tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91572215083523312942024-03-18T21:44:27.359-07:00CraftyMorrisonCreatively Crafty journeys through life, teaching, and projects...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03198484901164414067noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9157221508352331294.post-45649627045348074812018-12-31T07:35:00.001-08:002018-12-31T07:35:09.111-08:00It's Not Going to Happen, So Give It Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHjbi2KFRVVX4rkDpMcvXUoOSLAJ21TodP-NWL0SJgywV1w-vbxNV1LMTw1NFe8MXQqj7BDc8QbAZ2qk8RkQKbAv8uCuxnY4INzsPwCv_UAZ1-SLs5xbSTd1zY-L3s64hcLGP5sWfM3Xyv/s1600/tumblr_static_it-is-what-it-is.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="333" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHjbi2KFRVVX4rkDpMcvXUoOSLAJ21TodP-NWL0SJgywV1w-vbxNV1LMTw1NFe8MXQqj7BDc8QbAZ2qk8RkQKbAv8uCuxnY4INzsPwCv_UAZ1-SLs5xbSTd1zY-L3s64hcLGP5sWfM3Xyv/s320/tumblr_static_it-is-what-it-is.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was going to title this post, "Things Folks Don't Preach Enough About" but my actual title is more true to my thoughts. Today is New Year's Eve Day. The day folk get all geared up to be different than they were a year ago. The day where your Facebook feed is filled with status updates, quotes, and memes with "new year, new me" undertones. The day where churches prepare sermons for evening services to jolt us into a holier perspective for the new year. The day when your outlooks for a do over are promising and your wish lists are full. BUT.......we all know that realistically, even all of those things have some expiration date. Not because we want it to be so, but because we're human....and because usually the more you build up something the less likely you are to commit to it. So, those who are successful are simply those who REALLY desire things to be different, not just hopeful that they will be. <div>
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Going into 2019, I'm not set on any specific things. I have some goals. Some wishes. However, I know myself and I know that declaring them is not enough to actually do them. I decided to go to more basic measures which brings me to the "stuff that's not going to happen, so I'm going to give it up." I guess you could say this is kind of the opposite to a New Year's Day resolution (typically we focus on things we want to happen). Some even focus on things that they are in fact giving up, but mostly in regards to things that will be forever discarded. But what about the stuff that will still be around...just unresolved? </div>
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Let's be honest, you cannot actually "get rid of" certain things. Some things are just going to be. Those are the areas I'm speaking about. Some are relationships, some are jobs, some are circumstances beyond your control. Whatever shall we do when those things are still there in the beloved 2019? </div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">YOU DEAL WITH THEM.</span></blockquote>
Now, I know this seems a bit negative and hopeless, but stay with me. God is a good God and He is still on the throne. In fact, He never sleeps. He is also able to do ALL THINGS. As a matter of fact, He can do all things in the blink of an eye if He wanted to do so. However, sometimes it's in His Will and sometimes it isn't. Either way, He has a plan and He knows what He's doing. Either way He's still good.<br />
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Knowing this means we also have to know that everything will not be resolved. When you're younger, you think that if you pray hard enough for certain things, keep the faith, etc. that change will come. Well, yes and no. As you get older, you realize even more that some things just won't. It isn't because God didn't hear you, or He doesn't care, or He doesn't want to fix it. Sometimes things just aren't resolved on THIS side. I say THIS side because we know that ALL things will be resolved when we are with Him, but they may not be on the earthly end. That's why I almost titled this, "Things Folk Don't Preach Enough About" because we mostly get the "Struggle through and things will happen for you" sermons. Sometimes yes and sometimes no. This is why the phrase "And if He doesn't, He's still good" is one of my favorites because it's a reminder that everything doesn't always happen the way you want. It's also a reminder that while every problem has a solution, sometimes the solution is 0 action.<br />
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I made the following bullet list not too long ago which prompted this whole blog:<br />
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<ul>
<li>He won't be who you want him to be.</li>
<li>You won't have the relationship you wish to have.</li>
<li>You won't always be seen or heard the way you'd like.</li>
<li>Your hurts won't always be acknowledged or rectified the way you'd like.</li>
<li>It is what it is. </li>
<li>Some things won't change.</li>
</ul>
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...and that's ok.</div>
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So, this list is about my dad. There's not enough blog space to go into all that, but I think the same list could apply to many other things or people. Again, I know it sounds negative. Some of things things could very well happen, BUT it's also likely they won't. </div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;">There's a quote from Shakespeare that says, "Expectation is the root of all heartache."</span></blockquote>
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I thought it interesting that he says ALL....and it's true. Expectation can be good, but anything not in moderation can also be detrimental. So, while certain things may be good to hope for, they can also be wasted energy that turns to heartache. And "ain't nobody got time for that." So, my 2019 "resolutions" will not be gym memberships and cutting off 8,000 people. It will be as simple as knowing it is what it is. Many have already come to that realization and I liked believing that I had come to that realization too. However, sometimes what we think and want to will into being just doesn't stick. My simple list alleviated some strain and I realize I may be adding to that list as the year goes on. Does that mean you should stop having a healthy portion of hope or expectation? No, keep your HOPE. Keep your mind set on the good. But also know that if it doesn't, or if it isn't, or if it can't....that you can still be good. Life is crazy, people can suck, but God is still good. He knows every hair on your head. He has a bottle of your tears. He can do the impossible. Often we see His footprints in all the things. Know that we can still see His footprints in the unanswered questions, unfairness, unresolved hurts, injustice, etc. I mean, if he fixed everything at the drop of a hat, what kind of faith, endurance, and patience would you really have?<br />
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I can answer that for you.....not much.<br />
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So how do you just deal with it? Especially when you still have to interact with certain circumstances, people, etc. that remain in your life? My brain knows the answer. It's all in a really nice book called the Bible (and it has a myriad of translations to help you out). However, God is still working on me, so my brain and my feels are still working some things out. Nonetheless, I'll offer this:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br />Psalm 55:22 says, "Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken."</blockquote>
I know, I know....you're thinking "But I'm shaken!" Yeah, me too. I get it, but I also read Psalm 55 in Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary (buy one if you don't have one- good for studying). It also read, "Care is a burden, it makes the heart stoop." Now, care is usually thought of in a positive connotation. You care about people and things and life and......but anything not in moderation can be detrimental, right? So, I never thought about cares making my heart stoop. I also looked up stoop even though I know what it means. I'm a teacher. I know everything, right? Ha! Anyhoo, stoop: bend, sink, etc. So yeah, how much do your "cares" cause your heart to sink? There's also a lot of "IF we let...." phrases in that Psalm. So, if we ain't letting Him do x, y, and z then we won't feel any better (ain't used purposely for effect- 😉). Point. Blank. Period.<br />
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So, there's that.<br />
I don't know much of anything. I'm just a mess that God is keeping.<br />
Thought I'd share this little reminder with you as well.<br />
People are going to people, and God is not always going to stop them from people-ing.<br />
Draw healthy boundaries.<br />
Don't take crap that's harmful to you.<br />
But know that if you still have to deal with the people, some things just may not change.<br />
It's ok to give up on that, so that you can give up on the stress.<br />
It may suck but it is what it is.....and that's ok!<br />
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Brought to you by:<br />
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<ul>
<li>My 6th time watching the Parenthood series (Currently on season 4).</li>
<li>Jesus</li>
<li>Bible journaling</li>
<li>and more Jesus</li>
</ul>
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Until next time....</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03198484901164414067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9157221508352331294.post-24602736355155556822016-07-14T13:24:00.000-07:002016-07-14T14:13:34.308-07:00If you give a cop a cookie....and other musings<h2>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">So, if you want to know what prompted my random </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"Give a Cop a Cookie"</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"> day.....</span></h2>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSm7C-i4l2bFCTRJaggpQHBVLHnZqCv9xWWZGp5j0YdxG6Zub7VoW0AlJi5m4OaUzwxriw_GRznkTvhkREpDzvknQP5ay2Kte6MF6xM07jwqzduOu4bYxf4xXpeD25DSLwJ9J9_td0Q0d/s1600/20160714_125823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSm7C-i4l2bFCTRJaggpQHBVLHnZqCv9xWWZGp5j0YdxG6Zub7VoW0AlJi5m4OaUzwxriw_GRznkTvhkREpDzvknQP5ay2Kte6MF6xM07jwqzduOu4bYxf4xXpeD25DSLwJ9J9_td0Q0d/s400/20160714_125823.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pics with the Chiefs (Chief Banks -Left, Assistant Chief- Right)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqO-Wd_fvB54ZhyphenhyphenPiQ4lzbCOlwFXx0eWhGUMLgXZSS5qR7-gQvo_zpLitQ-NFduZZoQLTomXDaq5G89P-t_UmgGrK3az6DmPEdkK75lzOLEQJdgpsRZGwFdNtFtjrxJrMKsiVRtLdQF4-/s1600/20160714_022548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqO-Wd_fvB54ZhyphenhyphenPiQ4lzbCOlwFXx0eWhGUMLgXZSS5qR7-gQvo_zpLitQ-NFduZZoQLTomXDaq5G89P-t_UmgGrK3az6DmPEdkK75lzOLEQJdgpsRZGwFdNtFtjrxJrMKsiVRtLdQF4-/s400/20160714_022548.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you note and prayer card for RoundRock PD and Pflugerville PD.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8uooKR6zLQulXV55NDh0d4JZoiRvW7gscvPzJi5Okv5y1OJYChmClfSoEyifY9HT_IKgym4Ro5mrpMuvQmbfpWQJcmlR1y3AC0H19cG_ovlkFSA0Tl8lq9pGngfAni6BmUHRvUq9V83dw/s1600/20160714_023433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8uooKR6zLQulXV55NDh0d4JZoiRvW7gscvPzJi5Okv5y1OJYChmClfSoEyifY9HT_IKgym4Ro5mrpMuvQmbfpWQJcmlR1y3AC0H19cG_ovlkFSA0Tl8lq9pGngfAni6BmUHRvUq9V83dw/s400/20160714_023433.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun fact: Turns out Chief Banks is a member of my church (who knew?)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8eI6Te6sKg2dZe28Ub5u7WW5Cev9k3ZUUqAGUS5lWhjPWmVV2yFSvLfEzkawfCDBP3fOi-wzfX9eXOSPKeAuYkyr8Q2qr3xxI9JllbFdcMON602IKVoeM9YcELXF6pu7qFfEw-EvWex36/s1600/20160714_122619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8eI6Te6sKg2dZe28Ub5u7WW5Cev9k3ZUUqAGUS5lWhjPWmVV2yFSvLfEzkawfCDBP3fOi-wzfX9eXOSPKeAuYkyr8Q2qr3xxI9JllbFdcMON602IKVoeM9YcELXF6pu7qFfEw-EvWex36/s640/20160714_122619.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shout out to Tiff's Treats and with all my driving the cookies were still warm!</td></tr>
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<h2>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">...here's what I was thinking this week...</span></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><u><b><span style="color: blue;">Both</span>Matter:</b></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So, before you judge the subheading this is not yet another debate on Black lives versus all lives. Haven't we all had enough of that? I have. I'm exhausted trying to explain anyway. However, I wanted to preface this post with the idea that more than one thing matters in the midst of all the ugly we have been bombarded with this past week. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If you've chosen a side, #sorrynotsorry. If you haven't chosen a side, good for you because Blue lives and Black lives are not football teams. So, surprise! I'm Black. And yes, there are so many layers to this onion I couldn't write a book that could tell it all. Nonetheless, I'll spare you the long story and cut to <i>some of</i> the chase. There's a phrase "being Black in America" that carries stories miles long, a depth so deep you probably would become lost, and feelings so raw that a mere touch on the matter could cause excruciating pain. You'll hear people say things like, "You'll never understand because you're not Black." You'll hear people discuss how we have appeared to progress but not really. How we never "truly" overcame, it's all just masked. To all of that I'll say there are definitely truths embedded in all those statements. Even so, "being Black in America" is comprised of a diverse group. You see, we're all still INDIVIDUALS and so even a matter such as this is viewed in a myriad of ways. There are always different sides, perspectives, facets, and that shady gray area that no one is really sure how to navigate. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">My "being Black in America" is not even close to some of the experiences had by some, but if you care to know.......... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">My family is educated. My parents didn't put up with any foolishness. You better do your best. You work hard. There wasn't ever a question about whether or not I would continue education after high school. It was automatic. It was expected. I grew up in a predominately white neighborhood. Went to predominately white schools from K-8. Many years I was the only black student in my class or class period. I didn't struggle to want for anything. My needs were met as a child. I didn't go to school or bed hungry. I was probably a Grammar Queen at a young age because when your mama is an English teacher.....do you have any other choice? I was exposed to different things and activities. I was taught to love everybody. There was no hate embedded in me. All people were made by God, including me, and that was enough to love them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Yet and still.....</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In 4th grade I was called a monkey. Thankfully, I had good friends and they told the teacher. I think I just stood there in shock, like "Wait. My parents said this was not ok. Let me process."</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I only knew that monkey was bad because somewhere along the yellow brick road of growing up, my parents taught me "names that no one should ever call you." Monkey was one of them, along with the N-word, gorilla, jiggaboo, etc. I later learned in my African-American Literature class in college that Black people just might have one of, if not the longest list of derogatory names used to reference them. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I was also taught that the "world" will expect me to be less, and I must be more. I have to do more to be just as good. But, I digress....</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In 5th grade, I developed a complex that lasted for several years after. Complex makes it sound so dramatic, but I don't know what else to call it. What was it you ask? Well, after my 5th grade year I didn't like being called Black. I wanted to be called African-American. Why? Because one day we had to create portraits of figures we liked/admired. A white student next to me drew Michael Jordan. He then picked up the black crayon and colored Michael Jordan. I know Michael Jordan is dark, like really dark, but I remember thinking, "We have multicultural crayons. Why didn't he use the dark flesh tone?" I chuckle a bit because I was so "analytical teacher Toya" even in 5th grade. Nonetheless, for some reason his picture bothered me. When he was finished, you could only see Michael Jordan's eyeballs, jersey and the basketball he was holding. Nothing else was recognizable. I remember him coloring with the black crayon so harshly, dark, bold strokes until the crayon was just a nub. I don't remember who I drew in my portrait. I'm 32 years old and still remember thinking as a 5th grader, "Is that how white people see me?" Just black. No features, no shades, no uniqueness, no differences, just black. There wasn't anything wrong with being black at all, until I saw that black crayon whittled down to nothing. I was taught black is good. Black is beautiful, and then it was handled so......harshly. I know, I know, we were 5th graders, and some of this in hindsight was probably a mixture of my need for things to be a certain way, you know, control. I colored with all of the colors and I SAW shades. Thinking all Black people aren't just one shade, kid. We're chocolate and mocha and latte and cream and bronze and honey roasted peanut and dark chocolate and fudge and milk chocolate and beige even. My daddy, my daddy is beige with a slight pinch of honey. My mama, my mama is a honey roasted peanut with a side of mocha. See, all the colors. So, needless to say after that I became an </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">African-American</b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> 6th grader (held head high)- <you may laugh at me know>.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">From 2nd-4th grade I wanted to change my name to Michelle (not knowing there was a Michelle Obama somewhere out in the world) because LaToya apparently was just as hard to say as T</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">chaikovsky. Of course we all know it's not, but if your name wasn't Amy or Sue you got "LaTanya","Tanya", "LaTOWya", or can I just call you "Toya?"I thought it helped that MJ's sister was named LaToya, but no. It didn't help. Takes me to present day, (some months back) I had to spell my name for a hostess to get a table at a restaurant. I said, "You know, like Michael Jackson's sister." The hostess replied, "Who is that?" So, I'm apparently old and black. Yay!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Middle school: When you had to read things like <u>I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings</u> and "Tom Sawyer" and your classmates always managed to look at you when "words" or "black things" came up because you were the only one that looked like the people in the book. A look as if they were waiting on you to stand and speak on behalf of all black people. When you were really just thinking, "Ummm, I'm learning this at the same rate you all are. Thanks. Carry on."</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Also in middle school, I went through the hair chronicles. Oh my gosh. Like, this was how I felt every time I changed my hair:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8zE-o_oSzqfPkNPMmHMlXFqGwsvoPOOekiO0DctNmkhHVDfKWjd0Mptp_Bwh2dDBoUiVd56KnObt5-Zp_WFVOkE6VkJV105MEHX_uYXoIYCnwxb63SWn3MDosodnmD9XEv_g1-gdNmIh/s1600/Black+hair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8zE-o_oSzqfPkNPMmHMlXFqGwsvoPOOekiO0DctNmkhHVDfKWjd0Mptp_Bwh2dDBoUiVd56KnObt5-Zp_WFVOkE6VkJV105MEHX_uYXoIYCnwxb63SWn3MDosodnmD9XEv_g1-gdNmIh/s320/Black+hair.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>
</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I mean I personally didn't have an issue with my hair. But, when you get to school and no one looks like you and you have different hair, you get:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u><b>Braids</b></u>:</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Is that your real hair? How do you wash it? Will it come out? Why do </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">"ya'll"</i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> braid your hair?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Take braids out. Did you cut your hair? How is it shorter now?</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Extensions</u></b>:</span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Get extensions. I love your hair! Can I touch it?</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Normal Hair:</u></b></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Go to a slumber party. Need to wrap hair. Why do </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">"ya'll"</i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> have to do that?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Fix hair in the morning, you have a bag of products. Moisturizer, gel, wide tooth comb, brush. Your friends, however, just woke up, shook hair, and are ready. Really?</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Now, mind you kids have absolutely NO CHILL. They will ask whatever, whenever. And I realized even then that everyone's parents didn't have a "Just don't ask certain questions" talk with their kids. There were things I wanted to ask too, but I was taught to think some things in my head and not say them. Also, some kids really were genuinely confused and wanted to know and understand black hair. Long version if you're still confused: Our hair is awesome. It's not like yours. I can't just wet it and go (although some Black people can), or blow dry it with my car air conditioner (although that would be convenient), it needs heat sometimes, a wide tooth comb. It's fragile. It needs silk wraps or it will dry out. Perms don't make our hair curly. Relaxers make it straight, so it's more manageable and less curly. We fluctuate between relaxing it and letting it be naturally curly. This is an ongoing thing, and allows us to have 85 different hair styles in one week. And this is why our hair is cool. And discussing why my hair is cool doesn't mean your hair isn't because see, All Hair Matters, I just happened to be talking about my hair at the moment. You have been enlightened. <takes bow></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When my daddy would drop me off at school, kids would ask if he was white because he was so light skinned. I was like:</span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOcIdW0IP6RVjY1DrvXelBT4BInA95oAcUqwNNBvNkPuTt4F44INORSMzE9FLPcm2DjncaHjIdZhp7nQMuZ0MTngBh23Rg0PlIAsduGoAZ8oM9Xm0GBapqiyMXS4h7-kWsWOQYXE7QAMQq/s1600/Kevin-Hart-SNL-Monologue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOcIdW0IP6RVjY1DrvXelBT4BInA95oAcUqwNNBvNkPuTt4F44INORSMzE9FLPcm2DjncaHjIdZhp7nQMuZ0MTngBh23Rg0PlIAsduGoAZ8oM9Xm0GBapqiyMXS4h7-kWsWOQYXE7QAMQq/s320/Kevin-Hart-SNL-Monologue.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I realized that not everyone was completely aware of the complexities of black skin. How many shades exist in our background. With tanning being important for some, I thought shades were obvious, but I digress....</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Then I was asked if I was mixed, and you can refer again to the above Kevin Hart pic.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I was called an Oreo for several years, because black girls can't speak well, right? <insert heavy sigh></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I was too black for white and not black enough for black. An Oreo's epidemic. Although I'm not biracial, as a teacher, I know from my students this is a biracial issue as well. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">One time I was in Dillard's with my grandmother, and the clerk asked, "You girls need anything?" Unsuspecting me hadn't noticed anything wrong. But my grandmother whipped around as only she can do, and said "You girls?" The rest of the events are pretty fuzzy, but I remember learning that day that it was not cool to refer to a grown black woman as a girl, especially "You girl." Now, that derogatory list of black names....you'll find "boy" and "girl" on that list too. May seem trivial to the outside world, but not when you were born in the 20s like my grandmother. Different times, different times, and words carry meaning a bit differently for all.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Around 8th grade, I decided ok I must attend a more diverse school. I had great friends at my middle school. Even was friends with a White African which was cool because we bonded over the ignorance of others. She was also asked crazy questions like me. Being tall, white, with a freckled face, and a kinky, curly red fro causes some confusion. She would always proudly say, "There aren't just black people in Africa. People are so misinformed." </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So, I decided I wanted to go to a different high school. My parents decided it was fine as long as I was in the Magnet program. Which although it was a predominately black school, the program allowed me to still meet a diverse group of students and teachers. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">High school: I was still an oreo. Go figure.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It was the first time in my life I had ANY black teachers. Pre-Calculus, Science, Government....</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">First time I didn't have to explain myself or explain "black things." </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Ironically enough I had White friends, Hispanic friends, Asian, Indian, etc.....which was not the case in elementary and middle school. One big melting pot! The way I believe God intended for us to be.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In college, my African-American Lit. studies professor was White. I remember the first day of class, one of my classmates (there were about 4 black students including me in the class) looked at me like:</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Am I in the wrong class?</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And oh the uncomfortable moments when we discussed poems, stories, and history referencing all those derogatory names for black people. He was a great professor, but I'm pretty sure my white classmates weren't as uncomfortable as we were. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When I began teaching, I noticed I had some difficulties with my Hispanic males. I could't figure it out really. One day a teacher pulled me aside and said, "You know that <i>some </i>Hispanics don't like black people, right? And you're a woman. So, you're probably taking a double hit from your students. It'll take some time, but right now they don't trust or respect you. Not because you've done anything wrong, but because some are raised to feel this way based on who you are." What? I don't even remember who the teacher was, it was like one of those slow motion moments when someone tells you something that rattles you.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Nonetheless, I became more patient and sensitive to what I heard. I hate to admit, but there was something to what I was told. Eventually, I stopped getting the push back and I learned to be more patient with my male students, who at the time, were mostly Hispanic. I recently told that story to a colleague this year, and he said, "Oh yeah, that was totally it. I have a whole book about that on my bookshelf." What? and Wow.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">That's not even the half of some of the circumstances I have encountered, but a long taste of how the seemingly ordinary still falls under the "being Black in America" umbrella. Many have harsher, more unbearable stories that I cannot even begin to fathom. I don't even have to look too far for those stories either. I'm sure I could find the most devastating ones just by backtracking my own family line. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So, this is why what's happening right now has many quite sensitive. If you've always been settled in your own skin without these nuances, questions, double standards, injustices, etc. then it's hard to see. I get it. You think Black people are whining on forever. You say I know that you went from enslavement, to segregation, to guns and drugs planted in your communities, to mass incarceration.....but get over it. I've had a hard life too. I'm not complaining. I've seen these sentiments quite often, even before our nation split into Black and Blue. Don't talk about the problem, do something about it. Fix black on black crime, then we can talk about our justice system. I know these are the thoughts. I get how outside looking in it's easy to say. With all that said, the plight of Blacks, or African-Americans in America is real. It was never truly rectified. We just progressed into more subtle means of divisiveness. And in many regards, many became products of their environment. While everyone is telling Black people to shut it. Those who secretly feel they should probably aren't aware of how it translates. It's almost like I purposely knocked over your milk and am upset you won't just overlook the spill. Just clean it up. I know you didn't make the mess, but clean it anyway. The puddle has been there for so long that it's now just your responsibility to clean it up. Oh, and if it spills again (whether you or I knock it over) just clean it up and move on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We don't always control our circumstances, and yes there are times that we have had unfair, unjust things happen to us. We either decide to pull ourselves up or stay stagnant in the <i>puddle</i>. But, here's what's difficult: when it's JUST YOU it's a bit easier to do that because it's just you. You can give yourself the pep talk to snap out of it. You can say "enough already" this is unfair, but I cannot stay in this <i>puddle </i>forever. When it's a group of people, it's not that simple. When it's a century old problem, it's not that simple. When it's a systemic problem, it's not that simple. The current killings on both sides to me are merely symptoms of a larger sickness. Symptoms of wounds that never healed. Bridges that were never built with the intent to last. A mirage of progress. We're just currently in times where the volcano in America is erupting. We're a shaken soda bottle, and someone has unscrewed the top.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Same with police departments. They have similar feelings. They have similar labels. Unjust systemic problems that span decades in their line of work. Things that were never truly dealt with, and things that are overshadowing those who truly seek to do good. They've also had people knock over their <i>milk </i>with the directive to just clean it up. Or some just saw the spill and put a rug over it. Now it's mildewed, sticky, and stinks. And again I say, when it's a group, it's not that simple. You can't pen all the cleanup on one person. You can't just say fix it and stand by to watch. It takes so much more than "Just do it." