My Voice, My Heart, My Life

At midnight another year will have passed and a new one lies before us. Today is a day to reflect back at all that has pasts and a day to plan what's ahead. Yes, the look back may be painful but I'm sure that joy emerged. Take this time to see what has been accomplished and what needs to be improved.  Enjoy the time with family and friends. Enjoy the fellowship of the season. Thank God for the trials and blessings of the past and pray for wisdom and strength for the future. For me this year has been full or surprises both pleasant and not so pleasant. There are parts in my life where I have been stretched and have had to learn to rely on God greatly. This year He has also blessed me with deeper friendships. It's been a blessings to have sister-friends. This year has been eventfully and I wouldn't change a thing. Every event that has occurred had a purpose.They've each taught a lesson and caused me to reflect. Thank you Lord for continuing to show me something n

This was confession is from December 18, 2005, but I believe what he says still has merit. Herewith at this happy time of year, a few confessions from my beating heart: I have no freaking clue who Nick and Jessica are.  I see them on the cover of People and Us constantly when I’m buying my dog biscuits.  I still don’t know.  I often ask the checkers at the grocery stores who they are.  They don’t know who Nick and Jessica are, either.  Who are they?  Will it change my life if I know who they are and why they’ve broken up?  Why are they so darned important?  I don’t know who Lindsay Lohan is either, and I don’t care at all about Tom Cruise’s baby. Am I going to be called before a Senate committee and asked if I’m a subversive?  Maybe.  But I just have no clue who Nick and Jessica are.  Is this what it means to be no longer young?  Hmmm, not so bad. Next confession:  I am a Jew and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish, and it does not bother me even a little

 A dear friend sent me this poem written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA It's a beautiful tribute to the precious children lost in Sandy Hook Elementary. Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38 when 20 beautiful children stormed through Heaven's gate. Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air. They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there... They were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say. They remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day. "Where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse. "This is heaven," declared a small boy. "We're spending Christmas at God's house." When what to their wondering eyes did appear but Jesus, their Savior; the children gathered near. He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same. Then He opened His arms and He called them by name. And in that moment was joy that only Heaven can bring. Those children all

I heard this letter read on KLOVE, a christian radio station, and found it comforting. From Pastor Ray (Bayside Church): Today is a heartbreaking day. Our nation experienced the second worst school shooting in American history. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and everyone affected by this senseless tragedy. I, like all Americans, am devastated. During tragic times like this there is inevitably a mad scramble for CLARITY. How could this happen? Why would a good and loving God let this happen? Who's to blame for this senseless violence? The problem – Shallow Christian clichés fall short and ultimately Clarity never comes…because at best, we see ‘through a glass dimly…' During times like this we think we need Clarity when we really need is Certainty. • I am certain that this senseless act breaks the heart of God because… I am certain that God understands what it means to lose a son. • I am certain that every one of todays victims

So this has been a long week. The school schedule has been normal, lots to do with not a lot of time, adding on top this Scrooge schedule has drained me. I enjoy it but by Sunday I'm dragging my feet. I woke up feeling a bit sick, coughing and just plain exhausted. I sat on the couch debating "Should I not go to church today. I could use the rest? I don't why we think its okay to miss church if we're feeling tried or just don't feel like it. We justify it to ourselves someway and say God will forgive me. Well I got and got ready, because I knew I would benefit even if my body was fighting me. Today at my church we had our Christmas Potluck. When we walked into the church I was so taken back. They had decorated the space with tables and decorations. All set up for a communal lunch. The centerpieces on the table were colorful and the walls had snowman decorations. The advent candle stood front in center. We walked in when worship had started so we got the whole p

I'm a big tea drinker. I prefer it to coffee. A cup in the morning. A cup at night. A cup or two in between if its doable. No matter the family, green, oolong, black or herbal I love it. I began buying tea through the supermarket. Celestials Season, Twinings or Stash Tea. They tasted fine and I enjoyed them. But then I discovered loose leaf tea. It opened up a whole new world for me. The taste was more intense, the aroma more fragrant and the color more saturated. It was a beautiful discovery. I started ordering tea online. That worked well enough, but it was inconvenient. If I ran out of something I couldn't just go out and get it. So I began my search for local tea shops. I found a few but they were either too far or too much. I couldn't believe how expense tea could be! So my dilemma began. I love the taste of loose leaf but I'll go broke drinking it. With no tea shop in town with variety and price that would fit my budget, I returned to the tea bag world. A we

