creeds...
The present text of the Apostles Creed is dated c. 700 AD
I believe in God the Father Almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting. Amen
Present text of Nicene Creed 381 AD
I believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
all that is,
seen and unseen.
I believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven;
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he became incarnate of the Virgin Mary,
and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
I believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
I acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
I look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come.
Amen.
*The term "catholic" in these creeds is a term that indicates the fact that there is one united church which is the Body of Christ, not necessarily connected with the term as we use it today representing one denomination.
Aug 15, 2004
the Father's love...
How deep the Father’s love for us, how vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son and make a wretch his treasure
How great the pain of seering loss, the Father turns His face away
As wounds that mark the chosen One bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon the cross, my sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life, I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything, no gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ, his death and resurrection
Why should I gain from his reward? I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart: His wounds have been my randsom
How deep the Father’s love for us, how vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son and make a wretch his treasure
How great the pain of seering loss, the Father turns His face away
As wounds that mark the chosen One bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon the cross, my sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life, I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything, no gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ, his death and resurrection
Why should I gain from his reward? I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart: His wounds have been my randsom
Aug 13, 2004
woah...
Oh...My...Gosh! I went to the Chihuly exhibit today. It was phenominal! I have never taken so many pictures in such a short period of time... and I take a lot of pictures! I took 4 1/2 rolls of film in two hours. That's somewhere around 106 pictures. Not joking. That's one picture every 1 minute and 13 seconds. Regardless of the fact that I will now have to spend at least $20 in developing charges, I am so glad I went and had the opportunity to take those pictures. I suppose out of 106 I have a pretty good chance that some of them turned out okay! On top of the glasswork being incredible, the garden has an orchid room in their green house that took my breath away! Orchids are my absolute favorite flowers, so I spent forever in that room taking pictures. Actually, I had a lot of trouble getting my camera to focus on the orchids, so it took a little longer. There was another room that housed rainforest type plants, which was also amazing. Chihuly's main piece in that room was incredible. It was a bunch of glass balls in various colors, sizes, and designs, all strung together from the 30-foot ceiling reaching all the way to the floor. I realize as I'm telling this story that unless you were there this is totally unimpressive, but I'm writing anyway. Another cool thing was that he has "floats" in the ponds. They are also large glass balls that just float around (who would have guessed) in the pond. It sounds simple, which technically I guess it is, but it's cool because as a piece of art it is in constant change because the balls change location in the pond all the time. And they are intermixed with these enormous lilly pads. The biggest I've ever seen in my life. The large ones were probably 5 feet in diameter. They're really cool because, as I heard a man explaining, they come up from the bottom of the pond relatively small (I would guess six inches to a foot) and they're kind of wrinkly, and as they sit on top of the water they expand and all the wrinkles smoothe out. Before I left the garden (side note) I had the best Caeser salad. Then I began driving home, but aparently I was in a daze or something and missed my exit. Eventually I was like, "shouldn't I be almost home by now? I feel like I've been driving forever." Sure enough, I had been. When I figured out where I was I was WAY off track! So all in all, I drove an extra 40 miles today! But on the plus side, it gave me the opportunity to go down like the coolest road in Georgia. I drove down this crazy curvy road at like 65mph with my window down and my hair flapping and thoroughly enjoyed myself. It was a great day.
Oh...My...Gosh! I went to the Chihuly exhibit today. It was phenominal! I have never taken so many pictures in such a short period of time... and I take a lot of pictures! I took 4 1/2 rolls of film in two hours. That's somewhere around 106 pictures. Not joking. That's one picture every 1 minute and 13 seconds. Regardless of the fact that I will now have to spend at least $20 in developing charges, I am so glad I went and had the opportunity to take those pictures. I suppose out of 106 I have a pretty good chance that some of them turned out okay! On top of the glasswork being incredible, the garden has an orchid room in their green house that took my breath away! Orchids are my absolute favorite flowers, so I spent forever in that room taking pictures. Actually, I had a lot of trouble getting my camera to focus on the orchids, so it took a little longer. There was another room that housed rainforest type plants, which was also amazing. Chihuly's main piece in that room was incredible. It was a bunch of glass balls in various colors, sizes, and designs, all strung together from the 30-foot ceiling reaching all the way to the floor. I realize as I'm telling this story that unless you were there this is totally unimpressive, but I'm writing anyway. Another cool thing was that he has "floats" in the ponds. They are also large glass balls that just float around (who would have guessed) in the pond. It sounds simple, which technically I guess it is, but it's cool because as a piece of art it is in constant change because the balls change location in the pond all the time. And they are intermixed with these enormous lilly pads. The biggest I've ever seen in my life. The large ones were probably 5 feet in diameter. They're really cool because, as I heard a man explaining, they come up from the bottom of the pond relatively small (I would guess six inches to a foot) and they're kind of wrinkly, and as they sit on top of the water they expand and all the wrinkles smoothe out. Before I left the garden (side note) I had the best Caeser salad. Then I began driving home, but aparently I was in a daze or something and missed my exit. Eventually I was like, "shouldn't I be almost home by now? I feel like I've been driving forever." Sure enough, I had been. When I figured out where I was I was WAY off track! So all in all, I drove an extra 40 miles today! But on the plus side, it gave me the opportunity to go down like the coolest road in Georgia. I drove down this crazy curvy road at like 65mph with my window down and my hair flapping and thoroughly enjoyed myself. It was a great day.