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The true answer is Jesus. In knowing this I can't help but think about how Jesus sees us and treats us. In reference to cases of men dying at the hands of police. Many cry out, just don't do anything wrong and you won't get hurt. While I can process that in some ways, I think of Tamir Rice. The 12 year old who was shot on the spot for having a toy gun. I'm sure he wasn't the first kid in America in a park playing guns. He's a kid, so do we hold children to the same standards as adults? He's not the only kid that has been killed by officers, nor is he the only Black kid. Still doesn't make it easier to swallow. I don't know, it's really hard to piece together. In other cases some say don't resist, some say, "But he had a record" so it's justified. Truth is none of us really know what happened, research or no research. Only God truly knows and to me it all looks really, really, bad. Bad enough to cause a check, a look-see, a how can we ensure that no one even gets into these circumstances, neither cop or civilian?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In spite of all that, here's what I'm thankful for....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I'm thankful Jesus doesn't tell us, "You have a previous record, one that is a mile long, one that deserves death and I'm going to let you have, death." I'm glad that Jesus doesn't remind me how many times I have resisted Him. I may remember, but He doesn't bring it up. I'm glad that Jesus doesn't paint me with a broad brush the way we have painted police officers and Black/Brown people. I'm glad that Jesus doesn't make me clean up my spilled milk all by myself, especially when someone else spilled it. I'm glad that Jesus is always about peace, unity, and love not hate, blame, and division. I'm glad that Jesus doesn't overlook injustices the way it is overlooked in our country. I'm glad that He fights FOR me at all times. I'm glad that he is the ultimate authority and that through Him love wins. Love wins. That was the slogan after the Sandy Hook shootings. Innocent kids slaughtered for no reason, but Love still Won. Countless numbers of people killed in police custody with minimal explanations, but Love can still Win. Officers murdered in Dallas, but Love can still Win. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It's all unfair really. Unfair for police officers. Unfair for Black families. It's unfair for both sides because <b>both sides matter</b>. Yes, am I personally affected in certain ways because I'm black. Yes. Do I think we have a race issue in America? Of course we do. We've always had one. Do I think that there are double standards and biased opinions in regards to people of color? Of course there are. Are others personally affected because they are police officers or have family members that are? Yes. Do police officers have one of the hardest jobs there is? Yes they do. Are all police officers bad? No. No they aren't. Are there some bad ones, of course there are. Just like there are bad teachers, doctors, lawyers, etc. Is it unfair and unjust to criticize all officers? Yes. Is it unfair and unjust to criticize all Black people? Yes. Is it crazy that we live in a country where the KKK can still exist in 2016 while others feel the need to proclaim that they matter because they've been shown otherwise? Super crazy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And this my friends, is our current state of affairs. We have to acknowledge that there is milk on the floor. We have to accept how it was spilled. And we HAVE to help each other clean it up. We can't keep volleying the ball back and forth. We can't put on a <span style="color: blue;"><b>Blue </b></span>jersey and disregard the <b>Black </b>team. We can't put on a <b>Black </b>jersey and disregard the <span style="color: blue;"><b>Blue </b></span>team. We can't tell each other it's all your fault. One thing about Jesus, He will help you clean up your spilled milk. However, He can't help you clean what you don't want to acknowledge is there. And because he loves you so much He won't allow you to keep ignoring the spilled milk. Little by little, as He refines you the milk gets cleaned up. As He dwells in you, you begin to see the spots, the stench, the stickiness, the mildew. You're motivated to change it with his guidance and help. And one day you look back and wonder how you ever lived with that spill as long as you did. Gosh, if we took this approach with our current happenings. If we cleaned little by little. If we searched our hearts. If we got outside of ourselves and reached over the line of division. If both sides are reaching and seeking to understand... If both sides are willing to make changes... If BOTH sides truly matter then BOTH WILL MATTER. So, today I reached. Today, I stepped outside of the problems I know exist and I let officers know that #wesupportgoodpolice. While I speak on injustices Black people face that are real, it doesn't negate the fact that good officers of integrity and honor are being covered in a blanket of hate. So are Black people, this is true. But, Jesus always looked out for others. He prayed for our well-being and behalf more than His. He could have walked away from saving those who hurt him, but He didn't. So, to BOTH sides....why are we walking in opposite directions? I know, we're human. But, we don't get to just be human only when we're defending ourselves (that goes BOTH ways). We don't get to just say "Ooops" when we know better. Maya Angelou said it best, "When you know better, you do better." America, you have known better for a long time. It's time to do better. I heard once that people won't change, unless the pain of NOT changing becomes greater than the actual change. Verbose quote, but put simply: No one changes unless it hurts bad enough. I guess America hasn't hurt bad enough. We've been beaten Black and Blue over Blue and Black and we still are struggling.....to.....be....better. We all must do better because we BOTH MATTER. And as long as sides are taken and everyone stays in their corners, we will not have the quality of life Jesus intended for us to have. Sometimes the right thing to do seems unfair. It's tough, it hurts. It can be gut-wrenching, but I'm for right. And as my grandmother would always say, "I'm not going to stand for wrong." So, BOTH sides, feel free to leave your side and join me on the RIGHT side. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">How can you do that you ask?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Give a cop a cookie (or do something to show appreciation). Cookies don't begin to fix all the problems, but it can create a cyclical pattern that will promote love and change. If you've actually read "To Give a Mouse a Cookie," then you know that it ends exactly how it began.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Listen. It's ok that you may not fully understand "Being Black in America" or being a cop in America. However, just say "I see you, and I hear you." This tears down defenses and brings love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Get out of your corner. Go do something happy and positive for somebody. Don't just sit and rant on Facebook all day. I know, I know. Mark Zuckerberg has afforded us the opportunity to say exactly what we think all the time. I too have fallen victim since Facebook was invented. But, let's stop it. I know your head hurts because mine does. Just stop. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Unfollow the negative. If someone says something utterly stupid or one-sided. Just unfollow. Don't engage. Go to your War Room and tell Jesus. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Don't allow others to poison you. If you are happy about police officers being shot or think they deserved it YOU ARE NOT MY FRIEND. GO AWAY. BYE.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If you are satisfied or happy with Black or Brown people being shot or think they deserved it YOU ARE NOT MY FRIEND. GO AWAY. BYE.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Join both. It's ok to be on both sides. I am, join me! It's quite peaceful over here. There's not much to argue. As a matter of fact, you can agree that both sides are facing some pretty horrible things right now. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Pray. You still pray. Pray for truth. Pray for injustice. Pray for structural changes in our justice system. Pray for leaders. Pray for officers. Pray for the nation. Pray for your community. Pray for God to intervene. Pray that you can help bring more people to Christ. Pray for God to heal our land. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Mentor some kids! Newsflash: Kids are just smaller people that grow into big people. The 4th grader who called me a monkey. He was TAUGHT that. Kids aren't naturally meanie-heads. They are taught to be. So, go mentor kids. Teach them to love people. Teach them to be respectful of everyone, not just cops. As a teacher, I've always taught more than the TEKS or curriculum. I remember loudly talking (probably yelling as if I was on a mountaintop) to a class before saying, "I want you to be good humans! It's not enough to just come to school and do your work. You need to also be good people! And Mrs. Morrison will not allow you to be less than a decent human being. Is that understood? Class: Yes, Mrs. Morrison. Sorry Mrs. Morrison.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">What did they do? I forget, but they left that day with more than grammar.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Stop thinking you know everything. You don't know it all and neither do I, so let's stop pretending. We want to pretend because we want to prove something. We want to scream louder while saying the same thing because we think others will hear. They don't. They won't. So, action must accompany words.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Extend an olive branch. Come on people. Don't just sit and shake your head at Black people wondering why we're so upset. Don't just sit and shake your head at officers wondering why they are upset. Just extend the branch because BOTH have cause to be upset. I know we want to trump the other side by stacking up our hurts. I get it. Most Black people can write a dissertation on how we were set up as a people to fail from the day we were brought to America. We can log the amount of disaster, discrimination and devastation up to present day of what we have experienced. Officers too can write a dissertation on how thankless their job is, tough their job is, dangerous their job is, and the amount of disaster and devastation they have seen. We could both do this all day and stay in the same place. Get a branch. Extend it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Turn off the news. I mean it's becoming silly anyway. Once CNN was getting their updates from Twitter, I was done. And we won't discuss other networks. As John Mayer says, "And when you trust your television, what you get is what you got. Cause when they own the information, ohhh, they can bend it all they want."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">On that note, listen to some John Mayer and tell gravity to get away from you and don't just wait on the world to change, try to help change it. Listen to some Marvin Gaye to see what's going on. Read a Langston Hughes poem because I am in awe of how things written in the past seem to be erupting right now. Read the Bible! Sometimes just holding it and crying on the floor helps too. Been there, done that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So, in short (ha! You know my blogs are never short) you can be an activist. You can get involved. You can start a dialogue and help others see a different point-of-view, but above all...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Go.Do.Things.And.Love.People. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Until next time.......</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">CraftyMorrison</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03198484901164414067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9157221508352331294.post-82300736097500081132015-06-07T23:11:00.000-07:002015-06-07T23:32:48.847-07:00While the world goes crazy, I'm taking a bite of Psalm 94....Part II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXMBWcw_EQZ-icOFfsiY_VQS4C9Ewj2rmq2rtp98nrMvMix24UvxtakYHsG2n6DCNv7cMIS6OQCLAZyLh__1HSGGVuhxS9pgrZovL9DH8eiBokljC7icFx_i8R0UYQ3UOT-rW4Q6r4DGL/s1600/stress+burning+calories.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXMBWcw_EQZ-icOFfsiY_VQS4C9Ewj2rmq2rtp98nrMvMix24UvxtakYHsG2n6DCNv7cMIS6OQCLAZyLh__1HSGGVuhxS9pgrZovL9DH8eiBokljC7icFx_i8R0UYQ3UOT-rW4Q6r4DGL/s320/stress+burning+calories.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Yeah, I should be asleep but I'm not. The insomnia bug has bitten me within the last week. Blame it on my schedule change with my knee surgery meds or my incessant brain that won't shut up. Either way, I'm up. However, my blog bug has bitten as well, and what's on my heart is weariness (not just my physical weariness), but mental weariness that the world can bring from time to time.<br />
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Are you tired too? Stressed? Are you over it? Wondering what in the "ham sandwich" (An Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt reference) is going on nowadays? Just so tired your tired is tired? If so, then sit down with me a bit and let's have some Psalm 94, shall we?<br />
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A while back (think a year or two), I wrote a blog post titled, "While the world goes crazy, I stay sane."<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>Link if you care to look back: </b></span></div>
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<a href="http://craftymorrison.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2013-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&updated-max=2013-06-27T21:44:00-07:00&max-results=14&start=9&by-date=false">http://craftymorrison.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2013-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&updated-max=2013-06-27T21:44:00-07:00&max-results=14&start=9&by-date=false</a></div>
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I remember that summer. I was about to turn 30, started this blog (on my bucket list). Ok, I just laughed that turning 30 prompted a list, but gosh I was so attached to my 20s. Anyway, I spent the summer NOT WORKING as I usually found my teacher self in some sort of summer program or educational endeavor. Instead, I spent the summer resting and exploring how to make Toya "better." Of course only Jesus can ultimately help with that, but I decided my hands shouldn't be idle in the process. Nonetheless, I sat and blogged one day about how the world had just gone absolutely crazy and what I could do to manage to stay sane. I know there was some infamous trial going on....that rhymed with "immerman" and a host of other crazy, loopy, omg moments that joined this mega media/news craze were also happening.<br />
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So, as I usually am with negative and sad things I was overwhelmed. I couldn't even continue to ingest any more ideas, thoughts, opinions, emotions.....just couldn't. While blogging that day I realized that there is so much, and will be more in the future that I absolutely have NO CONTROL over. Now, to a control freak like me (the Lord is still working on me:) that is a scary thought, but it's the truth! That summer instead of letting it overtake me, I went out into the world and did what I could do.....and believe it or not, that's the best you CAN do.<br />
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Today, I find myself overwhelmed again with our world. My Facebook feed is overcome with news story after news story, some positive, most negative. Many that would warrant strong emotion, local and national. Cute kids, sick kids, funny pets mixed with the young dying too soon, with funny memes and unimaginable pain. Remember when Facebook was just simply a way to connect with your high school and middle school buddies? Family? When it was really just a bunch of college kiddos or alumni (as you had to have a school email to register) to connect with and say things like: "Hey girl! I haven't seen you since 8th grade, good to see you!" My how it's changed......some days happy and jovial, other days depressing.<br />
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SO....once again I am met with a decision- get sucked in to the world or unplug and stay sane. Put down phone, pick up Bible (should be in the reverse order, and I thank John Piper for sharing an article that convicted me of that) and READ. I came across Psalm 94:19 tonight. Funny, I felt an immediate peace come across when I read that scripture. Here are a few versions:<br />
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<span class="versiontext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/niv/psalms/94.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">New International Version</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.</span><span class="p" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 13px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><span class="versiontext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/nlt/psalms/94.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">New Living Translation</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.</span><span class="p" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 13px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><span class="versiontext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/esv/psalms/94.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">English Standard Version</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.</span><span class="p" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 13px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><span class="versiontext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/nasb/psalms/94.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">New American Standard Bible </a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul.</span><span class="p" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 13px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><span class="versiontext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/kjv/psalms/94.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">King James Bible</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.</span><br />
*biblehub.com<br />
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If that doesn't make everyone stop.breathe.and relax- I don't know what does. I just love when you can find a verse that just covers your exact emotion at the time. It's like the Lord giving you a spoonful of spiritual antibiotic when your spiritual immune system is tanking. If anyone can express mental exhaustion, hardships, and being "over it" - it's Paul....and Job too:) After settling on that scripture for a moment I decided to read the whole Psalm 94......and in one of my favorite versions- the Message Bible.<br />
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Sometimes the Message Bible is just necessary, it slaps you in the face when you need a slap. It gets to the nitty gritty when necessary, and can make a point crystal clear.<br />
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WOW! The weight and reassurance in the Lord you gain from sitting with this Psalm. I consider myself one who struggles greatly with injustice. I say that the Lord must have placed this "passionate" side in me for a reason. My goal is to learn to use it His way instead of mine. Although right now our world is crazy and injustice is evident in a plethora of areas and circumstances, I have found that my struggle translates at times in the smallest of circumstances.<br />
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I was the kid who would NOT let you copy my homework, and wouldn't ever consider copying in elementary school.....because well, you should have done it yourself! Can't say I kept that rule forever because, well, Physics and Computer Science could kick my butt from time to time (many times) in high school (thankfully we can repent and the Lord forgives :). As a teacher now, that is definitely a non-negotiable. I was the kid that if I saw you doing something wrong, yep I TOLD. If you didn't want me to, then don't do it. Yes, I am laughing as I type because growing from a child to an adult, I know I am not perfect and have for sure made Jesus shake His head at me many times. Even as an adult I still struggle with this (He's not through with me yet). I have huge heart, I like to give and do what I can and if someone gets messed with you can be sure I WILL HAVE THEIR BACK! I protect, I fight for people, causes, whatever is best. I'm the one that will "share the truth" because if I don't tell you....how will you know?! (insert hysterical laughter)- just being honest about my passion for justice:) Toya's philosophy is simple: Hey, everybody do your job correctly, be nice to people, don't try to pull one over on me, and we'll be fine. Easy? In my mind yes, in the real world- No way.<br />
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So, I am constantly working to redirect that part of myself to Jesus. Gosh, it's hard. "But Lord, it's wrong. They're wrong- I saw it. I can prove it. I know! It's unfair, it's mean. No one is doing anything about it. Lord: "Extend grace, it's not your fight. Leave it to me. I can handle it better than you EVER could. Be quiet, Be still. Wait."<br />
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Meanwhile, my flesh screams in agony like a dagger has just been used to stab my flesh....in the flesh:)<br />
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Now, of course the Lord isn't telling me to turn a blind eye to crime, or not to help someone if I can. However, many of the things I get so worked up over I'm learning are just growth opportunities for me to do what I can and leave the rest to Him. I believe that's part of our exhaustion, or mine anyway. Wanting to work it all out, save the world, stop the bad all on our own. Newsflash......we can accomplish MUCH, but NOT ALL.<br />
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With that said, today I'm going to make Psalm 94 poster size! (or at least in my mind). When people weigh me down with their "wrongness" and crazy. Psalm 94. When I am emotionally overwhelmed by the "not fair/no you didn't/you must be kidding/are you serious?" Psalm. 94. You know how Blue Bell (RIP Blue Bell) used to say, "Eat all you can, sell the rest?" Well, DO WHAT YOU CAN, AND LEAVE THE REST TO JESUS. That's all you can really do, So I leave you and myself with Psalm 94, the Message version, let it calm you. Let it remind you that God sees all of the craziness in the world. The crazy you work with. The crazy you live with. From the smallest injustice to the greatest. Every mean, horrible, unfair, sad, conniving thing. EVERY ONE. He also sees how we are reacting to it, and how much we are trusting Him through it. Since I can be the queen of anger and fear, I will say the root of that is not trusting. Not trusting a great God to reconcile, redeem, vindicate. He overcame the world, while we're still going crazy about it........<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Psalm 94 The Message (MSG)</span></b></div>
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94 1-2 God, put an end to evil;<br />
avenging God, show your colors!<br />
Judge of the earth, take your stand;<br />
throw the book at the arrogant.<br />
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3-4 God, the wicked get away with murder—<br />
how long will you let this go on?<br />
They brag and boast<br />
and crow about their crimes!<br />
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5-7 They walk all over your people, God,<br />
exploit and abuse your precious people.<br />
They take out anyone who gets in their way;<br />
if they can’t use them, they kill them.<br />
They think, “God isn’t looking,<br />
Jacob’s God is out to lunch.”<br />
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8-11 Well, think again, you idiots,<br />
fools—how long before you get smart?<br />
Do you think Ear-Maker doesn’t hear,<br />
Eye-Shaper doesn’t see?<br />
Do you think the trainer of nations doesn’t correct,<br />
the teacher of Adam doesn’t know?<br />
God knows, all right—<br />
knows your stupidity,<br />
sees your shallowness.<br />
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12-15 How blessed the man you train, God,<br />
the woman you instruct in your Word,<br />
Providing a circle of quiet within the clamor of evil,<br />
while a jail is being built for the wicked.<br />
God will never walk away from his people,<br />
never desert his precious people.<br />
Rest assured that justice is on its way<br />
and every good heart put right.<br />
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16-19 Who stood up for me against the wicked?<br />
Who took my side against evil workers?<br />
If God hadn’t been there for me,<br />
I never would have made it.<br />
The minute I said, “I’m slipping, I’m falling,”<br />
your love, God, took hold and held me fast.<br />
When I was upset and beside myself,<br />
you calmed me down and cheered me up.<br />
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20-23 Can Misrule have anything in common with you?<br />
Can Troublemaker pretend to be on your side?<br />
They ganged up on good people,<br />
plotted behind the backs of the innocent.<br />
But God became my hideout,<br />
God was my high mountain retreat,<br />
Then boomeranged their evil back on them:<br />
for their evil ways he wiped them out,<br />
our God cleaned them out for good.<br />
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/Message-MSG-Bible/">The Message</a> (MSG)<br />
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<i><span style="color: blue;"><b>While the world goes crazy, I'm taking a bite of Psalm 94:)</b></span></i><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><b>Until next time....</b></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><b>CraftyMorrison </b></span><br />
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P.S. And if you'd love to read the great article shared by John Piper I referred to about "checking your phone," here goes-----<a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/six-wrong-reasons-to-check-your-phone-in-the-morning">http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/six-wrong-reasons-to-check-your-phone-in-the-morning</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03198484901164414067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9157221508352331294.post-41751592720052636392015-05-26T20:22:00.001-07:002015-05-26T21:28:53.632-07:00Reasons why you're not praying....This post should really be titled, "Reasons Why I sometimes don't/haven't, etc. been praying." However, I have a notion I'm not the only one in the world who has had to check themselves and their prayer life from time to time. Currently, I'm in probably the biggest transition period of my life, and one thing I am learning about transition----it will bring you to your knees (and at the most random points in the process). Just when I think I have this moving life/career/surgery/family under wraps, something else gets thrown in the mix. Of course. Of course, it's life.....and I'm currently fighting the myriad of thoughts right now about boxes. Boxes. The unlimited amount of boxes that need unpacking far, far, away (life doesn't end and I'm a control freak- pray for me :). Nonetheless, I'm going to sit. Sit and blog. One, I have no other choice but to sit (my leg cast that I last blogged about, is still a part of me). I feel like I have a purple monster following me around all the time, and then I remember that's just my leg :) Thank you Lord for endurance, but if one more person asks, "What did you do to your knee?!" I just might scream. Very loud. Or I think I will just hop around with a note on my crutch that says, "I was born this way." Thanks Lady Gaga, just might do that :)<br />
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Anyhoo, I will sit and blog. I will sit and preach to myself. I will sit and remind myself why I struggle from time to time with prayer. I will remind myself that these reasons are a sure fire way to create a stagnant/dry/unproductive prayer life....so I can remember the dangers so I can stay charged, ready, and in constant communication with the best dad there is---Jesus!<br />
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So, this is my list of "Reasons Why "you're/I'm not praying." No, I'm not a theologian (I literally LOL), just a hot mess that needs Jesus everyday and finds blogging about my mess cathartic.<br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;"><b>Reasons Why You're Not Praying:</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: purple;">1. Even though you know better, you think Jesus is the genie from Aladdin.....</span></b><br />
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You don't have to admit it, but I will. I know Jesus is NOT a genie. However, I feel that sometimes prayers aren't prayed because deep down we want that instant answer. Ok Lord, I prayed now.....Tada! Where's the answer? Your flesh is tapping its anxious fingers waiting on a response, a sign, the heavens to open up and immediately rescue you from the problem/ailment/circumstance. But, Jesus is not a genie. Jesus is Jesus. The great I AM. He will do exactly what He says, what He promises in His time. That's the part that is hard for us----His time. But His time is the best time period we will ever experience. HIS answer is worth the wait. He's worth the wait. </div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>2. You're lazy.</b></span> *Don't throw stones, I'm talking about myself too.*</div>
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An effective, fervent, prayer life takes effort. It takes energy. When you become overwhelmed by circumstances or "busy" (as we know we CAN make time for what's truly important to us) it zaps your energy. This can cause us to be lazy in our prayer life. "I've been praying," or "I prayed." You become tired. It becomes mundane and the vigor you once had, that's needed, seems gone. Again, that's our lovely flesh that gives up so easily when we don't get "genie answers" right away.</div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>3. You think God has you on hold. This is taking too long.</b></span> You hear the recording, the elevator music wondering if your prayer got through. Test, test.......Lord, did you hear me? You know the thing I really needed help with. The thing I'm still struggling with? The person that I'm still struggling with? The decision that I'm still struggling with? We tend to think when God is silent that our prayer is somewhat negated. I learned a while back that prayers are ALWAYS answered. It's just that it may not be the response you were expecting. You'll either get an answer, a NO, or a WAIT.....which brings me to my next point---</div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>4. You don't like the answer that God gave you.</b></span> To that, I tell myself what I tell my students----"You get what you get and you don't throw a fit." Now after your flesh has a temper tantrum, let's remember that the same God we went to in prayer is the same God that delivers, heals, helps, calms, saves, and LOVES. Above all He LOVES. He loves us too much to not do what is best. He knows EVERYTHING. He knows what you're going to ask before you even ask it. He knows what you need, and He knows if your deliverance should be immediate or years from now. He knows exactly how to guide your life so that you GROW IN HIM. Funny, as a teacher I find myself telling my students the same thing. "Sweetie, I know what you need to know. Listen to me." In my spiritual imagination, I hear God saying the same thing. We may not like His answer, but just like a caring parent, He knows what answer we need.</div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>5. You prayed and things became worse.</b></span> Sometimes this happens. You know the saying, "Things get worse before they get better." I would like to suggest that I think sometimes our circumstances have to get worse so that we get to the place He needs us to be. If you think about how God designed things in this earth, everything has a process. Plants don't immediately sprout just because you throw a seed in the ground. We didn't just appear fully grown from our parents, we baked a while. Currently, my knee surgery has been a process. My doctors literally broke my bones and rearranged and realigned my leg and knee.....in 5 months I will be completely healed, God-willing. And as much as I want to throw my leg cast out the nearest window, I know that I must have it a few more weeks. Everything is a process, yet we want our prayers to reach His ears and POOF! Fixed. Done. All better. Sometimes we get that miraculous help and sometimes we are helped to sustain the process. The process that can possibly get worse before it gets better.</div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>6. You don't think you're worthy enough to request anything from God.</b></span> This one here is really just the talk of the enemy. Thank God He saves, we can repent, we can be washed clean, we can be made new! The Lord allows all of those wonderful things and allows us to communicate directly to Him. We're not perfect and we never will be on this earth, but don't let mucky, icky, negative self talk take you away from talking to God. If anything pray that those feelings and thoughts would be eradicated from your mind and spirit, so you can focus on prayer with Him. None of us are worthy of all that Christ gives, but He loves us enough to give it freely even when we're "messed up." It's grace, it's a gift and you are free to talk to Him. He wants us to improve, He wants what's best for us, and He wants us to talk to Him. Be Nike....Just Do It!</div>
