Audiobooks

Well, I'm about to hop in the car and head west for Pleasanton. This is the second time in two weeks. Last week was Jenn's baby shower and tomorrow in Lin's wedding. So much to celebrate!

With time on the road, I have grown to really appreciate the beauty of audio books. I am a slow reader so this is the perfect way to get some "reading" done without having any distractions. I've recently read "Teaching Lolita in Tehran" and "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time". Both are very good and I would recommend them both to you. Today, I'm welcoming something with a little more depth. I'll be listening to "A Heart Like His: Intimate Reflections on the Life of David." I thought it would be appropriate because giants seem to be a running them in my mind the past three weeks. God is doing something here so I thought I would see how David handled a life so close to God's heart.

I hope everyone is enjoying this season of celebration, reflection, and anticipation. Love to you all!

Radioactive Holiday Greetings.

I hope that everyone has a very wonderful Christmas Eve! Before we get down to the joy behind our season, here is a little (one and a half minutes) jingle bells silliness for you and yours. Seriously, who has the time? I'm glad they did. :)

Oh, Mama!

Tonight I called Mom to tell her something pretty random that I was momentarily excited about. After we got off the phone, I thought, "What is Mom going to do when I start dating someone?" She'll probably be a hair relieved to not get four calls a day (sadly this is one of the few days that I'm not exaggerating) about everything from doctor's appointments to the price of medicine to baking questions. She'll still get calls, of course, but some brave soul somewhere will be inheriting an endless stream of over excitement over tiny things.

Everyone start praying for the man now!

The Voice of the Lord

It is an amazing thing when the Lord speaks a word over your life. Peaceful and confident, silencing fears and building hope and faith. In unexpected times, when we need it most, God makes Himself known. Blessed be the Lord!

Smart Kids

I already shared this with a few of you but I thought I would share it with everyone. It is too funny to pas up as a post.

So we got to school yesterday and it was 65 degrees. As we were going to recess it was 44 degrees. I was excited because I got to wear my scarf and fun hat with the fuzzy ball on top of it. We got out and it was COLD so the kids started acting like huddled penguins to stay warm. Suddenly they all took off fast towards to wall. Apparently, they found the dryer vent from our Life Skills class blowing warm air out of the dryer and they huddled around it to stay warm.

I have smart kids!

Is That Really Simple?

I got my January issue of my favorite magazine, REALSIMPLE, yesterday? Two things caught my eye immediately. First, the issue's feature article is entitled "Feel calmer now: 20 essential lists to organize your life" OK...if I had time to sit down and make 20 different lists, I don't think I would need them. If you can do that, you have time to get quite a bit done! I mean, I'm juggling a lot of balls already without throwing 20 extra lists into the air with them. The sad thing is that I will most likely read the article and then find time to write out each list and decide on its usefulness. I'm such a nerd!

The second things I noticed was the quote for the month. I love quotes! Every issue of this magazine has one on the spine. This months is really good. Here it is: Life comes in clusters, clusters of solitude, then a cluster when there is hardly time to breathe. - May Sarton. Can I just say - so true!

Converge

As you can tell from the previous post, Erin and I attended Converge on Thursday night. CeCe Winnans and Travis Cottrell were there and Beth spoke. It was interesting because the lesson that was given was not about the birth but about advent - waiting in anticipation. She used Luke 1's story of Zechariah and Elizabeth. I spent the whole lesson feeling like I had a spiritual bull's eye on me. There may have been 6,000 people there but it landed all over me. I'm no going to go into all of it here because it is just one of those Mary things - you know, something treasured in my heart. Besides, I'm still trying to process it so that it really sticks. Instead, I'm just going to write down a few things I took down as special to me. You may think them everyday statements but they are bringing tears to my eyes even now. Hope they bless you in some way today!

