak, but I could tell....he appreciated those words. I think at that point, he knew he could trust me.
Those days led to many more days of conversations, treatments, and the healing process. He truly is a walking miracle. I prayed and prayed that the man who was instrumental in my success to graduate high school, would continue to live on so that he could make a difference in the lives of so many other students. I am so thankful to God that he completely healed him...and did it so quickly that science cannot explain it.
He was able to start teaching again this year without missing a day. He is making a difference in the lives of kids who will one day make a difference in this world somehow.
He is a blessing to me. A motivator. A friend. 20 years ago, I could have never predicted this would happen this way, but I am thankful for opportunities that give me the chance to tell someone else how important they are to me.
I never had the chance to thank him. Now....I can thank him everyday.
As for that research paper on Leonardo Di Vinci.....I got an A! 99% to be exact. I lost 1 point for misspelling the word "Women" GO FIGURE!!!!
Leonardo said: "There are three classes of people: those who see, those who see when they are shown, those who do not see."
I'm thankful that my teacher was of the higher class...and could see that I was one that wanted to be shown instead of one that would not see.
In effort to remember and never forget this story....I blog. It all started...20 years ago..and leads to today.
I wasn't a banner student in high school. I was lucky to make D's. I would try, but give up. Eventually, I just stopped trying. I didn't feel smart. I was there for social reasons. I wanted friends...relationships...people to like me. Even in that area, I still struggled.
My senior year brought many new things to our school. New teachers, a new principal, and yet, another year for me to struggle. That part, had not changed.
I had made it through half of the year knowing there were certain things I had to accomplish in school to graduate, but was struggling to reach those milestones. I knew in the next few weeks an English research paper was due. In order to graduate, I needed to do really well on this paper. But, I really was focused on having fun.
I had been assigned to write a paper on Leonardo Divinci, who himself, was not a man who loved to be taught, but rather, loved to work & learn with his hands. The only education he had was a very basic one. He always had one thing in mind, and that was to reach a goal and feel a sense of accomplishment. He was a man with a vivid imagination and felt like nothing was impossible. I became very intrigued with his personality and his personal goal for success. Therefore, I wrote a paper...even though, I didn't really know how.
I had my mom look over it the night before I turned it in, however, she also didn't know what I was really supposed to be doing, other than writing a paper.
The day came to turn in my paper and I was just a little nervous. It was either pass or fail time.
At the end of class, my teacher calls me to the front. "Did you do this all on your own?"
Oh.....I WANTED TO MAKE SOMETHING UP QUICK!!! Praying "Please God, give me the right answer to say right now"....so I said
"Yes, I did it on my own, but I had my mom look over it last night"
The next words.....so simple....but changed the rest of my year.
As this teacher looked me in the eye, he said: "You did a really good job"
I went the rest of the day with those 6 words in my head, playing them over and over. They were simple, but they mattered to me. For once, someone liked what I did. Someone believed in me. Someone that didn't know anything about me, anything about my past, anything about my family, anything at all......he believed in me.
The rest of the year went by rather quickly. I was making up for lost time in all 6 classes I was trying to do my best to pass. I didn't graduate with honors, but I did complete the goal and felt good about my efforts. After that....I never spoke to that teacher again. I was unable to thank him. I was unable to tell him what a difference he made in my life.
Fast forward 20 years.
I have graduated college and moved on to a wonderful career doing one of the most rewarding things a person can do....save the human life, or be with them as they move on to eternity.
The summer of 2010 was crazy. I had just graduated & was being trained in several different areas in the hospital. One in particular was the Trauma ICU. I was at the end of my training and basically working on my own. I had completed all of the steps but was just being observed in case anything went wrong that I didn't know how to handle.
I went to work, printed off my patient list as usual....but something was different.
This time, there was a name I recognized in the Trauma unit. Could it be? Was it really THAT teacher from 20 years ago that made such a difference in my life? Nah! There is no way.
I proceeded to the unit to get report and heard about this terrible accident involving a man who feel off a ladder and relocating his throat under his left ear. It wasn't pleasant, but we don't always deal with pleasant. Clinically, things were not in this man's favor. At this point, all he had on his side was God, and I was praying they were on the same team. Then....I was told....it was my teacher. The man that made the difference in my life would now rely on me, my skills, my hands, my knowledge.....and I felt so green! I was nervous....but probably not as much as he was!
He had been there for several days and had already undergone a tracheotomy. Today was the day to take him off of life support and make sure that he is going to breath on his own. That's always a scary day....for them...and for me.
I walked in and introduced myself. He didn't recognize me....so I thought. I'm 20 years older, have 3 kids now, and changed my last name. No way he could remember me. I proceeded to to explain what was about to happen. Boy, did he look nervous. He had questions and I took the time to listen and read his lips since he could not speak. He was scared of the unknown. I assured him that if anything happened, I would be right there, and I also had backup ready, so we were all prepared. Once I was able to calm his fears & gain his trust in me, I prepared all the necessary equipment and was ready to shut off the ventilator. But......then.....I stopped.
The next words were what I had been waiting that whole time to say:
"I guess this is probably a good time to tell you that you were my teacher 20 years ago huh?"
Oh my!!! I watched his heart rate sky rocket on the monitor and his blood pressure increased and his lips moving ever so rapidly saying "I'M SORRY! I'M SORRY! I'M SORRY!"
I'm sure at this point, he was wondering if he had ever given me a bad grade! Ha!
I smiled from ear to ear, and watched his face turn from total fear, to total reassurance and trust. At that moment, he had no where else to go, except to trust me. I took him off the ventilator and stayed by his side reassuring him that he was breathing fine and that I wouldn't leave him. He did very well.