Aug 12, 2004
holding hands with the wind...
curving Georgia asphalt. beautiful day. manual window in the down position. hair back, hat on: saves face from a battering. righ hand loosely on black wheel. left hand outstretched to the outside world, holding hands with the wind. jade wrapped around thumb, wide brown leather encasing wrist. breezy fingers intertwine with mine. palm to palm. hands twist around, in and out, with glorious interplay.
to feel God. to know His presence. to hold hands with the Creator through Creation. trees, breeze, and rays of light. the glory of God declared. behold, He comes!
This was my five-minute drive to the barn today. I live for moments like that.
curving Georgia asphalt. beautiful day. manual window in the down position. hair back, hat on: saves face from a battering. righ hand loosely on black wheel. left hand outstretched to the outside world, holding hands with the wind. jade wrapped around thumb, wide brown leather encasing wrist. breezy fingers intertwine with mine. palm to palm. hands twist around, in and out, with glorious interplay.
to feel God. to know His presence. to hold hands with the Creator through Creation. trees, breeze, and rays of light. the glory of God declared. behold, He comes!
This was my five-minute drive to the barn today. I live for moments like that.
Aug 11, 2004
baptism...
Pastor Jonny has been preaching on baptism for the last couple of services. I've enjoyed it very much and my understanding of it has been broadened. Today I was reading Scott's post called "Baptism and Salvation". I think I hold a slightly different point of view in some respect than he does, but here's what I do believe. (This is such a complex subject... I know I won't be able to say everything perfectly, but I'll try my best.) I don't believe that baptism is what brings salvation, in the sense that if you are dunked under the water you are automatically saved. That would be to say that salvation is work-based. However, I do believe that baptism is a "part" of salvation, in that if you become saved you will be baptized. Not you might be baptized, or you can be baptized, but you WILL be. As Pastor Jonny put it, "The New Testament does not even seem to entertain the idea of an unbaptized believer." (As Scott put it, salvation is more a combination of things than a single act, but more on that later.) I do not believe that it is absolutely impossible for a person to be saved and not baptized, but for the most part I believe that if your faith is real and your salvation is real, your only desire would be to obey God in every possible way, the first of which is baptism. Regardless of anything else you believe about it, baptism is commanded by God, so in order to live an obedient life, baptism is required.
Pastor Jonny has been preaching on baptism for the last couple of services. I've enjoyed it very much and my understanding of it has been broadened. Today I was reading Scott's post called "Baptism and Salvation". I think I hold a slightly different point of view in some respect than he does, but here's what I do believe. (This is such a complex subject... I know I won't be able to say everything perfectly, but I'll try my best.) I don't believe that baptism is what brings salvation, in the sense that if you are dunked under the water you are automatically saved. That would be to say that salvation is work-based. However, I do believe that baptism is a "part" of salvation, in that if you become saved you will be baptized. Not you might be baptized, or you can be baptized, but you WILL be. As Pastor Jonny put it, "The New Testament does not even seem to entertain the idea of an unbaptized believer." (As Scott put it, salvation is more a combination of things than a single act, but more on that later.) I do not believe that it is absolutely impossible for a person to be saved and not baptized, but for the most part I believe that if your faith is real and your salvation is real, your only desire would be to obey God in every possible way, the first of which is baptism. Regardless of anything else you believe about it, baptism is commanded by God, so in order to live an obedient life, baptism is required.
Aug 10, 2004
artist info...
Dale Chihuly has an exhibit at the Atlanta Botanical Garden right now. It's been going on all summer and will last till the end of October. For the 98% of you who have no idea who Chihuly is, he's this awesome glass artist that I learned about in my Intro to Visual Arts class last semester. He makes these incredible pieces from colored blown glass, usually with a very interesting shape. Typically he displays his art in "odd" locations, meaning he doesn't just line the halls of an art gallery with his stuff; he puts them out in nature, or in public settings, or wherever. I really hope to be able to go see the exhibit some time this week. From the pictures I've seen, the pieces look incredible in the garden, and I really want to experience them first-hand and take some good photos. It looks like I might be able to go on Saturday to see it after Ashlee takes her driving test in my car and before Allie gets here that evening. We'll see.
