Hello world-wide-web,
Heavenly Father, thank you for continuing to love us no matter what stupid things we do, say or think. I am always amazed Heavenly Father, when I realize You truly love us Unconditionally. Teach me to be that way, Lord. Show me how it's done. I want to see everyone as You see them. In Jesus' name. Amen.
This past weekend I was Spiritually reminded again of how important humility is, in all circumstances. I was taking a walk around the park this past Saturday afternoon - when the weather was absolutely gorgeous - and I was talking to the Lord, offering up prayers.
Once I was done talking to Jesus, I began obsessing about a family situation - and maybe this happens to you too, my four loyal readers - when you're bored, you too tend to obsess over idiotic things. Well I took the obsessing a step further and was getting self-righteous, thinking I had all the answers, wondering why people don't just ask me what they should do, or what I would do in certain situations...Because I've 'got it all together' and could help them. LOL
That's when I heard Jesus say, "Don't EVER think you have all the answers, or know what's best for people! Leave that to Me. You are only to Love. That's all I made you for: Love. It was out of Love you were created, and out of Love you are to create positive relationships. Listen, I Love You despite all the foolishness you do, why would I feel any differently about your Brother or Sister?"
"Yes, Lord," and I really meant it. I was humbled and it was a good feeling - to know I don't have all the answers and I'm not responsible for other's actions. I only lead by example.
This thought hit me as well: I honestly believe people just want to be loved for who they are, and where they are in life. That's all any of us really wants. We know we do stupid things, but it's still nice to know we'll be accepted, despite these mess-ups.
The next time I feel like the $h1t, I'm going to pray to the Lord to take me down as only he can: gently.
God bless ya.
"I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world." Mother Theresa
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Awards assembly like no other
Hello world-wide-web,
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for blessing me to move to such an amazing school. Specials prayers, Lord, for all those suffering at this moment, for those who are ill, and for those who have no one to pray for them, as well as for the agnostics and atheists. Bless me, Lord, with the help of the HS, to guide people to a new way of seeing You through my words and actions. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
The first nine weeks are coming to a close. The students have a half-day, as teachers get ready for parent-teacher conferences the following day. I learned that whenever we have a half day, we have an awards assembly, which is usually at the end of the nine weeks. This isn't unusual, many schools in the state of Texas probably have this ceremony. But I had no idea what I was in for when I walked my third grade students, along with the rest of third grade, and joined the fourth and fifth graders in the cafeteria.
First of all, this is the first time I've had a principal print out the A honor roll and A/B honor roll students from our grade books (the teachers normally do this, as well as fill in the certificates) AND have them printed out on nice certificate paper. Thanks principals!
Second of all, when we walked into the cafeteria, the lights are low and there's a disco ball shining on the stage - something new, I was told, for this year's ceremony - and fun dance music is blaring. The mood in the cafeteria is euphoric and the anticipation is palpable. I sit my students down and we watch the other grades pour in around us, filling up the entire cafeteria. Impressive. The students are talking, but the music is way louder than their chatter.
Our principal is on the stage, and she addresses us on the loud speaker and introduces the students who are in student council, who stand to be recognized. We clap for them enthusiastically.
Then our principal addresses us again, "Thanks for being here, students, staff, and parents as we celebrate the accomplishments of our students..." She goes on to emphasize the importance of attendance. Oh yeah, she also printed out the perfect attendance awards for us! :) Then she calls out the names of the perfect attendance winners for the third graders, for which the students stand to be recognized, and we aren't allowed to cheer for them until all the third grade students' names have been called.The students are really excited. Then the asst principal calls out the names of the fourth graders perfect attendance, and then the principal calls out the names of the fifth graders perfect attendance. They switch off and on like that for each award.
It's time to honor the A/B honor roll students in each grade. The applause is even louder for this achievement.
A very special accolade goes to the students who are on all A Honor roll: they go up to the stage as the principal calls their names, and the asst principal puts a medallion around their neck. One of the students sitting close to me has made all A honor roll and I asked to see the medal: it is heavy with an emblem of books, science equipment and numbers. The strap is red and white. I show my students and encourage them to receive one in the next nine weeks. I had A/B honor roll students, but not any all A; not yet anyway. ;)
Thirdly, and here's where the assembly is at a fever pitch: it's time for the cheer award. The grade level with the loudest and best cheer receives the Spirit Stick - a nicely made stick with a 'pillow' at the top that has our mascot embroidered on it - for that nine weeks. It is a great honor to receive the spirit stick and the students are highly competitive.
Third grade starts off with it's cheer - "I'm bringing sexy back," by Justin Timberlake is the background music for our cheer (music only, the lyrics have been removed). It's fun and the students are enjoying themselves. They face the other grade levels as they cheer.
Then it's fourth grades turn. They are stomping and cheering with powerful force. It was as if the third graders gave a collective gasp after their cheer.
Then it was fifth grades turn: their student council members went on the stage and called things out to the fifth grade class and the fifth grade class answered - LOUDLY. They too stomped. And they clapped. "We will, we will, rock you!" Stomp, stomp. Clap. Clap.
