Summertime is amazing for a teacher.
Not only do I get out of the stuffy classroom, but I have the opportunity to develop other parts of my life. I have time to write, time to read, time to go on trips around the world, time to see my family, and also time to rest and relax in the beautiful Florida weather.
So this summer, I decided I would begin a book reading project. I love to read, but when you teach literature, you don't have time to read anything but what you are teaching.
My list started with 25 books. I knew this number was a little ambitious to finish in two months, but I thought it was do-able. But the more I thought about it, and the more I spoke with friends, I realized that I was just setting myself up for disappointment. So, with that in mind, I lowered my book list to 15 BOOKS.
15 BOOKS is still rather ambitious for me, seeing as I haven't finished many books this past year, and, even then, they were easy reads. Below is a list of the books that I am attempting to read this summer:
GREEN by Ted Dekker
LOVE WALKED IN by Gloria de los Santos
HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE by J.K. Rowling
HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX by J.K. Rowling
HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE by J.K. Rowling
HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS by J.K. Rowling
LOVE AND RESPECT by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs
MANSFIELD PARK by Jane Austen
THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS by C.S. Lewis
THE MAN WHO WAS THURSDAY by G.K. Chesterton
THE UNLIKELY DISCIPLE by Roose
NIGHT by Elie Wiesel
FAIR IS THE ROSE by Liz Curtis Higgs
A CHANCE TO DIE by Elisabeth Elliot
THESE STRANGE ASHES by Elisabeth Elliot
This is quite a task for me, but I am excited to do it! I will be writing my "reviews" and thoughts on the books as I read them here, but I will also be posting regular posts as well.
P.S. As I am reading, I will be taking a road-trip, going home to visit my family, and planning for next school year!
Wish me luck!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Going Downtown . . .
Those of you who know me know that I go downtown on Thursday nights with a non-profit organization called NOMSA (check it out: http://www.nomsa.org/). We spend our Thursday evenings serving food and having dinner with homeless friends who gather at Lake Eola. It is usually a very uneventful (meaning not too much drama) evening. This Thursday was a little different.
First of all, we began the evening by running low of food. Praise the Lord, everyone got to eat, but there is something about running low that brings down your spirits.
As we were serving, a man whom none of us knew by name came up to another one of our homeless friends and pushed him to the ground. There was no apparent reason for the scuffle, and the combative man walked away. . . . for now. He came back about twenty minutes later and tried to start another fight. He seemed to be mentally disturbed in some way, and, I must admit, I was a little bit frightened. I found myself looking everywhere for Russell to see if he was involved. He wasn't. Eventually, the man left, we had our time of worship, and things wound down.
I found myself sitting next to Sam (name is changed because I didn't ask "Sam" if I could use his name in my blog). Sam has been on the streets since February of 2010. Some twenty-odd years ago, Sam lost his wife and daughter in a car accident. After being a mess for a while, he got himself a job and lived his life. But, with the downtrodden economy, Sam found himself layed off and soon without a penny to his name.
I have met Sam before. I have heard part of Sam's story before. But, as I look back to those previous occasions, I remember thinking thoughts like this: "Wow. That was tragic. Now he doesn't even think straight. He seems a little crazy to me. Hmmm...I wonder if he could "fit in" with society. He seems so different. Sometimes delusional."
This Thursday, Sam didn't seem "different" or "delusional." He seemed like a hurting soul in need of something to "fill up the hole." Those aren't my words. They were Sam's. He spread his arms out really wide and said,
Sam went on to share a few other things with me. He mentioned how much it hurt to watch grandparents walk around with their grandchildren and know that he would never be able to hold a little child in his arms and say that they were part of his family. I hurt with him. No, I didn't know what he was going through, but I just wanted him to know that I would share in that pain with him, even if it was only for ten minutes.
Then, Sam started to tell me the "message" he is spreading to those around him. He said,
I was sad. I was hurting for Sam, but I was also feeling very smug. I assured him that God was there for him, and that God had the answer. And I absolutely believe that is true. But that wasn't what Sam was looking for. The next thing he told me was this:
It wasn't much, but it was a start.