Later that evening, I was able to speak to his wife in the waiting room & tell her the story of how her husband made a difference in my life, and now, I feel I am getting to give that back to him. Yet, he didn't even know what he had done for me. It was time for me to go home for the day but I didn't want to leave him without reassuring him he was going to be fine. I went to tell him goodbye and ended up telling him how much of a difference he made in my life. He just laid there. He couldn't speak, but I could tell....he appreciated those words. I think at that point, he knew he could trust me.
Those days led to many more days of conversations, treatments, and the healing process. He truly is a walking miracle. I prayed and prayed that the man who was instrumental in my success to graduate high school, would continue to live on so that he could make a difference in the lives of so many other students. I am so thankful to God that he completely healed him...and did it so quickly that science cannot explain it.
He was able to start teaching again this year without missing a day. He is making a difference in the lives of kids who will one day make a difference in this world somehow.
He is a blessing to me. A motivator. A friend. 20 years ago, I could have never predicted this would happen this way, but I am thankful for opportunities that give me the chance to tell someone else how important they are to me.
I never had the chance to thank him. Now....I can thank him everyday.
As for that research paper on Leonardo Di Vinci.....I got an A! 99% to be exact. I lost 1 point for misspelling the word "Women" GO FIGURE!!!!
Leonardo said: "There are three classes of people: those who see, those who see when they are shown, those who do not see."
I'm thankful that my teacher was of the higher class...and could see that I was one that wanted to be shown instead of one that would not see.
I am grateful
It's a very weird feeling to hear someone say to you "You played a part in saving my life....I am grateful"
I don't feel that....and it gives me a weird feeling when I hear that. I understand what they are saying, but in the scheme of things, I am just a small fraction of what God is really doing. He is the one at work.
When I go to work, it makes me so grateful for the things in my life. I am grateful for my family, my friends, the good and the bad situations I am in, and so grateful for another day to start again.
When you deal with people who look at death in the face daily, it's a constant reminder of all of the wonderful things that we live for. Spend a few weeks, days, or hours with the ones that are counting their own moments down, and it will make you see life in such a different perspective.
I don't feel that....and it gives me a weird feeling when I hear that. I understand what they are saying, but in the scheme of things, I am just a small fraction of what God is really doing. He is the one at work.
When I go to work, it makes me so grateful for the things in my life. I am grateful for my family, my friends, the good and the bad situations I am in, and so grateful for another day to start again.
When you deal with people who look at death in the face daily, it's a constant reminder of all of the wonderful things that we live for. Spend a few weeks, days, or hours with the ones that are counting their own moments down, and it will make you see life in such a different perspective.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Hello...my name is...
It's only 2 weeks into a series of classes at church and I really have enjoyed the content so far. A class titled "Hello...my name is Memorial Drive"
Now lets not ever shorten this to "Hi my name is MD" because the medical side of me comes out and says "Muscular Dystrophy". Not sure that has the same context to it.
Thinking about this last night...what if I wore my tag everywhere I went...what whould it say? Would it change from place to place according to the atmosphere, environment, or attitude I carry? I believe it would. At work, would it say "Hello, my name is St. Francis?" or at McDonalds would it say "Hello, my name is McD?"
Of course it would, but it should also say something more important than that. It should say "Hello, my name is believer, servant, christian"
Do I carry that with me? I sure hope so. So when I'm:
At work "Hello, my name is helper"
At McD "Hello, my name is thankful"
At church "Hello, my name is,friend and Child of God"
And so on and so on.
I want to be be all the things that God wants me to be without reservation in all situations. I want others to know where I get that from. Not only do I get that from God, but I get that from a family of believers that I can't imagine life without.
I want to keep adding to my tag. I want to be those things that I see in others. I want to be those things that He sees in me so that I can pass that along to people who have yet to know Him like I do. I, just want to make a difference.
Now lets not ever shorten this to "Hi my name is MD" because the medical side of me comes out and says "Muscular Dystrophy". Not sure that has the same context to it.
Thinking about this last night...what if I wore my tag everywhere I went...what whould it say? Would it change from place to place according to the atmosphere, environment, or attitude I carry? I believe it would. At work, would it say "Hello, my name is St. Francis?" or at McDonalds would it say "Hello, my name is McD?"
Of course it would, but it should also say something more important than that. It should say "Hello, my name is believer, servant, christian"
Do I carry that with me? I sure hope so. So when I'm:
At work "Hello, my name is helper"
At McD "Hello, my name is thankful"
At church "Hello, my name is,friend and Child of God"
And so on and so on.
I want to be be all the things that God wants me to be without reservation in all situations. I want others to know where I get that from. Not only do I get that from God, but I get that from a family of believers that I can't imagine life without.
I want to keep adding to my tag. I want to be those things that I see in others. I want to be those things that He sees in me so that I can pass that along to people who have yet to know Him like I do. I, just want to make a difference.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
My Family
Can't tell you how pleased I am by the skills of Jenny! She does an amazing job capturing the heart of my kids! Love it! Today was just one of those amazing family days! Relaxed all day, spent the afternoon with Jenny and took the kids out for Pizza....where a football game was playing of course! LOL! :o) We had a good day....I am so thankful!
Friday, October 01, 2010
Amazed
I really am amazed at how things work in our life. I'm amazed at how God works.
Looking at my blog today, it was 30 days ago I posted about how proud I was of Ian's accomplishments. It's funny how drastically things can change in a short amount of time.
We've had to make some hard decisions regarding his education, but one thing has not changed....I'm still a proud momma!