The judges deliberated for only a few minutes and then gave the verdict: fifth grade won. A huge uproar was heard. We all clapped for them.
I just marvelled at the interaction of the grade levels. Every student in the different grades seemed aware of where they were in the order of things: third grade realizing they were the 'babies' (not in a bad way either), fourth graders the 'middle' child, and then fifth graders, the oldest. I felt like the students knew where their places were, and were proud to be there. I think overall this awards assembly was a commanding experience.
We intend to get that stick the next go around! We will and I'll tell you how when we do! :)
Blessings!
"I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world." Mother Theresa
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for blessing me to move to such an amazing school. Specials prayers, Lord, for all those suffering at this moment, for those who are ill, and for those who have no one to pray for them, as well as for the agnostics and atheists. Bless me, Lord, with the help of the HS, to guide people to a new way of seeing You through my words and actions. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
The first nine weeks are coming to a close. The students have a half-day, as teachers get ready for parent-teacher conferences the following day. I learned that whenever we have a half day, we have an awards assembly, which is usually at the end of the nine weeks. This isn't unusual, many schools in the state of Texas probably have this ceremony. But I had no idea what I was in for when I walked my third grade students, along with the rest of third grade, and joined the fourth and fifth graders in the cafeteria.
First of all, this is the first time I've had a principal print out the A honor roll and A/B honor roll students from our grade books (the teachers normally do this, as well as fill in the certificates) AND have them printed out on nice certificate paper. Thanks principals!
Second of all, when we walked into the cafeteria, the lights are low and there's a disco ball shining on the stage - something new, I was told, for this year's ceremony - and fun dance music is blaring. The mood in the cafeteria is euphoric and the anticipation is palpable. I sit my students down and we watch the other grades pour in around us, filling up the entire cafeteria. Impressive. The students are talking, but the music is way louder than their chatter.
Our principal is on the stage, and she addresses us on the loud speaker and introduces the students who are in student council, who stand to be recognized. We clap for them enthusiastically.
Then our principal addresses us again, "Thanks for being here, students, staff, and parents as we celebrate the accomplishments of our students..." She goes on to emphasize the importance of attendance. Oh yeah, she also printed out the perfect attendance awards for us! :) Then she calls out the names of the perfect attendance winners for the third graders, for which the students stand to be recognized, and we aren't allowed to cheer for them until all the third grade students' names have been called.The students are really excited. Then the asst principal calls out the names of the fourth graders perfect attendance, and then the principal calls out the names of the fifth graders perfect attendance. They switch off and on like that for each award.
It's time to honor the A/B honor roll students in each grade. The applause is even louder for this achievement.
A very special accolade goes to the students who are on all A Honor roll: they go up to the stage as the principal calls their names, and the asst principal puts a medallion around their neck. One of the students sitting close to me has made all A honor roll and I asked to see the medal: it is heavy with an emblem of books, science equipment and numbers. The strap is red and white. I show my students and encourage them to receive one in the next nine weeks. I had A/B honor roll students, but not any all A; not yet anyway. ;)
Thirdly, and here's where the assembly is at a fever pitch: it's time for the cheer award. The grade level with the loudest and best cheer receives the Spirit Stick - a nicely made stick with a 'pillow' at the top that has our mascot embroidered on it - for that nine weeks. It is a great honor to receive the spirit stick and the students are highly competitive.
Third grade starts off with it's cheer - "I'm bringing sexy back," by Justin Timberlake is the background music for our cheer (music only, the lyrics have been removed). It's fun and the students are enjoying themselves. They face the other grade levels as they cheer.
Then it's fourth grades turn. They are stomping and cheering with powerful force. It was as if the third graders gave a collective gasp after their cheer.
Then it was fifth grades turn: their student council members went on the stage and called things out to the fifth grade class and the fifth grade class answered - LOUDLY. They too stomped. And they clapped. "We will, we will, rock you!" Stomp, stomp. Clap. Clap.
The judges deliberated for only a few minutes and then gave the verdict: fifth grade won. A huge uproar was heard. We all clapped for them.
I just marvelled at the interaction of the grade levels. Every student in the different grades seemed aware of where they were in the order of things: third grade realizing they were the 'babies' (not in a bad way either), fourth graders the 'middle' child, and then fifth graders, the oldest. I felt like the students knew where their places were, and were proud to be there. I think overall this awards assembly was a commanding experience.
We intend to get that stick the next go around! We will and I'll tell you how when we do! :)
Blessings!