Dale Chihuly has an exhibit at the Atlanta Botanical Garden right now. It's been going on all summer and will last till the end of October. For the 98% of you who have no idea who Chihuly is, he's this awesome glass artist that I learned about in my Intro to Visual Arts class last semester. He makes these incredible pieces from colored blown glass, usually with a very interesting shape. Typically he displays his art in "odd" locations, meaning he doesn't just line the halls of an art gallery with his stuff; he puts them out in nature, or in public settings, or wherever. I really hope to be able to go see the exhibit some time this week. From the pictures I've seen, the pieces look incredible in the garden, and I really want to experience them first-hand and take some good photos. It looks like I might be able to go on Saturday to see it after Ashlee takes her driving test in my car and before Allie gets here that evening. We'll see.
useless info...
We went out to eat Sunday night at one of those Japanese restaurants where they cook the food in front of you. I've been to one in Jacksonville, but there's no comparison, this one was way better. And it was authentic-looking, too: the girls wear kimonos, the decor is very Japanese. With the meal you get salad (with very yummy ginger dressing), soup, fried rice, Japanese hash browns, vegetables, shrimp, and your choice of meat or extra veggies if you prefer (I had shrimp). Anyway, I am very proud to say that, aside from my salad, I successfuly ate my entire meal with chopsticks... rice and all! Yay me!
We went out to eat Sunday night at one of those Japanese restaurants where they cook the food in front of you. I've been to one in Jacksonville, but there's no comparison, this one was way better. And it was authentic-looking, too: the girls wear kimonos, the decor is very Japanese. With the meal you get salad (with very yummy ginger dressing), soup, fried rice, Japanese hash browns, vegetables, shrimp, and your choice of meat or extra veggies if you prefer (I had shrimp). Anyway, I am very proud to say that, aside from my salad, I successfuly ate my entire meal with chopsticks... rice and all! Yay me!
Aug 9, 2004
nine days/five days...
The summer has flown by! In a mere nine days, I will be returning to Florida. I am SOOOO excited! I can't wait to see my friends in St. Augustine and get settled into my house. I'm also way excited because in only FIVE days my best friend Allison is coming to see me here in Atlanta!!! She's riding up with Ginny Pellum on her (Ginny's) way back to school, and Allie will stay with us for a few days and then ride back to Florida with me. That's awesome because now I'll have company for the 6 1/2 hours!
I had to think about something positive for a few minutes because today was a stressful day at work. Luckily, I haven't had too many of those this summer, but today was probably the worst. It was just a really annoying job today. Conditions were far from ideal. But we got done what we needed to do, and luckily Wendy the designer was helping a little today and she's going to finish up the rest tonight because she has to meet with the builder or somebody like that at that house anyway. On the plus side, there was a really attractive guy installing some speakers or something for a little bit while we were there! The funny part of today was Marti and I figuring out how to fit the ladder into her Jeep Wrangler! We conquered it though. It's all good.
Not much else is new. Except that the kids started school today. The middle-schoolers are home already and seem like everything went well. The high-schoolers are still at their extra-curriculars. That's all. Later.
The summer has flown by! In a mere nine days, I will be returning to Florida. I am SOOOO excited! I can't wait to see my friends in St. Augustine and get settled into my house. I'm also way excited because in only FIVE days my best friend Allison is coming to see me here in Atlanta!!! She's riding up with Ginny Pellum on her (Ginny's) way back to school, and Allie will stay with us for a few days and then ride back to Florida with me. That's awesome because now I'll have company for the 6 1/2 hours!
I had to think about something positive for a few minutes because today was a stressful day at work. Luckily, I haven't had too many of those this summer, but today was probably the worst. It was just a really annoying job today. Conditions were far from ideal. But we got done what we needed to do, and luckily Wendy the designer was helping a little today and she's going to finish up the rest tonight because she has to meet with the builder or somebody like that at that house anyway. On the plus side, there was a really attractive guy installing some speakers or something for a little bit while we were there! The funny part of today was Marti and I figuring out how to fit the ladder into her Jeep Wrangler! We conquered it though. It's all good.
Not much else is new. Except that the kids started school today. The middle-schoolers are home already and seem like everything went well. The high-schoolers are still at their extra-curriculars. That's all. Later.
Aug 2, 2004
Aug 1, 2004
God rocks!
