Lessons learned, love

Hello world-wide-web, God bless us on this day of lovers, Lord. We are all lovers and we are striving to learn how to love and live better. Continue to guide us, Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen. As I drove to the store this morning for the ingredients to make a meatloaf, and get some delish sides to go with the the meatloaf, I looked at the patchy bedspreads of snow on the ground. For Texas, this snow is a HUGE event. We don't get snow, and certainly not a foot of it. We broke records. Well the snow reminded me of the winter Olympics and of one particular skier; I think she is a skier. At any rate, I remember she is from Montana. Remembering she is from Montana reminded me of a guy I knew from Montana, SP. Since today is also Valentine's day, I thought about SP more than the skier, the Olympics, or Montana. I don't think SP ever liked Texas. In fact, I would venture to say that he probably started preparing to leave our great state as soon as he arrived. He stayed here for six plus years too long. SP was the epitome of a 'rugged individualist'. He reminded me of a cowboy, but not a Texas cowboy; a cowboy from Montana. He loved to watch "Deadwood." He didn't have many friends, but the friends he did have were fiercely loyal. He had a dry sense of humor, a tendency to be crabby, and moody, but we got along all right. I met SP when I moved into the apartment above his. I remember him "rigging up" his cable in order to share with me and the guy who lived above me (we were in a three story building). He ran the cable wires outside his apartment through his porch, connecting them to my t.v. through my porch, and covered the evidence, pretty flimsily, with fake vines. I didn't make the big bucks then that I do now, LOL, so I was grateful for the gesture. SP was giving with his money: whenever we went out to eat he always paid; if you were in a bind, he'd loan you his time. Did I mention he was attractive? The bluest eyes I've ever seen. Not that tall, but what he lacked in stature he made up for with his 'round 'em up' Montana cowboy spirit. We remained friends until he moved to Chicago in 2005. We didn't keep in touch, but I'm grateful for the friendship we had. Thinking upon the Olympics again reminds me of the terrific rendition kd lang did of Leonard Cohen's: "Hallelujah" Now I've heard there was a secret chord That David played, and it pleased the Lord But you don't really care for music, do you? It goes like this The fourth, the fifth The minor fall, the major lift The baffled king composing Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah Your faith was strong but you needed proof You saw her bathing on the roof Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you She tied you To a kitchen chair She broke your throne, and she cut your hair And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah Baby I have been here before I know this room, I've walked this floor I used to live alone before I knew you. I've seen your flag on the marble arch Love is not a victory march It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah Hallelujah, Hallelujah Hallelujah, Hallelujah There was a time you let me know What's really going on below But now you never show it to me, do you? And remember when I moved in you The holy dove was moving too And every breath we drew was Hallelujah Hallelujah, Hallelujah Hallelujah, Hallelujah You say I took the name in vain I don't even know the name But if I did, well really, what's it to you? There's a blaze of light In every word It doesn't matter which you heard The holy or the broken Hallelujah Hallelujah, Hallelujah Hallelujah, Hallelujah I did my best, it wasn't much I couldn't feel, so I tried to touch I've told the truth, I didn't come to fool you And even though It all went wrong I'll stand before the Lord of Song With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah Hallelujah, Hallelujah Hallelujah, Hallelujah Hallelujah, Hallelujah Hallelujah, Hallelujah Hallelujah, Hallelujah Hallelujah, Hallelujah Hallelujah, Hallelujah Hallelujah, Hallelujah Hallelujah "I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world." Mother Theresa