Today is the last day for one of kids. She and her mom will be moving down under to Australia. Ysabella is a first year highlander. Unlike most of my students she didn't attend HCS preschool. She came fresh from an outside school. Though she didn't have the Highlands background, she was completely prepared for kindergarten. With our academics being a year ahead than normal, there is always a bit of concern for those new kids, but that wasn't the case with her. She flourished. The first time I met Ysabella wasn't on the first day of school. It was actually during the summer at the "Free Kindergarten Day."  It was a day of fun activities and some academic work, a mini preview of kindergarten. It was a four hour day and Ysabella was one of the participating kids. She was quiet and a bit shy. Very timid. She reminded me of myself at that age. She opened up a bit but not much. By the end of the day, I knew I wanted her in my kindergarten class. I prayed that sh

After a week of Scrooge rehesrals and late nights, I am really looking forward to this Thursday break. A day of rest before the mad rush of the weekend production. It has been fun but I need to sleep at a decent hour at least one night this week. Well, I'm choosing to spend this break to with some dear friends. Gino and Laura Quinn have been our close friends for over 10 years. We met at church when we were all dating and we where just starting our adult lives. Our acquaintance grow into a beautiful friendship. We stood in each others weddings and have been part of the most important moments, especially celebrating their 3 precious children.  Theirs is a friendship that Scott & I deeply cherish.  In the past year or two they have been preparing to move to Georgia. The Lord has called them to the mission field. Now I know what you're thinking, Georgia doesn't need missionaries, its part of the bible belt! Yes, this is true. The organization, Operation Mobilisation

I have the pleasure of teaching 18 little people. Ages 5-6. Each day brings a new discovery, a new revelation, a new story (well, many stories) and a new challenge. Each one has a very distinct personality. I have active ones and calm ones. Expressive ones and quite ones. Obedient ones and those who choose to push the boundary lines quite often. Though they can be catogorized into groups, each one shines within their group. They are as unique as their fingerprint. Each one is brought into this world for a specific purpose. They bring something positive for this world. As I observe them in the classroom, I can tell who they might become as adults. The words they say and the character they show are so honest, no grain of salt needed. Each year I know that the kids in my class are there for a reason. It is a new season of teaching and learning for all parties involved. Here is where I teach lessons and learn life. Allow me to share a few stories. One of my girls, we'll call

Grace. Webster has several definitions of what it means. I found the first intriguing.                     1.unmerited divine assistance given humans for their                       regeneration or sanctification                   Unmerited divine assistance. This is so true. Grace is an undeserved gift. It is given freely and without condition. Grace is a beautiful thing. It's originator is God.  It's a virtue that comes from God. Grace only exists because of God.  First, through His grace we are saved. He sent down His only Son to die for our sins so that we could one day live with Him for eternity. He gave a precious gift to undeserving souls. His love and grace have no bounds.   Recently my spiritual family have been going through hardships. It has been a hard road for them to take. They have been stretched to their limits. Mother Theresa once said, " I know that God will not give me anything I can't handle, I just wish He didn't tr

Church of the Highlands, in San Bruno, has been presented a very special play called Scrooge, a christian take on the Christmas Carol. It has been a favorite of the church and school (where I work) and has been touching lives for the past 20 years plus. Apart from the main character, Scrooge, all the parts played on stage and behind are done by volunteers. It's a great community venture for both church & school. Many of the kids from the school audition to be part of the "Dream Scene", a special part where the kids are showcased. It is the most adorable part of the play. Some are dressed as lambs, lions, toy soldiers, gymnasts and dolls. You always hear the audience ooo & aww. It's a great Christmas tradition. For those with parts they have been practicing since Sept/Oct. It has been late nights for many weeks. This week is Dress Rehearsal where all those participating come together and spend the evenings getting ready for the performances nights on Friday