• God doesn't just show up. He prepares a way for Himself to come.
• The answer to our prayer is issued upon the beginning of our saying it. We just don't get it right away.
• Answer to our personal prayer is often wrapped up in the answer to a corporate prayer. There is often something bigger in play.
• He will bless you with what you want or He will bless you with more than what you did not know to want.
• Blessed are you when what comes naturally to others comes supernaturally to you. (This was the biggest one for me.)

On a Day Like Today...

Today ended in worship - just as it should. I hoped Travis would sing "In the First Light" and, praise God!, he did. What an amazing gift this man has been given! Listen below or read the lyrics.



Then, the blessing of all musical blessings, we ended with "In Christ Alone".



Merry Christmas and love to you all!

SNOW IN HOUSTON!

Yes! About 20 minutes before dismissal, snow started falling at Wolfe Elementary! I'm not sure who was more excited - my six year olds or their teacher! We were ALL jumping around and crowding around the windows. We "bundled up" and went out in our Atrium to watch tiny flakes float down to cover our coats and hair. Nothing stuck to the ground but it didn't matter. REAL snowflakes were floating onto OUR school! And it was 72 degrees yesterday! What joy! Our resident teachers from the North thought we were all WAY over excited but when this is what you get every 5 - 10 years, you take it! So in honor of the snow, I actually left work right after the kids did, came home, plugged in the Christmas Tree, and am enjoying some hot chocolate (with the very rare treat of marshmallows). I'm even more excited that Erin posted a picture of my sweet niece during her first snow.

Happy Winter, everyone!

A Light One of Graditude

It is a bit late but here are a few of the little joys in life that I am very thankful for. All of these are the icing on the cake of significant blessings I already have. These just make life that much sweeter!

• Being able to bless someone with a gift
• The smell of the new barbecue place just up the street
• Apple cider and iced tea (but not mixed together)
• The Christmas Song by Dave Matthews
• Gorgeous new pictures of my niece
• Waking up and feeling rested
• Anticipating a sister date for Converge (10 days but who's counting?)
• Getting the house ready to set up the Christmas tree
• Being finished with Christmas shopping!
• Climbing into a bed of clean sheets

I am truly blessed!

Loving Friends

I think it is funny how God's timing works. It is something that I have grown to respect and cherish at the same time. The latest case in point is my Life Group. What an AMAZING group of people! I don't think that I could be more at home with another group of people outside of my own actual family. What I find funny about it is that last September, I visited this group and didn't get connected (by my own fault, not theirs). Then, a year later, I visit the group again and ta-da! God has done things in me to prepare me for being ready for such a loving group. I am truly blessed! I could go through each member and tell of the gift they are to me but tonight, I'll just focus on one couple.

One of our elders and his wife are in our group. I remember meeting them the first time I visited and being very welcomed by them. I recall when the church here announced that they were considering men as elders, I hoped he was one of the men before they announced his name. Over the summer, she was in our bible study and I so looked forward to everything that she had to say/share. Since spending time together over the past three months, I have grown to love and appreciate this couple more and more. Not only are they amazing individuals, they are such a GREAT couple! I know it has taken 25 years of love and work but I love to watch them. Last night he was late and he winked at her across the room. They are loving towards each other and have learned what it is to be one. They seek God together and in their own lives and I believe fully that they know His presence in a very loving way. They have both touched my heart in very specific ways.

A few weeks ago, I was blessed with the opportunity to attend a training hosted by a local church. I was sorting through things said in the sessions and I asked for prayers along those lines. Simple as it sounds, she really stilled my spirit. She offered up a calm word (not really significant to anyone else) and winked at me. That's it - just a wink, a kind word, and a smile. Her heart spoke through that simple act and it meant SO much to me.

Last night, he was leading the prayer for our group. Without any prompting, suggestion, or request from me, he prayed for me. He prayed for my future husband and the man God is working him to become. The words hit me like a wall of power. I literally felt every word come against me and through me with fully strength. Never have I felt anything like that. It was SO touching and fortifying. I didn't even know it but I needed those words prayed over me in a big way. What he didn't know was that I have been contemplating things a little more than usual lately. It was such a blessing. I didn't thank him because I was just speechless.