Now I understand...me

Hello world-wide-web, God always has our backs, even if we think He doesn't. To my sweetest, most loyal, devoted, and loving Valentine, Jesus-God, you have my Heart! Thank you Lord for all the givers in my life. For any and all prayers I said I would pray for: families, friends, marriages, singles, and co-workers, Lord, please hear my prayers. Thank you. In Jesus' Name. Amen. This past week was fairly stressful for me, and I wasn't looking forward to the work I brought home from school to do, or dealing with on-going issues with the electric company, or writing a blog complaining about this week, he he. SO, even though I didn't relish the thought of writing a paper for my psych class, I was happy I had to take a personality quiz. If you are into taking on-line quizzes you will probably enjoy this site! I wrote my paper, and I took the personality test and I am proud to post the results...It's like someone gets me! he he I'll give you the site address at the end of my post, I promise. INFJs focus on possibilities, think in terms of values and come easily to decisions. The small number of this type (1 percent) is regrettable, since INFJs have unusually strong drive to contribute to the welfare of others and genuinely enjoy helping their fellow men. This type has great depth of personality; they are themselves complicated, and can understand and deal with complex issues and people. It is an INFJ who is likely to have visions of human events past, present, or future. If a person demonstrates an ability to understand psychic phenomena better than most others, this person is apt to be an INFJ. Characteristically, INFJs have strong empathic abilities and can be aware of another's emotions or intents even before that person is conscious of these. This can take the form of feeling the distress of illnesses of others to an extent which is difficult for other types. INFJs can intuit good and evil in others, although they seldom can tell how they came to know. Subsequent events tend to bear them out, however. INFJs are usually good students, achievers who exhibit an unostentatious creativity. They take their work seriously and enjoy academic activity. They can exhibit qualities of over perfectionism and put more into a task than perhaps is justified by the nature of the task. They generally will not be visible leaders, but will quietly exert influence behind the scenes. INFJs are hard to get to know. They have an unusually rich inner life, but they are reserved and tend not to share their reactions except with those they trust. Because of their vulnerability through a strong facility to interject, INFJs can be hurt rather easily by others, which, perhaps, is at least one reason they tend to be private people. People who have known an INFJ for years may find sides emerging which come as a surprise. Not that INFJs are inconsistent; they are very consistent and value integrity. But they have convoluted, complex personalities which sometimes puzzle even them. INFJs like to please others and tend to contribute their own best efforts in all situations. They prefer and enjoy agreeing with others, and find conflict disagreeable and destructive. What is known as ESP is likely found in an INFJ more than in any other types, although other types are capable of such phenomena. INFJs have vivid imaginations exercised both as memory and intuition, and this can amount to genius, resulting at times in an INFJ's being seen as mystical. This unfettered imagination often will enable this person to compose complex and often aesthetic works of art such as music, mathematical systems, poems, plays, and novels. In a sense, the INFJ is the most poetic of all the types. Just as the ENTJ cannot not lead, so must an INFJ intuit; this capability extends to people, things, and often events, taking the form of visions, episodes of foreknowledge, premonitions, auditory and visual images of things to come. INFJs can have uncanny communications with certain individuals at a distance. And just when you thought you knew me! Here's the website, as promised: http://www.neurocareusa.com/GWtest/gwtest.html (thanks to a good friend who gave me the correct link!) "I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world." Mother Theresa

The Middle

Hello world-wide-web, Thank you Heavenly Father for all your blessings. Dear Lord, bless all the people who are falling in love, or think they may be; Heavenly Father work through me to help my friend who is contemplating divorce; Holy Spirit give me the words to console a friend who recently dumped her long time bf b/c she knew the relationship wasn't good. Jesus, give me the strength and courage to understand the friend who stayed in bed all weekend b/c of 'the blues'; and Heavenly Father, teach me how to encourage a friend to let you work your miracles with her upcoming surgery. God is watching. He knows our trials, pains, and happy moments. Sometimes the good gets BETTER; all things are possible with God. In Jesus Name. Amen. Why have I had such a hard time writing about something? I'll tell you why: there are way too many topics in my head asking for attention: 1. Talk about the president's talk with Republicans. No, I can't do that, some of my readers absolutely HATE the president and think he is doing a LOUSY job. Any positive comments I might make will fall on deaf ears. Oh well: I think he did a great job and I enjoyed watching the interaction between him and Republicans immensely. Especially watching it with my brother. That was the Best Part! 2. I could have sworn I heard Msgr. Don say that St Catherine of Sienna asked Jesus how she could love Him more and that Jesus said, "I don't need your love; I need you to love my people. Everyone." But for the life of me I can't find anything even closely related to this statement on google. Although I did find out a bunch of cool stuff about St. Catherine of Sienna; you should google her, it's an interesting read. 3. I debated writing about my students. I have bonded really well with my class this year. After tutoring on Tuesday as I was walking out the door with the students, I accidently pushed the play button on my phone and the ring tone for "All the Single Ladies," played. My students and I laughed. But one of them did something cool, "Ms. Bush, play that again." I did and he busted some moves for us. It was hilarious. I asked if he wanted to show his moves to one of the other teachers and he refused. Teachers are pretty possessive of their students, so it took me alot to ask if he wanted to share his dance, which made me happy when he didn't. 4. I wanted to write this whole blog about how being religious or spiritual doesn't make a person a fundamentalist. It's unfortunate how being in a religion and having a set of beliefs seems odd to the outside world. "Church people" get a bad wrap. I don't think you have to belong to a religion to be a good person, but it helps me. Please note: religious/spiritual people are not ALL conservative, judgmental, right-wingers. Remember to be kind - just like my prof says - you can't tell if people are in pain by looking at them; even religious people have feelings. 5. I was trying to think of a bunch of funny things to post since my last post was kind of serious. I didn't know if I was going to write about funny things that happened to me, or post hilarious youtube videos. I've decided to tell you about a couple of funny sitcoms; the first one is "The Middle." If you ever get a chance to watch it, you should, it will lighten your spirits. Chris Kattan is on the show playing a needy, nerdy, very unmanly man who can fix anything, or hook-up any kind of electronic. In tonight's episode, "Bob," Chris Kattan, was falling to pieces about some woman he met on the internet. He's telling the main character's husband about this girl, "She had everything: three kids, a house, and a dog. I could have just walked right in and had a life. Like you." My second favorite show is "Modern Family." Two of the men on the show are gay and they live together, with a cute Asian baby they adopted. One of the gay men played racquet ball with one of the husband's, but the husband (Al Bundy from "Married with Children") tells his wife, "I don't want to play with him. I mean, to a straight guy the locker room is just that, a locker room. To a gay man it isn't a locker room it's a show room." Then the two men accidently bump butts and the gay man is calling it a moon kiss, and instead of a "high five," it's a "low two." I do love Wednesday nights. I can't even begin to tell you how humorous I think "Cougar Town" is... 7. The healing power of forgiveness. This one I'm saving for later. Thanks for forgiving me; you know who you are and I'm truly grateful. I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world. Mother Theresa

