Back to work, eh?

Hello friends,
Heavenly Father, bless all eyes reading this blog. Special intentions and prayers for the sick, the ailing, homeless, hungry, all those who have no one to pray for them, and for the unemployed. Prayers for atheists, agnostics, and the oppressed. For peace in our world, and in our families. For two personal prayers. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

     The kiddies will return this Monday, and I begin my new position as an Elementary School Counselor, where I, along with all the staff, have 600 plus students in our care.

      I am a bit anxious, as anyone who is starting a new appointment will be, but I remain positive and pray to the Lord for guidance, showing me ways to give Him greater glory through this new career.
     It was a bumpy ride getting here.
     I accepted the job offer on the Saturday before the week of  professional development at my old school-district. When I informed my old principal I had obtained employment elsewhere, she told me that I was still under contract with my old district, and that she needed to find a replacement before I could be released from my obligations.

     That Monday at my old school, I thought about the things I could be doing if I were in my office, but I did manage to keep myself in the present. At one point I just had to say, "God's will be done," and accept that I might be in my old assignment for a minimum of two weeks, possibly longer.
     My new principal assured me the job was still mine, but I was tense; I was unsure how this delay was going to affect me in performing my new duties.
     I sympathized with my old principal; she was doing what she thought was best for the students.
I think when she realized she might not find the exact person she was looking for, and needed to change her strategy in finding an alternate, she released me fairly quickly Wednesday morning. Wednesday afternoon I was in an orientation for new school counselors in my new district. God blessed me with a couple of days in my office for organizing, organizing, and even more organizing. I was also 'officially' introduced to the staff, students and parents, so things worked out just fine, PTL.

      I pray that all teachers and students, everywhere, have a most blessed academic 2012-2013 school year. In Jesus' name, Amen.

"I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world." Mother Theresa

Guy-Girl-Friends

Hello friends,
Heavenly Father, bless all eyes reading this blog. Special intentions and prayers for the sick, the ailing, homeless, hungry, all those who have no one to pray for them, and for the unemployed. Prayers for atheists, agnostics, and the oppressed. For peace in our world, and in our families. For two personal prayers. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
     Recently, I hung out with my brother and a couple of his friends, both male. I usually have a good time with my brother's friends, and we have lots to talk about while enjoying each other's company. There was a great reason for our gathering, too: making sandwiches for the homeless.
     The organization hosting the event asked that volunteers bring certain items to the venue. I picked up the items on the morning of the adventure.
     All of us met at a central area, and then we drove to the place together.
     My bro's friends didn't bring anything*, and we were more than willing to share.
     I've been with my brother and his friends before, and sometimes they are 'on the prowl,' {for women} which is fine, because I can amuse myself while their nonsense happens, lol.

     I quickly realized, though, I shouldn't be with 'the guys,' on this particular outing, even though it was for an altruistic purpose. As I've already mentioned, guys on the prowl don't bother me, but disrespect for the woman in their group does bother me.
     After we were done making sandwiches, we went to a restaurant where one of the guys had a former gf. I jokingly remarked, "If we avoided all the places where you have a former gf, we might as well eat at home." Zing. The guy laughed good-naturally, but I knew he was a little embarrassed by my observation.
    My brother thought I was disrespectful to the guys also, so I'm acknowledging this may have been the case, and not make it seem like the guys were the only ones being untoward. However, I don't appreciate f bombs said in my presence, or the spelling out of women's body parts. When I spoke up about the words I didn't like, I was given an apology by, "...it would be ok if I were drinking and I said it." To which I still disagreed. Then it dawned on me: these guys didn't have a clue how to interact with me. I wasn't someone they were going to pick up, and they had no interest in being friends with me. I felt like they wanted to treat me like 'one of the guys,' especially with the foul language, but when I wasn't 'grateful' for being included in the 'boy's club,' the tone of the conversation changed.

     I also noted that these guys wanted to talk about the women in their lives, or the lack of women. It was fun to listen to their women woes; it's a rarity for a woman to hear men speak about their sorrows regarding relationships. I listened and gave advice, but didn't glean much else from the exchange, except that these men are pretty obvious about looking for sex. Now, I know some of you may say that is all men are looking for, and this is probably true, but as my friend Sherry Argov says, and I'm paraphrasing, "We {women} have to turn it into something else."

      I came to the conclusion that I can't hang out with these particular men again. I'm sad knowing this, because I feel like such a snob. But I'm not, I just expect respect.
     * I allude to this because I know the guys thought about bringing some things, but didn't. Nor did they thank my brother and me for our contribution. I get the impression these guys want to know what they can get, or are going to get, from any given situation; as opposed to seeing how they can add, or what they are bringing to the table. This 'taking' attitude isn't a good look for men. These aren't the kinds of men I'd consider dating, and I'm sure I'm 'too high maintance' for them, lol. Ladies, pay attention to these 'small details,' they tell a lot about a guy's character.



"I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world." Mother Theresa

Seeking a job in the big city

Hello friends,
Heavenly Father, bless all eyes reading this blog. Special intentions and prayers for the sick, the ailing, homeless, hungry, all those who have no one to pray for them, and for the unemployed. Prayers for atheists, agnostics, and the oppressed. For peace in our world, and in our families. For two personal prayers. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
     My job search has taken me all over the 'big city'.***
     I've been interviewed by at least six different principals, all in public schools, in the last two or three weeks. Not that I'm complaining. Having interviews is a tremendous blessing; my hope is with the Lord. I pray He will guide me, and the interviewer, to a magnificent fit, beneficial to the students, staff, parents, and community at large. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
     The first interview I had was for two schools. A dear friend of mine worked at one of the schools, and asked her principal to speak with me. Her principal obliged her, but once I realized I was going to be in charge of two schools, I politely declined. I want to have some experience before undertaking such a huge endeavor.