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<b style="color: purple;">7. You over-analyze. </b>"God, this doesn't make any sense. I have no idea how this can even be fixed. It's too crazy. It's too hard. It's too complicated. Why?!" Such a dangerous thought pattern, but I have been guilty of it many times. Our mind wants to automatically make logical sense of our situation. I pride myself on being a problem-solver, one who can look at a situation and find a solution or some innovative way to work with what I have. This is a great trait to have as a teacher because as educators we should be able to fix problems. A kid can't read, has gaps, is behind, seems disinterested, needs improvement, needs to be challenged. Sure! throw anything at me. Give me any student and they WILL LEARN. I will find a way, I will figure it out. Now, as I said....this works as a teacher. THIS DOES NOT WORK AS A BELIEVER. As a believer in Christ, we must BELIEVE. We believe when we can't figure it out. When we don't see a solution. It's the complete opposite because we don't know what God knows. We can't see what He sees and we are to TRUST the one who knows. We trust the Light when we can only seek darkness. Easier said than done, I know. But, I must continue to remind myself that the energy I spend trying to "figure it out" or "understand why" can simply be spent in prayer. While I don't understand and am confused-- I can pray. I can do what I can and leave the unknowns up to a known God.</div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>8. You have forgotten all the times God answered, because you're so focused on THIS TIME.</b></span></div>
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I started a prayer journal about a decade ago. At the time, I didn't really know it was a prayer journal but years later that's exactly what it has become. I have always been fond of writing over talking. I'm better at it, unless it's talking to kids and then I'm a pro! So, my lovely, pink fuzzy journal has been with me quite a long time. It's filled with scripture, written prayers, letters to God and my favorite part......answered prayers. You have no idea the peace and power in physically writing down a prayer and recording when it was answered. Seems simple. May even seem silly to record such, but for me it's been a great motivator when I notice my prayer life get a bit stale. While I'm so worried about a current matter or issue, I can easily forget what He HAS DONE in my life. And in the words of Tye Tribbett- "If He did it before, He can do it again." Here's a peek at some of my prayer dates:</div>
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Simple. Write a prayer. Sit with God. Step away and allow Him to work. Once He does, I record the date. Some of the greatest answered prayers are ones that have come on the exact day I requested. Those are the ones that give you the goosebumps that only God can create. </div>
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So, when I notice I've fallen off my prayer wagon, I go through my journal and marvel at all the great things He's already done. As Mark Batterson would put it......"Journaling is seeing God's fingerprints on your life." I love that. I love that my journal shows His fingerprints on my life. I can see how I've grown and what I've been through. I also think it's neat to see how long it takes God. Not to watch the clock and "time" Him, but I'm blessed by the prayers that took months....some even years, because it reminds me that He is faithful. It reminds me that He doesn't forget, and it reminds me that He cares more about growing my faith than if I get a quick response. I would fly off the handle if my students looked in the back of the book for answers (which kids will do because they're kids), because they don't want to take the time to learn the concept or work through the problem-- yet I find myself trying to do that with God from time to time. My prayer journal reminds me of the benefits of waiting on Him to act. How my time would have been completely wrong and disastrous and His timing is so PERFECT. My prayer journal also helps me remember how I thought some circumstances were so difficult, only to realize now they were nothing. You know how you freak out, and later realize you exerted too much energy on a small circumstance.....like this kid:</div>
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Thanks Kevonstage :)</div>
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Once we invite God into the mix, the big issues become manageable chunks. Above all, I notice that I've made it. I've made it! I made it out. I made it through, I was not destroyed. I see Isaiah 41:10 in action throughout my journal....[...] I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice."</div>
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He said He will help us, hold us up, retain us, harden us to difficulties, not take away all our problems. So, the reality of that is sometimes you have pages like this in your prayer journal:</div>
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You have prayers that are blank. I still have a few of these in my prayer journal. Ones that I have prayed over, several times. No answer. However, instead of looking at these blank pages with discouragement, I have come to understand that some prayers haven't finished baking yet. I would even go so far as to think that some prayers may not be answered in my view. How many prayers have been prayed for others that are answered in future generations? I'm sure many can fall into that category. In the end God knows. He has not forgotten, and my view is not His view. So, I'll keep praying over those blank pages, because prayer MATTERS. It matters whether I get the response I want, or if it takes longer than I thought. It matters to my growth as a Christian. It matters to Jesus. It even matters to the devil, because he delights every time you fall off the prayer horse. He doesn't want your faith to grow, He doesn't want you to be spiritually strong. The devil wants you to be defeated by the 8 reasons I have listed. The more you don't connect with the Father and grow your faith in prayer, the easier it is for the devil to get a foothold in your life. </div>
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So, keep bowing your heads my friends. Keep fighting the laziness, keep fighting your flesh who craves immediate gratification and answers, the easy way out, your own will and way. Keep fighting against the prayer rut. Keep talking to God, keep believing He will, and keep recording when He does. </div>
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Note: I have more recorded answered prayers than blank pages.....your good days do in fact, outweigh your bad. He does work and He is the same yesterday, today and forever. </div>
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Jumping back on my prayer horse :)<br />
Keep praying my friends, keep praying!<br />
<i><span style="color: blue;"><b>Fight all of your battles on your knees and you will win every time:) - unknown</b></span></i><br />
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<i><b><span style="color: purple;">Until next time......CraftyMorrison</span></b></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03198484901164414067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9157221508352331294.post-49310502768134033552015-05-19T14:22:00.002-07:002015-05-19T14:22:57.492-07:00Leg Cast ConfessionsHowdy and Happy Tuesday Blog Readers!<br />
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I'm really surprised I haven't written consistently lately, since I have ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD. I'm currently on "Operation Recuperate and Heal" from knee surgery (about a week ago). Long story short, I was born with eccentric knees that needed to be redesigned if I wanted to continue to walk on this great earth. So I had a very intensive and extensive surgery (with a super long name) to correct the issue. Here's a visual:<br />
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So....the "supposed to be here" section- yeah, that's where my patella should be (note, this diagram is far from exact and just enhances my point) and my patella likes to flail around wherever it wants to in my leg. Hence, major surgery needed.</div>
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Nonetheless, I have been through this before with my right knee and now it was time to have my left leg broken, knee cap completely moved to a new location, bones realigned and a couple of screws to ensure that my knee doesn't develop a mind of its own again.</div>
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Flash forward to now. I am now in a full leg cast (from being in a full leg brace last week). I was so excited yesterday when they took off the leg brace because I was DYING to bend my leg and let it breathe a bit. You don't appreciate freedom in your limbs until they are confined and you are forced to live with it.</div>
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Funny, as soon as I breathed a sigh of relief from the brace removal, my doc says, "You do remember you are going into a cast today right?"</div>
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Me: "Oh yes, I remember- just nice to feel free for a bit."</div>
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So, they remove the 24 staples from my incision (they said it would feel like pulling a scab, I thought they were removing my skin a peel at a time. Yes, I cried. But only a tear fell.- Inside I am sure I drowned from the tears that didn't quite make it to my eye ducts). </div>
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....Cast goes on, I feel great. I feel protected....now on to another 4 or 5 weeks healing in said cast.</div>
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My doctor warned me that since I was so swollen, my cast may slip as I lose the swelling. Which means they may have to "recast" me to be sure my broken tibia fully heals. "Ok," I said. No biggie.</div>
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Day 2. Today. Today I HATE this cast! I want out. I want it gone. It's irritating me, I'm sure I'm smaller than I was yesterday. Is my cast slipping? Ugh. No. Please. I hate this. I am so done with the cast. </div>
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So after that rant, my flesh and spirit had the BEST conversation ever. Yes, when you are confined to sitting and healing you can make almost ANYTHING a life lesson.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Flesh</b></span>: I hate this cast. I forgot how awful this is. How long do I have to deal with this thing? It's only day 2, how can I make it another month?</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b>Spirit</b></span>: You know this is part of the process. Anything broken that needs healing must go through a process.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Flesh</b></span>: I know, I still hate this. I'm uncomfortable. Ugh!</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b>Spirit</b></span>: Doesn't feel good now, but it's part of the plan. There will be healing when the process is done and you'll be whole without any of the ailments you had before.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Flesh</b></span>: Doesn't change now. I'm already tired of this.</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b>Spirit</b></span>: In due time, you'll reap the benefits of this process. In due time you won't even remember every uncomfortable moment. Remember the 1st time? The 1st surgery, you didn't know what to expect. It was hard, it was uncomfortable, but that process has made this process even easier, hasn't it.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Flesh</b></span>: You're right (hate when that happens). Pain is there, but overall is significantly less than the first time. I knew what was coming this time. I was better prepared. So yes, it's a bit easier.</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b>Spirit</b></span>: I KNOW, and the work that was done in your knee will be completed if you just trust the process, have patience and let it heal. When you're uncomfortable, do what you can and pray about the rest. Your complaining isn't going to change the situation. It's just taking away the Peace you can have right now.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Flesh</b></span>: .............</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b>Spirit</b></span>: Remember what you read this morning in devotional? About Hard Grace? "The hard discipline to give thanks for all things at all times because He is good. The hard discipline to number the griefs as grace because as the surgeon would cut open my son's finger to heal him, so God chooses to cut into my ungrateful heart to make me whole."<i> -Ann Voskamp, pg. 92 One Thousand Gifts Devotional</i></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Flesh</b></span>: thinking (I'm being absolutely ridiculous).</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b>Thank you Lord</b></span> for orchestrating my surgery and guiding my doctors and his team to correct my knee issues.</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b>Thank you Lord</b></span> for giving the doctors wisdom on my healing process.</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b>Thank you Lord</b></span> for making a way for me to have both surgeries done, as there are people desperately needing surgery for life-threatening ailments and are unable to receive care.</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b>Thank you Lord</b></span> for this leg cast that is protecting my bones and guiding them to heal correctly.</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b>Thank you Lord</b></span> that this process will be over in due time and I will have the freedom to walk, move, and run as I should.</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b>Thank you Lord</b></span> that I have a village who aids in my recovery, therefore making this process easier.</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b>Thank you Lord</b></span> that you can worked out every detail, even those I cannot see.</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b>Thank you Lord</b></span> for this reminder in the midst of my disgruntled complaining. </div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b>Thank you Lord</b></span> for time to rest, as I cannot remember the last time I wasn't too busy to form a thought.</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b>Thank you Lord</b></span> for your Spirit that gives my flesh a reality check.</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b>Thank you Lord</b></span>. Thank you.</div>
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Dear Leg Cast,</div>
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Sorry for what I said while I was irritable. You're just hardened material that is making me better instead of the jail I made you out to be. With God's help I'll come to appreciate you these next 4 weeks, because without you my leg would never be mended :)</div>
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P.S.- I think I am smaller, my hand shouldn't fit in my cast. Calling the doc. Yes, do what you can and pray about the rest :) So, this means I may go from "bondage" back into another form of the same "bondage".....until I'm done (ring the dinner bell, when Toya is done cooking). Now, I believe I have had to stay in a place more than once, a time or two, because God wasn't done with me yet. Sometimes that is because I got in the way, and sometimes it was just because He wasn't done. His time, not mine. In my knee's case, my bones' time, not mine. That "this will preach moment" came straight from my cast of course:)</div>
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Until next time.......embrace your "meanwhile" your "process" your "dry season"....read some Psalms and watch God use this time to make you better in the end my friends!</div>
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CraftyMorrison</div>
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<i><span style="color: purple;">"I waited patiently and expectantly for the Lord, and He inclined to me and heard my cry." -AMP</span></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03198484901164414067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9157221508352331294.post-80555316073149685682015-04-30T19:38:00.004-07:002015-04-30T20:02:21.828-07:00Stormy Weather<h2>
<span style="color: purple;">I'm breaking another blog hiatus, for this special weather announcement....</span></h2>
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<br />
It's Spring, which is a season that lends itself to growth and warmth. Spring is my favorite season as it's not too hot or too cold, but just right (in my "Goldilocks voice"). However, Spring also brings about storms. Thunderstorms. Torrential rains. Tornadoes. Scary, ominous weather forecasts. The past couple of weeks our area has been threatened with such storms. Flash floods, gusts of high-power winds, and warnings that have even prompted many areas to "take cover."<br />
During this season, I began to think of how much I dislike storms. I've always been afraid of their potential. Storms can hurt you, they're uncomfortable, they interfere with life, they are big balls of chaos. My control freak nature also detests them because........yeah, they come out of nowhere which leaves me unprepared. I must be prepared for the worst possible situation, so I can be prepared for the worst possible situation-----right?<br />
<br />
Now that I've properly introduced you to my fearful, control-freak flesh, here's what dropped into my spirit the other week during.......yep, that's right--a storm.<br />
<br />
A couple of weeks ago, I was at home, hanging with my hubby. That night, the weather turned grim and a serious thunderstorm was on the horizon. I wasn't too jazzed about it, which I have never been. Nonetheless, it was coming whether I wanted it to or not (let that line marinate for a moment.....or as the Bible says "selah"). So, Mrs. Control Freak, something you don't want to deal with is about to happen anyway.<br />
<br />
So, here comes the storm. Loud, dreary, preventing hubby and I from frolicking through our new town and having a laid back Saturday. I was currently chatting with a good friend about these current storms that interrupted my evening, and had a bit of curiosity that turned into a bit of an "aha" (waves finger). Now this good friend of mine, happens to LIKE storms. I mean she really LOVES them. She watches for them, tracks them, and gets thrills and excitement from a "good-ol" thunderstorm. Yes, the same ones I detest. I've always thought that was an interesting hobby, but there are those who hate storms...ME, and then there's my storm-loving buddy. That night "I got to thinking" Why on earth would someone LIKE storms? Maybe storm-lovers don't really know their potential to......I don't know hurt you and destroy everything you have? Or maybe storm-haters like me are missing something.....is it possible that there is even a shred of good that can come out of a storm?<br />
<br />
Well, if it's one thing I've heard over the years in church sermons and referenced in scripture....there will be storms, and God has the power to create good from the bad. Easy to hear, motivational to think about, but when you're really in a storm---are you thinking about all those good, warm fuzzy "God's got this" thoughts? No. No you're not. And if you are, it's a heck of a job getting your mind to stick to that. It's feasible and I even know it's worth the effort to do such a thing. However, it's not easy. It's not easy to think about rainbows and sunny days when the sky is black. When wind knocks you down. When twisters come and move you out of your intended place. When they wreak havoc in your environment, or when everything is soaked under the downpour of rain.<br />
<br />
So after chatting, I sent my "storm-loving" friend a video of the chaos outside as I knew she would be geeked about it. Shortly thereafter she replied with a passage from Job (36:27-37:24). Now I have read Job, a few times all the way through--might I add.....and I don't recall ever being truly struck by these specific verses. I think maybe because I read this portion as narrated details, and was most likely focusing on one of the overall themes (I'm an ELA teacher for sure) of restoration and faith. My mind also went back to earlier that day, reflecting on my daily Ann Voskamp devotional, which happened to be on the subject of "ugly beauty" (finding the beautiful in the ugly). Coincidence, I think not. God-idence? I think yes. I had just written in my journal on pg. 50, "Lord, help me see the beauty in the ugly." I then found a playlist with storm sounds (who makes such things?!) and listened to claps of thunder, rain, and strong winds while I pondered....."what on earth could be so great about storms." Yes, I know the truth about spiritual storms, but tell that to my flesh (the one I tell to shut up daily). Reading the verses in Job and thinking on my devotional that day struck a cord right then, because hello! we were in the middle of a storm people. The verses are as follows:<br />
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<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">Job 36:27-37:24 </span><span class="passage-display-version" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">New International Version (NIV)</span></span></h1>
<div class="poetry top-05" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="text Job-36-27" id="en-NIV-13764" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">27 </span>“He draws up the drops of water,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13764A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13764A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-36-27" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">which distill as rain to the streams<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-13764a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-13764a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+36%3A27-37%3A24&version=NIV#fen-NIV-13764a" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span>;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13764B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13764B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Job-36-28" id="en-NIV-13765" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">28 </span>the clouds pour down their moisture</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-36-28" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and abundant showers<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13765C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13765C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> fall on mankind.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13765D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13765D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Job-36-29" id="en-NIV-13766" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">29 </span>Who can understand how he spreads out the clouds,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-36-29" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">how he thunders<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13766E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13766E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> from his pavilion?<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13766F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13766F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Job-36-30" id="en-NIV-13767" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">30 </span>See how he scatters his lightning<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13767G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13767G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> about him,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-36-30" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">bathing the depths of the sea.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13767H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13767H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Job-36-31" id="en-NIV-13768" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">31 </span>This is the way he governs<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-13768b" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-13768b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+36%3A27-37%3A24&version=NIV#fen-NIV-13768b" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</span> the nations<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13768I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13768I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-36-31" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and provides food<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13768J" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13768J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> in abundance.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13768K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13768K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Job-36-32" id="en-NIV-13769" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">32 </span>He fills his hands with lightning</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-36-32" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and commands it to strike its mark.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13769L" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13769L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Job-36-33" id="en-NIV-13770" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">33 </span>His thunder announces the coming storm;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13770M" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13770M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-36-33" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">even the cattle make known its approach.<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-13770c" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-13770c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+36%3A27-37%3A24&version=NIV#fen-NIV-13770c" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote c">c</a>]</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13770N" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13770N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span></div>