I feel that confession is the first step in making progress in our Christian lives. Since posting the other day about my lack of faithfulness, I have had the opportunity to talk to two other people about it and get some feedback. That alone has made it easer for me the past several days. In addition, I know that they are praying for me, so their intercession on my behalf is making a difference, also. Speaking of feedback, I was able to talk to two friends (seperately) the other night online, and we had some awesome conversations about serious matters. It's really cool how God teaches us stuff in our personal lives and then we have the opportunity to use what we've learned to help someone else in whatever they're going through. It's also cool how it's not just a one-way thing. If two people are both growing individually with God, they can both offer sound advice to one another, rather than only one giving and only one receiving the advice. That, I think, is what was so awesome to me the other night. In one of the conversations, we both shared our struggles with each other. I was able to share some wisdom with her about her issue, and she was able to share some wisdom with me about mine. I've been in friendships before where things always seemed more one-way. Either I'm pouring myself out into someone and feel like I'm getting nothing back, or I'm the receiver and feel like I have nothing to give back. These relationships happen for a reason, but sometimes they are tough. But then, God blesses us with friendships which are constantly flowing back and forth in both directions, and it's just flat incredible. Even the thought that God would care enough about us to make sure we are provided with friends we "click" with is so cool. It blows me away that He cares that much for each of us. I serve an AWESOME God. And I'm so thankful for it.
I feel that confession is the first step in making progress in our Christian lives. Since posting the other day about my lack of faithfulness, I have had the opportunity to talk to two other people about it and get some feedback. That alone has made it easer for me the past several days. In addition, I know that they are praying for me, so their intercession on my behalf is making a difference, also. Speaking of feedback, I was able to talk to two friends (seperately) the other night online, and we had some awesome conversations about serious matters. It's really cool how God teaches us stuff in our personal lives and then we have the opportunity to use what we've learned to help someone else in whatever they're going through. It's also cool how it's not just a one-way thing. If two people are both growing individually with God, they can both offer sound advice to one another, rather than only one giving and only one receiving the advice. That, I think, is what was so awesome to me the other night. In one of the conversations, we both shared our struggles with each other. I was able to share some wisdom with her about her issue, and she was able to share some wisdom with me about mine. I've been in friendships before where things always seemed more one-way. Either I'm pouring myself out into someone and feel like I'm getting nothing back, or I'm the receiver and feel like I have nothing to give back. These relationships happen for a reason, but sometimes they are tough. But then, God blesses us with friendships which are constantly flowing back and forth in both directions, and it's just flat incredible. Even the thought that God would care enough about us to make sure we are provided with friends we "click" with is so cool. It blows me away that He cares that much for each of us. I serve an AWESOME God. And I'm so thankful for it.
Jul 31, 2004
for a friend...
God, I pray for ***. I pray that you would be her strength this week. Lord, when Peter set his eyes on You, he was able to walk on water. When we set our minds and hearts on You, You have promised that we can overcome anything. 1 John 5:4-5 says "For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world -- our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" Lord, on our own we are totally incapable of anything. But as Your children, we do not have to rely on our own ability and strength; we have Your strength within us, enabling us to do anything. Father, we often say with our mouths that nothing is impossible for You. If we really believe this, I pray that we would allow You to take control of the things in our lives that we already know are impossible for us. Jesus, *** needs You to take control of this situation. It is something that You alone can handle. I ask that her heart is filled with the assurance this week that You are in total control. Let her hands be opened, not clinging on to the control of this situation. May she know that the only way to overcome it is to stop trying in her own strength and to allow You to remove it from her life. May You be the "Great Filler" so that in this area of her life You would replace what it is she is letting go of. Jireh, thank You for answering our prayers. Thank You for caring so much about us.
God, I pray for ***. I pray that you would be her strength this week. Lord, when Peter set his eyes on You, he was able to walk on water. When we set our minds and hearts on You, You have promised that we can overcome anything. 1 John 5:4-5 says "For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world -- our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" Lord, on our own we are totally incapable of anything. But as Your children, we do not have to rely on our own ability and strength; we have Your strength within us, enabling us to do anything. Father, we often say with our mouths that nothing is impossible for You. If we really believe this, I pray that we would allow You to take control of the things in our lives that we already know are impossible for us. Jesus, *** needs You to take control of this situation. It is something that You alone can handle. I ask that her heart is filled with the assurance this week that You are in total control. Let her hands be opened, not clinging on to the control of this situation. May she know that the only way to overcome it is to stop trying in her own strength and to allow You to remove it from her life. May You be the "Great Filler" so that in this area of her life You would replace what it is she is letting go of. Jireh, thank You for answering our prayers. Thank You for caring so much about us.
certainty...