Nobody will ever understand him like I do. Nobody will ever see in his eyes what I can see. I love him. I want the best for him. I want the world to see how big his heart really is.
The hard part is when I can't "make" that happen. I can't make someone like someone else. I don't have that kind of power. But what I can do is pray. I can pray for others to have eyes like Jesus to see Ian the way He does. To love him the way that He does. To have a heart like He does.
As a mother, it is so hard to watch your child go through hard times. Regardless if they have a disability or not. But if I know anything about my kids, I know they will be strong and stand firm in their beliefs and they will not torment others because they don't measure up to the worlds expectations. I want them to look at the world through the eyes of our Father and see it for what God intended it to be....instead of what man has made it.
I use to laugh when I heard my parents say the line "This will hurt me more than it will hurt you." Today....that line rang true. But because of my faith in God, I know that the clear answer was to make changes. I felt confident that I made the right decision. I felt peace.
I amazed by my son....and I am amazed by our God.
Looking at my blog today, it was 30 days ago I posted about how proud I was of Ian's accomplishments. It's funny how drastically things can change in a short amount of time.
We've had to make some hard decisions regarding his education, but one thing has not changed....I'm still a proud momma!
Nobody will ever understand him like I do. Nobody will ever see in his eyes what I can see. I love him. I want the best for him. I want the world to see how big his heart really is.
The hard part is when I can't "make" that happen. I can't make someone like someone else. I don't have that kind of power. But what I can do is pray. I can pray for others to have eyes like Jesus to see Ian the way He does. To love him the way that He does. To have a heart like He does.
As a mother, it is so hard to watch your child go through hard times. Regardless if they have a disability or not. But if I know anything about my kids, I know they will be strong and stand firm in their beliefs and they will not torment others because they don't measure up to the worlds expectations. I want them to look at the world through the eyes of our Father and see it for what God intended it to be....instead of what man has made it.
I use to laugh when I heard my parents say the line "This will hurt me more than it will hurt you." Today....that line rang true. But because of my faith in God, I know that the clear answer was to make changes. I felt confident that I made the right decision. I felt peace.
I amazed by my son....and I am amazed by our God.
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Proud Momma!
Wow...it is really amazing what a differnce a year makes.
Yesterday I had the chance to meet with Ian's teachers. This is normally a very emotionally taxing day for me. I went with great anxiety....but did not allow Ian to see that in me. But somehow, I think he senses it.
He introduced me to each of his teachers one by one. I stood there....waiting....but they said nothing other than it was nice to meet me. Um...WHAT???
Each teacher commented on how nice it was to have him in class and what a great, hard working student he really is. (Imagine me with my mouth hitting the floor at this moment. I felt like I was on candid camera or being punked)
Finally we had a chance to sit and talk with the Ian's special education coordinator. Ian was forced this year with his IEP to only get to choose 1 elective instead of 2. He choose mens choir. For the second choice he was placed in a special education class titled "study skills". Ian knew from the first day that this was special ed. But he was okay with it and never complained.
As we proceeded to talk, she says...."I don't think he needs to be in here. I do not see a problem"
She proceeded to tell us that she keeps track of Ian on a daily basis and is in constant communication with his teachers and none of them have any complaints at all. They all say he is a hard worker and is making lots of friends.
Do you know how long it has taken us to get to this point? Do you know what we have been through? Do you know how long we have waited to hear those words spoken? I did everything I could to hold back tears in front of him.
So....because of his hard work.....at the end of the first semester, if this continues, they will allow him to get out of "study skills" and get in a more interesting class that is fun and exciting for him. ALSO.....they said that he only missed his reading test last year by 4 points to get his drivers permit....so they will be giving that to him again next week and they are sure he will pass it. Um...I'm a little scared on the driving permit...but hey....I have to let him grow up sometime.
So many have prayed for Ian. So many have loved him. So many have been great mentors for him. I pray they never quit.
For 15 years, we have put in a good fight all the way for him never letting him down and never letting him lose or get beat down. We've tried to teach him to be such a good young man never reallying knowing if we were going about it the right way and praying that God would guide us in the path. I feel at this point....we have done....at least 1 thing right. :o)
Our battle in life with him is not over....but....we see a HUGE light at the beginning of a new tunnel!!!! That gives me so much reason to praise God today for the lessons He has taught me through this amazing child!
Yesterday I had the chance to meet with Ian's teachers. This is normally a very emotionally taxing day for me. I went with great anxiety....but did not allow Ian to see that in me. But somehow, I think he senses it.
He introduced me to each of his teachers one by one. I stood there....waiting....but they said nothing other than it was nice to meet me. Um...WHAT???
Each teacher commented on how nice it was to have him in class and what a great, hard working student he really is. (Imagine me with my mouth hitting the floor at this moment. I felt like I was on candid camera or being punked)
Finally we had a chance to sit and talk with the Ian's special education coordinator. Ian was forced this year with his IEP to only get to choose 1 elective instead of 2. He choose mens choir. For the second choice he was placed in a special education class titled "study skills". Ian knew from the first day that this was special ed. But he was okay with it and never complained.
As we proceeded to talk, she says...."I don't think he needs to be in here. I do not see a problem"
She proceeded to tell us that she keeps track of Ian on a daily basis and is in constant communication with his teachers and none of them have any complaints at all. They all say he is a hard worker and is making lots of friends.
Do you know how long it has taken us to get to this point? Do you know what we have been through? Do you know how long we have waited to hear those words spoken? I did everything I could to hold back tears in front of him.