Tonight, I am increasingly thankful for Bob and Alicia and their presence in my life!

What to Write???

It is SO annoying to know it is time for a new post but nothing will come! So....anything you are interested in reading about or knowing? I'm an open book but you have to tell me which page to turn to. :)

THAT"S Your Connection!?

So I'm working in a guided reading group today with a little boy who is STRUGGLING! We are reading a book called The Pup and the Cat. After reading through it, I'm checking his comprehension and this is where I am going to pick up for you:

Me: What was the pup riding in?
S: Writing? Like (mimes someone writing a letter)
Me: No riding. Like r-i-d-i-ng (stretching out each sound)
S: OH! Like "Yippy-ki-oh-ki-ay"?
Me: (trying not to lose it in laughter) yes.

Really!? That is the connection he made? Not riding in a car or on a bike but yippy-ki-oh-ki-ay (like a cowboy). Can you tell we're from Texas? Little boy completely made my day! :)

Expelled

I am having a Sheasby kind of weekend. This morning I am sipping on hot tea and thinking about Stephen because he drinks hot tea every night. Then, last night I watched a movie that we have been talking about for months. They would have loved it and I think you might too.

A while back, Ben Stein came out with his documentary Expelled. I finally got around to watching it last night while I put together guided readers (wild Friday night .... I know). It is investigating the scientific/academic world's reaction to those who believe in intelligent design. Basically, Darwinism vs. intelligent design. You may think that it sounds incredibly dull but it was SO interesting! I was amazed at some of the things that some of the scientific men were saying. Blew me away! Honestly, I don't think I have ever actually heard anyone blaspheme God but as I watched the show, I found myself in complete fear for these men's souls. Many said some VERY bold comments and one just truly shocked me. We know that God can hear all things but to say such arrogant, atheistic things for the whole world to hear (and with complete pride and self assurance) made me fear for them. These things are recorded forever and can be linked back to them throughout there lives and continuing on even after they pass. Part of me wants to share what they said here but I can't bring myself to say them let along type them. The semi-vindicating moment was at the end when the biggest proponent for Darwinism of our time completely contradicted himself.

The movie made some really good points and made me aware of some the possible affects that could come to be if intelligent design is further pushed under the rug. It is very well done and I think you will be very impressed if you have the chance to see it. It is in Red Box right now and I'm sure video stores will have it too. If you are interested, here is the website.

If you just want to see more about the movie without reading, here is the trailer.

Where to Next?

Late this afternoon, I attended a meeting for an opportunity to apply for a grant. "Big whoop," you say however...This is an opportunity through an organization called Funds for Teachers. This group reviews grants to send teachers on trips over the summer to any destination. The only obligation is that the trip must have a learning link to our objectives. Seriously - anywhere. Examples today included Sydney, Antarctica, Mexico, Italy, New York, Portland, New Mexico, etc, etc, etc. So now I begin the process of writing my very first grant. I have a couple of ideas (San Diego, Egypt, Spain, Machu Pichu) but I have to tie it to the curriculum. Seeing how I have the whole world as an option I am suddenly drawing a blank. So I just have one question.....

Where should I apply go?

I'm a Moron!

In my last post, I mentioned that I haven't had a voice all week. This morning, as I got ready for work, I figured out why. I have random bouts of vertigo and it is linked to inner ear congestion. I know - TMI. Anyway...it has hit pretty hard over the past few weeks so on Saturday, I decided to get some Zyrtec to try to dry things up and clear things out. I started taking it on Saturday night. By Monday night, my voice was all but gone. From Tuesday until today, I've been at a whisper. However, I wasn't spinning and I didn't have that lovely "about to fall out of your chair" feeling. Frustrating for work but worth it for being steady. As I got ready to take my daily Zyrtec this morning, it hit me. If Zyrtec is used to dry up and break down your congestion, couldn't it also be dehydrating and drying out my vocal cords? DUH, Dana! To try it out, I didn't take one today. The dizziness is back a bit but so is the voice. Not 100% back but working on it quickly. Now the focus it to stay hydrated and stay away from any caffeine (thanks barbershop crowd for teaching me that important rule). So in a nutshell, I had no voice this week and I did it to myself.