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God, my Father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee.
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not.
As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not.
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.
Your love is amazing, steady and unchanging.
Your love is a mountain strong beneath my feet.
Your love is a mystery, how You gently lift me,
When I am surrounded, Your love carries me.
Hallelujah!
Hallelujah!
Hallelujah!
Your love makes me sing!
Hallelujah!
Hallelujah!
Hallelujah!
Your love makes me sing!
Jul 29, 2004
yesterday...
Yesterday was half-off day at the thrift store. And when I say thrift store, this isn't like the junkie, dirty place around the corner from the old K-mart. This place is actually pretty nice, as far as thrift stores go. It's clean and well-organized and of a fairly good size. The only downside to the place is that they don't have fitting rooms. On average days, if you buy something and change your mind, you can return it for store credit. On half-off days, however, which occur on the last Wednesday of every month, you are not permitted to return the items you buy, so generally, you want to be sure the clothes will fit. The common solution to the lack of fitting rooms at this particular location is quite amusing. This is what my story is really about. When shopping in this store, especially on half-off days, it is common to see numerous customers making their way to the "furniture department" with cartloads of clothing. In the store, there is an area where four bedroom sets are organized side by side. Each set has a full-size mirror attached to the dresser next to a queen size bed. These four areas have become the make-shift dressing area. A somewhat obvious problem still exists, however. You can't change your clotes in public! Solution: snug shirts and enormous skirts. Planning ahead and wearing a snug shirt allows for trying on shirts over your current clothing. For the bottoms, one must borrow a large, elastic-waist skirt from the womens' area, which allows for trying on things underneath without being seen. So yesterday, for the first time ever, and totally on my own, I participated in this local tradition. I started off with a skirt that was far too large, however, which, as you might imagine, caused quite a bit of difficulty. Another skirt from my pile, thankfully, was an appropriate replacement. I was not quite as successful as I had hoped to be with finding things that fit, but I found a few good things. In the end, I came home with 14 children's books (which were not included in the half-off sale), one pair of shorts, one sweater, and three shirts for under $27. Not bad, I think, since the shorts alone (Old Navy) would have originally cost that much.
To segue into another topic, I'm really excited about all the children's books I have been able to get this summer, and about the great prices I've paid. After taking several classes pertaining to children's literature and reading instruction, I have become passionate about finding quality children's books to stock up on for my future classroom. "Future" makes it sound so far away, but really it's only a year and a half away. That's weird to think about! I'm anxious to get back to St.Augustine next month and start my practicums again. I love being in elementary classrooms. I love teaching. That is definitely something I could have never imagined myself saying a few years ago. It's funny how things work out. All my life, teaching was the one career I vowed never to do. "I'll never be a teacher," I said. Looking back now, I think I said that because I realized how hard it is to be a teacher. It takes hard work. It takes patience and determination. I think at the time I couldn't imagine anything being worth what it takes to be a teacher. Then, through a clever little plan, God eased me into the teaching field in a way that was nearly painless. Once I got involved in it, I started to become passionate about it. The stuff I learn in my classes is so interesting, and then when I work with the kids I actually get to apply it. (I love it when they teach us useful things in college!) I don't know if I'll want to teach forever, or just for a few years, but I do know that right now I'm doing exactly what I'm supposed to be doing, and that's a good feeling.
Yesterday was half-off day at the thrift store. And when I say thrift store, this isn't like the junkie, dirty place around the corner from the old K-mart. This place is actually pretty nice, as far as thrift stores go. It's clean and well-organized and of a fairly good size. The only downside to the place is that they don't have fitting rooms. On average days, if you buy something and change your mind, you can return it for store credit. On half-off days, however, which occur on the last Wednesday of every month, you are not permitted to return the items you buy, so generally, you want to be sure the clothes will fit. The common solution to the lack of fitting rooms at this particular location is quite amusing. This is what my story is really about. When shopping in this store, especially on half-off days, it is common to see numerous customers making their way to the "furniture department" with cartloads of clothing. In the store, there is an area where four bedroom sets are organized side by side. Each set has a full-size mirror attached to the dresser next to a queen size bed. These four areas have become the make-shift dressing area. A somewhat obvious problem still exists, however. You can't change your clotes in public! Solution: snug shirts and enormous skirts. Planning ahead and wearing a snug shirt allows for trying on shirts over your current clothing. For the bottoms, one must borrow a large, elastic-waist skirt from the womens' area, which allows for trying on things underneath without being seen. So yesterday, for the first time ever, and totally on my own, I participated in this local tradition. I started off with a skirt that was far too large, however, which, as you might imagine, caused quite a bit of difficulty. Another skirt from my pile, thankfully, was an appropriate replacement. I was not quite as successful as I had hoped to be with finding things that fit, but I found a few good things. In the end, I came home with 14 children's books (which were not included in the half-off sale), one pair of shorts, one sweater, and three shirts for under $27. Not bad, I think, since the shorts alone (Old Navy) would have originally cost that much.