Yesterday morning Kansas City Chief, Jovan Belcher shot his girlfriend, Kassandra Perkins in front of his mother, and then committed suicide in the Chiefs' parking lot in front of his head coach and general manager, leaving his 3 month daughter, Olivia, an orphan. It's an unthinkable tragedy. Jovan had no history of violence. According to news outlets, he was even part of a group called Male Athletes Against Violence, so this disturbing act of violence has come as a shock to his family and team. No one saw it coming. In the eyes of society he had it all. A lucrative contact from an NFL team. All his physical needs meet. A beautiful girlfriend and a precious child. An outsider looking in would think he had the American Dream. So what could have triggered him to do such a horrible thing? One may never know. When tragedies of this nature occur its because they feel that there's no way out. They feel like they're trapped. Death is the only means of escape. What'

On December 1, 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama, an African-American civil rights activist refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger and was arrested for civil disobedience. Though Rosa Park did not know it at the time, but her act of defiance became a catalyst to the 381 day Montgomery Bus Boycott. She became a prominent symbol for the modern Civil Rights Movement.  She became an international icon of resistance to racial segregation. She organized and collaborated with civil rights leaders, including Edgar Nixon,  president of the local chapter of the NAACP; and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Her simple yet significant stance paved the way for equality.  What Edmund Burke said is true, "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men (or women) do nothing." There were four passengers that were asked to move that fateful day. She was the only one that did not move. Mrs. Parks could have easily given up her seat to the white passenger and gone to the

Yesterday was the last session for my "Be Still" bible study. It was a great study and very personal. It brought face to face many of the things that get in the way and what we allow to get in the way of being still in the Lord. One of the main themes that really impacted me was about trust. I came to realize and admit that I only give certain things to God and keep some for myself. Instead of releasing all to the Lord I insist on holding on to those things I think I can handle or am afraid to let go. And I wonder why I stress about stuff. Duh! I keep holding myself back. I've been facing this ugly truth about myself for the last few months. It hasn't been fun and I've fought it a bit. I also realized that when I mistrust God, I sin. Intense. I want to let go and trust, but do I really? I figured if I'm still holding on, its because I don't completely trust and don't really want to try. Fear creeps in and tells me if you let this one go you may no

This past week the kindergarten classes have been practicing daily for their Christmas program last night, November 29th. For the last two months they have been learning these songs, taught by our wonderfully patient and loving music teacher, and last night their hard work paid off. Though the program went very well and no one fell off the riser, the same can't be said for their rehearsals. (No one fell during practice, but there were a few close calls) It was a week of late afternoon rehearsals, making for interesting occurrences. There are two kindergarten classes and each class had 3 songs to sing, along with a bible verse to recite. Then they do 2 group songs together.  My class went first. For the most part they did well. Most kept their eyes on the music teacher, sang and did the motions. But there were a select few that just weren't getting it. It wasn't their first time on stage. It was as if they didn't know what was expected of them and just did their ow

Today I returned to work after a four day holiday, wishing I had just one more day. One more day of memories.  We had a really good time at my Aunt's for Thanksgiving. It had been a while since we had gathered as a whole family (Dad's side) to celebrate a holiday. The last time I remember was when we were little and it would be a weekend sleepover. It was nice to see my cousins and catch up with them. Time doesn't seem to exist when we get together. We could talk all night and not even notice. It was a great time of food and family.  Black Friday, or the day after Thanksgiving, was nice and quite for us. We did step out to do a little shopping but after the madness had passed. My hubby and I did a little window shopping and then real shopping at Target. It was nice to be able to hang out with him and just spend time outside of our house. Even the simple things, like mall cruising, can mean so much because you are together. We enjoyed the rest of the day just being t

Happy Thanksgiving to all!  "My the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26 I am very blessed to work at a Christian School. Each morning the teachers gather together to spend time in God's word and prayer. These devotional times give us the opportunity to learn from each other, share our burdens and praises, to share what the Lord is teaching us, ultimately to build up and encourage each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. One of my close friends had devotions for this week and she handed out a Thanksgiving "Mad Lib" of sorts. This Mad Lib is not meant to give us a chuckle but to thoughtfully consider what are you truly thankful for? Below is the Thanksgiving Lib she created. I've filled in my blanks , my responses are in between the slashes (/).  I challenge you to go through this list and answer the question, "What a