Be-happy-wherever you are

Hello world-wide-web, Heavenly Father, please help the Haitians. May cool heads, justice, compassion, and love prevail, and may any negative actions - violence or greed - fail. Strengthen the people of that small, poor country, Jesus. Give them fortitude, Lord, to be and do the best they can with what they have. In Jesus' name. Amen. If you haven't donated to help Haiti today, please do so by going to http://www.unicefusa.org. (Thanks MikeD for the website addy) I've decided to embrace my single life: no more on-line dating, no more single events, no more anything that is related to locating a mate. I'm done asking God, "Is this the one?" I have avoided the truth one too many times, but now I am finally willing to accept it: Be happy where you are in your life. And right now I am single. I am also happy single. I don't know if it's in God's plan for me to always be single, or just for a little while, but I am receptive to His will now more than ever. I have the sweetest friends; everyone is telling me I'll find someone, or that they know I'll get married someday. No one wants to be alone. Here's the definition for alone: being isolated from others. I know I am not alone. Loneliness is more of a feeling than a reality, I think. Here is the web's definition for loneliness: the state of being alone in solitary isolation. I am not lonely (or desperate, he he). Besides, single just means one. ;) Although, and I don't like admitting this, but there are times when I am so caught up in finding a lover that I don't pay as much attention to Jesus, or His blessings. I exclude God's counsel with regard to my love life! How ironic, since Jesus is the only person I know who has my best interest at heart and will most certainly, if it's His will, find me the perfect mate. It's time for my thinking to change. Jesus is in charge of my love life now. It's ALL in His hands. This may sound corny, but it's true: my significant other is Jesus. (BTW, I am NOT contemplating becoming a nun, lol. I pray Jesus wants me as an example to others through my living single.) When I keep my sights on Him, all else falls into place. This is true for whatever is going on in my life. Remaining single is an option; being with a mate is an alternative. Ultimately, love is the preference. Thankfully, love comes in many forms! Lovers, heck, even friends will enter and leave my life, but Jesus is Forever. When friends, and God willing eventually a lover, stay in my life, Jesus' words and actions will continue to be my focus. My decision is not a pessimistic pronouncement, or the result of awful dates, or anger towards men. When I made this decision, I felt my soul peacefully recline in the warmth of my Real Skin. At long last I'm beginning to see myself the way I think Jesus sees me. I know some of my friends might think, "Uh-oh, Deb's going to 'let herself go,' or 'get fat and lazy,'" but single me has always been health conscious and I do my best to dress for whatever event I'm attending. I don't see that changing anytime soon, if ever. When the blunt force of the fact that I may be single for the rest of my life hits me in the face, a poignant and comforting story a priest once told at a retreat comes to mind. It's about a little girl who was afraid of the dark. She woke her parents up and as her mom walks her back to her room, her mom says, "Honey, there's no need to be afraid. Jesus is here with you." The little girl responded, "I know, but I needed someone with skin." So here's to all my family and friends who love me: Thank you for being 'Jesus with skin': being single is amazing and fun because you all are in my life. Long may we remain friends. God bless you!!! "I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world." Mother Theresa

