Random Dozen

1. How good are you at delaying gratification?

Fairly good. As long as I know there will be an end, no problem.

2. Maybe a marshmallow wouldn't be too difficult a temptation for you. What food (or anything else) would be most tempting?

Really good chocolate pie, and chocolate donuts from Community Bakery.

3. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being saintly) how patient are you?

7

4. Have you ever waited for something in life only to be disappointed upon realization of the goal/object/etc.?

Yes, when we bought our house, the price was so different, it made me cry and want to give it up.

5. Are you a person who takes shortcuts?

I have a hard time even discovering and seeing shortcuts!

6. Which line is hardest to wait in?

A doctors waiting room when I feel really bad. Not quite a line, but it does involve waiting.

7. Did you wait to discover the gender of your unborn child until its birth?

On our first born, yes. I thought the entire time it was a girl, went with pink outfit to wear home from the hospital, yet, the baby was a he!

8. Are you more patient with children or the elderly?

Children.

9. Did you ever sneak a peek at a present?

Only when I was very young and I found a doll hidden in a closet, a Dancerina doll.

10. What is the longest you've ever waited for anything?

11. Who has more patience, you or your significant other?

Me, definitely me!

12. Which of the following songs about waiting is your pick for the best? (OK, you may substitute another, if you like.)

A) Anticipation by Carly Simon
B) The Waiting by Tom Petty
C) Right Here Waiting for You by Richard Marx
D) Wait for Me by Rebecca St. James

Anticipation

The earthquake in Haiti

Today there was this post. It caught my attention because of an article in the paper as well as a comment Britton Wesson made at church the other day "If not for the Grace of god, there go I". my group discussed how that can misunderstood and we as believers should really not feel that way. Here is the blog and my response to Linda.

MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2010

Whose Fault is the Fault?

I love how God works to bring verses to our attention at just the right time!

Yesterday in our Sunday School Bible Fellowship class, we prayed for Haiti, as I'm sure your church did. The question was raised about how to respond in conversations with non-believers (or believers too, for that matter) when questions come up about God's role in such disasters, especially in light of some public comments made last week which attribute the earthquake to God's judgment on a pagan nation. Of course, this has caused a maelstrom of reaction from both ends of the spectrum.

Later yesterday evening, I was reading an unrelated book, and stumbled across these verses:

Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices.

Jesus answered, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way?

I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.

Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem?

I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish."
Luke 13:1-5

I almost fell out of the chair! I don't remember reading those verses before, although I'm sure I have. What a great reminder that, instead of trying to read God's mind, we need to be focus on the importance of turning to Him in repentance and trust, regardless of where we live.

I remember the same reaction to Hurricane Katrina. We are all very aware that believers as well as nonbelievers perished then. We often spout "If not for the grace of God, that would be me." Does that mean we have more grace on us than another believer? In the Arkansas paper today, it quotes 3 people in Haiti. Rev. Eric Toussaint at Mass preached of thanksgiving . "Why give thanks to God? Because we are here. What happened is the will of God." Mondesir Raymone, a 26 year old single mother of two was grateful. "We have survived by the grace of God," she said. Others were angry. "It's a catastrophe, and it is God who has put this upon us," said Jean-Andre Noel, 39, a computer technician. I believe it is hard on anyone to understand God's mind. His ways are not our ways. You are so right to encourage us to focus on turning to him in repentance and trust, no matter what what circumstance, tragedy, disappointment or happiness we find ourselves in!

Wednesday

Easter Seals has 2 openings for speech therapist in the Childrens Rehab unit. 40 beds. age 5-21. I wonder how much it pays. After today, I just might look into it. There are only 2, I repeat 2 cameras in the CBI department. Both obtained from a grant. Thank goodness for wonderful former co workers that kept such good records! Also for computers that keep the date tag attached!
I think I have had it with no answering the phones, students yelling and being fussed at, football, constant searching on the web while the educational needs go totally unmet. So much good stuff around but is it used? No.
Yes, I was at fault for not letting someone know the camera was found 3 months ago, but someone has not voiced a need to use it.
Plus, keep praying. I need to find the CAMP Fun folder that I have at home. It must be somewhere.
I have truly wasted 2 days this week.; I think I am so disillusioned with my job, I don't care. I do so wish money was not an issue so I could move to another place of employment. But, I'd lose my upcoming bonus!
Lord, I call down the demons of confusion, strife, disappointment, judgment and anger. In Jesus' name. I lift up my co worker , and the principals. They need your touch. Give all of us a heart of calmness, and trust, not a spirit of doubt and anger.

God, we all need to practice every day that it is NOT about us, but about the students. As we do unto the least of these, we do it unto you. I pray this for my team.

God, let this all work out. Help me not be bitter but find the evidence I need and the clear thoughts to put it into words.
I call down the spirit of procrastination, forgetfulness and confusion. I pray God that you fill it with clear thinking and quick actions. Plus, help me keep my mouth shut until I have my facts correct.
In Jesus' name Amen

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Today is only the 2nd day back from our winter break and I am so ready for summer break! I do not know if I need another job tht I can get passionate about or just no job at all! I get tired of working and I think the state episode has worn me down to the point I don't care about any thing. I'd love to sit and do research all day, searching the internet and discovering new facts. I'd love to plan travel trips. I'd love to stay home and clean my house. But, God has placed me at the place with the people he wants me to be. As you serve the least of these you do unto me. Perspective is what I need. What if they were my child. I'd want someone to work with them who cared greatly for my child, not just show up to collect a pay check.
New year resolutions, Do not procrastinate. Keep up with my checking accounts. Get things in order for Bill to work with and pay. Give it to him.
Look for the book Beckie spoke about last night. Work to keep a Sabbath and teach my children to do the same.
Look for the section in Don Allendars book about what your space says about you.
Call my aunts. Call my cousins. Write in the journal what they say and keep up with what they say.
Call people to pick up the yard sale stuff.
Call New South. Why do I not want to?
Now, get to work!