"I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world." Mother Theresa
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Confessions
Hello world-wide-web,
Heavenly Father,
Thank you. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
As I'm waiting in line to go confession, I'm reflecting on this great sacrament Catholics have in our religion. My Protestant brothers and sisters don't understand the need to tell someone their sins. They are correct when they say you can go to your room and tell God what your sins are, but for me that's almost too easy. I almost feel like I can get away with everything and anything that way, because, really who am I accountable to? Yes, myself, and most certainly God, but I prefer to confess to someone with skin. Besides, how often would I actually go to my room and attest to my wrongdoings? For me, the priest is not God, but he represents Jesus on Earth. And even for all the scandals we as Catholics have suffered for the small number of pedophile priests - and No, I am NOT by ANY means saying the small number makes the behavior excusable - Hell no! - I do believe my priest is a good man, who upholds our faith and the sanctity of all the sacraments, including confession. I fully have faith in God that this man of the cloth has come to do God's and Christ's bidding.
As I'm thinking these thoughts, and writing them down, I return to reflecting on what I'll acknowledge in the confessional. Once I enter the room, I'll have the option to sit in front of the priest, or I may kneel at a screen provided for privacy. My personal thought on the face-to-face or sitting with the priest, is this, "If I had the audacity to sin, then I should have the audacity to face the sin with the priest." I go face-to-face.
My confession will start with the prayer, "Forgive me father, for I have sinned. It's been (insert time) since my last confession."
The priest may read a passage from scripture.
Then I tell him my personal offenses - use your imagination - (you didn't actually think I was going to tell you, did you? ;) ). These are violations I have thought of, prayed over, and meditated on long before I stood in line at the confessional. I am truly sorry for the things I've done, and for not stepping up the plate and doing good when it needed to be done, and that's what makes telling the priest my faults so wonderful! It's time to release all the guilt that goes with sinning.
I will then say an Act of Contrition:
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended you and I detest all my sins, because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell. But most of all because I have offended you, my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of your grace, to confess my sins, to do penance and to amend my life. Amen.
As I listen to the absolution, the sacramental forgiveness of the Church through the ordained priest, the priest and I will make the sign of the cross. If the priest closes by saying, "Give thanks to the Lord for He is good," I'll answer, "For His mercy endures forever."
At that powerful moment when I am forgiven and cleansed of my sins - I am humbled. I am forgiven - again!
I will leave the confessional, kneel in a pew, thank God for forgiving me, and do my penance. Then I walk out of the church, blissfully aware that I am a Child of God. :)
God bless you, everyone!
*Some of the information shared in this blog was taken from the website: http://www.catholic.org/prayers/confession.php if you'd like to know more about confession, please feel free to visit this website.
"I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world." Mother Theresa
Heavenly Father,
Thank you. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
As I'm waiting in line to go confession, I'm reflecting on this great sacrament Catholics have in our religion. My Protestant brothers and sisters don't understand the need to tell someone their sins. They are correct when they say you can go to your room and tell God what your sins are, but for me that's almost too easy. I almost feel like I can get away with everything and anything that way, because, really who am I accountable to? Yes, myself, and most certainly God, but I prefer to confess to someone with skin. Besides, how often would I actually go to my room and attest to my wrongdoings? For me, the priest is not God, but he represents Jesus on Earth. And even for all the scandals we as Catholics have suffered for the small number of pedophile priests - and No, I am NOT by ANY means saying the small number makes the behavior excusable - Hell no! - I do believe my priest is a good man, who upholds our faith and the sanctity of all the sacraments, including confession. I fully have faith in God that this man of the cloth has come to do God's and Christ's bidding.
As I'm thinking these thoughts, and writing them down, I return to reflecting on what I'll acknowledge in the confessional. Once I enter the room, I'll have the option to sit in front of the priest, or I may kneel at a screen provided for privacy. My personal thought on the face-to-face or sitting with the priest, is this, "If I had the audacity to sin, then I should have the audacity to face the sin with the priest." I go face-to-face.
My confession will start with the prayer, "Forgive me father, for I have sinned. It's been (insert time) since my last confession."
The priest may read a passage from scripture.
Then I tell him my personal offenses - use your imagination - (you didn't actually think I was going to tell you, did you? ;) ). These are violations I have thought of, prayed over, and meditated on long before I stood in line at the confessional. I am truly sorry for the things I've done, and for not stepping up the plate and doing good when it needed to be done, and that's what makes telling the priest my faults so wonderful! It's time to release all the guilt that goes with sinning.
I will then say an Act of Contrition:
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended you and I detest all my sins, because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell. But most of all because I have offended you, my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of your grace, to confess my sins, to do penance and to amend my life. Amen.
As I listen to the absolution, the sacramental forgiveness of the Church through the ordained priest, the priest and I will make the sign of the cross. If the priest closes by saying, "Give thanks to the Lord for He is good," I'll answer, "For His mercy endures forever."
At that powerful moment when I am forgiven and cleansed of my sins - I am humbled. I am forgiven - again!
I will leave the confessional, kneel in a pew, thank God for forgiving me, and do my penance. Then I walk out of the church, blissfully aware that I am a Child of God. :)
God bless you, everyone!
*Some of the information shared in this blog was taken from the website: http://www.catholic.org/prayers/confession.php if you'd like to know more about confession, please feel free to visit this website.
"I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world." Mother Theresa
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