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<div class="poetry top-05" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="chapter-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Job-37-1" id="en-NIV-13771" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="chapternum" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; bottom: 0.1em; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; left: -3em; line-height: 0.8em; position: absolute;">37 </span>“At this my heart pounds<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13771O" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13771O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-37-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and leaps from its place.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Job-37-2" id="en-NIV-13772" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">2 </span>Listen!<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13772P" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13772P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> Listen to the roar of his voice,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13772Q" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13772Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-37-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">to the rumbling that comes from his mouth.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13772R" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13772R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Job-37-3" id="en-NIV-13773" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">3 </span>He unleashes his lightning<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13773S" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13773S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> beneath the whole heaven</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-37-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and sends it to the ends of the earth.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13773T" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13773T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Job-37-4" id="en-NIV-13774" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">4 </span>After that comes the sound of his roar;</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-37-4" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">he thunders<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13774U" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13774U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> with his majestic voice.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13774V" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13774V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Job-37-4" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">When his voice resounds,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-37-4" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">he holds nothing back.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Job-37-5" id="en-NIV-13775" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">5 </span>God’s voice thunders<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13775W" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13775W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> in marvelous ways;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13775X" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13775X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-37-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">he does great things beyond our understanding.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13775Y" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13775Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Job-37-6" id="en-NIV-13776" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">6 </span>He says to the snow,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13776Z" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13776Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> ‘Fall on the earth,’</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-37-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13776AA" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13776AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Job-37-7" id="en-NIV-13777" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">7 </span>So that everyone he has made may know his work,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13777AB" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13777AB" title="See cross-reference AB">AB</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-37-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">he stops all people from their labor.<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-13777d" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-13777d" title="See footnote d">d</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+36%3A27-37%3A24&version=NIV#fen-NIV-13777d" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote d">d</a>]</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13777AC" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13777AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Job-37-8" id="en-NIV-13778" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">8 </span>The animals take cover;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13778AD" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13778AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-37-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">they remain in their dens.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13778AE" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13778AE" title="See cross-reference AE">AE</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Job-37-9" id="en-NIV-13779" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">9 </span>The tempest comes out from its chamber,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13779AF" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13779AF" title="See cross-reference AF">AF</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-37-9" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">the cold from the driving winds.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13779AG" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13779AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Job-37-10" id="en-NIV-13780" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">10 </span>The breath of God produces ice,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-37-10" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and the broad waters become frozen.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13780AH" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13780AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Job-37-11" id="en-NIV-13781" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">11 </span>He loads the clouds with moisture;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13781AI" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13781AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-37-11" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">he scatters his lightning<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13781AJ" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13781AJ" title="See cross-reference AJ">AJ</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> through them.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13781AK" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13781AK" title="See cross-reference AK">AK</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Job-37-12" id="en-NIV-13782" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">12 </span>At his direction they swirl around</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-37-12" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">over the face of the whole earth</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-37-12" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">to do whatever he commands them.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13782AL" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13782AL" title="See cross-reference AL">AL</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Job-37-13" id="en-NIV-13783" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">13 </span>He brings the clouds to punish people,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13783AM" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13783AM" title="See cross-reference AM">AM</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-37-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">or to water his earth and show his love.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13783AN" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13783AN" title="See cross-reference AN">AN</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="poetry top-05" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="text Job-37-14" id="en-NIV-13784" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">14 </span>“Listen<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13784AO" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13784AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> to this, Job;</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-37-14" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">stop and consider God’s wonders.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13784AP" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13784AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Job-37-15" id="en-NIV-13785" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">15 </span>Do you know how God controls the clouds</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-37-15" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and makes his lightning<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13785AQ" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13785AQ" title="See cross-reference AQ">AQ</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> flash?<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13785AR" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13785AR" title="See cross-reference AR">AR</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Job-37-16" id="en-NIV-13786" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">16 </span>Do you know how the clouds hang poised,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13786AS" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13786AS" title="See cross-reference AS">AS</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-37-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">those wonders of him who has perfect knowledge?<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13786AT" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13786AT" title="See cross-reference AT">AT</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Job-37-17" id="en-NIV-13787" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">17 </span>You who swelter in your clothes</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-37-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">when the land lies hushed under the south wind,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13787AU" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13787AU" title="See cross-reference AU">AU</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Job-37-18" id="en-NIV-13788" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">18 </span>can you join him in spreading out the skies,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13788AV" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13788AV" title="See cross-reference AV">AV</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-37-18" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">hard as a mirror of cast bronze?<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13788AW" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13788AW" title="See cross-reference AW">AW</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span></div>
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<div class="poetry top-05" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="text Job-37-19" id="en-NIV-13789" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">19 </span>“Tell us what we should say to him;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13789AX" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13789AX" title="See cross-reference AX">AX</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-37-19" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">we cannot draw up our case<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13789AY" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13789AY" title="See cross-reference AY">AY</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> because of our darkness.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13789AZ" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13789AZ" title="See cross-reference AZ">AZ</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Job-37-20" id="en-NIV-13790" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">20 </span>Should he be told that I want to speak?</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-37-20" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Would anyone ask to be swallowed up?</span></span><br />
<span class="text Job-37-21" id="en-NIV-13791" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">21 </span>Now no one can look at the sun,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13791BA" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13791BA" title="See cross-reference BA">BA</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-37-21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">bright as it is in the skies</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-37-21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">after the wind has swept them clean.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Job-37-22" id="en-NIV-13792" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">22 </span>Out of the north he comes in golden splendor;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13792BB" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13792BB" title="See cross-reference BB">BB</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-37-22" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">God comes in awesome majesty.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13792BC" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13792BC" title="See cross-reference BC">BC</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Job-37-23" id="en-NIV-13793" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">23 </span>The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13793BD" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13793BD" title="See cross-reference BD">BD</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-37-23" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">in his justice<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13793BE" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13793BE" title="See cross-reference BE">BE</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and great righteousness, he does not oppress.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13793BF" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13793BF" title="See cross-reference BF">BF</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Job-37-24" id="en-NIV-13794" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">24 </span>Therefore, people revere him,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13794BG" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13794BG" title="See cross-reference BG">BG</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Job-37-24" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">for does he not have regard for all the wise<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-13794BH" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13794BH" title="See cross-reference BH">BH</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> in heart?<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-13794e" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-13794e" title="See footnote e">e</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+36%3A27-37%3A24&version=NIV#fen-NIV-13794e" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote e">e</a>]</span>”</span></span></div>
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Now, I feel that many a sermon can be preached in these verses. What struck me is the reminder of God's Sovereignty! HE CONTROLS ALL OF THIS. ALL. From drawing up drops of water to the bold thunder, to WHATEVER HE COMMANDS. Boom! God drops mic, walks off stage. I don't like storms, but as the Word says "are we only to want good from God and not the bad?" (my paraphrase). So, WHATEVER HE COMMANDS, whether we understand it or not---has a purpose. Even if the purpose is solely to show He's God, there's a purpose. Shortly after I pondered these passages (selah), I Googled, read, and pretended to be a college student on a storm-study research project. I searched on the specific benefits of storms. Maybe just maybe there would be something grand about this "ugly beauty" notion. Even though a Google search isn't the end all- be all of info, I still found <b><span style="color: purple;">some interesting facts:</span></b><br />
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1.<b><span style="color: purple;"> Storms act as a lifeguard for man and living creatures</span></b>. Rainfall is a result of thunderstorms and water is the main source of all life. ("abundant showers fall on mankind..." Job 36:28...)<br />
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2. <b><span style="color: purple;">Storms act as an air conditioner for the earth.</span></b> The percentage of heat would greatly increase and be unbearable for living creatures, if not for the cooling of a storm. ("The tempest comes out from its chamber, the cold from the driving winds. The breath of God produces ice, and the broad waters become frozen..." Job 37:9-10)<br />
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3. <b><span style="color: purple;">Lightening in a storm releases nitrates that fertilize the soil</span></b>. Nitrogen is a significant element for farming and is necessary as it's used by plants and vegetation. Lightening also CHANGES nitrogen gas into compounds which aid in the fertility of soil. ("See how He scatters his lightening about him, bathing the depths of the sea. This is the way He governs the nations and provides food in abundance..." Job 36:31)<br />
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4. <b><span style="color: purple;">Thunderstorms remove pollution</span></b>. Storms clean the air and remove pollution from the atmosphere which is why we feel refreshed after a storm. ("He does great things beyond our understanding..." Job 37:5)<br />
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Well...wow. Storm-lovers may know these benefits, but storm-haters like me.....never knew. Yes, these ugly, destructive, inconvenient storms have BENEFITS! Benefits that are necessary just for us to sustain life. As much as I would like to think that the world would be grand if it never rained or stormed, truth is---it wouldn't be. It would seem comfortable, but there would be no growth, no replenishing, no renewing...<br />
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*The same rain that floods and soaks us, is the main source we need to live and we need a great downpour! The storm we don't want to encounter is the same storm that is a <b><span style="color: purple;">lifeguard </span></b>for our Spirit. One that gives us a great downpour of our main source.....Jesus.<br />
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*The storm that drastically drops our temperature to cooling lows, is the same storm that is preventing our earth from overheating. God dropping temps to low, dropping us to our low, is providing relief. Relief from the hot, stale, stagnant places in our spirit. The areas that are in great need of a <b><span style="color: purple;">cooling, </span></b>which slow us down....just enough to put our focus back on Him.<br />
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*The lightening that lights up the sky and strikes down trees and power lines, is the same lightening that <b><span style="color: purple;">provides </span></b>nitrates to the soil. Soil we need to provide vegetation and nourishment. Just another attribute of a storm that is necessary. One that God allows which seems ominous, yet is helping us when we can't comprehend or understand.<br />
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*The dirty, mucky air that we breathe day in and day out, is being cleansed each time a storm comes through? Remarkable. Only God could perform such a thing. While things are sunny, comfortable, and bright we "think" we are breathing <b><span style="color: purple;">freshness</span></b>. We "think" that we are always inhaling the good. However, sometimes there must be a shift. A shift to "cleanse our air" and bring us back to where we need to be...which is to notice His work. His sovereignty, His delicate care of every detail of our lives. Him loving us enough to cause a storm that would cleanse, purify, restore, and grow us.<br />
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<b><span style="color: purple;">"He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth,' and to the rain shower, 'Be a mighty downpour.' So that everyone he has made may know his work, he stops all people from their labor."</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: purple;"> -Job 37:6-7</span></b></div>
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So, would I LOVE for another storm to roll through?.....I wouldn't necessarily choose it. Nonetheless, I will say that I have a greater appreciation for His works and more patience for WHATEVER HE COMMANDS. There's peace in knowing that He orchestrates ALL things. There's growth in knowing that the uncomfortable places, the hurt, the "why do I have to go through this storm" parts are still a part of His plan. We don't have to understand it all, and many times the why and how are what trip us up. Why would he allow the scary, dark, ugly storms? and then once the storms pass you see the benefits that you were blind to all along. I never cared if there was any beauty in the ugly before. I just wanted the beauty to stay and the ugly to go away. I didn't want to wait until it was over. I didn't want to be uncomfortable. I didn't want to "go through." But, I'm learning you must. Storms are going to come whether we want them to or not. No stopping it. No trying to dodge the bad and only accept the good. No changing the sovereignty of God. The huge blessing is that He knows exactly what He's doing, and if it hurts He's got the band-aid ready. Ready to place it on the wound. Ready to restore our spiritual skin after the tear, the scrape, the pain. I love the Message Bible's translation of Job 37:23-24, "It's unthinkable that he'd treat anyone unfairly. So bow to him in deep reverence, one and all! If you're wise, you'll most certainly worship him."</div>
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So, I'm going to trust that the Lord will do what needs to be done. Sometimes that's the storm, sometimes it's sunshine. I'll bow to him in deep reverence because I don't know it all. I don't always know when I need a refresh. I don't know when I'm dry and stagnant, and need a downpour. He knows....and how nice that after the storm or stormS will come a rainbow.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2JQrKAefRew6ALQ-DYjrgW46UefdpAAwxAOogBl-JyuJBzpqufU5MVgoFT6JACdapakiH9DjW7xglVdfiDxQXqpeLh4C_m7RC9wbPuEzGX67ecJcFTDqj_86jedXEQzkCeFEATFPBXYt/s1600/Embrace+storms+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2JQrKAefRew6ALQ-DYjrgW46UefdpAAwxAOogBl-JyuJBzpqufU5MVgoFT6JACdapakiH9DjW7xglVdfiDxQXqpeLh4C_m7RC9wbPuEzGX67ecJcFTDqj_86jedXEQzkCeFEATFPBXYt/s1600/Embrace+storms+(2).jpg" height="320" width="297" /></a></div>
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I think things.....I ponder long.....and I write them down when they fill my head.<br />
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Until next time.........<br />
CraftyMorrison<br />
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<i>*Thank you Jesus, Ann Voskamp, Kristy, and benefitsof.com :)</i><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03198484901164414067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9157221508352331294.post-67548116880911143082014-10-26T18:42:00.001-07:002014-10-26T18:42:52.533-07:00My Favorite Pinterest Truths!<h3>
<b><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><u>Pinterest! </u></span></b></h3>
One of my hobbies is to pin, pin, pin! From crafts to ELA Cafe inspiration, to housewares, to quotes I love to pin! Now, how many times does one actually go back through their boards? Among the thousands of things I've pinned....my Truth board is always one that I love to go through from time to time. Whether I need a God reminder that will lead me to my study time, or a good smack in the face, my Truth board is worth keeping, adding to, and a great one to reflect upon. Here are some of my favorite Pinterest Truths:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvHB7-aImOmBQc_YTN7yhn6FU2G54GGeP5hLBvhK1AacVEQBCc-051AjEonXWNwAD06DcBY15-EPMaiGfBMyTJ7-Ha96-RYo_qWhfWBF-jGWT08MzduJcGTh-GiS0dAuo2ThrZDOLACWZ/s1600/84e48edb5bbff70bbe91a7b1c1d6c851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvHB7-aImOmBQc_YTN7yhn6FU2G54GGeP5hLBvhK1AacVEQBCc-051AjEonXWNwAD06DcBY15-EPMaiGfBMyTJ7-Ha96-RYo_qWhfWBF-jGWT08MzduJcGTh-GiS0dAuo2ThrZDOLACWZ/s1600/84e48edb5bbff70bbe91a7b1c1d6c851.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a></div>
I love this because it's a flesh killer. The opposite of what we would like to do, and a great reminder for myself to zip it when I'm right (maybe I'll be silent for a while.....Ha!) and to be quick to admit when I'm wrong. A constant prayer, join me will you?<br />
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Don't worry? Novel idea. </div>
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What a great realization that most things we worry about don't worry about us. Cast your cares, cast your cares, cast your cares. I know, easier said than done.....1 Peter 5:7.</div>
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Speaks for itself. Thanks Lacrae.</div>
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So, when I find myself weak.....God is my spinach. Yes, I made a Popeye reference, but I too don't always have my daily Spinach. The Joy of the Lord is my strength. </div>
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I'm a teacher, I give my all......at the end of the day I must remember it does not define me. Even when it sucks me dry:)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrClgb-bioPsIlXGCSNmqi4e88A4EIr5DtcWV34U99S2dyXh3P7mXWsku0xXBeT5FayOTFDKP34nU3CDTr7M0-40fAEvxKegHJ7PIgBKy4mk4rH4Av7IYXioT45Xxdk7ARhwhGcxYc5GIr/s1600/fd95aa8c2894af8a6f6b86efca0832d7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrClgb-bioPsIlXGCSNmqi4e88A4EIr5DtcWV34U99S2dyXh3P7mXWsku0xXBeT5FayOTFDKP34nU3CDTr7M0-40fAEvxKegHJ7PIgBKy4mk4rH4Av7IYXioT45Xxdk7ARhwhGcxYc5GIr/s1600/fd95aa8c2894af8a6f6b86efca0832d7.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a>Story of my life. Need this reminder daily. The struggle is real.</div>
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I try to land this point with my students.....someday they will understand :)</div>
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Well, if it was going to be this easy, then we wouldn't need Faith, would we?</div>
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Sometimes it's painful to not comment. Actually, many times it's painful. I'm growing....slowly but surely. Considering I have things to say everyday and don't- means there is progress. Thank you Lord for quieting my messed up mind and mouth. Still a ways to go!</div>
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For when I feel like a failure:) Thank you Jesus! You make all things new:)</div>
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Everyday. All day. Someday.....</div>
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Until next time....</div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>CraftyMorrison</b></span></div>
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#Truth</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03198484901164414067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9157221508352331294.post-67644996347483876832014-08-06T05:14:00.002-07:002015-05-15T05:08:01.978-07:00Mountain out of a Molehill<b><span style="color: purple; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><u>Catching Up</u></span></b><br />
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Ahhh, it's been a while since I last blogged (was it last year?). Somehow "Toya the Teacher" just has not found time during the school year to sit and......write- unless it's comments on an essay; or the mass amount of emails needed to make it through a day at my school.<br />
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And then there was say, my wedding weeks after school ended! Oh yeah! I actually got married this summer to the best guy ever, had a blast in Vegas, and zipped right back to keep working (as teachers are never truly off) in a summer program.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mrs. CraftyMorrison with my Handyman Hubby</i></td></tr>
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Nonetheless, I have managed to take a few moments to chill, enjoy some moments free from the bustle of the school year, and even read (gosh reading used to be more fun, when I had more time). Anyhoo, all of that busy is beginning to calm as my summer gig has ended, I'm settling as a wife (it's been about a month, look at me! lol), and I actually have time to form a thought that doesn't have to go into a report or evaluation.<br />
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Jump to now......<br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b><u>My Molehill</u></b></span><br />
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So, funny story.....it came to my attention that my bank account had been hacked into this past weekend.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOb3Plma3RVWSbjbWaKe1LdPUm9prJf63Gvmbt9zxsHiO_9j49_ljgl6vb3NNNI7pme2da6ZiqL_r_rXVoExf7QR71uHSl-fSkLGP88DWeK-TQ1pKH1mAIyJ791ZKBpXgznxjp2l3MU1oH/s1600/lucy+shocked+face.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOb3Plma3RVWSbjbWaKe1LdPUm9prJf63Gvmbt9zxsHiO_9j49_ljgl6vb3NNNI7pme2da6ZiqL_r_rXVoExf7QR71uHSl-fSkLGP88DWeK-TQ1pKH1mAIyJ791ZKBpXgznxjp2l3MU1oH/s1600/lucy+shocked+face.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How I looked upon discovering this series of unfortunate events...</td></tr>
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Now, before I even form the words to explain the shock of a "creepy McCreepster" taking my funds- I must remind myself and whoever cares to know who CraftyMorrison is. I am the "love to give, love to laugh, creative, innovative, likes to decorate, make life pretty, learn stuff, passionate teacher" who enjoys God, crafting, wine, and cupcakes. I am also the "I freak out about everything, worry wort, control freak, oh-no-you-didn't" type of gal as well. You see how these things don't quite mix? However, if we are all honest with ourselves we all have some stuff in our heart, soul, and mind that Jesus is still working out.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How I wanted to feel.....</td></tr>
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With that said, CraftyMorrison description #2 is who came out when "creepy McCreepster" crept in to my money life. However, I will say I didn't handle the new-found news as bad as I probably would have 5-10 years ago. Then, I was SUCH a worry wart! I attribute that to the start of my 20s, and not having a serious God walk until mid-20s, which I'll tell you changes a whole heck of a lot in your life. So, of course I worried about every little thing and just knew I could fix it (because I'm Toya right?). So, yes old Toya would have curled up into a Zoloft ball and cried her way (literally) to the bank worrying about how this problem was going to get solved. While I am delivered from a good portion of that, I still have remnants of this habit, yet I remained fairly stable.<br />
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A couple days prior to my financial woes (be careful what you ask for, maybe?) God and I had a great talk during my study time. Just like old buddies, I had some Aha moments and some "ooooo I really need to let you work that out of me" moments. I realized that the 'Zoloft ball Toya' was still floating around in there somewhere and I wanted it completely gone. Miles have I come, but in certain instances I saw that resurface and realized- girl you are really not trusting God if you're going to worry about it that much! Snap out of it. So, I told God. I mean He already knew, but it's still good to tell Him. I also had to reference the faith scriptures my husband and I put up around the house weeks prior (an area we just both wanted to grow stronger and be reminded). Funny, how these instances just occurred for no other reasons other than, "Hey! I need to grow some more in that area." So, here I am, talked to God, wanted to be free from the "easily shaken, let me worry about everything, let me prepare for the worst so I won't be blindsided" Toya, had great quiet time, felt all ready to tackle the world- then the weekend hit. Hey, all my money is gone! Huh? What? This has NEVER happened to me before. I'm the girl who checks and checks and checks and checks, watches the 20/20 specials on scams, reads articles to stay ahead of the bad guys of the world.....but yep- it happened to me.<br />
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So, of course I do what any normal human being would do (call bank, file police report, ask 8 billion questions, etc, etc.) but that meanwhile....is a booger. Meanwhile, you still have $0.00 (although you have a great hubby and are so not alone, nor are you living in a box) you still have your personal expenses to take care of with $0.00. Surprisingly, initially I was pretty chill.Thinking, OK- of course this would happen. I also remembered that talk with God. Hey God, remember how I don't like the "easily shaken, let me worry about everything, let me prepare for the worst so I won't be blindsided" Toya? Thanks for the strides I've made, and help me get rid of the rest of it. Thanks God. Tada! (cue The Price is Right game show music) Come on down! Here's your chance Toya! (I felt like He just tapped me on the old shoulder with a "wink and a gun" and a smile- my spiritual imagination). Here's the perfect opportunity to remain in peace, not get frazzled, and let Him work it out:)<br />