Do's (Dues?) while you are in a church singles group

Hello world-wide-web, Heavenly Father, bless all eyes reading my blog. Give them what they need, Lord. Help those who are seeking employment to find a sacred profession, one that gives You greater glory. For all those who are financially burdened, Lord, grant them abundance in the necessities: time with loved ones well spent, food on their table, a roof over their head. Lead them to know You better, Lord, through their difficulties and know that You are providing for them: through a caring friend, the smile of a stranger, a helping hand from an unexpected place. A special intention for health. There are a few people I know who have a sick loved one and are frightened; comfort them Lord, and let them know Your Peace. And for all single people everywhere, Lord, may they stay true to their convictions of faith, hope, love and charity. In Jesus' name. Amen. If you are single, then you've probably, at one point or another, signed up for a singles group of some kind. I joined a Catholic singles group a few years back and I was thinking about some of the lessons I learned from being 'in the group,' 'company,' 'troupe' and thought you might benefit from knowing some of those lessons. I am no expert, and am not attempting to be one. These are merely suggestions and thoughts to ponder. Please, if you have some suggestions you would like to share, post them in my comments section. I have plenty more to learn, I'm sure! Whatever group you are in, 'the group,' becomes it's own entity and there are several ways to integrate yourself beautifully while respecting the dynamics of the troop. First of all, go to have fun! Let it be something you do to enrich your experiences as you explore your faith with others like you. One of my many mistakes while becoming acquainted with everyone was evaluating the men, "He's cute. Is he seeing someone? He's flirting hard with that girl, are they going out? Why is he attending single events if he's dating someone?" I wasn't interested in knowing if he was a strong Catholic (i.e. attends mass regularly, etc). More's the pity too. I could have saved myself lots of problems by just praying and asking God to guide me to the person He wanted for me, while being friends with everyone at the same time. Which brings me to my second do: Become friends with Everyone. I was disappointed to find that other women in the group considered me competition, not a companion. If you are female, DO be friends with other women in the group. No one likes to admit it, but it happens: people get dumped. Well women, when a guy dumps you, you'll want some sisters backing you up and helping you transition nicely into the singles arena again. Guys do this naturally. They don't obsess over the break-up or contemplate what's going to happen if they run-into an 'ex'. They go back to attending the events they liked, and the other guys in the group are happy to see their friend return. Women need to copy this attitude. I can't leave the subject of being friends with everyone without telling you a HUGE, life-altering benefit of being friends with everyone: you cultivate relationships that last a lifetime. Some of my best friends are people I met 'in the group.' I truly cherish them. I wish this for you and your interactions as well. DO be open to Everyone. Go beyond looks: does he/she make you laugh? Are they kind? I know, I know, there's a cliche about judging book covers and all of that, but it's true. (Too bad cliches are used so often they lose their original impact.) DO think a guy is interested if he calls you and asks you on a date. Otherwise, the men you see and talk to at events are just friends. You can't tell whose dating whom at events, and if you keep an open and honest mind about these interactions, it will be for the greater good. DO stay away from gossipers in any place, but especially in church singles groups. There isn't ever a need to gossip, unless it's about dumb things celebrities do/say, and for a laugh about "Gee, I'm glad I'm not Tiger Woods." If you do happen to be in a group that's gossiping about someone, maybe even someone you know, walk away. Excuse yourself politely. People will always talk, but you have the choice of engaging, or not engaging, in that kind of behavior. And my last 'DO' - if you begin dating someone, or have a few dates with someone, or whatever the case is - be careful who you share information with about your dates/dating. I'm not saying you can't trust anyone in the group, but people do like to talk (see advice in above paragraph about gossipers) and the less that is said about your date/dating someone, the better. It's awful to overhear something about yourself, "Oh him/her? I heard they (insert private, personal information)...." Think of it that way when you are contemplating sharing something about your date. Respect yourself (this a MUST always) and respect others: their lifestyle, how their house looks, etc. Now, go out there and have a good time! Ask God to bless any and all your interactions within the singles group, and I assure you, He will. "I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world." Mother Theresa

Bring it 2010 - gently, yet firmly

Hello world-wide-web, Heavenly Father, as I begin a new year of blogging, please bless and guide my words to help and encourage all those seeking You but happen to read my blog. I'm praying for those seeking employment, or a better financial situation for their lives and for any other intentions they may ask for in their hearts, Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen. As I was getting ready for the day, I started to think about all the things I'd like to accomplish this New Year; of course all the usual things are on 'the list.' I won't tell you what they are, because you probably have them on your 'list' as well. But then I started to think about how I will feel if this year doesn't turn out quite like I expect, so here are some things I want to remember, to keep me afloat in those times of discouragement as I live my life, this year and every year: 1. "Trust in Him and He will help you." Sirach2:6 2. KISS: Keep It Simple Stupid; the axiom I learned in college Chemistry. 3. I serve the Father of Service and not the father of money. 4. Use the wonderful sense of humor God has blessed me with to view situtations in a light-hearted manner. 5. "Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song." Pope John 2 6. Every day is a new year. 7. "Jesus said love one another. He didn't say love the whole world." Mother Theresa 8. Take my time, with everything. 9. God is with me, always. I am keeping my faith and optimism that this year will be the best year yet. And if it isn't? Then it was still a pretty good year. When I look at situations in my life that were difficult, I realize now what was happening: my character, for good or for bad, was forged. How we handle difficult situations is a testament to what we are made of, and I know we are made in the image and likeness of God, so only Good will shine forth. Considering that God is always close, in my mind and in my heart, I will always have the strength and courage I need to face challenges. I pray this for you as well. I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world. Mother Theresa

I like men

Hello world-wide-web,

Thank you Jesus for giving us the gift of yourself: humanity and divinity united. Renew us again, Lord, in Your spirit as we celebrate another Christmas; and may the spirit of Christmas: kindness, compassion, and love for one another truly last throughout the New Year. In Jesus' Name. Amen. Carlton took me to a concert last night to see "Fair to Midland," and it was awesome! If you ever get a chance to see them, you must. It is rock and roll at it's finest and the "enthusiastic fans" (an understatement) add immensely to the fun of the show. While I was rockin' out, I watched the bass player, the guy in the photo above, who came out and waved to everyone with both hands before playing. Notice his nice body and his guns -his arms- slightly defined, and unlike some of the other musicians on stage, his hair looked clean. He has a nice smile and didn't seem full of himself; but then the band as a whole didn't seem full of themselves. They have talent, so they could be forgiven easily for a tiny bit of righteousness. Thankfully, they don't feel the need to be arrogant.