"To whom much is given, much will be required."
First of all, we began the evening by running low of food. Praise the Lord, everyone got to eat, but there is something about running low that brings down your spirits.
As we were serving, a man whom none of us knew by name came up to another one of our homeless friends and pushed him to the ground. There was no apparent reason for the scuffle, and the combative man walked away. . . . for now. He came back about twenty minutes later and tried to start another fight. He seemed to be mentally disturbed in some way, and, I must admit, I was a little bit frightened. I found myself looking everywhere for Russell to see if he was involved. He wasn't. Eventually, the man left, we had our time of worship, and things wound down.
I found myself sitting next to Sam (name is changed because I didn't ask "Sam" if I could use his name in my blog). Sam has been on the streets since February of 2010. Some twenty-odd years ago, Sam lost his wife and daughter in a car accident. After being a mess for a while, he got himself a job and lived his life. But, with the downtrodden economy, Sam found himself layed off and soon without a penny to his name.
I have met Sam before. I have heard part of Sam's story before. But, as I look back to those previous occasions, I remember thinking thoughts like this: "Wow. That was tragic. Now he doesn't even think straight. He seems a little crazy to me. Hmmm...I wonder if he could "fit in" with society. He seems so different. Sometimes delusional."
This Thursday, Sam didn't seem "different" or "delusional." He seemed like a hurting soul in need of something to "fill up the hole." Those aren't my words. They were Sam's. He spread his arms out really wide and said,
"With all that I have gone through, there is a hole this big in my heart. I just hope I can fill part of it up."
Sam went on to share a few other things with me. He mentioned how much it hurt to watch grandparents walk around with their grandchildren and know that he would never be able to hold a little child in his arms and say that they were part of his family. I hurt with him. No, I didn't know what he was going through, but I just wanted him to know that I would share in that pain with him, even if it was only for ten minutes.
Then, Sam started to tell me the "message" he is spreading to those around him. He said,
"When I get the chance to talk to kids, I tell them that I'm glad they believe in God and all, but that there comes a point in your life when you just have to put Him aside. Look at reality. Prepare yourself."Of course, I disagreed. I told him what I thought. But he didn't want to hear it. He said that God hadn't filled up his hold yet - so why should he trust him? He said, "You might think I am bitter. But I'm not bitter, I'm just plain mad."
I was sad. I was hurting for Sam, but I was also feeling very smug. I assured him that God was there for him, and that God had the answer. And I absolutely believe that is true. But that wasn't what Sam was looking for. The next thing he told me was this:
"You know, it's nice that people come down here and serve us. But I hate it when they come down for their "One a Week to Make Me Feel Better" trips. Come down here and be my friend. Come down and say HI. Talk to me. Have lunch with me. But don't just come down with a smile on your face and a "God loves you" and then do nothing else."I can't even begin to say how impacted I was by this. This morning, a homeless friend sent me a message on Facebook. He needed a bus pass. And I had money. So Russell and I came downtown and bought him a bus pass. Then, we went to lunch.
It wasn't much, but it was a start.
"To whom much is given, much will be required."
Sunday, May 9, 2010
My Life as a Soundtrack
Most of you have probably seen this, but I have to do it again anyway. Last time I used someone else's playlist, but today I am going to use mine.
IF YOUR LIFE WAS A MOVIE, WHAT WOULD THE SOUNDTRACK BE?
So, here's how it works:
1. Open your library (iTunes, Winamp, Media Player, iPod, etc)
2. Put it on shuffle
3. Press play
4. For every question, type the song that's playing
5. When you go to a new question, press the next button
6. Don't lie and try to pretend you're cool..
Opening Credits: Done All Wrong - Black Rebel Motorcylists
Waking Up: The Sharing Song - Jack Johnson
First Day At School: I Caught Myself - Paramore
Falling In Love: How Strong Are You Now - Rascal Flatts
Fight Song: Sabra Girl - Nickel Creek
Breaking Up: Overboard - Ingrid Michaelson
Prom: Sitting, Waiting, Wishing - Jack Johnson
Life's OK: Call Me Irresponsible - Michael Buble
Mental Breakdown: Call It What You Want - New Kid on the Block
Driving: Lady Marmalade - Moulin Rouge
Flashback: Sway - Michael Buble
Getting Back Together: I Adore You - Phil Wickham
Birth of Child: Bubbly - Colbie Calliat
Wedding: God Put a Smile Upon Your Face - Coldplay
Final Battle: When the Sand Runs Out - Rascal Flatts
Death Scene: Come on Get Higher - Sugarland
Funeral Song: I'm Sorry - Flyleaf
End Credits:When in Rome - Nickel Creek
HA! Some of these are actually pretty funny. Try it for yourself!
IF YOUR LIFE WAS A MOVIE, WHAT WOULD THE SOUNDTRACK BE?
So, here's how it works:
1. Open your library (iTunes, Winamp, Media Player, iPod, etc)
2. Put it on shuffle
3. Press play
4. For every question, type the song that's playing
5. When you go to a new question, press the next button
6. Don't lie and try to pretend you're cool..
Opening Credits: Done All Wrong - Black Rebel Motorcylists
Waking Up: The Sharing Song - Jack Johnson
First Day At School: I Caught Myself - Paramore
Falling In Love: How Strong Are You Now - Rascal Flatts
Fight Song: Sabra Girl - Nickel Creek
Breaking Up: Overboard - Ingrid Michaelson
Prom: Sitting, Waiting, Wishing - Jack Johnson
Life's OK: Call Me Irresponsible - Michael Buble
Mental Breakdown: Call It What You Want - New Kid on the Block
Driving: Lady Marmalade - Moulin Rouge
Flashback: Sway - Michael Buble
Getting Back Together: I Adore You - Phil Wickham
Birth of Child: Bubbly - Colbie Calliat
Wedding: God Put a Smile Upon Your Face - Coldplay
Final Battle: When the Sand Runs Out - Rascal Flatts
Death Scene: Come on Get Higher - Sugarland
Funeral Song: I'm Sorry - Flyleaf
End Credits:When in Rome - Nickel Creek
HA! Some of these are actually pretty funny. Try it for yourself!
The 7 Days of "Birthday"
Russell's birthday is tomorrow, May 10th. I really like birthdays, probably more than I like Christmas (as an American holiday, at least). So this year I decided to start a new tradition - "The Seven Days of Birthday." This is how the week went:
Monday - 7 chocolate-covered strawberries
Tuesday - 6 dollar gift card to Chick-Fil-A
Wednesday - 5 dollar foot long from Subway (at least that was my intention - Russell wanted Chick-fil-A instead so, since it is his birthday week, I conceded.)
Thursday - 4 pairs of socks
Friday - 3 unique songs (Thanks to the help of Jamin Leonares and Jacob Updike, I covered three songs that I thought Russell would like with my own voice. It turned out okay.)
Saturday - 2 tickets to the Brevard Zoo
Sunday - 1 Corel PaintShop Photo Software
Monday - (the actual birthday) Yet to come. But it will be exciting.
I'm posting this because anyone who would like to can steal my idea. I am sure it isn't all that original, but it can be really fun. Next year, I think it will be even better, with cute little rhymes and clues, and much more work on Russell's part.
Aren't birthdays fun?
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Blogging??
I'm blogging.
I've always wanted to. I think that I have this gut feeling that blogging is nothing but writing about how interesting your life is and how people should want to read about it. But I think I've come to realize that I can blog just because I feel like it. Because I want to.
So, I don't really know what my blog is about. They are supposed to have subjects, right? Well, my subject is life.
Let's see where that carries me.
I've always wanted to. I think that I have this gut feeling that blogging is nothing but writing about how interesting your life is and how people should want to read about it. But I think I've come to realize that I can blog just because I feel like it. Because I want to.
So, I don't really know what my blog is about. They are supposed to have subjects, right? Well, my subject is life.
Let's see where that carries me.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)