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You know, it wasn't the worst thing that could possibly ever happen. I mean there are worse ways to be violated and I am thankful that God allowed me to catch this when I did. Also thankful it's being slowly but surely worked out. However, it still stinks because "I'm Toya, and this stuff doesn't happen to me." I laugh at myself sometimes because years ago, that would have been a thought-out statement (stomps foot, folds arms, and pouts- and somebody better fix it now!). Now, it's more like "seriously, whelp here begins the patience part until it all gets worked out (stomps foot several times, but no folding arms or pouting-some growth).<br />
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Fast-forward to now after initial shock.....<br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b><u>My Mountain</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNc8H6LhoT5pcBog3Gl5ti-n2U_lvJjLaDRfs8Px8HSPWwyEkULaqmiG6Td3W3_8sR4RicJGGz3KG-gZnQ2WandpzB0jqrpeisMM4j8TBdI6oHHrdEbx64-FdxwbmxJThT5kyO_m7jb-Si/s1600/molehill+blog+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNc8H6LhoT5pcBog3Gl5ti-n2U_lvJjLaDRfs8Px8HSPWwyEkULaqmiG6Td3W3_8sR4RicJGGz3KG-gZnQ2WandpzB0jqrpeisMM4j8TBdI6oHHrdEbx64-FdxwbmxJThT5kyO_m7jb-Si/s1600/molehill+blog+photo.jpg" /></a></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>My circumstance checklist...</b></span><br />
*Is it completely fixed? No.<br />
*Is it being worked on? Yes.<br />
*Can I see all the gears moving and working parts of it all? No. (and for a control freak this is frightening!)<br />
*Does that mean nothing is being done? No.<br />
*Is this fun? Are you kidding? No.<br />
*Will it be ok? Yes.<br />
*How do I know? Because I know God and He can work out anything! (refer to Luke 18:27).<br />
*Could it be worse? Yes.<br />
*Am I still thankful? Yes.<br />
*Is it still a bummer? Yes.<br />
*Can I still go on and live day to day and have some peace and joy? Yes.<br />
*Am I furious that sometime decided to use their time to empty my account? Yes.<br />
*Did I pray for them? Yes.<br />
*Did I want to? Heck no.<br />
*Did I keep doing it anyway? Yes.<br />
*Why? (Refer to Matthew 5:44).<br />
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I always have had the habit of trying to see the point/lesson in anything I encounter. Sometimes, it just has to go into the <i>"God I don't understand it"</i> box as the country song goes "God is great, and people are crazy" (My husband loves country, I have no choice but to know songs). So, yes there are times when crazy wins and I have to tuck it away in the <i>don't understand it box</i> and move on. While I have put "creepy McCreepster" in the box; this situation definitely reminded me of some things (and who doesn't need a reminder every once in a while?):<br />
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1. <span style="color: purple;"><b>If you ask God to work something out, know He will.</b></span> He's usually not early, but He's never late. And just because your breakthrough doesn't come in the blink of an eye, doesn't mean He's forgotten about you.<br />
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2.<span style="color: purple;"><b> Go ahead, ask God to help you better yourself.</b></span> Tada! He'll give you plenty of circumstances to practice. This is why people are afraid to pray for patience, because God will conveniently put you in the longest checkout line with a new cashier- he might even throw in a screaming baby behind you (at the exact moment when you needed to make a quick run to the store or have an appointment to catch). NONETHELESS, don't be scared! Ask. Get to the point where you're grateful for the practice and the lessons. As a teacher, I know the last thing my students want is a test. However, I KNOW that giving them that test (whether an informal or formal assessment) is one of the sure-fire ways for them to apply what they have learned. If you don't pass, you either still need to be taught/helped, or weren't putting in your full effort. So, what will I do? Keep working with you and testing you until you get it. Same thing with God, and if you don't want to put in your full effort.....you're only hurting yourself. As I tell my students, it's your grade and your life- I desire to help you, but you have to want it. I would imagine God probably feels the same way.<br />
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3. <span style="color: purple;"><b>No one talks about the meanwhile much, huh?</b></span> You can do all the right things and check them off your cutesy list, and look around to still find a mess. Does that mean you give up and stop having faith? No way! (and I bet you said Jose along with that). The meanwhile is the <i>not fun, this is annoying, I just want this to be fixed, when will this end </i>era. So, no it's not going to be easy to trudge through. I am definitely a person who doesn't like for things to linger, if I can do something about it- I will. And I don't typically wait too long for anyone to step in either- but He's still working with me in that area and on patience. Yes, I have been in that long line with the crying baby and new cashier before....hence asking for patience and you're supposed to have a GOOD attitude too?! Lord help! I digress, but meanwhile you hang. You hang in there, you don't replay your circumstance like a broken record and you put your focus elsewhere (see Phil. 4:8). Did I mention YOU (and I mean myself as well) have to do these things- no fairy dust to do that for you, trust me I checked. It's a constant and consistent effort. A dose of my own medicine as "Teacher Toya" would tell her students, if you would put all that energy into focusing on the right things, you wouldn't have time to stumble on the bad. Well, duh! Seems so much harder outside of the classroom, but feasible nonetheless-hence my blog.<br />
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4.<b><span style="color: purple;"> When it's over, you'll be glad you learned something</span></b>. You may say, "No I won't. Have you any idea what I had to go through? Deal with?" No, I probably don't. However, I do know that every tough circumstance I've had, I've learned something. Mostly about myself and more about God- to me that's a great deal. And if I really think about it, all my lessons carry the same theme: He's bigger and greater, and I need to depend on Him and do what He instructs me to do. Sometimes, He's going to instruct me to, as I tell my classroom of all girls, "Put my big girl panties on and deal with it." Sometimes, He instructs me to wait. Sometimes, He instructs me to go. Sometimes, He instructs me to be what someone else needs. Sometimes, He instructs me to forget the past (see Isaiah 43:18), and just keep swimming like Dory (Finding Nemo, love that movie).<br />
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So, there you have it. This was a pep talk to myself, but if you had an Aha too- awesome sauce! And yes, these are my reflections and reminders that stemmed from "creepy McCreepster" hacking into my account. Be safe people as crazies do unfortunately roam, but know that God is bigger and better than any crazy you'll ever meet. This is m<br />
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y molehill circumstance (as it could very well be worse) that gave me a mountain of lessons :)<br />
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Until next time....<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b>CraftyMorrison</b></span><br />
<i><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>glue guns and God fix all things :)</b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>#lucyfan</b></span></i><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03198484901164414067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9157221508352331294.post-18883638833787544332014-01-05T19:46:00.001-08:002014-01-05T19:46:45.073-08:00The Diary of a Lazy Teacher: Meal PrepSo, in efforts to stay on track with my eating.....meal prep has to happen!<br />
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1. I love food, especially all the foods I DON'T need to eat.<br />
2. Grocery shopping and having to skip the snack/cookie/baking/chip/soda aisles is just a few smiles short of fun.<br />
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So, midway through shopping I thought it was appropriate to snap a shot of my basket void of all the yummy sweetness that I crave...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2YuoLULUv9LrJnTTFIVexZvw4XRKRipldxWHkRYujxUsHnFjuv25Sv-GFaEJryAXx4ZAhyphenhyphenhXHn0m-GZBJKEaxxdBgyWaQ4A8ehrIVfaAbYO6TS6T8ETjx-INmbirt28o8qsvXCgDdHl9/s1600/downloadfile-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2YuoLULUv9LrJnTTFIVexZvw4XRKRipldxWHkRYujxUsHnFjuv25Sv-GFaEJryAXx4ZAhyphenhyphenhXHn0m-GZBJKEaxxdBgyWaQ4A8ehrIVfaAbYO6TS6T8ETjx-INmbirt28o8qsvXCgDdHl9/s1600/downloadfile-3.jpeg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
With a few more items to round out my shopping, it was time to put them together; to avoid having what we have coined in the teachers' lounge as a "paddy meal."<br />
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CraftyGriffin's Back to School Meals (my attempt anyway)....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJh8q-F7jo9WBTwutsHsnvCW6GmcGCXriODu8XlS8WUjQeh7aUa1TAxgMlTYkLsyb8F6By9Gn9_XVqzIMYAOnoTQj1fz-bvWYE0rXro4d4pw-6hVZtQCZyJBf8z9o2g4Qkf-TAmimHgqTi/s1600/downloadfile-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJh8q-F7jo9WBTwutsHsnvCW6GmcGCXriODu8XlS8WUjQeh7aUa1TAxgMlTYkLsyb8F6By9Gn9_XVqzIMYAOnoTQj1fz-bvWYE0rXro4d4pw-6hVZtQCZyJBf8z9o2g4Qkf-TAmimHgqTi/s1600/downloadfile-2.jpeg" height="320" width="180" /></a> So, when you have a fistful of Boston Market chicken left over....you pack it! The mashed potatoes and mac and cheese I wanted are there in spirit. In reality, green beans and fruit will do. By the way, plastic cupcake containers make the BEST fruit containers! They're cute too:)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit76n8badxTEFDR89g1_IPrOVGJsaEx3wi9-8CtJ5ba_2Xb6lQpJuk5mN-oqZQeGTcZZBjy-1SFHyer8vqVX4QZNlUzAwiRlS84TO2ywV88TNLYOjr7wEzaC8rOHAL3vBHQEUdM2Wm-x1G/s1600/20140105_200227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit76n8badxTEFDR89g1_IPrOVGJsaEx3wi9-8CtJ5ba_2Xb6lQpJuk5mN-oqZQeGTcZZBjy-1SFHyer8vqVX4QZNlUzAwiRlS84TO2ywV88TNLYOjr7wEzaC8rOHAL3vBHQEUdM2Wm-x1G/s1600/20140105_200227.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a>A chicken breast (size of my hand), with a side salad in container. Also, along with it I packed my "Passing Period Snacks." </div>
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"I always have time to snack throughout the day!" Said no teacher ever. Hence, the PPS, passing period snack....the one you casually eat at your desk when the bell rings for the glorious 5 min. you have between classes:)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha0cC39PGRwDGR-k0bZG6AnO-u4gKDFuoCG4yQI5ehWD4DkPHAA-z-4XlvCOXVAFd2psapbz5ul2eNZASmDIwHFBWWixPlwi3kAVJxON7oxnzZzuphtAUKu34AqFTu3W0iYJAFtOdNkOJ2/s1600/downloadfile-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha0cC39PGRwDGR-k0bZG6AnO-u4gKDFuoCG4yQI5ehWD4DkPHAA-z-4XlvCOXVAFd2psapbz5ul2eNZASmDIwHFBWWixPlwi3kAVJxON7oxnzZzuphtAUKu34AqFTu3W0iYJAFtOdNkOJ2/s1600/downloadfile-1.jpeg" height="320" width="180" /></a>Spinach turkey wraps and fruit cup</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRd6xTFVJDsLp5DjIZDcKHM7e0gjJXBPyQDOMQuJ7u3vOevAFx5Q5PVrvFpC9e8KRIg8cFthYmcHTRGm548tdUGevp53wwB1kPCDSHGCvHCfcDwFBUipALfl2ZWBHGOWOPWNDeMAdhzinj/s1600/20140105_195942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRd6xTFVJDsLp5DjIZDcKHM7e0gjJXBPyQDOMQuJ7u3vOevAFx5Q5PVrvFpC9e8KRIg8cFthYmcHTRGm548tdUGevp53wwB1kPCDSHGCvHCfcDwFBUipALfl2ZWBHGOWOPWNDeMAdhzinj/s1600/20140105_195942.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a>Chicken breast and green beans</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSz9bvWOQH0RStYd63DvVEn2zmbxl4tcfvxMnRYXw3bgTvcd8LQ3yhlL_NzCiIw6DrLR1Od2o1Q6AsMcjd7JcvnKFZ2rfYYPhTj20ZcEETuLPBUiUwh-MSL0v5WDT5zwjaom7lhhicEVF5/s1600/20140105_190810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSz9bvWOQH0RStYd63DvVEn2zmbxl4tcfvxMnRYXw3bgTvcd8LQ3yhlL_NzCiIw6DrLR1Od2o1Q6AsMcjd7JcvnKFZ2rfYYPhTj20ZcEETuLPBUiUwh-MSL0v5WDT5zwjaom7lhhicEVF5/s1600/20140105_190810.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a>Passing period snack! Not just any apples, HONEYCRISP apples which are the best, hands down. Love them!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qOXpen7BdSgs1_3_tKXkcEyrTuK9bohQ2_7XjqYjBp79Mk-WKkk-Sfu44_XBSpttYTKPgk3iv3rGOqnni6EERugOSImmifRhr2bkwqLFtaQNImeC6-x3gvBBbJt3NXyZaf_fTnJcW6fl/s1600/20140105_200316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qOXpen7BdSgs1_3_tKXkcEyrTuK9bohQ2_7XjqYjBp79Mk-WKkk-Sfu44_XBSpttYTKPgk3iv3rGOqnni6EERugOSImmifRhr2bkwqLFtaQNImeC6-x3gvBBbJt3NXyZaf_fTnJcW6fl/s1600/20140105_200316.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a>Along with setting up my meals, I also prepped my green smoothies. Picky little me, loves green smoothies! This is probably the only way I'll get that much spinach in my system. I usually drink one each morning with breakfast, or as breakfast. However, when I'm in a frantic teacher rush, sometimes they don't get made. So, I pre-made them this time (mason jars are the best for this!), and they're cute, yet again. Couple ice cubes, TONS of spinach, 1 banana, 4 strawberries and blend, blend, blend. Yum! Now, I can grab and go.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgub8n34gTU_lxSu9JP9IIRYtoGZ76EGE7Xpp-xrkzYm1qnldrASvhdmf4MWZka5J8muBap9K5rrP-UQUsqx1cqdfr7cyX3Hce5TWku9gOKGudJqkQiDG8IcRU88Wv-SUbnRcXk_eHGxraW/s1600/20140105_200646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgub8n34gTU_lxSu9JP9IIRYtoGZ76EGE7Xpp-xrkzYm1qnldrASvhdmf4MWZka5J8muBap9K5rrP-UQUsqx1cqdfr7cyX3Hce5TWku9gOKGudJqkQiDG8IcRU88Wv-SUbnRcXk_eHGxraW/s1600/20140105_200646.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a>Ta da! Lunch for the week. Not sure which one I'll take each day. Most likely I will treat my prepped meals like clothes. Whatever I feel like wearing that day gets worn (and sometimes my mind changes a couple of times). Nontheless, I have to admit mornings are much better when things are prepped:) Plus, I know that I'm getting a decent lunch each day. Here's to finding more healthy stuff to eat and planning ahead.</div>
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Proverbs 21:5 (NLT)- "Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty."</div>
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Until next time...</div>
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@craftygriffin</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03198484901164414067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9157221508352331294.post-67164721808933982012014-01-04T20:13:00.002-08:002014-01-04T20:13:55.825-08:00Back to Blogging!<h3>
<b><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hiatus....more like a sabbatical!</span></b></h3>
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It's been a while since I last made a post. More like 5 or 6 months ago. With the start of a new school year, I guess I found myself too busy to blog! I kind of miss it, so I'm back in the saddle. Still an amatuer, but found it fun to do during my "30 before 30" challenge. So, my break time has included teaching, teaching, bits of wedding planning, teaching, pinning about teaching, pinning about weddings, and teaching! </div>
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Recently, I've packed up and relocated my classroom as my school has grown and moved into a larger building. I was not looking forward to the packing because I have TOO MUCH STUFF! I am definitely a teacher with hoarder tendancies, and my students sometimes recommend a teacher edition of the show just for me. I feel that I have a classroom at home and at school. You never know when you might need a thing or at least repurpose it, right?</div>
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Nonetheless, I consolidated, threw away things, and still ended up with 17 boxes to move. Luckily, I didn't have to actually move a thing:) I love new spaces because it's like beginning fresh. I like starting anew, and what teacher doesn't need a refresher ever so often? So, the old ELA cafe has been revamped a bit to fit the new space. A little "Trading Spaces" episode (remember that show?) of my own. Take a peek...</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">BEFORE</span> unpacking...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9YLAfHU6HY7AbsBDPjdq6uOdHvZgR7n_JI0Jbhs4Vf4zsLyT8k8st5dtYd6LWqZ32XNV0seZFGxoWuf1uhEbkse5zOjQ4eys3sHezRUMB-CYfP99wa0HpRfG6vMctNDAvJUnPnyH6aGO/s1600/20140102_103715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9YLAfHU6HY7AbsBDPjdq6uOdHvZgR7n_JI0Jbhs4Vf4zsLyT8k8st5dtYd6LWqZ32XNV0seZFGxoWuf1uhEbkse5zOjQ4eys3sHezRUMB-CYfP99wa0HpRfG6vMctNDAvJUnPnyH6aGO/s320/20140102_103715.jpg" width="180" /></a>Stuff</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-di1zvhks3zkqzPsFIZlF-qPrCXoLEe6QQpnNkMRUGbd_gK7UGaYGX2tpVJC1OX939-31FncqaMr5KYd3RPGlufwQWc476BM7-kIOnmQy5LWeidGNXaL4R08y1aW3VGNdzTwbj3B5NtDG/s1600/20140102_103749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-di1zvhks3zkqzPsFIZlF-qPrCXoLEe6QQpnNkMRUGbd_gK7UGaYGX2tpVJC1OX939-31FncqaMr5KYd3RPGlufwQWc476BM7-kIOnmQy5LWeidGNXaL4R08y1aW3VGNdzTwbj3B5NtDG/s320/20140102_103749.jpg" width="180" /></a>More stuff...</div>
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Even more...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB394ipifCjqK7LsrLJs2u8gn9QsFDlSVaOerUtKQT8tfi2EbRkZeumn5RawzrSWpD-n-63KYgOgEfMtUEvXRltnhO3-LzR08SAmyLBiky89IzyXw2iVV7afMHbb_Vlk7ydyhEFBN9FBmc/s1600/20140102_111931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB394ipifCjqK7LsrLJs2u8gn9QsFDlSVaOerUtKQT8tfi2EbRkZeumn5RawzrSWpD-n-63KYgOgEfMtUEvXRltnhO3-LzR08SAmyLBiky89IzyXw2iVV7afMHbb_Vlk7ydyhEFBN9FBmc/s320/20140102_111931.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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Blank canvas 1<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDJzoW3HsHP_Ep_-Is9YgtdWKRoSmZhrx6atBaPe7EE9eVAeIFhWYY7-tOs_mH4mzDbhnv74nCqGgpK8XRPxJOkbK4g5o4iqTQ8J-BxSOKPrwrWyJGihOrPaYNNAjORywFi5YvL7eTjEi/s1600/20140102_111947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDJzoW3HsHP_Ep_-Is9YgtdWKRoSmZhrx6atBaPe7EE9eVAeIFhWYY7-tOs_mH4mzDbhnv74nCqGgpK8XRPxJOkbK4g5o4iqTQ8J-BxSOKPrwrWyJGihOrPaYNNAjORywFi5YvL7eTjEi/s320/20140102_111947.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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Blank canvas 2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSoCSStSz2WIv3d-rKq5dp-zAPO42Mwbz5k1o0vjCPzpw2dknW-SLgYWYpJOEsoRGL5hjB4vmmAGpIjA9K8piVu4KJcUs2GOzTvzKuaTTMCNX7VADgtNjRjyVefeloAkzf1egIrlPn5Dzn/s1600/20140102_111940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSoCSStSz2WIv3d-rKq5dp-zAPO42Mwbz5k1o0vjCPzpw2dknW-SLgYWYpJOEsoRGL5hjB4vmmAGpIjA9K8piVu4KJcUs2GOzTvzKuaTTMCNX7VADgtNjRjyVefeloAkzf1egIrlPn5Dzn/s320/20140102_111940.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXBSRHfaoMbb6SVdi3Zy6KCrqh7npyxBoOqUme3heC2SEvLubQHh12mfM1Lo57nTG5mG46aJybPnw_XQkU9xr0YZrHJn4OyjE46KaUdU6SJmmkEtF0_BSCSsWXX0VBlP3wjf5aCp9f965/s1600/20140102_103802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXBSRHfaoMbb6SVdi3Zy6KCrqh7npyxBoOqUme3heC2SEvLubQHh12mfM1Lo57nTG5mG46aJybPnw_XQkU9xr0YZrHJn4OyjE46KaUdU6SJmmkEtF0_BSCSsWXX0VBlP3wjf5aCp9f965/s320/20140102_103802.jpg" width="180" /></a>My boxes to sift through...<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red;">AFTER</span> unpacking.....</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiav1eYgaLOT6xNLCvFE6Yb7M3PWN0zcIk2fZJ2c0PeLNYMOnhPbj_7E4ZJBVDjGh_jtTX-QDmVKO6yJAWImMwJn5DhRKVgjQ0NXLOv5iR-BDqT5oPwVNJclmtlHf-nhN8TO2JpZkMbIEBS/s1600/IMG_20140104_060250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiav1eYgaLOT6xNLCvFE6Yb7M3PWN0zcIk2fZJ2c0PeLNYMOnhPbj_7E4ZJBVDjGh_jtTX-QDmVKO6yJAWImMwJn5DhRKVgjQ0NXLOv5iR-BDqT5oPwVNJclmtlHf-nhN8TO2JpZkMbIEBS/s320/IMG_20140104_060250.jpg" width="180" /></a>Love the "gem" shaped desks, but arranging was tricky...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2sGtILFMrBn9e9Vx9KsDbRK-Sjl0z-pG8RVuq-enIiUnbEWUNBN1-ZPlu30SwDtRBvezpWFFXVoSFZDRLD6kDqfeuOrtmWkyGfo-fgzKFls4fbctrzRewVsmCXzfrXHqOtw_QpAIHXp-/s1600/IMG_20140104_060204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2sGtILFMrBn9e9Vx9KsDbRK-Sjl0z-pG8RVuq-enIiUnbEWUNBN1-ZPlu30SwDtRBvezpWFFXVoSFZDRLD6kDqfeuOrtmWkyGfo-fgzKFls4fbctrzRewVsmCXzfrXHqOtw_QpAIHXp-/s320/IMG_20140104_060204.jpg" width="180" /></a>My <span style="color: purple;"><b>"Taste of Wisdom"</b></span> wall. Afterall, my room is a cafe, but these will also serve as great starters for expository writing. I heart quotes!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPOuv56gIR431i1d_eSDKLXqF4pCSSun4Qk0t62MdfUUPIUFBC1OFzr6H3EnRiS7WyN5kYE0J9Y2wroXQTKdwHV-VUQz8RFFSG0T5IxczJBJpgeCX0ZnD1emr1kpj1jqGY7OiB9aL0d_E/s1600/IMG_20140104_060033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPOuv56gIR431i1d_eSDKLXqF4pCSSun4Qk0t62MdfUUPIUFBC1OFzr6H3EnRiS7WyN5kYE0J9Y2wroXQTKdwHV-VUQz8RFFSG0T5IxczJBJpgeCX0ZnD1emr1kpj1jqGY7OiB9aL0d_E/s320/IMG_20140104_060033.jpg" width="320" /></a> ELA Cafe's,<span style="color: purple;"><b> Cafe Chill </b></span>area. I was able to expand a bit in this new space. This is a privileged area, and my students know it. However, sometimes it's a great place for those "I don't know what to write, can't think of anything, how long does it have to be" kiddos. One time here, and amazingly, we want to work! Shocking! (insert sarcasm here). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMnV3KQwur4yprZflQEohmmkopb8q1HbvBEuuecmad53NPJ8n6p5B7YaXzGGhWo6ewNrTdaN-CvTUnjphf-ETOcvs3lA9XLjRgA0HmX1oLu6uo9ovx2wZxLjohvtSJDO7j14KND-JYrwv/s1600/IMG_20140104_055942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMnV3KQwur4yprZflQEohmmkopb8q1HbvBEuuecmad53NPJ8n6p5B7YaXzGGhWo6ewNrTdaN-CvTUnjphf-ETOcvs3lA9XLjRgA0HmX1oLu6uo9ovx2wZxLjohvtSJDO7j14KND-JYrwv/s320/IMG_20140104_055942.jpg" width="320" /></a>If you look closely, yes I was watching "I Love Lucy" episodes on my smart board while working. A little Lucy never hurts:)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_SgzyZ_ssVKfLP6PRyfbjaAvX2Wuw07ZkPC0vCnHFZUtwBmX6E9cpTlMRd8q8w-XZvTozh30hwx5Pij24v5EPyQoSXJzZHAlFtIv56WPa04ruwH1lewbT2kYi9KYVfVrlmiZ-D-_b_du/s1600/IMG_20140104_055805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_SgzyZ_ssVKfLP6PRyfbjaAvX2Wuw07ZkPC0vCnHFZUtwBmX6E9cpTlMRd8q8w-XZvTozh30hwx5Pij24v5EPyQoSXJzZHAlFtIv56WPa04ruwH1lewbT2kYi9KYVfVrlmiZ-D-_b_du/s320/IMG_20140104_055805.jpg" width="180" /></a>Homework and Objectives board, better known as my <span style="color: purple;"><b>"ToGo" and "Now Serving"</b></span> board. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKNQ-7JmH31XarxiVvOdkWPEFTy4txzU4wXZF_zgrnemoWkeLY_exS8quL99LiSFN15ZDDIvA0kuecpthx7H9OIMBi5FHxv9Q-cdZbX9G8gW7yJW_bIuc1Pq6_N1Csin2cSeKUY0qgkp2/s1600/IMG_20140104_055728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKNQ-7JmH31XarxiVvOdkWPEFTy4txzU4wXZF_zgrnemoWkeLY_exS8quL99LiSFN15ZDDIvA0kuecpthx7H9OIMBi5FHxv9Q-cdZbX9G8gW7yJW_bIuc1Pq6_N1Csin2cSeKUY0qgkp2/s320/IMG_20140104_055728.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: purple;"><b>My rules, and Language Lattes </b></span>(synonym word wall (for when students need a better word when writing).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-F3sylyGaVq_oR8M1MZbisSMr6mu0WJm2CD-Ap7uHZ2clRoM27OFE7D-Mh3ozwzngYHMmxE0LdsTwFn2dbVAmNY5GlyRZvKe9PiTj7H6iOwcWp6q7Jtw36hjtkZSTCittP0OzlfoTCdKu/s1600/IMG_20140104_055655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-F3sylyGaVq_oR8M1MZbisSMr6mu0WJm2CD-Ap7uHZ2clRoM27OFE7D-Mh3ozwzngYHMmxE0LdsTwFn2dbVAmNY5GlyRZvKe9PiTj7H6iOwcWp6q7Jtw36hjtkZSTCittP0OzlfoTCdKu/s320/IMG_20140104_055655.jpg" width="320" /></a>I had 3 extra desks I didn't really need, so the<span style="color: purple;"><b> "Study Bar" </b></span>was born as an extension of Cafe Chill.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitylzjuSX6YAaP3_-1l8H9T8to-V-E9Ut8FbLDpNOoIY8KNKiKyVzcs8c9sJd6VSAIt8ZgY6Q6qLN9mxIas10MOPaeBru1S2fr8ZQl2OIIR_3Zc_alrlTCXeA92HldYCa9wkjNa5LQ9his/s1600/IMG_20140104_055625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitylzjuSX6YAaP3_-1l8H9T8to-V-E9Ut8FbLDpNOoIY8KNKiKyVzcs8c9sJd6VSAIt8ZgY6Q6qLN9mxIas10MOPaeBru1S2fr8ZQl2OIIR_3Zc_alrlTCXeA92HldYCa9wkjNa5LQ9his/s320/IMG_20140104_055625.jpg" width="180" /></a><span style="color: purple;"><b>Open</b></span> for business:)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlIuOO-5tT0MVfw1dxDS_gKBmeV-AbTyWETt4jDbWqPc2TYylzjkqHLhGm0ouiUQjQt-M4WEiPlwXE_tDWq7zqnFapRz1Qe5Lq_vuzE4p172oQnOugP9O9sEYjGA6C7OmUghuzHFfrm1gr/s1600/IMG_20140104_055522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlIuOO-5tT0MVfw1dxDS_gKBmeV-AbTyWETt4jDbWqPc2TYylzjkqHLhGm0ouiUQjQt-M4WEiPlwXE_tDWq7zqnFapRz1Qe5Lq_vuzE4p172oQnOugP9O9sEYjGA6C7OmUghuzHFfrm1gr/s320/IMG_20140104_055522.jpg" width="320" /></a><b><span style="color: purple;">Daily Menu board and reminders.</span> </b>The whisk one of my students gave me for Christmas (We "whisk" you a Merry Christmas) came in handy:)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbE6lAWUjbYwx18JvGteAXvs16Otu_rhBYMW4b8GlAm7_HD9KdDPNagvDwbyku7EKMq91wB21a5pWj5sjo46Vhjl7Rh58LTsnMXNVF8Zf57HfjZ_K4RDLAWiJeZKS7Yt1n4hjYucGy2B7x/s1600/IMG_20140104_074546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: purple;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbE6lAWUjbYwx18JvGteAXvs16Otu_rhBYMW4b8GlAm7_HD9KdDPNagvDwbyku7EKMq91wB21a5pWj5sjo46Vhjl7Rh58LTsnMXNVF8Zf57HfjZ_K4RDLAWiJeZKS7Yt1n4hjYucGy2B7x/s640/IMG_20140104_074546.jpg" width="388" /></span></a></div>
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It may seem crazy to transition this way mid-year, but that's when you<b> <span style="color: purple;">"Count it all joy" (James 1:2-3).</span> </b>Now that all is done, it's nice to have a bit more elbow room. Time to keep on, teaching on!</div>
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Until next time....</div>
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@craftygriffin</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03198484901164414067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9157221508352331294.post-6252066738808635102013-07-23T05:23:00.000-07:002015-01-24T18:46:15.984-08:0030before30 ends....and 30 begins!The ending days of my 30before30 (since my last post) have been eventful, momentous, life-changing, and blessed! Starting out on this journey to 30 was initially a task full of "new things" and a brush up on the old. Now, in its end it has been a great time of reflection, evaluation, and fun. I grew more spiritually, emotionally, and became much more productive than usual. I also learned/reflected/incorporated the following into my life in the process:<br />
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*Surrounding myself with good people/with good goals/for good causes</div>
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*Doing the hard stuff because the hard stuff is the good stuff</div>
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*Dotting my i's and crossing ALL of my t's</div>
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*Going from "Meh" to "YEAH!!"</div>
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*Staying sane while the world goes crazy</div>
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*Being more aware and helping others, so I can help myself!</div>
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*Aspiring to go from good, to better, to best in ALL things!</div>
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*Taking the butt kicking that comes with the journey!</div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">*Getting Inspired!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">*Counting it all joy and staying on track!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">*Being thankful on purpose!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">*Taking the time to LOOK!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">*Going to keep swimming to see the bigger picture!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGE_35fRHk_NCMi9YyiiRpsch87fycsF9Oxqb41oB4MyKFTF0a8k4mbsxK3jy3IsAvMlOTEtWOj5Nx5zu0yKu8W1akrlRfh3IpLFMvhQhiIPP1patZAJedW1h-bskJ47t5GQZot5OM8h7/s1600/lucy+quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGE_35fRHk_NCMi9YyiiRpsch87fycsF9Oxqb41oB4MyKFTF0a8k4mbsxK3jy3IsAvMlOTEtWOj5Nx5zu0yKu8W1akrlRfh3IpLFMvhQhiIPP1patZAJedW1h-bskJ47t5GQZot5OM8h7/s400/lucy+quote.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a><span style="color: #444444;">All of my revelations and epiphanies from post to post. Each embodied a different area of growth for me. One of the most important things I noticed is that my 30before30 doesn't end here. I've tapped into many areas that are keepers!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">*I exercised more and it was fierce. I am embracing my inner Crossfit! (I will SO continue this, does a body good).</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">*I increased my water intake.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">*I became a weekly volunteer.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">*I met new people.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">*I studied and read more.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">*Deepened my conversations and prayer with God.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">*I started this blog.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">*I did more of what I loved to do. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">*I gave of my time.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">* I completed more acts of kindness.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">*I loved more.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">*I tried more.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">*I did more.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">*I received more for myself.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">*I was and am blessed!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">With all of those great tasks accomplished, I felt that this period of time was a success and that I couldn't have asked for anything more....then, this weekend I realized that tremendous blessings were still coming my way. My family and friends threw me a wonderful 30th surprise bday party. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKYUkN-ws5SUy_9bJLs4jCvvxcMwNtcwEOWs_DHsrzpn2kw90kmpyKId_-kJDWteH4l-8-XkLrpbKsFKe2fzbhtbikK9DEHQGs2kcpyAhSkJUPcrUiG8oSFKpql3d9Uz5YL4PUUDejzdy/s1600/I-Love-Lucy-Poster-Card-C10204698.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKYUkN-ws5SUy_9bJLs4jCvvxcMwNtcwEOWs_DHsrzpn2kw90kmpyKId_-kJDWteH4l-8-XkLrpbKsFKe2fzbhtbikK9DEHQGs2kcpyAhSkJUPcrUiG8oSFKpql3d9Uz5YL4PUUDejzdy/s320/I-Love-Lucy-Poster-Card-C10204698.jpeg" height="320" width="251" /></a></span></div>
<span style="color: #444444;">Thanks to my sister and best friend for planning such a great party, thanks to my best friend for her award winning lies to get me there, and thanks to my beau who helped plan and bring even more surprises! It was "I Love Lucy" themed, as I am one of the biggest Lucille Ball fans there is. So....here are a few pics of my day (more to come later):</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQp8tckE96_PIYVAnOeve2w5kNIxwONYM4PPi7LLtQoaXbmbTXnOBHA4OGxvBwGbewSHDAVnlPxla-R7eLpxk8GDFS-eBDpCAagGTx7PG7M6E3pbBI-VAHKW7UCCnwpBRbRMdYDTIGcvrK/s1600/invite+30th+lucy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQp8tckE96_PIYVAnOeve2w5kNIxwONYM4PPi7LLtQoaXbmbTXnOBHA4OGxvBwGbewSHDAVnlPxla-R7eLpxk8GDFS-eBDpCAagGTx7PG7M6E3pbBI-VAHKW7UCCnwpBRbRMdYDTIGcvrK/s400/invite+30th+lucy.jpg" height="400" width="226" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My invitation (of course I didn't know about it at the time).</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8upoDkTTs0SXCID7JB0lsavSkmSNhU9TqxptKsr9YjaUvEJ51I0jxlrWo9xJGSwX7z8evzZri6AlNkMRZA8IjRmXO1Wn84zyFj4dc9lpoBTpnvvWkJijlrFOw9kxHbKz1r7l5VUNHNLd/s1600/lucy+bday+30th+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8upoDkTTs0SXCID7JB0lsavSkmSNhU9TqxptKsr9YjaUvEJ51I0jxlrWo9xJGSwX7z8evzZri6AlNkMRZA8IjRmXO1Wn84zyFj4dc9lpoBTpnvvWkJijlrFOw9kxHbKz1r7l5VUNHNLd/s400/lucy+bday+30th+cake.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My AWESOME "I Love Lucy" cake!</span></div>