The bassist, Jon Dicken, got me to thinking about the things I like about men; I think men often get slammed for being male, so I'd like to take some time to talk about the things I like about men.

Physically:

I've heard men say they don't like the shape of their body, which is a pity, because it is beautiful. Oh sure, not like a woman's body, but that's precisely the point: men's bodies are supposed to be the opposite of women's. A hairy chest is pleasurable, but a chest with no hair is just as attractive. A man with polished guns tells me he's thinking of wrapping me in those strong arms. Yummy. I especially like tall men, since I'm 5'8", but I like short men too, as they are usually stout and have good hearts. Men with sea blue eyes take me for a lovely swim, but I've seen brown eyes that are sweeter than chocolate. I've known men with skin smoother than glass, in a manly way. I've always liked thin-bodied men, I don't know why exactly, but recently I've been re-thinking this and find myself looking at men with stronger builds; they seem to have more to hang on to and rely on, and are overall just more appealing to me.

Emotionally:

Here is the place where men get the worst review. I blame society for this, but applaud men who overcome our culture's ridiculous view of emotional men. My thesaurus gave me these words for 'strong': physically powerful, robust, highly-flavored, glaring, sound, fervent, and keen. I've seen men display each one of these words and it is something to behold. I knew a married man torn down the middle of himself because his marriage was on the verge of divorce. He fought to maintain the bond and won. Men who are healthy emotionally, and display emotions in a healthy manner, are far more interesting than a man who is 'macho,' and knows where a 'woman's place is,' and where 'a man's place is,' and will probably live longer than a man who is traditional and stagnant because an emotional man is open to what Is and what works. I know a single father who is unafraid of kissing his young son in public. I've witnessed a father's sensitivity toward a daughter's breakdown and his presence had a phenomenal calming affect on her. Fortunately a more positive view of emotional men is emerging in the public eye.

Spiritually:

(Please note: this part of the "I like men" blog turned into a bit of a 'wish list,' he he; I have yet to meet a man who exhibits ALL of these traits, though I do know men who express a superb mixture of these qualities.)

My definition of Spiritual is a man who has God in his heart and lives by God's rules: they are kind, respectful, thoughtful, compassionate rather than cold, loving rather than apathetic. He strives to do/be the best man he can be, and trusts God is with him on his life's journey. When others walk away, he walks towards. He inspires others. If the woman in his life is having an issue and requests a hiatus, he stays the course and asks her to do the same, to see where God is leading them. He is honest, reliable, and trustworthy. He prays often, in church, and in his personal life. He is actively involved in his church, whether that be a bible study, speaking to the youth of the church, or singing in the church choir. He asks others to come to church...BTW this definition of Spiritual is applicable to women as well.

Mentally:

I find men who continue to learn even after they've obtained their bachelor's, master's, or doctorate alluring. I know men who are voracious readers. Men enjoy exploring nature, but they are mental landscapers as well. Philosophy, psychology, theology, and many other 'ologies' ignites a man's imagination. Everything from Sci Fi to History captivate a man's attention. Comic books, which might have been a favorite past time as a child, intensifies as an adult. What's even more amazing is when these men apply their knowledge to help the world in areas like reducing our dependence on fossil fuel, or an invention that makes safer car seats for children. A man who always allows God to lead him where God needs him, using his mental facilities for the greatest benefit to the world, is marvelous to observe.

Behavior:

On a more facetious note: I like men who think they are 'charming,' 'charismatic' and have 'pick up lines' for women. I like this b/c this shows the man has 'play' in him. (This kind of play is not to be confused with a 'playah', which I consider despicable behavior.) I am partial to a man who plays b/c I play too and it's an enjoyable interaction. Or the guy who is so nervous he can't put two sentences together when speaking to me. I am flattered he's flustered, if a little weary, b/c I don't want to be put on a pedestal, that's a long way to fall! I am fond of a man who can lead in a situation, even if it's just directing our dinner party to our seats. A man who will wait for me to go ahead of him in the line for communion is irresistible. I am keen on a man who can fix a car, or anything around the house. I especially like a man who checks things on my car - that is just plain sexy! Not to mention showing he cares about me and my safety.

So, here's to you men: CHEERS. I'm glad God created you, and I pray for harmony between the sexes.

Gahhhhd bless us!