To segue into another topic, I'm really excited about all the children's books I have been able to get this summer, and about the great prices I've paid. After taking several classes pertaining to children's literature and reading instruction, I have become passionate about finding quality children's books to stock up on for my future classroom. "Future" makes it sound so far away, but really it's only a year and a half away. That's weird to think about! I'm anxious to get back to St.Augustine next month and start my practicums again. I love being in elementary classrooms. I love teaching. That is definitely something I could have never imagined myself saying a few years ago. It's funny how things work out. All my life, teaching was the one career I vowed never to do. "I'll never be a teacher," I said. Looking back now, I think I said that because I realized how hard it is to be a teacher. It takes hard work. It takes patience and determination. I think at the time I couldn't imagine anything being worth what it takes to be a teacher. Then, through a clever little plan, God eased me into the teaching field in a way that was nearly painless. Once I got involved in it, I started to become passionate about it. The stuff I learn in my classes is so interesting, and then when I work with the kids I actually get to apply it. (I love it when they teach us useful things in college!) I don't know if I'll want to teach forever, or just for a few years, but I do know that right now I'm doing exactly what I'm supposed to be doing, and that's a good feeling.
Jul 28, 2004
disheartened...
Maybe it's just plain jealousy. Idunno. I was reading several blogs today, by way of links from other blogs, when I came to realize that most other Christian bloggers seem to write solely about spiritual matters. They seem deep and meaningful, and the posts I read were quite good and had valuable things to say. So why is it that I find myself writing most days about what I had for dinner or what the kids did? Am I less of a person, spiritually speaking, than they who write spiritually? Couldn't they just be "praying loudly on street corners"? I am certainly not the one to judge their sinceriety, besides the fact that I truely do enjoy most of the ones I have read. But regardless of whether they are being real or not, I have come to a conclusion regarding my ho-hum writing. I can't write about what I'm learning from God when I'm not taking the time to listen to Him. To be totally and completely frank, my consistency in my personal time with God has been pushed to the back burner this summer. Being on the back burner doesn't mean it's gone completely; it just means it is not receiving the attention it deserves. (For the record, the stereo in my car is messed up right now, and I'm beginning to believe God let it break so we could have more time to talk!) While I do not believe reading the Bible daily is a direct command of God, I do believe frequent Bible-reading is a critical part of one's relationship with God. It's the main way we hear what God has to say to us and what His will is for us. So if we say that knowing God's will is so important, why don't we investigate it constantly? Why don't I? Why was it so easy for six years for me to read my Bible every single day, yet all of a sudden in a single year, when I feel my life as a Christian is at a much higher level than it ever has been, it is now like pulling teeth? Option A is that for six years it was just part of the routein. Now that it has deeper significance, it doesn't just "happen," it takes effort. (I had an Option B, but I forgot what it was.) I've been talking to God daily about this for some time now. I realize, and admit to Him, that when I do read His Word I love it. I can't get enough, once I'm started. It's just that "getting started" part that seems to be hard right now. Lately, I've been averaging about three days a week on my Bible reading. I know God doesn't keep score, but I also know that I could give Him a lot more of my time and consideration. He deserves far more than I am giving Him. Granted, He deserves far more than I ever could give Him. I don't know where I'm going with all of this. I guess this is just my confession. In Sunday school, Bryan mentioned how we put up guards around ourselves by always asking prayer requests for other people, never acknowledging our own needs, thereby never allowing anyone to really know anything about us. I thought of this today. I thought it would be appropriate for me to acknowledge my shortcomings. I also thought today about something that I heard once, or more than once: if it is easy (or costs you nothing), it is not really sacrifice. For me, worshipping God through songs is not really sacrifice. It doesn't cost me anything, and it's not really "hard" for me. I don't know that I would call reading my Bible a sacrifice either, but it may turn out to be even more valuable in my life since it is something that is a little more difficult, at least right now. These are my thoughts. These are my confessions.