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The tiers were red velvet (my favorite) and vanilla. YUM!!! </div>
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Made by Sinsational Cakes by YaYa (so good it's a sin)</div>
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Best bakery I know!</div>
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Check them out! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sinsational-Cakes-by-YaYa/306338970035">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sinsational-Cakes-by-YaYa/306338970035</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTl2JIx678xAuZVYhYl2TNzGVREq1wUtV_mAqfQeAoU8Hv8utwKBYvahO5ktjpD6El-v-r608-no-UUDymQfyKQc0MvVNy0uqKDEvrVTt3u7TD5r-6SSQB0YMJSCFDS6E-pp7uSdHFDJNS/s1600/favors+for+party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTl2JIx678xAuZVYhYl2TNzGVREq1wUtV_mAqfQeAoU8Hv8utwKBYvahO5ktjpD6El-v-r608-no-UUDymQfyKQc0MvVNy0uqKDEvrVTt3u7TD5r-6SSQB0YMJSCFDS6E-pp7uSdHFDJNS/s400/favors+for+party.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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These were part of the favors for the guests. Heart candies inside, my sister came up with this one!</div>
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Cutest little vintage TVs, along with some personalized bubbly.</div>
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It was great seeing everyone, being surprised, and getting a great push into my 30s! However, I was completely unaware that my 30th birthday would also spark an even bigger life change; other than my 30before30 journey...</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My wonderful beau, best friend, awesome guy decided to.....PROPOSE!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPs3xW7-4PtPj9aVHYzk3McqKW1S-YakGJlcaNzckGk_3-lUVLqwcvpj7wnHL_XvXVFrd3uSdEjIj0zu9WhjHy1ltHCnYrR52U7TYOuFYqe9tLplREAHzTwB-o9k69T8QQSSwzw33sWiQ/s1600/ring+picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPs3xW7-4PtPj9aVHYzk3McqKW1S-YakGJlcaNzckGk_3-lUVLqwcvpj7wnHL_XvXVFrd3uSdEjIj0zu9WhjHy1ltHCnYrR52U7TYOuFYqe9tLplREAHzTwB-o9k69T8QQSSwzw33sWiQ/s400/ring+picture.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My utter shock, surprise and ring!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHChhLQKBQwN7KwUCs6r_FFhCi-t9sQwpefq_ccgxYdPq5hOtLJaFOyFFQwFr2wiF2sCiPT5dmOsG4SB0G1IeBi60_wEx5PbaDYv42idKxp6mUysDu0P1v_o3SMEKJwKmSXmE0qEoz9pmV/s1600/engagement+pics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHChhLQKBQwN7KwUCs6r_FFhCi-t9sQwpefq_ccgxYdPq5hOtLJaFOyFFQwFr2wiF2sCiPT5dmOsG4SB0G1IeBi60_wEx5PbaDYv42idKxp6mUysDu0P1v_o3SMEKJwKmSXmE0qEoz9pmV/s400/engagement+pics.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">More utter shock, surprise, ring, and love!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0O4ESSz9_mkEC35L9dvFOysoIgejTtBHcKgl4zs6_DHSoseasQcpdDB-7o2hLSo0QKp3Zrs2XW6vRquAG5Oc86qdPZ4XyROj8FxbPtFCkDovWZ0floyBz3UZZu-ETcY89hTfDkJEtNP71/s1600/Team+Morrison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0O4ESSz9_mkEC35L9dvFOysoIgejTtBHcKgl4zs6_DHSoseasQcpdDB-7o2hLSo0QKp3Zrs2XW6vRquAG5Oc86qdPZ4XyROj8FxbPtFCkDovWZ0floyBz3UZZu-ETcY89hTfDkJEtNP71/s400/Team+Morrison.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love this man! and he made my birthday even more special!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, my ULTIMATE take away 30 days later....</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;"><i>There is always, Always, ALWAYS, <u>ALWAYS</u>, something to be thankful for and when blessings arise; embrace them. Take them in, remember Who allows them to enter your life, and cherish them to the utmost.</i></span></b></blockquote>
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<b>Here I was, so thankful for my day to day blessings, not knowing there was a greater blessing waiting for me. What a great way to end 29 and begin 30! Here's to the next chapter in my life.....</b></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><b>MRS. CraftyMorrison!</b></span></div>
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Another day in the books. "30before30" ends...and 30 begins!</div>
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*Surrounding myself with good people/with good goals/for good causes</div>
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*Doing the hard stuff because the hard stuff is the good stuff</div>
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*Dotting my i's and crossing ALL of my t's</div>
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*Going from "Meh" to "YEAH!!"</div>
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*Staying sane while the world goes crazy</div>
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*Being more aware and helping others, so I can help myself!</div>
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*Aspiring to go from good, to better, to best in ALL things!</div>
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*Taking the butt kicking that comes with the journey!</div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">*Getting Inspired!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">*Counting it all joy and staying on track!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">*Being thankful on purpose!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">*Taking the time to LOOK!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">*Going to keep swimming to see the bigger picture!</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b>*Cherishing my blessings!</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b>*Beginning 30!</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b>*Experiencing NEW chapters!</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b>*Continuing to be thankful!</b></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03198484901164414067noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9157221508352331294.post-62569447869598568822013-07-17T18:59:00.004-07:002013-07-17T18:59:59.766-07:00Day 24-26: Just Keep Swimming....Just Keep Swimming...to the Bigger Picture<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Today is day 26 of my 30before30! </span></b>Seems like an eternity from day 1, but I am still going. The past few days have been filled with relaxation and giving of my time. Yesterday, I volunteered and continue to enjoy working and helping others each week. I'm getting better with the numerous tasks of an intake volunteer, and getting to interact with the community has been fun. One of the highlights of my day yesterday was talking to a client (who was in need of food assistance) about Lucille Ball. While discussing her file, I noticed she had an "I Love Lucy" purse. Such a small thing that made me realize something even bigger. As much as we are all different and have different struggles.....WE'RE SO THE SAME!<br />
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We had totally different backgrounds, circumstances, and experiences...but we both LOVE LUCY. After a while, I forgot about her struggles to feed her family, needing services, etc. We were just able to gab about Lucille Ball and how this 1950s comedy was the best thing since sliced bread. As my shift of helping out ended, I realized how thankful I was that I stepped into this venture. It's great to feel productive and at the same time, be in an environment where nothing matters but genuine help and kindness. That conversation with her was a fun one, and seeing what others are going through each week...just reminds me to keep swimming. Meaning, keep doing what matters most. There are days that we (myself included) go through the motions, and while intentions are good; we can sometimes lose sight of WHY we're really doing what we're doing.<br />
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I initially found this opportunity for myself. I wanted to incorporate more volunteerism, more giving of my time, more stepping outside of myself into my life. Great intentions, but once the work starts it's easy to get wrapped up into "what needs to get done." Pull a file, review info, ask what services are needed, etc. However, taking the time to talk, listen, and even find moments of similarity while helping....that's why I'll continue.<br />
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Along with giving time, I also continued to workout! Oh, it's SO hard. And I have decided that's it's hard because:<br />
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-It's a process that take TIME<br />
-It hurts<br />
-It's continuous<br />
-Requires discipline<br />
-Makes you kill your flesh and sacrifice<br />
-Slacking takes you back 10 steps<br />
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Then, I was reminded that anything worth doing is all of the above. If it was easy, then everyone would do it, right? So, I will keep swimming in my 4 days to go of my 30before30 and thereafter. I literally kept yelling Philippians 4:13 today as I trudged through my crossfit workout. I had nothing left after only 3 rounds, and I was seconds away from collapsing into exhaustion. Today's workout called for pull-ups. I had my pull-up bar in place and went for the 10 pull-ups x5 with all the gusto I had in me. Needless to say, I stopped at #2 and thought "I really have to pull MYSELF up? Seriously?!" Of course the answer was yes, as my "Momma Crossfit" schedule reminded me of my WOD (workout of the day). So, I tried my best again, seeming to only get maybe an inch or two off the ground. With each round, I got a teensy bit better. Throughout though, I contemplated....well if I weighed less, maybe this would be easier...I won't be able to finish...what was I thinking. But, I kept yelling Philippians which after round 4 just became a "4:13" mumble due to the exhaustion.<br />
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However, I made it!! I made it through, sweaty, tired, laid flat out on the floor...but I made it. I began this journey agreeing to do the hard stuff (previous posts) and through the hard stuff you HAVE TO KEEP SWIMMING. Today, I didn't want to, but I pushed through. I appreciated it afterward and the soreness I'm feeling as I currently type is the best pain ever! <b><span style="color: blue;">You feel good anytime you:</span></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIOrLzA_CBFCYKvRikomzxtamSa-vlU_Id-pj02Ue54T4uIbdNYyABEyLGSL77LoHDsyI7X7Yx1IwrlENLE6dWDIVMw7mxtuCe5lg_uQGt2b-HuiiQGIpgHH2kmjWvEP569WvuXKwaFG3/s1600/strong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIOrLzA_CBFCYKvRikomzxtamSa-vlU_Id-pj02Ue54T4uIbdNYyABEyLGSL77LoHDsyI7X7Yx1IwrlENLE6dWDIVMw7mxtuCe5lg_uQGt2b-HuiiQGIpgHH2kmjWvEP569WvuXKwaFG3/s1600/strong.jpg" /></a><br />
-Go through the process and take the TIME<br />
-Feel the hurt when necessary<br />
-Continue the continuous process<br />
-Require discipline of and in yourself<br />
-Kill your flesh and make the sacrifice<br />
-Not slack and refuse to go back 10 steps<br />
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Now, this isn't easy to stick to, but it is NECESSARY. So, today was my "Keep Swimming" day. When you keep swimming, you're able to continue, go to the depths necessary to see the bigger picture. I was reminded thus far this week, that I share similarities with a diverse group of others; and that finishing/continuing something is sometimes all that is needed to succeed. Reminders are always needed and great to have from time to time. My ultimate reminder today:<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming, swimming, swimming!</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJh8-TXYjrZ_DyeVsfGoSxabdjSzKntI6ykcgr4CW21KKdgp2i4zvlZGm58ijd9v0I_h7_wCBFhN6KIgSK3le8QCun8Bw9tc354WhNO54S8mFO7PErJMB2xZxWDa6TZokcz3YP8k4QagO2/s1600/Just+Keep+Swimming.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJh8-TXYjrZ_DyeVsfGoSxabdjSzKntI6ykcgr4CW21KKdgp2i4zvlZGm58ijd9v0I_h7_wCBFhN6KIgSK3le8QCun8Bw9tc354WhNO54S8mFO7PErJMB2xZxWDa6TZokcz3YP8k4QagO2/s400/Just+Keep+Swimming.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Another day in the books. "30before30"</div>
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*Surrounding myself with good people/with good goals/for good causes</div>
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*Doing the hard stuff because the hard stuff is the good stuff</div>
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*Dotting my i's and crossing ALL of my t's</div>
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*Going from "Meh" to "YEAH!!"</div>
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*Staying sane while the world goes crazy</div>
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*Being more aware and helping others, so I can help myself!</div>
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*Aspiring to go from good, to better, to best in ALL things!</div>
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*Taking the butt kicking that comes with the journey!</div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">*Getting Inspired!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">*Counting it all joy and staying on track!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">*Being thankful on purpose!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">*Taking the time to LOOK!</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>*Going to keep swimming to see the bigger picture!</b></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03198484901164414067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9157221508352331294.post-37672835796239944452013-07-14T21:26:00.004-07:002013-07-14T21:26:48.048-07:00Day 21-23: Gifts and PsalmsThis weekend was a great one, filled with projects/DIY/crafting. All the things I love most. It was nice to tap into some of the things that bring me joy, ultimately creating! I've come to learn that many of my best times, happiest times are when I am making something. Creating a vision. Executing a project. Just something about putting things together that brings about the happy in life. At least for me anyway. I remember a time when I wasn't aware at all of my own gifts. Honestly, I didn't think I had any. I knew there were things I could excel in, but couldn't ever quite pinpoint what they were. I used to experience periods of boredom, feeling as if I had nothing to do, nothing to give. Funny, how the boredom became less and less, the older I became.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixAsPnBlDyeVoGXD1YD__PJhV0R9rCkuKNTDP7FqiRGkJJG7tJCBnRo9kyMtYAKR8epdUOxwAsZLUJbMR1bigIZGMk83OQOzO5Z0dftNaaV-RV-XKDigY5q95ZNc9Q-euZ5aorxxZNUv1t/s1600/bored.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixAsPnBlDyeVoGXD1YD__PJhV0R9rCkuKNTDP7FqiRGkJJG7tJCBnRo9kyMtYAKR8epdUOxwAsZLUJbMR1bigIZGMk83OQOzO5Z0dftNaaV-RV-XKDigY5q95ZNc9Q-euZ5aorxxZNUv1t/s400/bored.png" width="400" /></a>Now, there's plenty to do! Like work. And work. And more work. So, I went from times of boredom to feeling like everything was work. How exhausting! This 30 day journey I decided to take has brought about some interesting revelations...<br />
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1) <span style="color: magenta;"><b>Perspective is everything!</b></span>- If I think I'm having a bad day, I am. If I feel I'm bored, I am. If I think I'm happy, I am. If I feel unproductive, I'm not productive. Forcing myself to tap into what's truly significant. Taking time to TAKE TIME. Noticing the good in every day, even though every day is not a good day. Choosing to have a different perspective has been one of the biggest gifts to come from this challenge so far.<br />
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2) <span style="color: magenta;">I practiced my gifts and discovered new things </span>= Yes, CraftyGriffin loves to create. Not a shock. I love everything from creating lessons for class, to classroom decor, to home decor, party planning, DIY, anything. Taking this time has given me the time to truly delve into my gift of creativity. Also, I have stepped outside of my comfort zone and involved myself in areas I never thought I would. I've met people I never thought I'd meet, and have made a conscious effort to extend my giving. That's something new. Discovering others outside of your bubble, your circle. Seeing how much your thought and time is needed. Taking the focus off of you and placing it on others!<br />
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3) <span style="color: magenta;"><b>My hunger has grown</b></span>= In a previous post, I talked about searching for more! Then, I was referring to finding more ways to get out and volunteer my time/give of myself. Now, my hunger has grown in so many ways. Hungering for more with God, more for myself, a hunger for simplicity, peace, and a joy that is unwavering. It's a refreshing hunger. A constant wanting for what's better and best for you.<br />
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Today, I came across Psalm 25:4-5-</span></b></u></div>
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<b><span style="color: magenta;">Show me your ways, O Lord,<br />teach me your paths,<br />guide me in your truth and teach me,<br />for you are God my Savior,<br />and my hope is in you all day long</span></b></blockquote>
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....what a GREAT verse. This is part of my journey through this. At 30, I want to be guided more so in His truth, shown His ways, taught His paths. Ultimately, that's what it all boils down to for me. I think our (myself included) true hunger is to live and walk the spirit of these verses. If my hope is in Him all day long...how can the boredom, fatigue, wandering, frustrations of day to day be let in? Life happens, and for 29 years, I have been operating like a light switch. On when I have to be, putting my all into what I do, sometimes only finding my worth in "what I do," and then....when things get overwhelming, or it's time to shut down, I turn off. On. Off. On. Off. That's not a life that has hope in Him all day long. My hope for 30+ is to have that hope in Him ALL DAY LONG. To stay on. To live outside of my bubble. Continue to CREATE. Embrace my craftiness in all areas, not just with paint, hot glue, and ribbon. Now, that's a gift. To everyday find the good in the day. To everyday, hope when it's easy to lose it. Today, I'm thankful for gifts and this Psalm<br />
. I'm appreciative for this time I have and for the spurts of meaning in the smallest experiences.<br />
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Tomorrow will be a new day, another opportunity to create. I'll begin with...jumping back on my crossfit (today was a rest day). Even exercise (that I don't necessarily like doing) is creating a better body and a more disciplined spirit. See, there's good if you look. Apparently, I had gotten so enveloped in daily tasks, that I stopped looking. My take away- Don't stop looking. Gifts, joy, peace...it's there. It can be easily overlooked when our lives become busy. However, our lives were never intended to become too busy to LOOK.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPgcWBSx-DgD59cljgjZhfM4AYhf1kNbOYxNLn5RWZuH4ABOlOOLJCjnlT7nPk2IEaI_LiiylG0_Kw4MdLp8LUnG9KY6qkCWE39rp1bDOO_YoGlh6oRWo6lEXuoF3xcslc1GYeScWdQRR/s1600/psalm+25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPgcWBSx-DgD59cljgjZhfM4AYhf1kNbOYxNLn5RWZuH4ABOlOOLJCjnlT7nPk2IEaI_LiiylG0_Kw4MdLp8LUnG9KY6qkCWE39rp1bDOO_YoGlh6oRWo6lEXuoF3xcslc1GYeScWdQRR/s320/psalm+25.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Another day in the books. "30before30"</div>
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*Surrounding myself with good people/with good goals/for good causes</div>
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*Doing the hard stuff because the hard stuff is the good stuff</div>
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*Dotting my i's and crossing ALL of my t's</div>
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*Going from "Meh" to "YEAH!!"</div>
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*Staying sane while the world goes crazy</div>
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*Being more aware and helping others, so I can help myself!</div>
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*Aspiring to go from good, to better, to best in ALL things!</div>
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*Taking the butt kicking that comes with the journey!</div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">*Getting Inspired!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">*Counting it all joy and staying on track!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">*Being thankful on purpose!</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b>*Taking the time to LOOK!</b></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03198484901164414067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9157221508352331294.post-43463945748866399042013-07-11T22:04:00.002-07:002013-07-11T22:05:13.590-07:00Day 20: Thankful Thursday!<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>Day 20 of my 30before30 </b></span>and I am truly thankful!! It's been great these past 20 days reflecting, trying new things, being more conscious of areas where I need to grow, and celebrating the growth I've seen in myself. So, in lieu of day 20, I decided to make a list of 20 things for which I'm thankful. <br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b> Toya's Thankful Thursday List ( The English teacher in me loves alliteration):</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgO0dBiQIkOnQfOQ47nKl7DV_UD6r4iPIxIRC0riFfpq5Tc4m1RhZAXWMd6gOQ98ij3RB08YaRQnS5bLCc1XQ_CGvFb0QlK7FimVYFbre8KxnSaP-npokkuQXtu8hf5iHF3SBJx2gGWqU/s1600/thankful.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgO0dBiQIkOnQfOQ47nKl7DV_UD6r4iPIxIRC0riFfpq5Tc4m1RhZAXWMd6gOQ98ij3RB08YaRQnS5bLCc1XQ_CGvFb0QlK7FimVYFbre8KxnSaP-npokkuQXtu8hf5iHF3SBJx2gGWqU/s400/thankful.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>I'm thankful for...</b></span></div>
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1. God and my growing relationship with Him<br />
2. Time off (Summer!)<br />
3. Rainy days like today (brings a refreshing cool breeze)<br />
4. All the basics necessary to live (thank God)<br />
5. Family, friends, and love<br />
6. Creativity<br />
7. Quiet time<br />
8. The Word<br />
9. Trials that have helped me grow<br />
10. Projects<br />
11. New Perspectives<br />
12. Volunteering<br />
13. Meeting new people<br />
14. The ability to help others<br />
15. My Career<br />
16. Grace and Mercy<br />
17. Time to rest<br />
18. Goals and the discipline to accomplish them<br />
19. Inspiration<br />
20. Favor that I don't deserve<br />
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These were just some of the things that stood out to me today. All in all, I'm just thankful to be thankful. No matter how great or small, I am appreciative of every moment and experience. I wasn't always able to say that. I'm also sure there will be days when it's difficult to fully appreciate ALL (even the bad). However, there is always, Always, ALWAYS something to be thankful for. ALWAYS. Being thankful changes your thinking, places your focus on what's really important, and can even eradicate burdens you didn't know were there. Just be thankful. It's a choice with lasting effects.<br />
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Another day in the books. "30before30"</div>
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*Surrounding myself with good people/with good goals/for good causes</div>
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*Doing the hard stuff because the hard stuff is the good stuff</div>
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*Dotting my i's and crossing ALL of my t's</div>
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*Going from "Meh" to "YEAH!!"</div>
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*Staying sane while the world goes crazy</div>
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*Being more aware and helping others, so I can help myself!</div>
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*Aspiring to go from good, to better, to best in ALL things!</div>
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*Taking the butt kicking that comes with the journey!</div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">*Getting Inspired!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">*Counting it all joy and staying on track!</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>*Being thankful on purpose!</b></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03198484901164414067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9157221508352331294.post-72059415323268876052013-07-10T11:13:00.001-07:002013-07-10T11:13:50.102-07:00Day 19:Productive Pit Stops, Terrific Troubles, and Growth!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><b> (after the hiatus), 30before30</b></span></div>
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Today marks day 19 of my 30before30 after a 9 day hiatus. In the midst of this journey I moved! My goodness how moving can put a huge halt on your life! This is my 3rd time moving ever and it doesn't get any easier. No matter how organized I tried to be, you just never know what you'll encounter. Nonetheless, I am very blessed and thankful for the move and new space.<br />
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So, this past week has been interesting due to some random pit stops and troubles:<br />
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*My cable/internet had an (all of a sudden for the entire week) connection issue (hence my lapse in blogging each day).<br />
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*Pulled a muscle during working out (hurt like crazy for days)<br />
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*Realized while moving, that as much as I purged, I still had SO MUCH STUFF!<br />
I will be adding simplicity to this challenge, after this revelation.<br />
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*The day of my move, my car battery died....of course it did.<br />
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However, in the midst of some of these things I noticed that I've grown quite a bit. While these are not massive issues, I have been in the habit of letting everything get to me. I realized I was controlled by my circumstances. If something bad happened, I had a bad day. If something good happened, I had a good day. But, I am thankful for the growth in this area, because you can have a great day no matter what is happening. Now, realistically yes, there are certain situations that can totally derail your day or days. But, these situations don't have to permanently steal your joy. I think that's the biggest goal I'm striving to achieve--the ability to remain stable, keep my joy, and hold my peace in the midst of any storm (great or small). So, when these pit stops, troubles, Murphy's Law all came at once--I was steady. I thought, well "this too shall pass." And guess what- it did! Trouble definitely doesn't last always. Sometimes our own time clock seems like an eternity. Like those moments where you could have sworn it has been an hour and only 10 or 15 minutes have passed. I think many times that is how we (myself included) operate. Instant gratification, not wanting to go through a process/journey, not willing to take the time that's needed to see something through.....<br />
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How we react to certain situations can make these matters (that may just be a "15 minute" period in your life) seem like forever. I noticed that when I remained stable and kept truckin' with my joy---it wasn't such a big deal. I didn't "what-if" myself to death (as I would usually do), I didn't worry, I wasn't anxious. I remembered Philippians 4:6-7. I actually laughed, especially when my car battery died, and thought of course. Of course, today this would happen. It will pass, it will be taken care of, and if I can't fix it, God will make a way. Done deal, pressed on, stayed productive....and now it's a faint memory versus a burden.<br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><b>New Perspective!</b></span></div>
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So, yes it was hard to go through a week without my common luxuries, things breaking down (including my body:)), moving my life and unpacking it all. However, I gained LOADS of reflection time. I was able to have more of a thorough study/scripture time, I HAD to change my perspective on some things, I CHOSE to not worry when things went awry. I was more conscious of my thoughts. So my pit stops became "Productive Pit Stops." When there were moments that circumstances hindered me from moving forward, I was able to focus in on something else. Some things you can't change, but you can definitely change how you react to them. So, I made a decision to be productive elsewhere. My troubles became "Terrific Troubles." I am just now, at 29 years old, truly learning how to count it all joy.<br />
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<i><span style="color: purple;"><b>Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience. But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfectly and fully developed, lacking in nothing. -James 1:2-4, AMP</b></span></i></blockquote>
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Things are going to happen. Go wrong. People will be unfair/unreasonable/annoying, etc. Your plans will be derailed, you won't be considered, you'll encounter unexpected trials, things you didn't ask to even be a part of....I could go on and on and on.....<br />
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I'm realizing that since I know these things will happen eventually, why lose my joy? Why not view it differently? We've all heard great quotes on what pressure and trials can do. How beautiful stones are formed because of pressure...being that diamond in the rough. But, I must admit, when a trial arises I have forgotten about the bigger picture. Count it all joy. It's not always what we want to do, but ultimately in the end...that pressure, the uncomfortable things, will all make us better. I can truly say I'm grateful for those Productive Pit Stops and the Terrific Troubles that arise from time to time. I may have to consistently remind myself to have a different perspective, but when I look back I'm definitely better afterwards than I was before. It all just makes me a tougher cookie!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjzAsVNIfkUb_fcOVkhHcYjwbEurQk7thwpTgf6J3EY7kk-CGNLYjpua1LdGv3AGduzKFA-uyGQ2m8m0NH8JBU4hniLTDOgof852gTskIQO4AeUcGFnV56AhxZQNJ31tzKgl_lVxdU1l0/s1600/tough+cookie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjzAsVNIfkUb_fcOVkhHcYjwbEurQk7thwpTgf6J3EY7kk-CGNLYjpua1LdGv3AGduzKFA-uyGQ2m8m0NH8JBU4hniLTDOgof852gTskIQO4AeUcGFnV56AhxZQNJ31tzKgl_lVxdU1l0/s640/tough+cookie.jpg" width="532" /></a></div>
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Another day in the books. "30before30"</div>
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*Surrounding myself with good people/with good goals/for good causes</div>
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*Doing the hard stuff because the hard stuff is the good stuff</div>
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*Dotting my i's and crossing ALL of my t's</div>
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*Going from "Meh" to "YEAH!!"</div>
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*Staying sane while the world goes crazy</div>
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*Being more aware and helping others, so I can help myself!</div>