A year in review

Hello world-wide-web, Merry Christmas everyone! May God bless each and every day of your New Year, but, more importantly, that you be open and aware of each and every blessing. In Jesus' Name. Amen. When a New Year is about to begin, I imagine the months written on a colorful tapestry, with three columns for each month: January, February, and March (off to the side in pretty script: Winter); the next months: April, May and June (Spring); July, August, September (Summer); and then Fall: October, November and December. The year starts off easy enough, and I enter each day on the calendar boldly with my bearings about me: finish my master's; be the best teacher I can be; be the best person I can be...the tapestry is still clean, and whatever mistakes are made in the first three months are easily erased, with the hope that I can make up for them somewhere else in the year (I usually can't, or forget) But then come the summer months, one of which is my birthday month, and I take stock of the last six months and see some days have a hole in them where I tried to erase a work blunder, or, worse yet, the tapestry has stains on it from tears shed -good and bad-or from an especially rainy day. There are days with huge smiling suns: I made a great grade on a test, a student(s) mastered a concept, or a co-worker(s) gives a genuine compliment. By the end of the year I notice some of the tapestry is frayed on the edges, with some days blotted out completely, for whatever reason. I've had years where the calendar in my mind has months torn out, or slashes in them; I think the year my father was ill and passed may have months that were singed (he was a smoker). With two weeks before a New Year about to begin, I'd say the tapestry of 2009 doesn't look too bad: with God's help and presence, the year has stayed intact. As I am looking at the tapestry of 2010, I pray for God's guidance, love, mercy on me, and on all of my friends. 2010's tapestry is just as strongly made as 2009, and ready for adventures! So, what does your 2010 tapestry look like? Gaaaaahhhhd bless us!

The glass is half full

Hello world-wide-web, We need Your healing power, Lord, for Addison, who will have a serious surgery tomorrow. I know you know this, Jesus, but we always need to ask You. She is only two years old and fighting for her life, dear reader. As always, Jesus, we leave these matters in Your Hands. Ultimately, Heavenly Father, You are in Control, and we ask that Your will be done. Also, I offer up prayers for those I said I'd say a prayer for, and for Jesus' mercy on us, always. In Your Holy Name, Lord. Amen. I am taking a counseling class at the moment that has us looking at "Solution-focused counseling." This is a counseling approach that quote offers great promise as a time-effective, cooperative approach that shifts the counselor's focus from 'what's wrong' to 'what's working' with the client, end quote. I really agree with this philosophy. It makes total sense to me to look at things in a positive manner. Studies, research, heck, even on a personal level for me, a positive attitude has always been the best route when thinking of work, family, and friends. I am positive a good outcome will happen for Addison. She is a child of God and He has her best interest in His heart. We may not understand His thinking, and question why things happen, but I am confident something positive will come from her troubles. Something else I like about this method: reframing 'the problem' of clients. Now to some of you I'm sure this is just going to sound like psycho babble, and a 'pc' way of stating an issue. I disagree. This approach is looking at the glass as 'half full'. After all, a glass can be both, and situations can be viewed from a variety of perceptions. The variable in any given situation is Me. How do I chose to look at the situation? Let me give you some examples that Solution-focused gives: a person isn't 'controlling' they provide structure and direction; know a person who is 'defiant'? Well you could also call them independent, assertive, and committed; know someone who is argumentative? How about a person who cares enough to disagree? What about the immature person? Ever noticed how fun-hearted and playful they are? Are you impulsive? Not a negative trait: you're energetic and spontaneous. Have you ever been called withdrawn? I bet you are also introspective, contemplative, and observant; your passivity not working for you? Why not think of yourself as laid back instead. Ever been considered rigid? Why not consider yourself steadfast and committed to a plan of action. Now, doesn't that feel better? It's just a shift in your reality. I do think some of these personality traits can be frustrating and I've know some immature people who I don't think are fun-hearted and playful, they are Immature. Period. But when I read about another way to look at this person, it softened my attitude about them; maybe I'll get to that place of viewing them as fun-hearted and playful. I'm working on it. In this month of November, when we give thanks for the people in our lives, let us remember to also be grateful for our own personal view of the world. We color it and show that color to everyone we meet by our actions, words, and outlook. May you be Heavenly Blessed this Holiday season and may next year be a most abundant year of more positive blessings. In Jesus name, Gahhhhhhhhhhd bless you!

Nichole Nordeman Lyrics - Tremble

Hello world-wide-web, Heavenly Father, I have many intentions for you, Lord. Please restore health to baby Addision, Brandee's family member, Tracy's father, and everyone else I said I would pray for, Jesus. Many people are hurting, Lord, from the Ft. Hood shooting; I know you have angels on Earth, Jesus, please continue to dispatch them to all those in need of help, in anyway. Thank you Lord, for the many blessings you bestow on each of us, every day. In Your Name. Amen. The following lyrics are from a great song that I got turned on to by a sister in Christ; thanks Wendy! Keep the music coming! The whole CD you allowed me to burn, just rocks! PTL This is just a taste from the CD, dear reader, more to follow --- Nichole Nordeman Lyrics - Tremble: Have I come too causually? Because it seems to me There's something I've neglected How does one approach a Deity with imformality And still protect the Sacred? 'Cause you came and chose to wear the skin of all of us And it's easy to forget You left a throne And the line gets blurry all the time Between daily and Divine And it's hard to know the difference CHORUS: Oh, let me not forget to tremble Oh, let me not forget to tremble Face down on the ground do I dare To take the liberty to stare at you Oh, let me not, Oh, let me not forget to tremble What a shame to think that I'd appear Even slightly cavalier In the matter of salvation Do I claim this gift You freely gave As if it were mine to take With such little hesitation? 'Cause you came and stood among the very least of us And it's easy to forget you left a throne CHORUS The cradle of the grave could not contain Your Divinity Neither can I oversimplify this love Oh, let me not forget to tremble Face down on the ground do I dare To take the liberty to stare at you Oh, let me Oh, let me not forget to tremble Gahhhd bless you!