I wanted to share a couple of stories about God's presence, grace and strength. These past few weeks have been very trying for a close friend of mine. Her husband had to be rushed to the hospital. He had an appendicitis. Though this surgery is routinely done it doesn't mean it is not without risk. After he was released instead of improving he got worse. It had turned out that an infection had set in causing high fevers, chills, weakness and pale skin. He was in a terrible state. Along with the stressfulness of this situation those hospital bills where piling up. She has become his caretaker for the last few weeks. She has had to balance being with her husband and taking care of her 2 kids. One would think that with all of this mounted upon her shoulders, she would collapse and crumble. But the complete opposite is true. She stayed strong, optimistic and encouraged. We held them up in prayer and did what we could. She held on to the Lord and he granted her the grace and s

This past Friday, one of my students was withdrawn from the school. I have had students leave in the past and it was always sad, but this last one really hit me hard. He is a very intelligent boy however had difficultly relating with his peers properly. At times he would react physically. He didn't seem quite aware of his actions or the reason he reacted in that manner. He didn't behave this way everyday. There were good days and then there were really bad days. Though he struggled to express his emotions in the right manner and at times could be very resistant to direction he had a sweet side. He was always saying silly things. He enjoyed making his classmates laugh. His smile was charming. He could also be very affectionate. I wish that I had more time. I can only pray that wherever he goes that God keep him safe and gives him daily reminders that He loves him. I'm truly going to miss this little character.  I took a picture of him and the class and had it framed wit

Father God,       Let me start by expressing my greatest gratitude for giving me life. Thank you for granting me that opportunity. Thank you for laying out a plan for my life. Thank you taking me through it step by step. Thank you for your love, mercy, faithfulness and amazing grace. Thank you for the people that you've put in my path. Thank you for those who caused me pain because they brought me closer to you. Thank you for those that have brought me joy for they are a reminder of your love. Thank you for leaving the 99 to seek me out when I stray. Thank you for your discipline that is delivered in love. Thank you for my family. Thank you for the my godly parents, for they have guided me to you. Thank you for my brothers who daily reflect the meaning of loyalty and devotion. Thank you for my husband who allows me to be myself. Thank you for creating someone for me. Thank you for my dear friends. They have been a daily encouragement and a shower of love. Thank you the comple

Today was a crazy day.  Kids were way too active and way too loud. The sound vibrated off the walls piercing my ears. Some select few just didn't listen during class time and I had to stop and go until all were on the same page. It was like LA traffic. Go a little and stop for 5 minutes then repeat. The tattling had no off switch. If I had charged 5 cents for each tattle I would have enough to fill my car with gas. To quote one of my favorite children's books, it was a terrible, horrible no good very bad day. Those items above are only the pregame show events. I had a child who just refused to do work and then threw his pencil at a classmate hitting her smack center on her forehead. Fortunately no blood was shed. The conversation that followed was not pleasant. On top of that this poor girl, yesterday, had been push down on the playground hurting her knee. So two consecutive accidents that I had to report to worried parents. The damage doesn't stop there. While in li

Remembering the lost and praying for those left behind that the grace and love of God embraces your lives and brings you hope.  "The Lord bless you and keep you;   the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." (Numbers 6:24-26) God is our hope always.  "We have this hope as an anchor 'Cause we believe that everything God promised us is true, so ... So we can cry with hope And say goodbye with hope" -Steven Curtis Chapman Listed below are those lost that tragic day. Acquired from newsday.com. Edelmiro Aba  Andrew Cross Abate Vincent Abate Laurence Christopher Abel Alona Abraham William F. Abrahamson Richard Aceto Erica H. Van Acker Heinrich Bernhard Ackermann Paul Acquaviva Donald LaRoy Adams Shannon Lewis Adams Stephen George Adams Christian Adams Patrick Adams Ignatius