So....because of his hard work.....at the end of the first semester, if this continues, they will allow him to get out of "study skills" and get in a more interesting class that is fun and exciting for him. ALSO.....they said that he only missed his reading test last year by 4 points to get his drivers permit....so they will be giving that to him again next week and they are sure he will pass it. Um...I'm a little scared on the driving permit...but hey....I have to let him grow up sometime.
So many have prayed for Ian. So many have loved him. So many have been great mentors for him. I pray they never quit.
For 15 years, we have put in a good fight all the way for him never letting him down and never letting him lose or get beat down. We've tried to teach him to be such a good young man never reallying knowing if we were going about it the right way and praying that God would guide us in the path. I feel at this point....we have done....at least 1 thing right. :o)
Our battle in life with him is not over....but....we see a HUGE light at the beginning of a new tunnel!!!! That gives me so much reason to praise God today for the lessons He has taught me through this amazing child!
Friday, August 27, 2010
Do They See Jesus in Me
One of my all time favorite songs.....and really really really on my heart today.
I want to be everything this song says....and more.
I thank God for putting this on my heart. I need it.
Is the face that I see in the mirror
the one I want others to see
Do I show in the way that I walk in my life
The love that You've given to me
My heart's desire is to be like You
In all that I do, all I am
Do they see Jesus In Me
Do they recognize Your face
Do I communicate Your love, and Your grace
Do I reflect who You are
In the way I choose to be
Do they see Jesus In Me
It's amazing that you'd ever use me
But use me the way You will
Help me to hold out a heart of
compassionate grace
A heart that You're spirit fills
May I show forgiveness and mercy
The same way You've shown it to me
Now I want to show all the world who You are
The reason I live and breathe
So You'll be the One that they see
When they see me
I want to be everything this song says....and more.
I thank God for putting this on my heart. I need it.
Is the face that I see in the mirror
the one I want others to see
Do I show in the way that I walk in my life
The love that You've given to me
My heart's desire is to be like You
In all that I do, all I am
Do they see Jesus In Me
Do they recognize Your face
Do I communicate Your love, and Your grace
Do I reflect who You are
In the way I choose to be
Do they see Jesus In Me
It's amazing that you'd ever use me
But use me the way You will
Help me to hold out a heart of
compassionate grace
A heart that You're spirit fills
May I show forgiveness and mercy
The same way You've shown it to me
Now I want to show all the world who You are
The reason I live and breathe
So You'll be the One that they see
When they see me
Listen
I've learned from a wise person over the past few months to ask God to help me to be slow to speak, and quick to listen so that I might be able to hear God, instead of me always searching for answers.
That's comes as a challenge from time to time and situation to situation.
I use to think I couldn't hear the message that God was sending me. Nah...I know I can. What happens is I have to be quiet long enough for Him to get a word in. :o)
This practice is not always easy....and it's not easy to teach my kids. But I hope they can learn by my example when I am able to do it, and do it well.
On those other days, I pray for grace.
That's comes as a challenge from time to time and situation to situation.
I use to think I couldn't hear the message that God was sending me. Nah...I know I can. What happens is I have to be quiet long enough for Him to get a word in. :o)
This practice is not always easy....and it's not easy to teach my kids. But I hope they can learn by my example when I am able to do it, and do it well.
On those other days, I pray for grace.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
What is important?
Several weeks ago,I cracked the face of my phone. It is no longer pretty and has flaws, but it works.
Once upon a time, I would have been a person that rushed out to get it replaced as fast as possible. Not because I needed to, but becuase it doesn't look good.
Things have changed. Not sure where they really changed along the way but they have.
When it broke, I remember looking on the computer and calling the sprint store to see about getting a new phone. My contract is up, I'm well on my way to getting that really nice phone now, but I stopped.
Haven't looked at it again since.
Sure, it would be nice, but I went down the list of things in my life that I need and the things I don't need and the phone just didn't make the cut. I just don't feel the time is right and God is putting it on my heart to spend wisely right now.
I admit, I'm not one of those that feels I hear clear answers from God, but this has been one where he says "You don't need it"
Satan puts lots of things in our paths and clearly makes us feel that we need the things in this life that we really don't. I, for one, am going to listen to the message that God is giving me right now and spend money on the more important things in life.
For the first time in life, for as long as I can remember, I have the money to go buy something I want.....and I am not doing it.
Will I ever get a new phone? Yes, I will. But I will wait patiently until the timing is right.
There are just more important things in this life.
Once upon a time, I would have been a person that rushed out to get it replaced as fast as possible. Not because I needed to, but becuase it doesn't look good.
Things have changed. Not sure where they really changed along the way but they have.
When it broke, I remember looking on the computer and calling the sprint store to see about getting a new phone. My contract is up, I'm well on my way to getting that really nice phone now, but I stopped.
Haven't looked at it again since.
Sure, it would be nice, but I went down the list of things in my life that I need and the things I don't need and the phone just didn't make the cut. I just don't feel the time is right and God is putting it on my heart to spend wisely right now.
I admit, I'm not one of those that feels I hear clear answers from God, but this has been one where he says "You don't need it"
Satan puts lots of things in our paths and clearly makes us feel that we need the things in this life that we really don't. I, for one, am going to listen to the message that God is giving me right now and spend money on the more important things in life.
For the first time in life, for as long as I can remember, I have the money to go buy something I want.....and I am not doing it.
Will I ever get a new phone? Yes, I will. But I will wait patiently until the timing is right.
There are just more important things in this life.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Blessings
Tonight we had an opportunity to go sing in the community at a retirement village. I didn't realize how much I would feel blessed after doing so.
I love the elderly population and how much life they have in them. Their dreams are still alive more than ever before.