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*Aspiring to go from good, to better, to best in ALL things!</div>
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*Taking the butt kicking that comes with the journey!</div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">*Getting Inspired!</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: magenta;">*Counting it all joy and staying on track!</span></b></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03198484901164414067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9157221508352331294.post-16754876146990893622013-07-01T16:09:00.001-07:002013-07-01T17:56:01.661-07:00Day 10: I got inspired!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>Woo Hoo! Day 9 of my 30before30...</b></span></div>
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All in all today was a great day, and although I'm still at the beginning of this journey-it's been great thus far. Today was filled with a pretty scheduled day of To Do tasks. I'm moving this week. I planned to move months ago in my realization that I should be more aggressive about my finances.<br />
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I've never been totally irresponsible with money, BUT I do have a few financial burdens I could go without. So, I made the decision to pack all my stuff and move to a slightly larger but less expensive place. Not at all a hard decision, the hard part is packing up my life in....oh about 5 days! Nonetheless, I began my day by doing the following:<br />
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*Praying and spending time with God- God and I had a great conversation this morning. I read a bit of Word, read a bit of Elizabeth George's book, reflected, etc.<br />
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*After a short morning nap (oh the things you can do when you're off for the summer!)...I made a list of things I needed to tackle for the day which included:<br />
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*Paying my deposit for the new place.<br />
*Checking on insurance and utilities for move in day.<br />
*Transferring internet and cable services.<br />
*Reserving a U-Haul truck for the move.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3k-Vd6yYPHg28BYwD9i7JfZGP2t-Pd6tE51So2TTNsK4bDuS5DCbRTHCcazoWtRKwNUoX1zDC-GTH5SPmCBuzTZTD7dDFxZcZjdIwHywh391hqKYrBJjVprPHPUQ2XFW7nvnRy4SaQhWA/s600/be-inspired-films_sq-ident1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3k-Vd6yYPHg28BYwD9i7JfZGP2t-Pd6tE51So2TTNsK4bDuS5DCbRTHCcazoWtRKwNUoX1zDC-GTH5SPmCBuzTZTD7dDFxZcZjdIwHywh391hqKYrBJjVprPHPUQ2XFW7nvnRy4SaQhWA/s320/be-inspired-films_sq-ident1.jpg" width="320" /></a>You know, the boring stuff that you have to do before you can get into your new space. Between those errands and To Dos, I decided to stop by Target. If you know me, this is a problem waiting to unfold. I LOVE TARGET!! I feel that the store must have been created especially for me:) I stopped by to snag a giftcard for a friend (part of my 5x5 in a previous post). However, I can never walk into Target and not stop at their dollar spot section. The endless display of random, cutesy, sometimes useless things that you think you really need. I walk in and it's like "Ahhhhhh" cutesy, cheapy things!<br />
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This section in the store is a TEACHER'S DREAM! The possibilities of what you can use the items for is limitless. So, as I usually do....I strolled through the section and found...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBerXij9xhq9p6fJwbzR-MGvAl-HH2lFrzEQQFxahK606rYhavRU0vixR_gtN6uAS95VPdrH5STO4oOuG6UJmN577-mGr7jWcJhnp4-Aw73A3pvQjOS77uPM88hva8QCxE1BGtYEjWSD0/s612/snack+containers+fries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBerXij9xhq9p6fJwbzR-MGvAl-HH2lFrzEQQFxahK606rYhavRU0vixR_gtN6uAS95VPdrH5STO4oOuG6UJmN577-mGr7jWcJhnp4-Aw73A3pvQjOS77uPM88hva8QCxE1BGtYEjWSD0/s320/snack+containers+fries.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>French Fry Snack Containers!</b></span></div>
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Now, for the regular shopper, these might be used for a cute BBQ party or kid's event. But, to an English teacher these cutey pie containers are just the supplies needed to spice up my "Figurative Language Fry" activity. Yes, I said "Figurative Language Fry" activity. If you don't know by now, my 6th and 7th grade ELA classroom is cafe themed (check out the "Toya the Teacher" tab for a peek). I came up with the theme this past year and have been ready to "up the ante" for next year ever since. Along with cafe/food inspired decor, I also made sure to make EVERY lesson and activity based on the cafe theme. So, when my students study figurative language, they practiced their skills by making figurative language fries.</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Figurative-Language-Fries-728720" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>My Figurative Language Fries TpT Link</b></span></a></div>
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Now, my lesson can go further and have the manipulatives I've been looking to have! Stay tuned to this activity, I have many a fry to cook!</div>
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As I tried to leave this section in Target, more items began to call my name. Again, things that prevent a teacher like me, who loves to create, from walking away...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nxsrtr1i-34HQlZGsiz8hIWCUiSrErKSaVBAKhQK1GCQVZrABWijMmESmk02H3RoOy9wBRfZuB65W3EdW8uZjVIEFUVYawtfWKUIRKwnkFe0DZBgEiID6CIfuKKmQlfgbAG-UOmrT2lR/s612/steak+coasters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nxsrtr1i-34HQlZGsiz8hIWCUiSrErKSaVBAKhQK1GCQVZrABWijMmESmk02H3RoOy9wBRfZuB65W3EdW8uZjVIEFUVYawtfWKUIRKwnkFe0DZBgEiID6CIfuKKmQlfgbAG-UOmrT2lR/s320/steak+coasters.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Steak Coasters in cute little meat packages! Ahh!!!</span></b></div>
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As mentioned before, to a normal shopper, a cute BBQ coaster. To an English teacher who's classroom thrives on a foodie theme- Lesson in a package!!</div>
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So, I stood there. Staring at the packages thinking, "I could use this some how, I just know it!" While standing, in just a few moments, I had created a writing lesson about sentences that would be awesome for my 6th and especially my 7th grade classes. It just hit me, "Is your sentence at "stake?"</div>
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Killing two birds with one stone, I decided I could use this to teach the idiom..."something being at stake" as well as a lesson to model well written sentences. Once I finish writing this along with the handouts and notes for their Cookbook (what I call their English interactive notebooks), it will definitely be utilized this year!</div>
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I also ended up leaving with $1 packs of recipe cards and plastic corn molds. All items I will turn into fun lessons. I love teaching. Love inventing new ways for kids to take in the information. Today, I was inspired. In Target. In the dollar section. Over the smallest of things. Tada! Inspiration can come from the most unlikely places. Nonetheless, inspiration is what keeps one going. I remember just about a month ago, I was counting down until summer. Looking forward to a break from the day to day teacher schedule. One month into summer, I find myself shrieking over french fry containers and pretend steaks. I find myself making lesson plans in my head and getting excited about the possibilities of the lessons. Now, I will return back to my regularly scheduled summer- but I'm grateful for the moments today that inspiration hit. It lets you review your passions, it takes you out of your box, it brings excitement into a day that began with boring "adult" tasks. Yay inspiration! Get inspired to do something! Always!</div>
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Another day in the books. "30before30"</div>
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*Surrounding myself with good people/with good goals/for good causes</div>
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*Doing the hard stuff because the hard stuff is the good stuff</div>
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*Dotting my i's and crossing ALL of my t's</div>
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*Going from "Meh" to "YEAH!!"</div>
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*Staying sane while the world goes crazy</div>
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*Being more aware and helping others, so I can help myself!</div>
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*Aspiring to go from good, to better, to best in ALL things!</div>
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*Taking the butt kicking that comes with the journey!</div>
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<b><span style="color: purple;">*Getting Inspired!</span></b></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03198484901164414067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9157221508352331294.post-18635311338469472272013-06-30T21:43:00.000-07:002013-07-01T03:52:22.436-07:00Day 9: Got my butt kicked! (In more ways than one)<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Day 9 of my 30before30...</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijci4Aa_cBektep4jQEqxpyJuX3MO4n9tzMxLvoWJB1SNnHDtucA4NXNOAbp6R4K4_o5tX9lSwH5s5AnTEC252Ni0XsI1dZSvyaiSPI8hnp3ZLk-FuQ18UkuyLeQjxgp7S2nEGx0hIJ8Pa/s500/pink-boxing-gloves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijci4Aa_cBektep4jQEqxpyJuX3MO4n9tzMxLvoWJB1SNnHDtucA4NXNOAbp6R4K4_o5tX9lSwH5s5AnTEC252Ni0XsI1dZSvyaiSPI8hnp3ZLk-FuQ18UkuyLeQjxgp7S2nEGx0hIJ8Pa/s320/pink-boxing-gloves.jpg" width="300" /></a>I will officially name this my "I got my butt kicked day." How so? Well, since revving up my exercise routine, I am still part of the sore club. I'm somewhere between an all out limp and an elderly woman stance. It's good pain, but I definitely missed today's workout due to my burning glutes and legs. Never fear, because I will attack my Crossfit workouts again tomorrow. I used to get discouraged when I would miss an item off my "Checklist" or "To Do" and just completely give in to failure. However, one thing I am realizing is that the journey (through anything); doesn't have to be perfect.<br />
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I'm a sufferer of perfectionism, yes I said a sufferer. Knowing that no one is perfect, other than God; that makes me a sufferer. Perfection is a strain, a burden, something we all know we'll never achieve. Sounds like a downer, but it's just a truth. Things can be in order, things can be great, standards can be made and maintained-but it doesn't have to be perfect. So, while I wished I would have not missed (two now) days of workout since I started...reality is- I missed it. I'll keep going. Wasn't the goal to insert more of the necessary, more of the productive, more of the hard stuff that's the good stuff into my everyday life? Doing it. It wasn't to have a perfectly marked, cutesy checklist to show. So, while my butt is kicked today, it's a good one. The good pain.<br />
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Along with my physical butt kicking, I also got my spiritual butt kicked today in regards to fears. I didn't necessarily think I had any fears. I mean, I'm not scared of anything (other than all reptiles, insects, and rodents). As far as life, people, and day to day; I'm a tough cookie. Yeah, a tough cookie.....that crumbles sometimes....oh wait. Is that crumbling, fear? I learned today that fear doesn't always present itself as the big bad wolf. For me, it's the subtle things. So, I'm calling myself out, to face those things that I truly fear (and didn't think I did).<br />
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<u><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">My "Face It, Don't Fear It" List </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">(thanks to Joyce Meyer!)</span></b></u></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>*Not being perfect-</b></span> I have to laugh at this one, because logically I know I will never reach perfection. However, I notice that how I do things and what I think is a direct indication that I believe this is attainable. Also, the shear disappointment I feel, but don't always show...that's the longing for things to be perfect. The real freedom, joy, and peace is not when things are all lined up straight and perfect. It's when things are as imperfect as they can be and you still have your joy and peace. So, I am ready to eradicate this fear. Excellence can be sought after, but I'll eliminate the self defeat when imperfections arise. They'll always be there, and since I know this, why over-analyze, why exert the pressure, why give in to the disappointment. </div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>*Others taking advantage</b></span>- Not a fear I have always been conscious of, but it's there. There's that quiet voice of "I'm not going to allow anyone to...." I think the fill in the blank is different for everyone. For me, it varies on the circumstance, person, etc. Nonetheless, I do put up a tougher exterior to prevent others from taking advantage of me or taking something away from me. Crazy, because that's going to happen in life anyway. Someone at some point will attempt to take advantage. It may come in a myriad of forms, but it will happen. Some can mistake my helpfulness for being willing to "always say yes", my silence for acceptance of what's going on, etc. Whatever the case, these things will occur, so why be fearful. Whatever is taken can be, WILL BE restored. I feel that God acts on our behalf (just like the Nationwide woman in the commercial). Things will be taken, and He'll replace those things with "Brand New Belongings." So, no worries. Life will happen, and those who take advantage will not have reign, or rain on your parade. And, yes in these recently reflective 30before30 days; I have found meaning in the most random things- hence the new Nationwide Commercial.</div>
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<b><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: large;">God is on your side!</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>*Giving up control</b></span>- Big one for me! I would even say teachers in general would most likely have this fear as well. I mean we live to control our environment, for the betterment of children, yes. Even so, I have never liked feeling out of control--but again that's life. I mean, are any of us really ever in control? I'm sure while we think we are; God has an LOL moment. The thoughts of "I have to do it because I'll do it right" "I must turn every stone myself." "I have to have a hand in everything." How exhausting, and I've been functioning this way for years. I can do what I can do, and what I cannot control is OK. God, grant me the serenity...I need to say that prayer for often.</div>
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All in all, I'm glad I got my butt kicked today! I was reminded that true growth involves pain. Good pain, and good pain is not always physical. My spirit took a punch in the gut. A necessary one, needed to face some things that I fear. Things that can be crippling. Making a list of them, great. Working these things out of my system, THAT'S THE JOURNEY. Not a perfect one, not one that is completed overnight either. But, it will be one worth the effort and one that can only restore the joy and peace that has suffered--actually buried in my fears. A butt kicking isn't so bad, bring it on!</div>
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Another day in the books. "30before30"</div>
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*Surrounding myself with good people/with good goals/for good causes</div>
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*Doing the hard stuff because the hard stuff is the good stuff</div>
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*Dotting my i's and crossing ALL of my t's</div>
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*Going from "Meh" to "YEAH!!"</div>
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*Staying sane while the world goes crazy</div>
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*Being more aware and helping others, so I can help myself!</div>
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*Aspiring to go from good, to better, to best in ALL things!</div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>*Taking the butt kicking that comes with the journey!</b></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03198484901164414067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9157221508352331294.post-15217416196228647492013-06-29T08:51:00.002-07:002013-07-01T03:52:13.352-07:00Day 7 and 8: Just Post-It!<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">30before30: Day 7 & 8</span></b></div>
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Yesterday was definitely a reflective one. You know the type of day that doesn't necessarily begin as planned, yet you still have to keep on keeping on. I decided to take some moments, pause, and read. I'm currently reading a book, Woman After God's Own Heart, by Elizabeth George. It's a pretty dated book, one I realized I had in my collection that I had never quite taken the time to dive into. Similar to an outfit that you notice you've never worn, then you try it on and it looks great! I must scan through my books more often and pick out those forgotten treasures I didn't know were there.<br />
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Anyhoo, as I poured into the first chapter I was reminded of many things. Things that were perfect for my day 7 and for each day thereafter.<br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>My Book Lessons</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>Spending time with God</b></span>- I know this and part of my journey lately has been to do even more than I thought I was doing. It's not just important so that we can face the days troubles...it's important because we need to show that devotion to God not for what He can do but just because of Who He Is. Always a good reminder!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1oYYbDprZ_YMmZHZV5k-YolQkM9tluZhrhPefbelYWSLc7dsHnqcb5bwK0DPQpeCwSrSBe_iRAzakU2IcURHb_jf3ucxYAaVIx97Y_gqtEktKiCmzk2PtFj4OFffDYBZLS-3rMukVqvnb/s471/Women+After+Gods+Heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1oYYbDprZ_YMmZHZV5k-YolQkM9tluZhrhPefbelYWSLc7dsHnqcb5bwK0DPQpeCwSrSBe_iRAzakU2IcURHb_jf3ucxYAaVIx97Y_gqtEktKiCmzk2PtFj4OFffDYBZLS-3rMukVqvnb/s320/Women+After+Gods+Heart.jpg" width="207" /></a><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>Choose His ways at every opportunity-</b></span> Again, this I know as well but I didn't realize how many times I miss opportunities to consult Him on tasks that seem so small. For instance, it's always been a struggle for me to always have the right response to certain situations. My facial expressions are always changing, one of the things my students love about my teaching. I can be very animated depending on the content. This strength in my teaching is not necessarily the best attribute outside of the classroom. I tend to wear my thoughts on my face. My face can speak volumes without me ever uttering a word. Something I am trying to be more conscious of, and it never dawned on me that I should consult God when I'm faced with situations where I need to be mindful of my face. My face. Body language is a powerful tool, and can cause one to be comfortable or uncomfortable by a simple expression. So, when someone is saying something I would rather not hear; I can choose His way in that moment. I can ask how I should present myself, I can replace an anguished face with a Godly one. </div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>"Good, better, best, never let it rest, until your good is better, and your better is best."</b></span>- When I came across this phrase in the book, I thought I hit the goldmine! One, what a great phrase to use in my classroom. Two, what a great phrase to use for myself. The quote prompted the discussion of choosing to go from good, to better, to best. Sometimes we just decide to do something. It could be what we want, it could be impromptu, it could be a gut reaction. Whatever the reason, how much better off would we be if we took the time to use good, better, or best. Always being mindful of what is the best possible thing we could do, and not settling for just the good. Yesterday, I had a huge craving for sweets. Probably because I have eradicated them and sentenced myself to water during my exercise regime. I wanted cupcakes, I wanted cheesecake, I wanted anything sweet and yummy. I gave in. I had 3 mini Kit Kat bars. They were great, but I didn't feel that great afterwards. Now, same situation, but what if I had used good, better, best? I could have made a low cal sweet snack, that's good. I could have had fruit, that would have been better. I could have thrown out sweet altogether (as this is just a temptation) and just made a healthy snack- that would have been best. This phrase is why p. 17 in this book will be folded forever. I need the constant reminder of good, better, best. It could make the difference in my health, relationships, interactions, ultimately LIFE! There's much talk about not settling for mediocrity. I agree, but don't settle for just "good" when you can always do your best!</div>
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Having been mentally jolted and charged from my read yesterday, I felt that I needed to consciously remind myself of other necessary things. So, I compiled some of my favorite quotes/scripture. From now on (as I do with just scripture from time to time) I will "Just Post-It!" Post those things that need to stay in the forefront of my mind. Post those things that are a struggle. Post those things which are good. Post those things that can bring peace and defeat a storm. Just Post-It! As simple as print, cut, post. Words have power. As a teacher, I find myself restating this common cliche. But, they do! They can transform, they can provoke thought, they can change things. Just like the Bible is a mirror for us through words of how we should be, just like a book can create a chain of thoughts that lead to discussion, just like our own words can help or hinder. Words matter, why not surround yourself with words that will edify you, challenge you, remind you, bring out the best in you?</div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>To "Just Post-It" with me, click the link below for my download:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/150624914/Daily-Quotes-and-Reminders" target="_blank">Daily Quotes and Reminders</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: white;"><u>My 7th and 8th day Take Away:</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"><b>Aspire to go from good, to better, to best!</b></span></div>
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Another day in the books. "30before30"</div>
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*Surrounding myself with good people/with good goals/for good causes</div>
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*Doing the hard stuff because the hard stuff is the good stuff</div>
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*Dotting my i's and crossing ALL of my t's</div>
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*Going from "Meh" to "YEAH!!"</div>
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*Staying sane while the world goes crazy</div>
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*Being more aware and helping others, so I can help myself!</div>
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*Aspiring to go from good, to better, to best in ALL things!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03198484901164414067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9157221508352331294.post-39326387178032561922013-06-27T21:44:00.000-07:002013-07-01T03:52:00.402-07:00Day 6: S.O.S Awareness<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Today is day 6 of my 30before30....today I:</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxEFZ_kLAFHBVUOT7Jlh4Dn3yPMq8Cbc4sSjfCHPuEbe_RU0A13oZ8YhahJxLZNrqWvNhIV520wxXNxnWnTFl7u3hRb0YPoHPhHH0yxdxLCq4ZGuzBaMUVJdP6Nxd-_iRZRZf6DvbzA3S/s415/crochet-hooks1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxEFZ_kLAFHBVUOT7Jlh4Dn3yPMq8Cbc4sSjfCHPuEbe_RU0A13oZ8YhahJxLZNrqWvNhIV520wxXNxnWnTFl7u3hRb0YPoHPhHH0yxdxLCq4ZGuzBaMUVJdP6Nxd-_iRZRZf6DvbzA3S/s320/crochet-hooks1.jpg" width="320" /></a>Did a bit of crocheting (Yes, it's summer and I'm crocheting a blanket). I've been working on it the last 3 years or so. I am a novice to crocheting, I only know about 3 stitches, but it's a calming thing to do. I started this particular blanket when my uncle (who has since passed) was ill in the hospital. I initially started it for him, as I used to take turns sitting with him in the hospital. It kept me busy and he always had blankets, seemed like a cathartic and productive thing to do. Somewhere between then and now I fell off of it. Today, of all things I decided to start my morning with adding a bit more to it. The simplest things can sometimes be the very ones we should pick back up. So, I am not sure if I'll finish it in these 30 days, but I am definitely going to try.<br />
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I also went to meet the director and check out the new place I'll be volunteering in the coming weeks. I mentioned previously that as I was "searching for more" I came across another volunteer opportunity in addition to serving at the Food Bank. This particular organization helps those in need acquire food, clothing, job services, or anything that would help someone get back on their feet. After touring the facility and speaking with the director, I snagged a position as the Intake Receptionist. The Intake Receptionist greets the clients that come in, helps refer them to services they need, and even assists with getting food for their families. I'm just a teacher, off for summer break, looking to help. I was told that 60% of those that have helped in their reception area have been teachers.<br />
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I didn't find this surprising because teachers, in fact, are people-oriented by nature. <br />
We care about others and always want to help our students. So, I can see how those same attributes can be channeled into other things. While I was there, I saw various people enter, looking for assistance. The interesting thing is they varied in needs and nature. As much as we don't admit it, I think many of us assume we can recognize someone in need (I have thought this many a time myself). We have some sort of criteria in our heads that we think are characteristics of someone who would give an SOS signal of distress. I would even say this could be borderline to judgement. Judging a book by its cover, per say.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYp_vzhjffC4mlnreI9Rmx3-HmWFWZNElKPqyp5rdp_KnB4nbQHQGoNoT9bbr88KqAnTn2rIIKuGYZJcZr2ytq5KtzDnmK3ZRpmQpD9Igrq0bGdXXRuqAmk8iPXLZTpt21HugI9pjzazh1/s300/dickens+helping+quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYp_vzhjffC4mlnreI9Rmx3-HmWFWZNElKPqyp5rdp_KnB4nbQHQGoNoT9bbr88KqAnTn2rIIKuGYZJcZr2ytq5KtzDnmK3ZRpmQpD9Igrq0bGdXXRuqAmk8iPXLZTpt21HugI9pjzazh1/s300/dickens+helping+quote.jpg" /></a>As I noticed those entering, I was told one of the organization's main goals was to treat their clients with dignity and respect regardless of race, culture, affiliations, etc. The director told me that she has noticed in their food delivery services many people who reject help because of the embarrassment. I was told about a young man who needed food for months, drove to the facility several times, but each time he couldn't make himself get out and walk in. He couldn't brace the fact that he needed this help. He couldn't send out his own SOS signal. Finally, he decided to come get the help he needed and was able to get back on his feet.<br />
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Hearing this story made me realize how much it's necessary to have an awareness of the simple fact that <span style="color: red;"><b>everyone needs help</b></span>. Everyone from time to time will flare their SOS signal and need someone to step in and assist. You can't know based on how someone looks or what you think you know about their life. It's not always a discernible sign. For this reason, I decided a few things...<br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>I can ALWAYS be helpful!</u></b></span></div>
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You never know. You never know what someone is dealing with, what they need, how even the smallest thing can make the biggest difference. So, I CAN ALWAYS HELP. Wherever, whenever, in whichever capacity. I can't imagine how humbling and hard it is to have to go where you once thought you never would. Many people find themselves in this very predicament daily. No one ever expects these things, they just happen. Thank God there are those who see the needs and meet the needs. I was told today, "we deal with issues that not many people think about." There are many simple things most of us take for granted that others are fighting to have. Now, this doesn't mean that our own problems aren't problems too. But, while the grass is not always greener, for some, it's non-existent. Help, as with air is always readily available. Question is how much can be given away? If we thought of being helpful as necessary as needing to breathe...my what a concept!</div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>The insignificant is significant!</u></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLLbA3wGYHRlrveNJjRJnaQUIudeP-Au7hf8goTeVV5pfRetMebs8_B50jXQ1NOI4cE5Lr4NHWWMmJtQ2T6qOwtklkv_90MpIsuv6w1BJAooDRWbKBsVyHo6VvFG1r6M-cjXh3E8RcB94/s673/love+God%252C+love+people.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLLbA3wGYHRlrveNJjRJnaQUIudeP-Au7hf8goTeVV5pfRetMebs8_B50jXQ1NOI4cE5Lr4NHWWMmJtQ2T6qOwtklkv_90MpIsuv6w1BJAooDRWbKBsVyHo6VvFG1r6M-cjXh3E8RcB94/s320/love+God%252C+love+people.jpg" width="237" /></a>Yes, I'm an English teacher. I know my prefixes. I know that -in placed in front of a word means "not." However, today I realized that the things we think are "not" significant, actually are. As the Intake Receptionist, I'll greet the clients, take their IDs, help them make a grocery list from the choice pantry, connect them to other services they need. Seems like secretarial tasks I'll complete each week. Nonetheless, these tasks are important and will help someone get from point A to point B. No matter what we find that can be "insignificant," it's important. Picking up a piece of trash, returning a grocery cart, smiling at someone, etc. It's not small. It's one thing that can have a huge impact. Sounds cliche, sounds like stuff we already can conclude. But, today it was apparent how much we "know" that we don't tap into. I intend to tap into what I know and to make all that is insignificant, SIGNIFICANT!</div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Keep my happy!</u></b></span></div>