Vicky's

Hello world-wide-web, May this blog find you well, happy, rested, and with all your needs met. In Jesus' Name. Amen. I haven't found a good hairstylist for years now. Used to be easy: even just one good recommendation by a friend was enough to elicit a phone call for an appointment. I don't ask for recommendations anymore because now it's a matter of price. Do I really want to spend between $40 to $70 for a "hair cut" that consists of cutting less than an inch off, a straightening and maybe a deep conditioning? Not so much. Besides, my hair is different from my friends: thick, black, a bit coarse, and did I mention thick? Straightening my hair takes at least an hour. Yesterday I thought I had an appointment with my latest 'permanent' hairstylist; she's Asian, and has a wonderful way of concocting a terrific conditioner for my hair. Turns out she moved to McKinney. Chasing hairstylists was something I did in my 20's and 30's. I've 'matured' now; I don't need to drive all over God's great Earth for a good stylist. Although I was so looking forward to a good hair washing, with strong hands scrubbing away the stress-grime of the day-week. I'm on the East side of Plano when I noticed signs on marquees for Hispanic hair shops. Hmmm, I haven't had a 'Hispanic' hair cut since the 80's and living in El Paso. My aunts used to go to J-town (as we affectionately called Juarez, Mexico) for their hair cuts and I liked to go as well. I got some funky hair styles with lots of hairspray. I remember those days fondly. I pull into a parking lot that had a salon and 'Hispanic' in the title on the marquee. (I can't remember the name of the place, but I know it had these two things in the name.) Much to my chagrin the place was closed, even though by the posted hours on the door it should have been open. I got back in my car, and prayed out loud, "Okay, God, I'm going to need your help finding an Hispanic beauty salon." I saw a panaderia, accent on the 'i'. (for all you first year Spanish blokes, it means bakery.) I thought maybe the baker would know of a good Hispanic hair shop. She did. It was in the same plaza where I was - thanks God. I walk into Vicky's and it's like I'm in J-town all over again: the tacky black and white tile floors, the horrible lighting; hand written warnings in Spanish - please only use quarters in the (coke) machine; various knickknacks that have nothing to do with your hair (like fake roses and Cheetos) are for sale, with a polite warning: please don't eat anything without paying for it first. Jackpot! This pretty Latina walks up to me and asks what I'd like and I tell her a hair cut, deep conditioning, and straightening. She asks me to wait a moment and disappears. When she returns I follow her to her chair. She touches my hair and asks how much I want cut. I answer her, thinking we'll go to the sink and I can get my head massaged... She politely makes sure I understand all of this will cost me $32! $32! Another jackpot! She looks surprised when I ask her if she's going to wash my hair. When we're at the sink, I ask her if she often cuts hair dry and she says yes, that most people don't want to pay the $2 extra for a wash. Puzzled, I say, "A dry cut turns out okay?" She responds in the affirmative, but I have my doubts. After she shampooed my hair - the scrubbing felt heavenly - and put on the deep conditioner, she sat me under the hair drier. I don't think the hair driers have seen much use. She couldn't tell if they were plugged in or not. From where I was sitting I had a perfect view of everyone and everything in the shop. I noticed the clients were mostly men, and were getting mullet cuts, and/or shaves. Cute, Halloween decorations were hung from the ceiling: a blow up witch doll, in her usual black garb and green face, was only a few feet from where I was; at the entrance was a HUGE blown up pumpkin; a Gigantic ghost eerily hovered near it; cobwebs covered the ceiling. Quite festive. No pinatas? Nah, probably would have taken away from the jovial ambiance of the blown up figures. One of the stylist had bleach blond hair in the middle of his head, spiked, with shaved sides that were black. He was dancing and flitting about, listening to an Ipod and waiting on his next walk-in customer. I was under the hair drier for about 20 minutes, which was plenty of time to be observant, say some Hail Marys and talk to God-Jesus, and wonder if this shop saw many women customers. I pondered how many Latinas came into the shop, and which of those could afford the $2 extra for a hair washing, let alone a deep conditioning. This made me sad. Erika retrieved me from under the drier and began cutting my hair. We talked about various things: she's 25, single, also lives with her mom, and has a boyfriend who works at Subway. I will give her a nice tip. The sweet girl thought I was 28! I asked her if she thought about returning to school. She had, but no concrete plans in the making. I arrived at the shop around 5ish, and Erika started straightening my hair around 6:15. Since my hair is so thick, you have to grab a little bit of it at a time to straighten it. One of the other women stylists came over to chat with us. Erika good-naturedly commented, "I understand now what you meant about how much work goes into thick hair!" I laughed. Jokingly I teased, "Yes, you probably need some help straightening the other side of my hair!" The other stylist took me seriously, though, because before you could say, "Hot tamales!" She had her straightener plugged in and got to work. There I was, two beauticians working on my hair. They made me feel like a pampered princess. I didn't find out the other stylists name, but she had big plans: she was from Honduras and going to work in the states for another year; she has two other jobs; cleaning offices and houses, I think she said. She has two children in Honduras, a five-year-old, and an eight-year-old, and plans to build a house in Honduras and open her own salon. It's got to be difficult to leave her children! She said it would be too dangerous to bring them to the states. She and her husband are saving money right now to return to their beloved country. What a difficult life! Hard work too! I like my hair - I think they got it the flattest I've ever had it- and the conditioning has done wonders for the shine in my hair. I gave both of them a good tip and will certainly consider Vicky's my new 'permanent' hair place. Gaaaaaahhhhhddd bless!

