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

Contemplating a Change

I am currently at a crossroads with regards to completing my degree. In fact, you might not call it a crossroads, but rather a dead end. If I don't get my act together and get my paperwork done, I'll be sitting idle for another semester and my goal is to graduate with this degree at the same time Austin graduates from high school in the spring of 2011. After all, I've been in school for what seems like FOREVER!

So just what am I contemplating? The university recently began offering another degree option and I'm seriously considering checking into what it would take for me to switch to the newer option. Of course, that would require the authorization of my advisor  and I'm sure there would be additional paperwork to boot. I've got to make this decision soon; either way I go will result in the same outcome. Decisions, decisions...

Letting Go

Francesca Battistelli is currently one of my favorite artists; her song, I'm Letting Go, carries a timely and appropriate message. The lyrics serve as a reminder that no matter lifes' circumstances God is in control and that He has a plan and a purpose for me (and for you too). You can listen to the song and view the lyrics here as well. May the message bless you; enjoy!



My heart beats, standing on the edge
But my feet have finally left the ledge
Like an acrobat
There’s no turning back

Chorus
I’m letting go
Of the life I planned for me
And my dreams
Losing control
Of my destiny
Feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe
So I’m letting go

This is a giant leap of faith
Trusting and trying to embrace
The fear of the unknown
Beyond my comfort zone

Chorus
I’m letting go
Of the life I planned for me
And my dreams
Losing control
Of my destiny
Feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe
So I’m letting go
Giving in to your gravity
Knowing You are holding me
I’m not afraid
Feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe
Feels like I’m falling and this is the life for me

Carpe Aeternitatem: Seize Eternity

"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end." Ecclesiastes 3:11

Bloom Where You Are Planted

I was recently reminded that my life is not really my own. And...although I have the ability to make choices and "go my own way," God has a plan and purposes for my life. Therefore, I have the opportunity to utilize the gifts and abilities I've been given..."planting seeds, nurturing and sometimes even having the opportunity to witness full growth, or reaping the harvest."

I am currently fulfilled and having fun on the job. I feel like I've had the chance to put down roots and I'm enjoying working alongside teachers, answering questions, helping them plan and exposing them to new options for using technology in their classrooms.

MOOYAH!

Even thought MOOYAH Burgers & Fries opened a few months ago, I'd never taken the opportunity to stop by and grab one. However, all that changed tonight when a friend said she'd been craving a good burger and fries. We took a "risk" and we were definitely rewarded, YUM! If you like this kind of grub and haven't tried the juicy burger and hot, skin-on fries then you've got to put this one on your list of places to check out. I'm quite certain I'll be paying this location a visit again, in the not-so-distant future. :)

Chips & Salsa: The Essential Staples of Life

Forewarning, this post falls into the random thought category.

You know the old saying, "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree?" Well it is a very true statement about me when it comes to chips and salsa. You see, I am definitely my father's daughter. We both enjoy a basket of warm, thin, crispy chips accompanied by fresh salsa. In fact, there's absolutely nothing like them. Yum!

Quite honestly, I do think I might be able to live by chips and salsa alone. I could definitely eat them at least once a day, if not at every meal and snacks in-between as well. Basically, life is very good with this delectable "staple."

I guess to some this might sound completely insane, but maybe there are others that actually agree. Either way...I personally plan to continue enjoying them as often as I can.

What a Wonderful Surprise!

Earlier this week an anonymous individual sent me these beautiful flowers with the following note attached.

Michelle-

Thank you for all of your work for us this summer and the great new computers! We're looking forward to having you in our classrooms this year!

A grateful teacher

I wanted to take this opportunity to publicly thank this individual for going out of his/her way to express your gratitude. What a total and unexpected surprise and the fact that you sent them anonymously makes it even more special! :-)

Thank you for reaching out. I pray I will have multiple opportunities to "pay it forward" and bless others; quite possibly you too in return. ;-)

With sincere thanks; God bless.

Pressing On

Endurance -the ability to withstand hardship or adversity; especially : the ability to sustain a prolonged stressful effort or activity. Webster's dictionary

In an effort to boost my tennis game, I've been including running, walking and weight lifting, tennis drills and boot camps to my workout routine. I've also noticed that I have more endurance and what was extremely difficult and in some cases basically impossible, initially, are now easier to complete. I was a sprinter way back in the day; never any good at distance running. Therefore, I've surprised myself recently by being able to run a longer amount of time and distance than I ever have before in my life.

I'm trying to remain focused and hopeful that I can continue making positive progress.

Pressing on Toward the Goal
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Philipians 3:12

Teaching/Coaching

A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops. Henry Adams

Recently I've been reflecting on how much teachers and coaches have impacted my life and I realize how much they all helped foster my love of learning.

I guess you could say I'm sort of a professional student in some ways, but maybe one day (in the not so distant future) I will complete the official degree on which I am working. :)

Upon completion of the degree, I do think I'll probably continue my quest for knowledge in some form or fashion, possibly including different kinds of continuing education classes like learning to play the guitar or taking lessons to improve my tennis game.

I definitely enjoy gaining and sharing new knowledge and skills. I also love the thrill of competition, so teaching/coaching students and teachers is right up my alley.

Last year I had the opportunity to help coach my school's tennis team and just tonight I completed a required online course, Fundamentals of Coaching, so I can continue to assist during the 09-10 school year.

I'm looking forward to this school year, continuing to coach and stepping back into an instructional role (it's been 5 years now)...collaborating with teachers, working with students and coordinating, designing and delivering professional development.

That Was Then; This Is Now

Seventeen years ago today, I gave birth to the light of my life. I'm not sure I truly ever imagined life with him, but I know I can't imagine life without him now. He is definitely a precious gift from God. I am so very proud of him and I'm very much looking forward to the seeing what the next seventeen years hold. I love you my son; happy birthday!

Hate, Envy & the Magnificent God

My thought when I saw this title was how in the world do hate and envy relate to the magnificent God? Brian relayed the story about Joseph (who, at this time, was ironically a 17 year old young man since today is my son's 17th birthday) and his family found in Genesis 37:1-11. In the story Joseph's father showed definite favoritism towards Joseph. This made his bothers quite envious of Joseph, which gave way to contempt and hatred.

Referring to verses 1-3, Brian explained that favoritism breeds envy and challenged us not to show favoritism in our family, personal and work relationships. He continued, in verses 4-11, pointing out that envy can eventually give birth to hatred. This becomes evident when we display our selfish natures; saying and doing things we would not otherwise do.

Proverbs 14:30 reads..."A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones." The verses in Galatians 5:19-23 show us that our human flesh is at war with the Spirit. " The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

As Christ followers we should be walking in the Spirit, showing His love to and for others. However, when we choose to be envious of others we demonstrate that we are walking in the flesh, not in the Spirit.

I'm personally contemplating whether I am continuing to spread "stench" in life or walking alongside God, assisting in His efforts to clean up and spread love. I am hopeful that I will reflect on this daily, remembering the words found in the gospel of Mark, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it." 8:34-35

That explains the hate and envy, but what about the magnificent God? Fortunately for us, He can and does take broken pieces (our sins, including poor choices, jealousy, envy, hatred, etc.) and puts them all back together again to serve His purpose and glory.

Think on these things and then pray and ask God to reveal the following to you; keeping in mind, "God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:16-17

• Have jealousy and envy given way to hatred in my life?
• Do I need to seek forgiveness and/or be forgiven by anyone?
  
• Am I denying self, daily, to spread God's magnificent love?

Be still and silent before the Lord; follow after Him always looking and listening for His call and purpose in your life.