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Gosh, this is hard. From day-to-day, this can be a struggle even if you consider yourself a generally happy person. Why, because as I said previously, the world 10 times out of 10 will go loopdy loo and take you down with it. One of my weaker areas to be honest. I'm a worry wort by day, and a stressed out gal by night in most cases. I've grown a bit over the years, but it's still something I am determined to master. Daily awareness of this has been a good help to me. This 30before30 challenge has also been a good jolt for it, and of course God. I cannot even pretend that I have the capability to keep my happy on my own. It's a daily, "God, you're going to have to help me with this..." prayer. But, one day it won't be a challenge. One day this is will a consistent natural part of me. Whoo! How positive, but back to reality. Until then, the meantime is the real part of it all. I think we all struggle with "the meantime." That's that seemingly long period of time between your current cloud to your happy sunshine. The sunshine will come, but it's the meantime that needs the true maintenance. So, in the meantime I'll continue my daily, "God, help me with..." "Thank You for helping me with..." "I know that You are working with me on..." and after those prayers when you still feel a bit not so peppy-you show it anyway. Today was an ok day. I felt pretty productive, but I wasn't bouncing off the ceiling happy. But, when I came into contact with others today I kept my happy. That is a chain reaction. Others need that, and their need increases your willingness to keep and show your happy. Don't worry, be happy! (I had to sing it, just had to).</div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;"><b>We all have S.O.S distress moments, they're easy to recognize...the hard part is recognizing how to respond and what you should do in those moments. You can ask for help, you can be the helper, or you can keep your happy in the meantime.</b></span></div>
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Another day in the books. "30before30"</div>
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*Surrounding myself with good people/with good goals/for good causes</div>
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*Doing the hard stuff because the hard stuff is the good stuff</div>
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*Dotting my i's and crossing ALL of my t's</div>
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*Going from "Meh" to "YEAH!!"</div>
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*Staying sane while the world goes crazy</div>
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*Being more aware and helping others, so I can help myself!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03198484901164414067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9157221508352331294.post-66116825879585613412013-06-26T21:04:00.000-07:002013-07-01T03:51:46.154-07:00Day 5: While the world goes crazy, I stay sane...<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Day 5 of my 30before30</span>...and I must say it's interesting how things can be in such disarray, and in the same instance- you don't notice a thing. How so? I have been amazed this week how many topics, distractions, and issues have unfolded in our country and our world. From just tuning into the news this week, or being online long enough...it's apparent that the world has in fact gone loopdy loo. In the midst of these current issues, I realized a couple things...<br />
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1) Regardless of my opinion on any of these things, there comes a point where you have to go back to what you can control. No matter who you are, we will all most likely arrive at the same conclusion- <b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: magenta;">you can only control YOU</span></b>. Why expend extra, unnecessary energy trying to control others or things that you cannot. The quote below says it best...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGL8_8_ZC1oqFpcNhxzeRSC2M9cPF885akXFMXK092XNuZcabD5R5qGzI9dnN6V_qtjq8Lt8An0sMxsSroObGOBM5MPqweoKjTaSI7wxQknvfKAiJJmmm4dokTDTjcb52_HEE4nE1UqTOW/s1600/change+yourself,+not+others+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGL8_8_ZC1oqFpcNhxzeRSC2M9cPF885akXFMXK092XNuZcabD5R5qGzI9dnN6V_qtjq8Lt8An0sMxsSroObGOBM5MPqweoKjTaSI7wxQknvfKAiJJmmm4dokTDTjcb52_HEE4nE1UqTOW/s400/change+yourself,+not+others+pic.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
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With that said, I realized part of this 30before30 wasn't just to have something to do. I think it's necessary ever so often to stop, drop, and evaluate. Evaluate what's important, what tied ends became loose, what is productive, etc. </div>
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2) Another conclusion I came to is that while the world or my environment might go crazy, I in fact CAN stay sane. Seems simple, but you wouldn't believe how hard it is to not let your environment shake you. It's not easy by any means, but it's necessary if you want to protect your space and your place.</div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;"><b>How I stayed sane today...</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>I used my hands!</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigebJ5NacrN3BDkd8aPmdKTT6fQMgq_idLL9vaALiW7l0QnDRgs6f2WwsHNNdGywS1-Lvd9Z8eDOE4ty8uITRdwxeyJgaa_2on3HWG6UqMlGFcxm7AF49bBSDSIVjX6lqIgGTcu66DBJDt/s1600/lunchbox.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigebJ5NacrN3BDkd8aPmdKTT6fQMgq_idLL9vaALiW7l0QnDRgs6f2WwsHNNdGywS1-Lvd9Z8eDOE4ty8uITRdwxeyJgaa_2on3HWG6UqMlGFcxm7AF49bBSDSIVjX6lqIgGTcu66DBJDt/s320/lunchbox.jpeg" width="320" /></a></b></span></div>
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Today I spent a few hours and helped pack 168 (they needed 5,000 by the end of the week) lunches for local children who struggle with having meals when school is not in session. I worked alongside a student mission group from Nebraska who was there for the week. In those few hours, I wasn't pondering about any current happenings. Not because I didn't care, but because in that moment the only thing I could do was to use my hands and help feed hungry kids. This seemed better than stressing over anything else. When in doubt, do what you can do! For me today, that entailed using my hands.</div>
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">I searched for more!</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwa2Sa7eX9Up4Z8vlxAGXt5snVJoIw9RQuKktYA-2gLnxXkL6rtXTIiF6UUQXBy_Wfg-80v8tfVojvmEa4OJx5TGYu7xMuTRNC8BcrwuIiAZ6RiDjs749H82usU6nRA_tEBuc7X-JP5vBL/s1600/volunteer+app.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="60" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwa2Sa7eX9Up4Z8vlxAGXt5snVJoIw9RQuKktYA-2gLnxXkL6rtXTIiF6UUQXBy_Wfg-80v8tfVojvmEa4OJx5TGYu7xMuTRNC8BcrwuIiAZ6RiDjs749H82usU6nRA_tEBuc7X-JP5vBL/s320/volunteer+app.jpg" width="320" /></a>Just in these 5 days of my 30before30, two of them including service at the Food Bank, I noticed that I had already created a hunger for more myself. Not for food of course, but for more to do. How else can I be productive? Get involved? Help someone else? Step outside of myself? So, I contacted another organization with other needs to see how I could be of help. One thing was clear...if we just take a moment to look around, there is SO much that is waiting to be done. Within minutes from 1 email I had a volunteer application and an appointment to help out. So many people are just waiting for someone to ask, "Is there anything I can do?" Of course, if we had a dime for every time we heard the phrase, "How great the world would be if everyone_________________" we'd all be rich. However, the reality is- everyone is NOT going to do X, Y, and Z. Another reality is...I CAN DO X, Y, and Z. So, why not. Why not stop and actually just search for more. Search for more opportunities, more ways to help, more knowledge, more anything that would not only enhance you but others.</div>
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">I got busy!</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYMfx21L81CwGBEcla0mJLMnclQJK09qM094X5lQGsbRpkdTgRhdSD7yZOMId7vCDLeyyptw0YQcubCsiPXYlS0czD_a136jhMQ07FPW_OmP13WWMUNBouia9-psdHxxN-XdVJw2CuLiD/s1600/day+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYMfx21L81CwGBEcla0mJLMnclQJK09qM094X5lQGsbRpkdTgRhdSD7yZOMId7vCDLeyyptw0YQcubCsiPXYlS0czD_a136jhMQ07FPW_OmP13WWMUNBouia9-psdHxxN-XdVJw2CuLiD/s320/day+5.jpg" width="320" /></a>Yes, I am continuing my 30 day crossfit at home challenge. Thanks to Momma Crossfitter (link in my first post), I am continuing on with my 30 days of exercise. Truth- I skipped yesterday. While I checked off other tasks on my 30before30, exercise didn't make day 4. So what did I do? I combined day 4 and 5 and worked my CraftyGriffin butt off! I hated it, I was sweaty, I was tired, but I felt great afterwards. Of course that greatness is not counting the soreness I've had since I started this challenge Saturday. I think soreness and I will have a long term relationship for a while. We don't seem to be breaking up anytime soon. Nonetheless, soreness/pain is part of the challenge. It's part of the growth. It's the thing you tell to shut up because you know in the end it's good for you. The hard stuff that's the good stuff. Sometimes you just need to get busy. Jolt that kinetic energy and MOVE...amazing how much better things get. Get busy!</div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><b>Ultimate take away to staying sane...</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"><b>YOU HAVE TO CHOOSE IT, because if you don't, the world will always choose the crazy for you instead.</b></span></div>
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Another day in the books. "30before30"</div>
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*<span style="background-color: #ffffe5; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 21px;">Surrounding myself with good people/with good goals/for good causes</span></div>
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*Doing the hard stuff because the hard stuff is the good stuff</div>
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*Dotting my i's and crossing ALL of my t's</div>
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*Going from "Meh" to "YEAH!!"</div>
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*Staying sane while the world goes crazy</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03198484901164414067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9157221508352331294.post-77115940690798278992013-06-25T16:09:00.002-07:002013-07-01T03:51:35.160-07:00Day 4: From Meh to Yeah!!Today marks day 4 of my "30 Before 30." Honestly, today began with me feeling "meh." Which is not necessarily a discernible sound, but simply means...you're not your happy peppy self. This was for a couple reasons...<br />
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1) I AM SORE!! I started a "CrossFit at Home" challenge on Sunday to rev up my exercise as part of my "30before30." While I am excited about getting back in exercise mode, I hurt from my hair follicle to my toes! CrossFit is a million reps of any exercise you can think of times a million rounds. I've exaggerated of course, but that's how my body feels. Nonetheless, I have decided...<br />
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A. </div>
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So, I might as well just establish a love/hate relationship with them now, and</div>
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I don't love to workout, just love the results, so I'm going to keep on trucking!</div>
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2) Another reason I was a little "meh" was because it happened to be one of those days that other people can just drive you mad, be frustrating, or irritating. Oh, and did I mention how SORE I still am! Anyhoo, to tackle this unlikely start to my day, and spark the happy; I chose to take my eyes off of the gray clouds and focus them on other things by implementing some of my "30before30" tasks on my list...</div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b>Back to life, Back to Journaling...</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b>art journaling that is-</b></span></div>
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I used to journal in high school and college all the time. Somewhere between graduation and starting my teaching career, I lost the time and passion for it. What better way to give positive/constructive time to myself than by journaling. I chose to broaden my horizons and move from simple writing to Art Journaling. Art journaling is just that, using art and doodles to document your thought life. I let go of the perfectionist part of myself and just scribbled all that was on my mind. Sometimes you just need to let it out. Whatever thoughts you have...the good, the bad, the thoughtful, the random, the junk, the treasures. Just get it out! Very helpful for one who can't ever turn her brain off. I'll have to keep this one up!</div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b>When you don't feel awesome,</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b> it's time to tell others how awesome they are!-</b></span></div>
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From time to time, like today; you wake up and feel "meh." For me, one of the best ways to bring the happy back (as this is also one of my 30before30 tasks) is to do things for others. I LOVE TO GIVE! I don't have to have a reason, I just like to make others happy through giving. So, I find it helpful to also do this when I don't feel all that great. After some cathartic art journaling, I decided to choose 5 people to encourage, and send them each a note with a small gift. What I named my "5X5." 5 things for 5 people. Why is this beneficial? I think it's always a good idea to turn yourself away from your thoughts, problems/issues and focus in on someone else. When you're in your own funk, it seems to weigh on you. However, when you start to give of yourself; it literally takes that heavy weight away. I also feel it's the random thoughts, appreciation, and giving that can truly propel others. The things you least expect to receive can add that much more to your day! Just because. You don't have to receive anything back, it just totally changes the path of your mood. That in itself makes it all worth the while. </div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b>Water: Lesson in a glass-</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8x5WPKCh_oZt4AvQLj8ghP8tX7iwzx8O8oJJpcmYy2Ehs7ZoVBja_72WP8-r51QY_TVhv55Qy9qxP6mDALL_5K-Kbfml9QRQGt2OxkIvtTe82-azjRJhKaeucXLzfmyVT240a9L2ZOLCq/s1600/glass-of-water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8x5WPKCh_oZt4AvQLj8ghP8tX7iwzx8O8oJJpcmYy2Ehs7ZoVBja_72WP8-r51QY_TVhv55Qy9qxP6mDALL_5K-Kbfml9QRQGt2OxkIvtTe82-azjRJhKaeucXLzfmyVT240a9L2ZOLCq/s320/glass-of-water.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Yes, a task on my "30before30" was to drink more water. I don't necessarily love water, unless I'm working out and hot (then it's my best friend!). Outside of that instance, I have a hard time making it a drink of choice. I mean, who doesn't love the sweet yummyness of juice! I love juice even more than soda. However, I know having a good water intake is healthier. For this reason, I felt that it was necessary to add such a simple thing to my task list. Funny, replacing one thing with another can mean so much. I just began being more conscious of this when I started my challenge about 3 days ago. I planned to only drink water. Just water. With breakfast, lunch, dinner, in restaurants, etc. I wouldn't say it's at all a solid habit yet. I do have to consciously decide to do it. But, I have realized in this short time that replacing something drab with something fab, consistently, causes you to desire the drab thing less. Well, duh! you might say. Yes, this is an obvious truth. However, you wouldn't believe how amazed I am that I no longer need what I thought I would. What a lesson for so many things other than water! Many of us are so quick to say "I need..." when we really just want it, but know that we don't really need it. I would even say, I hated water at one point. Few days in, I am more appreciative about how a no calorie, unsweetened, cold, clear, glass of water has changed my mind. I need water whether I want it or not. </div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>How many things do we need, but don't want? </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>This is the difference from going from "Meh" to "Yeah!!"</b></span></div>
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Another day in the books. "30before30"</div>
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*Surrounding myself with good people/with good goals/for good causes</div>
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*Doing the hard stuff because the hard stuff is the good stuff</div>
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*Dotting my i's and crossing ALL of my t's</div>
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*Going from "Meh" to "YEAH!!"</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03198484901164414067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9157221508352331294.post-52781806734901675022013-06-23T19:24:00.001-07:002013-07-01T03:50:56.680-07:00Day 2: Crossfit Smossfit: 30 Before 30<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b>Day 2: 30 Before 30</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b>"Crossfit Challenge"</b></span></div>
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So, part of my "30 Before 30" included 30 days of exercise. Ha! This has been me lately...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpS-lGm9RMw3GxLD_dlBm7dQWVbJeOQZtLesFqsmZzR5_m0Fh_BvldJ8TS16_qaB9KwH5tjBmSn3n9gQteFMm-2gb-EhTO0KTQ6YeKZ1F4QiIjsKtaAkFtgog_wJQX1vO3Cn0sKKIzRI6S/s1600/make+it+to+the+gym.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpS-lGm9RMw3GxLD_dlBm7dQWVbJeOQZtLesFqsmZzR5_m0Fh_BvldJ8TS16_qaB9KwH5tjBmSn3n9gQteFMm-2gb-EhTO0KTQ6YeKZ1F4QiIjsKtaAkFtgog_wJQX1vO3Cn0sKKIzRI6S/s1600/make+it+to+the+gym.jpg" /></a></div>
Enough of that. It's summer, I have NO excuse and I love a challenge. Previously, I posted about starting the "30 day Crossfit at Home Challenge" I found on Pinterest by blogger, "Momma Crossfitter." Let's be honest, everyone wants to do what is most convenient and practical. For me, right now, this seemed perfect. Why not? Plus, I needed to do something with my "Exercise Board" on Pinterest.<br />
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Since I missed my first day of exercise, I decided to combine days one and two on the schedule. <span style="color: lime;"><b>This included 4 rounds of the following:</b></span></div>
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Running 6 min. </div>
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15 squats</div>
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10 pushups</div>
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20 KB (Kettle Bell) swings</div>
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7 burpees</div>
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21 situps</div>
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7 lunges....then back to 6 min. of running</div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>This is Toya Pre-Crossfit Challenge:</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGKGUM3ax3YXs7DVtxMVkeJn3ZECtNu_d6G7zsw537kVHRTUR9hp7-DTDvyws6EF8AfL90Vo8OUwO2Q9VwEFukUPbmSAdoLaYbRfxxZ0zfwJTD6hVnkTfSwX9kLSKyYSmxw9KfzrzJraH/s1600/upright+pic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGKGUM3ax3YXs7DVtxMVkeJn3ZECtNu_d6G7zsw537kVHRTUR9hp7-DTDvyws6EF8AfL90Vo8OUwO2Q9VwEFukUPbmSAdoLaYbRfxxZ0zfwJTD6hVnkTfSwX9kLSKyYSmxw9KfzrzJraH/s320/upright+pic+2.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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Just happy-go-lucky, underestimating what I was about to embark upon...</div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b><u>CraftyGriffin's Workout Take-Aways:</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>What was I thinking?!</b></span>- Not necessarily always a negative thing to think. I came to the realization that when I have this thought, it's because I am doing something hard. Something that takes intense focus, is a challenge, or a stressor. But, what a clarifying moment! There are times when this thought means....I must never do this again, or I need to do this! Working out, yeah, definitely something that needs to be "continually consistent." </div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>People give up too soon</b></span>- I wanted to quit during round 2 (post "what was I thinking" thought). Nonetheless, I was determined to get it done and finish the 4 rounds, as there will be days where there will be 5 or 6 rounds to complete. My "boyfriend/workout buddy/cheerleader" wouldn't let me quit anyway. The afterthought is that many times we want quit something too soon. There's an Israel Houghton song, Mercies, that comes to mind which says, "Nobody said it would always be easy, nobody said it would always be nice, nobody said that things would always turn out perfectly right." True that! Glad I didn't quit, it wasn't easy, nice, or perfectly right. I have a poster in my English classroom that says, "Just because something is difficult, doesn't mean you shouldn't try, just means you should try harder." I had to take my own medicine in regards to sticking it out today. I still don't believe that English class is harder than working through pain, but I am sure my students would beg to differ.</div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">Just do it!</span></b>- It's cliche and a Nike slogan, but seriously...sometimes you just need to accomplish something. I agree that many unnecessary burdens can come from just not accomplishing a task and/or doing the right thing (remnants of the sermon I heard today at church). I have MANY examples of this in my own life. Just ridiculously, unnecessary stress from not getting things done, or even the RIGHT things done. The feeling of finishing and knowing that it was really for your own good, can't argue with that. Too many times I feel we finish things that are not for our best interest. </div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>It's easy to do the easy stuff, and hard to do the hard stuff. Simple as that.</b></span>- There's a plethora of things where this applies. From just checking off To Do lists, to saying the right things, having the right motives, or simply treating people the right way. <span style="color: blue;"><i>Sad how easy it is to be a pain instead of being the positive</i>.</span> It's hard to be good. Good requires sacrifice at times, it's a choice, it's killing your flesh (the part of you that wants to do the total opposite of what you should do). That's the hard stuff, but the good stuff. Easy doesn't care, easy is not considerate, easy doesn't take the time, easy gets by, easy sometimes looks like a great structure on the outside and is crumbling on the inside, easy is just that and nothing more. All that's been accomplished, worth it, great, and caused growth has been hard. </div>
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<i><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">My ultimate take away: How much hard stuff can I do? </span></b></i></div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-size: small;"><b>Post Crossfit Challenge: a sweaty, accomplished, tired gal!</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1KoF3DVM1EiHIuuTuHdekkSz5_GedXLVoHow6t0SYylQQtlj-WpYxFs2b3sq9OitbHrD-j6C3El4of8mgOHj8zZiOUiuETvbVp0_eAN6c9xZAP0zf82D2pMVr7q7f-JdGymFns8PHySF/s1600/upright+pic+crossfit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1KoF3DVM1EiHIuuTuHdekkSz5_GedXLVoHow6t0SYylQQtlj-WpYxFs2b3sq9OitbHrD-j6C3El4of8mgOHj8zZiOUiuETvbVp0_eAN6c9xZAP0zf82D2pMVr7q7f-JdGymFns8PHySF/s320/upright+pic+crossfit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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*Surrounding myself with good people/with good goals/for good causes </div>
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*Doing the hard stuff, because the hard stuff is the good stuff!</div>
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Here's to another day in the books. 30 Before 30!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03198484901164414067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9157221508352331294.post-60904305561400793812013-06-22T12:26:00.002-07:002013-07-01T03:50:14.530-07:00Day 1: 30 Before 30!Today begins my "30 before 30" birthday initiative! I haven't been too jazzed about turning 30 lately...not sure why exactly, but maybe just because it's a final goodbye to the 20s. It's nice to notice how you've grown in a myriad of ways, so to make 30 matter; <span style="color: purple;"><b>I've decided to do the following things for 30 days...</b></span><br />
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*30 days of giving (anything from time to gifts)</div>
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*30 days of exercise</div>
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*30 days of water (why? because I hate it and I need to love it)</div>
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*30 days of MORE in-depth scripture memorization and Bible study</div>
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*30 days of happy just because</div>
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*30 days of blogging about my 30 days (of course)</div>
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Seems like a mountainous task, but why not? So, because I am me, I made a calendar for all of this, printed my "Cross-Fit" at home schedule, and made my own scripture cards to kick off getting my Word on!</div>
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I found a calendar printable on Pinterest (the best site ever) and wrote out my </div>
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routine for the next 30 days...which pretty much includes giving opportunities, exercise, water, studying, and blogging. Printable Link:<a href="http://simplybrenna.blogspot.ca/2012/12/2013calendarprintables.html?m=1">http://simplybrenna.blogspot.ca/2012/12/2013calendarprintables.html?m=1</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNp_40g9sL9X7PPZirK8YiKCVjqKPboAQY3JobC4GGzWIUxVuxkIadt9A7QP9X6EEfiVl-5mXAMmEdRCx-MHK3plwfGqRdSoOO0jpWrNpyZloar9VB4-zOTpZGvBi2wIxntPfk4sNuPOk/s1600/crossfit+workout.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNp_40g9sL9X7PPZirK8YiKCVjqKPboAQY3JobC4GGzWIUxVuxkIadt9A7QP9X6EEfiVl-5mXAMmEdRCx-MHK3plwfGqRdSoOO0jpWrNpyZloar9VB4-zOTpZGvBi2wIxntPfk4sNuPOk/s320/crossfit+workout.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here's my "Cross-Fit at home" calendar, again found on Pinterest.</div>
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I can't afford a workout program each month, so this is the next best thing! Who says you can't get sore, toned, and sweaty at home? Here's the link to "Momma Crossfitter 30 day challenge":</div>
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<a href="http://mommacrossfitter.blogspot.com/2013/05/30-day-at-home-crossfit-challenge.html">http://mommacrossfitter.blogspot.com/2013/05/30-day-at-home-crossfit-challenge.html</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PCVoXxFRA9U6A8Gy6k74MyfA7UztsBSUmY_Jed_Z-393C065QVcLOFfq9iiOpBmiWi7cMmQeVZK54quNw3LKB3iZaP7FB6ZHHNIPo25-LxlB1o4rRtUBf3qg4yP_XafIAIFcAuZGOfp8/s1600/scripture+cards.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PCVoXxFRA9U6A8Gy6k74MyfA7UztsBSUmY_Jed_Z-393C065QVcLOFfq9iiOpBmiWi7cMmQeVZK54quNw3LKB3iZaP7FB6ZHHNIPo25-LxlB1o4rRtUBf3qg4yP_XafIAIFcAuZGOfp8/s320/scripture+cards.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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My scripture cards, 30 of course. I started out with a pre-made list, but then decided I would brush up on some common scriptures and insert ones I am not so familiar with and/or ones that were on specifics areas of growth, that I needed. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9b7maJphw9_SJ7TXk__0voQ1nHltKIwbm0lO90mCz0NQDbcl8nNhuQjbiBQAq476zXiJpWxZTxbf_XPvXrPD-wsb1SGdfQphfdY5dSQh6Z3qMMyXuut8gG0jOWCkNq9AlQD5w9cz8SfG/s1600/Day+1+Food+Bank+and+NEED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9b7maJphw9_SJ7TXk__0voQ1nHltKIwbm0lO90mCz0NQDbcl8nNhuQjbiBQAq476zXiJpWxZTxbf_XPvXrPD-wsb1SGdfQphfdY5dSQh6Z3qMMyXuut8gG0jOWCkNq9AlQD5w9cz8SfG/s320/Day+1+Food+Bank+and+NEED.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>Day 1: June 22, 2013:</b></span></div>
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I found the Need-Tarrant faith based non-profit online (randomly). I emailed the coordinator days prior, and simply told her I was a teacher off for summer break who was looking to help out. She informed me that they volunteer at the food bank every 2nd and 4th Saturday. Since a 4th Saturday was coming up, I decided to join. It was definitely a new experience to meet up with a group I didn't know and help out at the food bank. I had been to the food bank once before with my students, but being there to physically help with meals was a joy! The Need Group was very welcoming, and excited that I randomly agreed to help them, help the food bank. </div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>Few things I learned in my 3 hours of packing meal boxes:</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>-Everyone is nice, when the goal is positive.</b></span> Amazing how sweet, thoughtful, and considerate a group of diverse people can be when their ultimate goal is to help others. I found myself laughing, talking, and working as a team with a room full of people I had never met before.</div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">-Packing boxes is not a joke!</span></b> It takes lots of focus to pack what you feel a family would need, like to eat, one that fit the weight and capacity requirements, one free of expired food items, and one with care:) It's a grueling task, your body gets tired of standing, your hands are dirty (even through the gloves), you are constantly looking for things, and lifting more boxes....but YOU DON'T CARE. You only care about completing the task and making meals that you know will be on someone's table next week. </div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>-Everyone has to be on the same team to be successful.</b></span> Meaning that no one can have a hidden agenda or motive in order to complete a meaningful task. There were several groups volunteering, and my team consisted of many different people. We pulled together to find things that were lost, pack with concern and care, revamp a plan when it didn't work (as packing a box of food is like a puzzle). The best part was the continued validation, affirmation, appreciation from those on my team. I don't know you, but thanks for pointing out my strengths and telling me "Great Job!" repeatedly. What does that make me want to do? MORE! Funny how, those who know us better than strangers can sometimes find it difficult to genuinely appreciate. </div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>-Simple things are a BIG DEAL! </b></span></div>
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We clapped and cheered when we found items like syrup, ketchup, flour, mustard, Velveeta meals. It was like Christmas! Which was a phrase many uttered throughout the morning. Interesting how excited we were over finding simple items just to make a basket complete with a variety of meals to make. I was happy about condiments today. Condiments. Don't tell me that you can't find joy in anything. If a bottle of ketchup put a smile on my face today, then the possibilities of happiness are limitless. </div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>What I learned today: Surrounding yourself with good people, with good goals, for a good cause is a win-win.</b></span> Most times you have to create those environments yourself. Thinking about our day to day, work, family, etc. So many things are what I call "perforated punch outs" -already assembled parts of life that we HAVE to deal with. The sweet thought for myself is how many good people/good goal/ good cause experiences can I insert in my life? In the next 30 days....I'll find out!</div>
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