What a moron!

Between This Week and the Next

So the big story of the week in my neck of the woods in the battle for my voice. Monday night it decided to check out for the rest of the week. Yep, it's gone. To make matters worse, I have a job that greatly requires words. Spoken, meaningful, clear words. I am thankful that I have such a good group of students because they have been helpful and sweet. They are afraid of hurting me so they have been very obedient and quiet. They have also suddenly become medical experts on how to heal my vocal cords. It's pretty funny! I'm getting desperate but I know I'll get it back soon (hopefully)!

So after a VERY frustrating, concerning week (Elizabeth in the hospital, the election, not having a voice, etc....), I am gearing up for the weekend. Our Friday is an early dismissal day so I'm hoping to bust a LOT out before going home at our usual time Then on Saturday, I am attending a training for Ministry Teams through a local church. I'm WAY excited about that. Then that evening is a come and go dessert dinner for some dear friends. On Sunday is a day I have come to not look forward to. The friends who are being honored with the dessert dinner will be saying good bye to us on Sunday night. My dear, dear friends, the Sheasby family, are leaving Houston on Monday to begin a final month in the US with extended family before moving back to Africa to open orphanages and schools. It is an exciting time but I am selfishly dreading losing such constant contact with a family I have come to love and adore.

So prayers over the next few days are appreciated: for growth and enlightenment during the training and strength in the good bye. It's going to be a weekend of highs and lows. Definitely a weekend to remember.

You Can Vote However You Like

Since I am the Social Studies CLT this year for my campus, I have received MANY things that are related to the election. One of my favorites is this video from CNN. These are kids that attend the Ron Clark Academy in New York City. It is not bias and presents both sides. My kids LOVED it and I did too! I'm not going to lie, I've listened to it many times on my own. The clip is about three and a half minutes long but totally worth the time! And if you think that the name Ron Clark sounds familiar, he is the teacher who wrote The Essential 55 and The Excellent 11. In a nutshell, he's a personal professional hero of mine. Anyways...GREAT clip about the candidates! Enjoy!

The Big Day

Here it is...Election Day. It is going to be a long day and a VERY long night. I hope everyone gets out there and does their thing. More importantly, I hope that today is a time of intensified prayer and petition for everyone. Let's keep laying this thing at the feet of the only One truly in control! One of my newest prayers has been that this thing is decided completely and that recounts and contesting the vote are minimal/nonexistent. Let's get this thing over with!!! Let's pray that November 5 is not welcomed with more name calling and mud slinging. I'm looking forward to this campaign being over!!!!

Happy Voting!

Randomness on a Friday Night

Driving to work today I was able to see the most AMAZING sun rise. From the blazing reds on the horizon to the crystal blues as high up as I could see, every color in between could be seen. As I marveled at it, I noticed how every shade of red turned to pink turned to orange turned to yellow turned to blue. In the midst of being awestruck, I thought "WAIT! If yellow and blue make green, how come the brilliant yellows and crystal clear blues don't fade into each other to produce at least a tiny sliver of green during sunrises?" Hmmmm.... That would be weird!
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Did anyone else know that Halloween is the biggest holiday of the year for fireworks? I didn't either but the church behind my apartment proved me wrong tonight. Apparently it calls for more than New Year's Eve and the Fourth of July (combined). Pretty but LOUD! I thought some kids had set some off outside my door. Talk about suddenly being VERY awake!

Who knew?