I loved to look into their eyes as we sang. I did my best to make eye contact with each person in the room. Some of them made me laugh as they would just smile when they noticed they were being looked at. Some of them almost made me cry a couple of times. But most of all, I could see their hearts. They really loved having us there. I enjoyed my conversations at the end the most.
One woman told me "We have people come and sing, or play music, but not very often do we have kids that will come sing to us"
I told another woman I could hear her singing along with us and she said "I once sang in my high school choir! This brought back that memory"
Another woman said "I came down here just to hear you....and I live on the 3rd floor...so it's a journey!!!" She was so thankful she made the trip! I told her I hoped it was like a mini vacation and she just laughed!!!!
I observed at the end a man coming up to another woman (not his wife as neither were married I found out) and he said to her, "Now I will be back in 10 minutes to pick you up over there (the courtyard) so we can watch our show"
A gentleman sitting alone appeared unapproachable said in a very slow and stuttering voice "I'm really glad you came tonight. Singing makes me happy"
I could go on and on about the things they said in the short time we were there but most of all I know my heart was touched by just looking into their eyes tonight. It wouldn't have mattered if I sang or not. What mattered is that we took the time out of our lives tonight to invest in others that have invested so much in this world already. I was honored to have this opportunity.
I hope when I grow older, people will come to visit and bless me.....so that I can take my turn at that age, and bless them.
I love the elderly population and how much life they have in them. Their dreams are still alive more than ever before.
I loved to look into their eyes as we sang. I did my best to make eye contact with each person in the room. Some of them made me laugh as they would just smile when they noticed they were being looked at. Some of them almost made me cry a couple of times. But most of all, I could see their hearts. They really loved having us there. I enjoyed my conversations at the end the most.
One woman told me "We have people come and sing, or play music, but not very often do we have kids that will come sing to us"
I told another woman I could hear her singing along with us and she said "I once sang in my high school choir! This brought back that memory"
Another woman said "I came down here just to hear you....and I live on the 3rd floor...so it's a journey!!!" She was so thankful she made the trip! I told her I hoped it was like a mini vacation and she just laughed!!!!
I observed at the end a man coming up to another woman (not his wife as neither were married I found out) and he said to her, "Now I will be back in 10 minutes to pick you up over there (the courtyard) so we can watch our show"
A gentleman sitting alone appeared unapproachable said in a very slow and stuttering voice "I'm really glad you came tonight. Singing makes me happy"
I could go on and on about the things they said in the short time we were there but most of all I know my heart was touched by just looking into their eyes tonight. It wouldn't have mattered if I sang or not. What mattered is that we took the time out of our lives tonight to invest in others that have invested so much in this world already. I was honored to have this opportunity.
I hope when I grow older, people will come to visit and bless me.....so that I can take my turn at that age, and bless them.
Thursday, August 05, 2010
A new favorite
I have become a huge fan of Joyce Meyer. This woman just floors me at her depth of her own spiritual walk with Christ. I love to listen to her. I am drawn to listening to her. She speaks in ways that I understand and that can help me in my walk with Christ.
Her biography caught my attention and after reading her life story, what she has lived through and how she survived a hard life. Now she takes her life and her story and turns it around for the better. She preaches the word of God with such passion and grace.
She has a new book coming out in September called "Power Thoughts" and I can't wait to get a copy. I've never read any of her books, but I look forward to reading them and becoming closer to Christ through some devotions with her.
I love it when I find a new author/teacher that I really like.
Her biography caught my attention and after reading her life story, what she has lived through and how she survived a hard life. Now she takes her life and her story and turns it around for the better. She preaches the word of God with such passion and grace.
She has a new book coming out in September called "Power Thoughts" and I can't wait to get a copy. I've never read any of her books, but I look forward to reading them and becoming closer to Christ through some devotions with her.
I love it when I find a new author/teacher that I really like.
Friday, July 30, 2010
The Last Night
Well....its now 1:20am and I'm back to my cabin. Today and tonight were amazing. Connections were made, friendships built, all for the sake of glorifying God together.
The worship tonight was unbelieveable. Didn't matter if it was in key or not....it was powerful. I remember hearing worship like this as a teen, but never remember it being quite this powerful. My breath was taken away tonight by the hearts engaged in worship. I couldn't even sing for a bit. I just had to sit and take it all in.
We had our Senior coffee tonight and they made me laugh all night. I have had one amazing ab workout.
I bonded with kids this week that I never knew. I have memories to last a lifetime now. I can't wait to come back again and do this all again next year.
The worship tonight was unbelieveable. Didn't matter if it was in key or not....it was powerful. I remember hearing worship like this as a teen, but never remember it being quite this powerful. My breath was taken away tonight by the hearts engaged in worship. I couldn't even sing for a bit. I just had to sit and take it all in.
We had our Senior coffee tonight and they made me laugh all night. I have had one amazing ab workout.
I bonded with kids this week that I never knew. I have memories to last a lifetime now. I can't wait to come back again and do this all again next year.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Day 3
Today seemed like the long day to me, but yet, another fun one.
I have become Chads right hand woman in the kitchen. Seems appropriate since I don't have a small group to lead this week. Being the nurse, I get ALL of them when they are sick! We are making a great team.
Today was filled with the same rotation of activities and classes. I sat in on Brians class today which talked about how each of us are unique but we strive for perfection. Even when we can achieve it in our eyes, we are perfect the way that God made us.
Tonight we had the drama portion of the camp talent show. Tomorrow will be the music portion. All I can say is I am totally impressed with the creativity that these kids can come up with. I laughed so hard. UNTIL.....the last skit involved a dead fish that was caught earlier in the day. The skit ended when they came toward me with the fish and I took off running down the hill and Nick and the fish chasing me. Oh my goodness. I have never ran so fast in my life!!! And he finally caught up with me and touched me with it! Ewwwwww!!!!!!!! He's lucky I like him or he'd be getting a payback tomorrow.