     The second school was close to a Catholic church; I could attend church once my work day was done. I was really hoping for this school. I felt like I could make a difference here, as I've felt with all the schools where I applied. In addition, it wasn't far from my house, and the mascot was cool. Seriously, the school was about three minutes from a place of worship. Alas, though, within a few days I was notified by the secretary saying the position was filled.

     The third interview I had was for a school comprised of mostly homeless children. A truly special place, where a person with a compassionate heart was needed. I felt immediately protective of these young ones, and just knew I could empower them. It was the principal's interaction with one of the teachers,who was moving to another school, that made me hesitant. Hmm, could I work for her? School counseling isn't the same as being a teacher. My position is to support principal, staff, and above all, the students; along with an affirmative reciprocity with the community at large. But there was no need for me to worry - I wasn't offered the position.

     The fourth school had a principal I quickly liked, and knew we'd make a great team. She and I had the same ideas for school activities, and we spoke for at least an hour, maybe more. This school was a bit of a drive, but the principal inspired me enough to want to be on her team, regardless of the distance. She told me she'd call me on Monday; Monday became Tuesday. The following Monday I called her, but her secretary said she had already hired a school counselor. I cried about the loss of this opportunity. I just felt so comfortable with the principal, and the surroundings.

     The next interview I had was in the district I currently work for, and for a school where I had been a teacher. I knew I wasn't going to take the position, but I wanted the exposure of the interview. It was a growing experience. I wasn't happy at this school, which made going back to it kind of surreal. The dialogue was fine; no tension. I gladly received the email saying the principal went with someone else.

     The sixth interview was not in the safest of areas; as my mom and I perused the campus together, the day before my appointment. Mom seemed fairly worried, which I didn't like, because I don't need my mom worrying about me, but someone needed to attend to these children too. The conference was smooth going, but I was concerned about a couple of things. The two counselors that were employed, were no longer working there. Why were both of them gone? I didn't ask, but I was wondering. The VP mentioned long hours after the school day was done, not a completely bad thing, but then he added that one or two days out of the weekend might also be needed. This alarmed me, especially with there being two counselors. I was also told that I was to act like a kind of 'snitch' for administration. If there were teachers not compling with school/district 'rules and regulations,' I had to tell the principal, the VP, or both. Hmm...thankfully, I was not chosen for this situation either.

     I know God is with me, and He has my best interests at heart. I am 'expectantly hopeful' in the Lord! I also have an 'army of prayer warriors,' and I ask that God especially bless these people, as they have been angels to me in my search. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

As this post is being published, I have an interview today with a middle School...PTL!

*** I do have a job in the Fall, it's just not a counseling job.

"I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world." Mother Theresa

Give it to God

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for all answered prayers, and for always opening my eyes to new ways of looking at situations. Prayers for all those who have asked me to pray for them; for the health of a very special friend, and for two very special intentions. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

      People make poor decisions, and then they ask God why He's not helping them. As if doing things in our own egotistical and selfish way has ever worked out for us. LOL

     God makes it pretty clear that we've got to sincerely, truly, with all our hearts, minds, and souls, believe in Him, and that He is going to take care of us, but we have to do our part too.

     For example, I probably know on some level, conscious or not, that living with a guy before marriage is not living a Godly life. But I do it anyway. Then I ask God why the relationship ended. Or maybe I'm asking God why He brought this person into my life, if things weren't going to work out for us? God brings all kinds of people into our lives, and sometimes we just need to know it's not always about us, and our lessons.

     If we are open to God working in our lives, He can bring about extraordinary change(s)! Here's the marvelous conversion He brought to me.
     I've always thought my mom and I didn't get along because she and I are so different. I realize now that my attitude, as well as my skewed view of mom's behavior - I was always on the defensive - has caused more of a rift between the two of us than anything else! WOW! But you know, this paradigm shift has been extremely beneficial to the connection between us. I can now see the love my mom has for me in how she responds to me.

     An instance where mom and I usually had tension was with our housekeeper. I felt sorry for my domestic help, because my mom can be somewhat cantankerous and demanding in what she expects. Usually, I end up firing various 'employees', because mom is so criticizing of the work they do.
     I used to tell my mother, "Hey, you aren't paying these workers, I am. Please don't tell them anything." Now I understand that mom was irate because I wasn't getting my money's worth from them. She was fighting for excellence! I now thank my mom for speaking up against shoddy done chores, and pray that I have her courage to complain when she's not there.

     God woke me up to this new reality. I began acting in a more loving, calming, and patient way toward my mother. You might be wondering, you're just now thinking about God's love for all of us and acting in this way? But what was lacking, was my genuine effort to change my behavior. Whereas before I was content with 'unpleasant togetherness,' with my mom, now, with God's energy and purpose alive in me, love is flowing and joining us closer than ever.

     The HS is guiding me, and cascading through me, helping me discern the truth behind mom's actions. I wouldn't be able to do any of this by myself. I'd just make things worse! LOL I can't do anything without God in my life. I can't fully appreciate my mom's care for me, if I don't allow Christ to open my eyes. I want the best possible relationship I can have with my mom; she's 80. If not now, then when?

     I remember a priest telling the story of clashes between his brother and his father. When it came time for the father to pass, the brother exited the hospital room and asked the other brother, "What were all those fights for?"
     Allowing God to create a  precedent is a powerful thing. Let Him change your thinking, won't you? Only then can you fully live and love the life God has in store for you. Do your part today, and I guarantee you, God will do His part. Amen, Lord!

"I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world." Mother Theresa