Maybe it's just plain jealousy. Idunno. I was reading several blogs today, by way of links from other blogs, when I came to realize that most other Christian bloggers seem to write solely about spiritual matters. They seem deep and meaningful, and the posts I read were quite good and had valuable things to say. So why is it that I find myself writing most days about what I had for dinner or what the kids did? Am I less of a person, spiritually speaking, than they who write spiritually? Couldn't they just be "praying loudly on street corners"? I am certainly not the one to judge their sinceriety, besides the fact that I truely do enjoy most of the ones I have read. But regardless of whether they are being real or not, I have come to a conclusion regarding my ho-hum writing. I can't write about what I'm learning from God when I'm not taking the time to listen to Him. To be totally and completely frank, my consistency in my personal time with God has been pushed to the back burner this summer. Being on the back burner doesn't mean it's gone completely; it just means it is not receiving the attention it deserves. (For the record, the stereo in my car is messed up right now, and I'm beginning to believe God let it break so we could have more time to talk!) While I do not believe reading the Bible daily is a direct command of God, I do believe frequent Bible-reading is a critical part of one's relationship with God. It's the main way we hear what God has to say to us and what His will is for us. So if we say that knowing God's will is so important, why don't we investigate it constantly? Why don't I? Why was it so easy for six years for me to read my Bible every single day, yet all of a sudden in a single year, when I feel my life as a Christian is at a much higher level than it ever has been, it is now like pulling teeth? Option A is that for six years it was just part of the routein. Now that it has deeper significance, it doesn't just "happen," it takes effort. (I had an Option B, but I forgot what it was.) I've been talking to God daily about this for some time now. I realize, and admit to Him, that when I do read His Word I love it. I can't get enough, once I'm started. It's just that "getting started" part that seems to be hard right now. Lately, I've been averaging about three days a week on my Bible reading. I know God doesn't keep score, but I also know that I could give Him a lot more of my time and consideration. He deserves far more than I am giving Him. Granted, He deserves far more than I ever could give Him. I don't know where I'm going with all of this. I guess this is just my confession. In Sunday school, Bryan mentioned how we put up guards around ourselves by always asking prayer requests for other people, never acknowledging our own needs, thereby never allowing anyone to really know anything about us. I thought of this today. I thought it would be appropriate for me to acknowledge my shortcomings. I also thought today about something that I heard once, or more than once: if it is easy (or costs you nothing), it is not really sacrifice. For me, worshipping God through songs is not really sacrifice. It doesn't cost me anything, and it's not really "hard" for me. I don't know that I would call reading my Bible a sacrifice either, but it may turn out to be even more valuable in my life since it is something that is a little more difficult, at least right now. These are my thoughts. These are my confessions.
random abbey thought of the day...
Out of the blue today, Abbey (12) asked me, "Are you and Niki best friends?" "Not best friends," I replied. "What makes you ask that?" "Cause you two get along so good. And you sure do laugh alot together."
Mind you, Niki and her mom Lori came for a visit back in the beginning of May. Today, nearing the end of July, Abbey asks me this. You've got to love the 12-year-old mind!
She did make me think, though. I really do enjoy Niki's company. I think we have similar personalities in certain ways. And definitely a similar sense of humor... a bit on the sarcastic side. Funny how you don't notice things until a 12-year-old points them out to you.
Out of the blue today, Abbey (12) asked me, "Are you and Niki best friends?" "Not best friends," I replied. "What makes you ask that?" "Cause you two get along so good. And you sure do laugh alot together."
Mind you, Niki and her mom Lori came for a visit back in the beginning of May. Today, nearing the end of July, Abbey asks me this. You've got to love the 12-year-old mind!
She did make me think, though. I really do enjoy Niki's company. I think we have similar personalities in certain ways. And definitely a similar sense of humor... a bit on the sarcastic side. Funny how you don't notice things until a 12-year-old points them out to you.
Jul 27, 2004
plan ahead...
Where will you be January 2-5, 2005? I'll be at Passion '05, Lord willing. I've wanted to go to a Passion confrence ever since I first heard about them. They only come around once every other year, so you have to grab the opportunity when you can. Last time (Oneday '03) the dates were during the semester, like Tuesday through Friday, which is a LOT of time to take off from school. This time, however, it'll be before classes start, so I'm definitely going to try to go. For anyone else who might be interested, be sure to check out the link. In addition, be sure to register soon because space fills up quickly and prices go up, too.
Where will you be January 2-5, 2005? I'll be at Passion '05, Lord willing. I've wanted to go to a Passion confrence ever since I first heard about them. They only come around once every other year, so you have to grab the opportunity when you can. Last time (Oneday '03) the dates were during the semester, like Tuesday through Friday, which is a LOT of time to take off from school. This time, however, it'll be before classes start, so I'm definitely going to try to go. For anyone else who might be interested, be sure to check out the link. In addition, be sure to register soon because space fills up quickly and prices go up, too.
Jul 26, 2004
the day the silence ended...