Our devotional tonight was long and filled with such strong emotions. Seems like the middle of the week is when that always happens. But to hear the hearts of these teens is so inspiring. I have to say, the devotionals are probably my most favorite part of camp.
We had another baptism today. This one from our youth group. Its always so refreshing to watch someone give their life to Christ.
Until tomorrow......
I have become Chads right hand woman in the kitchen. Seems appropriate since I don't have a small group to lead this week. Being the nurse, I get ALL of them when they are sick! We are making a great team.
Today was filled with the same rotation of activities and classes. I sat in on Brians class today which talked about how each of us are unique but we strive for perfection. Even when we can achieve it in our eyes, we are perfect the way that God made us.
Tonight we had the drama portion of the camp talent show. Tomorrow will be the music portion. All I can say is I am totally impressed with the creativity that these kids can come up with. I laughed so hard. UNTIL.....the last skit involved a dead fish that was caught earlier in the day. The skit ended when they came toward me with the fish and I took off running down the hill and Nick and the fish chasing me. Oh my goodness. I have never ran so fast in my life!!! And he finally caught up with me and touched me with it! Ewwwwww!!!!!!!! He's lucky I like him or he'd be getting a payback tomorrow.
Our devotional tonight was long and filled with such strong emotions. Seems like the middle of the week is when that always happens. But to hear the hearts of these teens is so inspiring. I have to say, the devotionals are probably my most favorite part of camp.
We had another baptism today. This one from our youth group. Its always so refreshing to watch someone give their life to Christ.
Until tomorrow......
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Day 2
Today I am reminded of the verse.....do everything without complaining. That's been my goal since Sunday...and I have had plenty to complain about, but I've prayed it away and been content with my circumstances.
I'm staying in the nurses cabin....which on a normal day is great. Comfy beads, no kids, and I'm all alone. :-) that's the good part.
However, the air conditioner has not worked well and has been getting hotter each day. I mentioned it to the camp directors, but they were not going to fix it. By today, it was obvious it was cooler outside in the 95 degree heat than it was in my cabin. Kids no longer want to retreat to my cabin for rest as its like a sauna!
I was encouraged to move, but its just easier to stay as this is where the kids know to find me. And if someone needs me in the middle of the night, they won't wake anyone else this way.
Tonight I decided to take matters into my own hands and take the air conditioner apart. And guess what I found? ICE! It was frozen solid! The front of it behind a nasty dirty filter looked like an ice rink. So I called Chad and asked for some suggestions. He came down and I started drying it with a hair dryer! (That just added MORE heat in the room) He checked out side and the lines and pipes were also frozen solid. So at 10:30 at night when everyone else is resting, he is out there trying to thaw that line with buckets of water.
Well, IT WORKED! My cabin is now SO COLD!!!! YAY!
I can finally sleep well tonight.
As for today at camp...we had a GREAT day. I sat in on Brads class where he did an excellent jon on teaching about Joseph. He talked about how Joseph landed in prison but was still promised a land of his own. Brad spoke about how we all of lands of our own....its just how what we do with our land that's important. So how can we work the land today to show our love for God? It was a really good class. And of course I loved it because he played a song with Donny Osmond singing!!!! :)
Tonight we had the Game Show Guy and I truly love him being here. He is really so much fun! I think the kids had a blast!
2 girls gave their life to Christ tonight and it was such an awesome experience to be there and witness the outpouring of love for them.
The moonlight praise and worship tonight was so amazing. These kids LOVE to sing!!!!! They are never at a loss for songs! Their hearts could sing all night! I love that!
Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!
I'm staying in the nurses cabin....which on a normal day is great. Comfy beads, no kids, and I'm all alone. :-) that's the good part.
However, the air conditioner has not worked well and has been getting hotter each day. I mentioned it to the camp directors, but they were not going to fix it. By today, it was obvious it was cooler outside in the 95 degree heat than it was in my cabin. Kids no longer want to retreat to my cabin for rest as its like a sauna!
I was encouraged to move, but its just easier to stay as this is where the kids know to find me. And if someone needs me in the middle of the night, they won't wake anyone else this way.
Tonight I decided to take matters into my own hands and take the air conditioner apart. And guess what I found? ICE! It was frozen solid! The front of it behind a nasty dirty filter looked like an ice rink. So I called Chad and asked for some suggestions. He came down and I started drying it with a hair dryer! (That just added MORE heat in the room) He checked out side and the lines and pipes were also frozen solid. So at 10:30 at night when everyone else is resting, he is out there trying to thaw that line with buckets of water.
Well, IT WORKED! My cabin is now SO COLD!!!! YAY!
I can finally sleep well tonight.
As for today at camp...we had a GREAT day. I sat in on Brads class where he did an excellent jon on teaching about Joseph. He talked about how Joseph landed in prison but was still promised a land of his own. Brad spoke about how we all of lands of our own....its just how what we do with our land that's important. So how can we work the land today to show our love for God? It was a really good class. And of course I loved it because he played a song with Donny Osmond singing!!!! :)
Tonight we had the Game Show Guy and I truly love him being here. He is really so much fun! I think the kids had a blast!
2 girls gave their life to Christ tonight and it was such an awesome experience to be there and witness the outpouring of love for them.
The moonlight praise and worship tonight was so amazing. These kids LOVE to sing!!!!! They are never at a loss for songs! Their hearts could sing all night! I love that!
Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Day 1
Wow! We had an awesome day today! But why does the temperature always seem hotter when you are at camp? YIKES!!!
The day was filled with things like pool relay games, hockey on the ever so nice NEW basketball court, inside games, and human bowling!!! that is where you put people inside huge tire inner tubes and roll them to hit cardboard boxes. Um.....I laughed very hard!!!!! It looked fun, but I'm not trying it!
The praise and worship tonight was amazing. Its always good...but there was an extra element of goodness tonight that I loved about it. One thing I love about these groups is that they love to sing. No matter where I go, someone is always singing....and if they aren't, you can see the song in their heart and step.
Classes went well today and Nick taught a great devotional tonight on gentleness and he spoke of how gentle Jesus was with the woman in John 8:10 and how he showed an incredible amount of gentleness and mercy.
I think I can think of a few...no, make that many, times in my life where I want Jesus to look at me and be that gentle with me.
Tonight....that is my prayer.
The day was filled with things like pool relay games, hockey on the ever so nice NEW basketball court, inside games, and human bowling!!! that is where you put people inside huge tire inner tubes and roll them to hit cardboard boxes. Um.....I laughed very hard!!!!! It looked fun, but I'm not trying it!
The praise and worship tonight was amazing. Its always good...but there was an extra element of goodness tonight that I loved about it. One thing I love about these groups is that they love to sing. No matter where I go, someone is always singing....and if they aren't, you can see the song in their heart and step.
Classes went well today and Nick taught a great devotional tonight on gentleness and he spoke of how gentle Jesus was with the woman in John 8:10 and how he showed an incredible amount of gentleness and mercy.
I think I can think of a few...no, make that many, times in my life where I want Jesus to look at me and be that gentle with me.
Tonight....that is my prayer.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Camp....we have arrived!
We made it to camp today about 4:00. Have to admit, I knew I'd miss my Sunday nap so I slept on the way here:)
It took a while to get everyone unloaded and settled but everything went smoothly!
Dinner tonight was the typical first night "sandwhich" dinner. Not complaining as their food is always good here and I know I'll gain 10 pounds by the end of the week.
There are 3 churches here and everyone is split up into teams by the color of their bandana. Sadly, I didn't get a team as the nurse has to be on all teams. I can just fwel the love already! :)
We had some great group games tonight where each team had to come up with a skit to represent their team. They were really cute too. We have some creative thinkers in the bunch!
Canteen was good and I of course couldn't pass it up without my usual camp favorite.....rootbeer float!
Trent led our devotional time tonight and it was awesome. We watched a clip from the green mile where the jaoiler is taking the prisoner in while shouting "dead man walking". He reminded everyone that we don't have to be a dead man walking....because we have Christ in us. Forgiving us for those sins we continue to commit over and over.
I thought it was very interesting that his topic tonight really bled together with my sunday mornimg bible class and reading from Phillipians and Romans.
I pray that the message everyone hears this week is clearly a message from God.
As for the first aid on the first day?
6 Bandaids
Eyedrops
1/4 of a tube of anti itch cream
1 ice bag
And already almost 1 trip to find a doctor....but I worked it out....and the child is fine:)
It took a while to get everyone unloaded and settled but everything went smoothly!
Dinner tonight was the typical first night "sandwhich" dinner. Not complaining as their food is always good here and I know I'll gain 10 pounds by the end of the week.
There are 3 churches here and everyone is split up into teams by the color of their bandana. Sadly, I didn't get a team as the nurse has to be on all teams. I can just fwel the love already! :)
We had some great group games tonight where each team had to come up with a skit to represent their team. They were really cute too. We have some creative thinkers in the bunch!
Canteen was good and I of course couldn't pass it up without my usual camp favorite.....rootbeer float!
Trent led our devotional time tonight and it was awesome. We watched a clip from the green mile where the jaoiler is taking the prisoner in while shouting "dead man walking". He reminded everyone that we don't have to be a dead man walking....because we have Christ in us. Forgiving us for those sins we continue to commit over and over.
I thought it was very interesting that his topic tonight really bled together with my sunday mornimg bible class and reading from Phillipians and Romans.
I pray that the message everyone hears this week is clearly a message from God.
As for the first aid on the first day?
6 Bandaids
Eyedrops
1/4 of a tube of anti itch cream
1 ice bag
And already almost 1 trip to find a doctor....but I worked it out....and the child is fine:)
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Final Thoughts
I know these won't be all my final thoughts about this trip because there were just so many blessings to me.
I can't help but think how lucky these teens are for getting the opportunity to do things like this at their age. I never did and I can see that I missed out on so much! What an incredible difference they are making!
For me, the difference each of them has made in my life now has been one I won't forget. I've watched each of them grow so much! I've loved every moment I have spent with them.
I've also had a chance to spend time with the adults and its been one fun moment after the next. Jason continues to make me laugh and blesses me with uncontrollable laughter. I have grown to love him more everyday. Just really getting to know Nick this week has been a highlight. Its amazing how much we can just sit and talk about and find so much common ground on. I've grown to love him like I have known him forever. Getting to drive with Christi was a lovely highlight. And since her navagational skills are just about like mine, I am just sure we are in great company. :o)
Getting to work with Trent and Angela again has brought back so many fun memories! It's like we just picked up where we left off many years ago. Same fun! Same laughter! Only our kids are all older now!
Spending time with Bobby and Melissa was such a treat. Just seeing the work they are doing here in this community is such a blessing. I am so honored that they asked us to come and be a part of it. Departing tomorrow will bring sadness, but, there is joy in seeing what they have been called to do here.
