Gliffy

I recently learned about, Gliffy, an online version of Visio that is described as "Diagram software for the rest of us," on the site's homepage.

My team had initially used Inspiration to create our project flowchart, but were in search of something that would allow us to collaborate. A special thanks goes out to my esteemed colleague, David Robertson of Covenant Technology Services, for sharing this resource.

A preview of the team flowchart can be seen here.

I'm looking forward to collaborating with my team members as we continue to change and recreate our Underground Railroad Game Scenarios.

Come Home

There are times when I miss this old house, the simplicity of life, my childhood and family and friends. Any time I have the opportunity to visit I try to take it and each and every time I'm flooded with a wealth of emotions.

There were many times, as a child, I disappointed my parents and got myself in trouble. There are also times I tried to hide things from them. However, even when I messed up and my parents found out, I knew I could "come home." At home I always felt safe and secure, accepted and loved.

The same is true of our Heavenly Father; no matter what we've done or where we've been we can always come home to Him.

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:13

Happy New Year; Welcome to 2010!

It's definitely been too long since I've posted; I'm hoping to do better in 2010. ;) We'll see. Anyway...now for this post. 

The beginning of the year is a time for reflection and renewal; an opportunity for a fresh start. I am one that likes to establish personal goals, but I've never been one to make "New Year's Resolutions." And while there are several things that I would like to accomplish during 2010, I am not going to make a list of specific items. However, many of the items fall into the following categories of spiritual growth, health and education.

I've recently been reflecting on a new verse (see below) that is positive and helps provide me guidance at this point in my life. I will be interested to take a look back on this posting one year from today to see how I have changed and grown.

Hoping everyone has an awesome 2010! Praying God's protection and richest blessings on you all. 

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10: 3-5

GIGO

Garbage In, Garbage Out

I was gently reminded of this little phrase today. The truth is that people can not continue to go through life wearing masks; changing them based on situations and scenarios. Eventually, whatever we are trying to "mask" will make itself known. We must be intentional about what we allow to enter our minds realizing that one day that whatever we've taken in will surface in our personal actions, words and/or deeds.

Note to self: Set the example; what goes in, WILL come out...think before you act, speak, do, etc. 

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9

Free to Be Me

I heard Francesca share about writing this song and I'm going to do my best to relay the story here because it definitely struck a chord in me.

She'd had an accident and had been at fault. She was embarrassed and ashamed about the situation. After leaving the scene she found herself upset and to the point of tears, but out of her tears the chorus of this song was born. She realized it didn't matter that she'd made mistakes, was nowhere close to perfect and that God loved and accepted her unconditionally.

This song carries such a strong message about accepting and loving yourself for who God made you. It serves as a constant reminder that He's not finished with me yet!

Album: My Paper Heart
Artist: Francesca Battistelli

At twenty years of age I'm still looking for a dream
A war's already waged for my destiny
But You've already won the battle
And You've got great plans for me
Though I can’t always see

(Chorus)
‘Cause I got a couple dents in my fender
Got a couple rips in my jeans
Try to fit the pieces together
But perfection is my enemy
On my own I'm so clumsy
But on Your shoulders I can see
I'm free to be me

When I was just a girl I thought I had it figured out
My life would turn out right, and I'd make it here somehow
But things don't always come that easy
And sometimes I would doubt

(Chorus)

And you’re free to be you

Sometimes I believe that I can do anything
Yet other times I think I've got nothing good to bring
But You look at my heart and You tell me
That I've got all You seek
And it’s easy to believe
Even though

(Chorus)

Tommy - Cinco Ranch High School Band

Sam Houston State University Marching Band Festival, October 24, 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nilmkOMoP5g

This was an absolutely fantastic marching season for the Cinco Ranch Cougar Marching Band. The musical arrangements and song selections were very enjoyable and the performances showcased both musical and marching skills of the kids. Congratulations to each and every member on an outstanding season. I'm personally looking forward to an incredibly over the top year in the fall of 2010.

GO COUGAR BAND!!!

Katy Invitational Marching Contest, October 10, 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6tAtCmkOB8

My Boy & Physics

According to Webster's physics is:
1. a science that deals with matter and energy and their interactions 2a: the physical processes and phenomena of a particular system b: the physical properties and composition of something.

Personally, I prefer the simpler explanation extended to us by Wikipedia: the study of matter and its motion through spacetime and all that derives from these, such as energy and force.

It seems one of the few things I am able to  recall about physics is Sir Isaac Newton's Laws of Motion and Albert Einstein's Theory of Relativity. However, if ever ask for a detailed explanation I would be hard pressed to share specific details regarding either of these.

I am so perplexed by it all that it makes my head spin and I simply wonder how my offspring could actually think that the study of physics is actually easy and fun. Is he actually my child? In looking at him, there is no escaping that I am the one that gave birth to him a little more than 17 years ago; however, when it comes to the way his brain is wired and functions this little apple fell quite far from the tree.

For now, I guess I'll remain baffled and in awe of his personal gifts and abilities and I pray he continues to develop and use his gifts according to the plans God has for his life.

Yep, I guess you could say I'm one proud momma! I love you "boy-o-mine." <3