I had the house to myself for an entire week. Matt, Alyssa, and Abbey went to Texas to visit their uncle, and Rex, Marti, and Ashlee went to Brazil on a mission trip. I got bored at times, but it sure was nice being on my own schedule and having a quiet house for a while. I was excited to see the kids when I picked them up at the airport on Sunday (which is another story altogether), but without Marti here to be the one in charge, I'm playing "mom" again for a few days. I don't mind it, except that the kids are still in "vacation with Uncle Chuck" mindset, which means I'm having to nag them to clean up after themselves and all that stuff. I hate sounding like the "bad guy," always saying "come get your cup" or "is this your plate?" or "make sure this is all cleaned up before you go to bed." A necessary part of being the responsible adult, I suppose. I'm sympathizing with moms everywhere tonight, though, because after cooking dinner, no one really ate any. Well, Alyssa did have some salad, and I would have made the rest of the stuff for myself anyway, so I guess it's no biggie. Anyway, random thoughts of the day. Rex comes home tomorrow, so I can at least split the responsibility. I figure, however, that by the time I have my own teenagers, I will be well-experienced in raising them! Later.
I had the house to myself for an entire week. Matt, Alyssa, and Abbey went to Texas to visit their uncle, and Rex, Marti, and Ashlee went to Brazil on a mission trip. I got bored at times, but it sure was nice being on my own schedule and having a quiet house for a while. I was excited to see the kids when I picked them up at the airport on Sunday (which is another story altogether), but without Marti here to be the one in charge, I'm playing "mom" again for a few days. I don't mind it, except that the kids are still in "vacation with Uncle Chuck" mindset, which means I'm having to nag them to clean up after themselves and all that stuff. I hate sounding like the "bad guy," always saying "come get your cup" or "is this your plate?" or "make sure this is all cleaned up before you go to bed." A necessary part of being the responsible adult, I suppose. I'm sympathizing with moms everywhere tonight, though, because after cooking dinner, no one really ate any. Well, Alyssa did have some salad, and I would have made the rest of the stuff for myself anyway, so I guess it's no biggie. Anyway, random thoughts of the day. Rex comes home tomorrow, so I can at least split the responsibility. I figure, however, that by the time I have my own teenagers, I will be well-experienced in raising them! Later.
Jul 17, 2004
new things...
First off, I get all used to the way Blogger is set up for me to publish my blog, and they go and change it completely. But it'll be fine. Secondly, lots of news from yesterday. Abbey got her cast off her foot after six weeks. Marti suddenly had to turn her car back in because the barter deal for it didn't work out the way they had planned, so the Briant family is back to one automobile for a while. (A new one is in the works, however.) So I went to pick up Marti and Abbey yesterday when they turned in the car, and then we took Abbey for her long-awaited pedicure, which was her "treat" after getting her cast off. Marti and I got pedicures, as well, which was my very first one ever! It was fun. I wasn't sure how I would feel about somebody messing with my feet, but it was nice. And now I have super cute orange-sherbert-colored piggies with nifty white flowers on the big toes.
The Briants are leaving for the week, so I'm gonna have the house to myself for a while. Rex is heading to Brasil today, and Matt, Alyssa, and Abbey are going to Dallas to stay with their uncle. Marti and Ashley are leaving for Brasil on Sunday. After that, it's just me for more than a week. Well, me and Solomon the dog. Not sure what exactly I'm going to do to keep myself occupied after work. I'll figure something out.
Well, for now I'm off to make a smoothie before going to the airport. Later.
First off, I get all used to the way Blogger is set up for me to publish my blog, and they go and change it completely. But it'll be fine. Secondly, lots of news from yesterday. Abbey got her cast off her foot after six weeks. Marti suddenly had to turn her car back in because the barter deal for it didn't work out the way they had planned, so the Briant family is back to one automobile for a while. (A new one is in the works, however.) So I went to pick up Marti and Abbey yesterday when they turned in the car, and then we took Abbey for her long-awaited pedicure, which was her "treat" after getting her cast off. Marti and I got pedicures, as well, which was my very first one ever! It was fun. I wasn't sure how I would feel about somebody messing with my feet, but it was nice. And now I have super cute orange-sherbert-colored piggies with nifty white flowers on the big toes.
The Briants are leaving for the week, so I'm gonna have the house to myself for a while. Rex is heading to Brasil today, and Matt, Alyssa, and Abbey are going to Dallas to stay with their uncle. Marti and Ashley are leaving for Brasil on Sunday. After that, it's just me for more than a week. Well, me and Solomon the dog. Not sure what exactly I'm going to do to keep myself occupied after work. I'll figure something out.
Well, for now I'm off to make a smoothie before going to the airport. Later.