I can't keep saying how loving this community is. I know the host I stayed with was very gracious and showered us with love and kindness. Even today they showed up with Taco Tierra cups as souvenirs for all the female counselors!
The cook out tonight was wonderful. We had such a fun time. I left early, along with Jason, to get some time to rest and relax before we have to start driving in the morning. (I've become that "responsible" adult) LOL!
My week has been full of so much love and greatness and I have loved every moment of this trip. I am excited to come back home tomorrow and be with my family and friends and share all the great things God did this week.
Tomorrow I pray for a safe and uneventful drive home. It will be long....but we'll make the most of it and have fun along the way.
I can't help but think how lucky these teens are for getting the opportunity to do things like this at their age. I never did and I can see that I missed out on so much! What an incredible difference they are making!
For me, the difference each of them has made in my life now has been one I won't forget. I've watched each of them grow so much! I've loved every moment I have spent with them.
I've also had a chance to spend time with the adults and its been one fun moment after the next. Jason continues to make me laugh and blesses me with uncontrollable laughter. I have grown to love him more everyday. Just really getting to know Nick this week has been a highlight. Its amazing how much we can just sit and talk about and find so much common ground on. I've grown to love him like I have known him forever. Getting to drive with Christi was a lovely highlight. And since her navagational skills are just about like mine, I am just sure we are in great company. :o)
Getting to work with Trent and Angela again has brought back so many fun memories! It's like we just picked up where we left off many years ago. Same fun! Same laughter! Only our kids are all older now!
Spending time with Bobby and Melissa was such a treat. Just seeing the work they are doing here in this community is such a blessing. I am so honored that they asked us to come and be a part of it. Departing tomorrow will bring sadness, but, there is joy in seeing what they have been called to do here.
I can't keep saying how loving this community is. I know the host I stayed with was very gracious and showered us with love and kindness. Even today they showed up with Taco Tierra cups as souvenirs for all the female counselors!
The cook out tonight was wonderful. We had such a fun time. I left early, along with Jason, to get some time to rest and relax before we have to start driving in the morning. (I've become that "responsible" adult) LOL!
My week has been full of so much love and greatness and I have loved every moment of this trip. I am excited to come back home tomorrow and be with my family and friends and share all the great things God did this week.
Tomorrow I pray for a safe and uneventful drive home. It will be long....but we'll make the most of it and have fun along the way.
Last Day
Today is our last day of Sports Camp. We had 24 show up ready to play and have fun!
They are really on fire today!
The kids got a special treat today. The fire department showed up to spray the kids with the fire hose! It was such a treat!!!
This afternoon we will finish our service project at the local pool and helping with things around the church building. Later this evening we have a community cook out in the church parking lot and then a moonlight movie.
I have been very excited about all the work that we have done and the impact this is having on the kids and community here. They are so loving and welcoming.
As for first aid we are up to 22 bandaids, 8 drops of visine, 4 squirts of nose spray, 18 ibuprofen, 1 ace bandage to wrap a knee, lots and lots and lots of anti itch cream, one ankle wrap, 6 bags of ice, and again lots of TLC and reassurance!
Its gonna be a great day!!!
They are really on fire today!
The kids got a special treat today. The fire department showed up to spray the kids with the fire hose! It was such a treat!!!
This afternoon we will finish our service project at the local pool and helping with things around the church building. Later this evening we have a community cook out in the church parking lot and then a moonlight movie.
I have been very excited about all the work that we have done and the impact this is having on the kids and community here. They are so loving and welcoming.
As for first aid we are up to 22 bandaids, 8 drops of visine, 4 squirts of nose spray, 18 ibuprofen, 1 ace bandage to wrap a knee, lots and lots and lots of anti itch cream, one ankle wrap, 6 bags of ice, and again lots of TLC and reassurance!
Its gonna be a great day!!!
Friday, July 09, 2010
Whoa! EXHAUSTED!
Okay, I know I'm an adult, but I know these kids are wiped out too! But its all for the sake of doing what we came here to do and that's serve this community through the love that God has lavished on us.
Sports camp today was amazing once again! Can't believe how well its going.
This afternoon we split into our groups for a day of fun.
jason and I drove a couple of loaded vans to Indiana (about an hour away) to a beautiful water park. It was so fun and the water was just perfect for relaxing.
Now....something they should never let me do is take the lead while driving. I will fully admit that I have NO navagational skills whatsoever! However, on this trip, they have had me drive A LOT which finally led to us getting VERY lost over in Indiana. (I did have someone else reading a map though)
We finally figured it out and I quickly made a u turn! Needless to say, today consisted of lots of unnecessary sight seeing. I was so proud of the teens for making it into such a positive situation as I was really frustrated with myself. But we got home safe and in time for the bonfire and mosquito roast! Yep! They are that bad out here. But smores were good too.
Now.....off to bed. Tomorrow starts early:o)
Sports camp today was amazing once again! Can't believe how well its going.
This afternoon we split into our groups for a day of fun.
jason and I drove a couple of loaded vans to Indiana (about an hour away) to a beautiful water park. It was so fun and the water was just perfect for relaxing.
Now....something they should never let me do is take the lead while driving. I will fully admit that I have NO navagational skills whatsoever! However, on this trip, they have had me drive A LOT which finally led to us getting VERY lost over in Indiana. (I did have someone else reading a map though)
We finally figured it out and I quickly made a u turn! Needless to say, today consisted of lots of unnecessary sight seeing. I was so proud of the teens for making it into such a positive situation as I was really frustrated with myself. But we got home safe and in time for the bonfire and mosquito roast! Yep! They are that bad out here. But smores were good too.
Now.....off to bed. Tomorrow starts early:o)
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