Game playing

Hello world-wide-web, Heavenly Father, smooth over any arguments, or disagreements in families, between friends, lovers, etc. You are the greatest diplomat. Touch the soul that is most open to your loving with a peaceful disposition, one where they seek harmony, justice and balance. In Jesus name. Amen. I have been too busy! I have a couple of things I'm working on that I intend to post, so in the meantime, check out this new game I found: fun!!! http://www.agame.com/game/Bipole.html God bless!

October is Rosary month

Hello world-wide-web, Lately, Lord, I've been feeling distant from you. It seems like during the summer I felt v. close to you and sensed you in my surroundings constantly. I loved our chats while we walked the park with Toby...As I'm writing these words, dear reader, a line from the poem, "Footprints," comes to mind, "...it was then that I carried you." God doesn't Ever leave us. I need to remind myself that my relationship with the Lord goes through all the human motions of a relationship, with one huge difference: the knowledge, nay, the faith, that my relationship with God will right itself again in due time. My faith and my prayers keep me connected to God, no matter how I'm 'feeling.' And then there's the wisdom that God is always connected to me, to us, no matter what, that's His promise to all of us, isn't that fantastic? One of my favorite prayers to say is the rosary. October is the month in which Mary, Most Holy Queen of the rosary, is venerated. I think the rosary is misunderstood by many people, some of those people being Catholics. I will do my best to explain the rosary and include some photos I came across at this website: http://wf-f.org/Rosary.html For more information on the rosary check out this site when you get a chance. Fortunately I have a rosary CD in my car, and every morning on my way to work I pray it. I noticed my attention to the prayers waning here lately and in an effort to prevent stray thoughts from diverting my attention, I am saying the words more ardently. It's helped. Plus, I also get some great images of the Blessed Mother, or Jesus, at different times when I'm praying. For example, recently when I've prayed the rosary, I see Mary dressed in a long, off-white gown, with praying hands at her breast and her head tilted to my right. She has a serious look on her face, but somehow it doesn't come across sad as much as hopeful. Even if my attention wanders off, though, I tell Jesus to please help the people I am thinking of, because I think they may be in a need of prayers. Part of the beauty of the rosary is it's meditative qualites. The Prayers of the Holy Rosary The Rosary prayer begins by with the Sign of the Cross (at the Crucifix) followed by reciting the Apostles Creed. The Apostles' Creed I believe in God, the Father almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, Our Lord. Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, died, and was buried; He descended into hell. On the third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven,and is seated at the right hand of the Father. From thence He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost,the Holy Catholic Church,the Communion of Saints,the Forgiveness of Sins,the Resurrection of the body,and the Life everlasting. Amen. On the round beads say the Our Father, and on the oval beads say The Hail Mary. Hail Mary, full of grace,the Lord is with thee!Blessed art thou among women,and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners,now and at the hour of our death. Amen. After each series of Hail Mary's say the Glory Be. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginningis now and ever shall be world without end. Amen During the prayers on each series of ten beads (decade), we meditate on one of the Mysteries. The Mysteries of the Rosary By tradition, Catholics meditate on these Mysteries during prayers of the Rosary. The biblical references follow each of the Mysteries below. The Joyful Mysteries(Mondays and Saturdays) 1. The Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38) [Spiritual fruit - Humility] 2. The Visitation (Luke 1: 39-56) [Spiritual fruit - Love of Neighbor] 3. The Nativity (Luke 2:1-20) [Spiritual fruit - Poverty of Spirit] 4. The Presentation (Luke 2:21-38) [Spiritual fruit - Purity of mind & body] 5. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41-52) [Spiritual fruit - Obedience ] The Luminous Mysteries or Mysteries of Light(Thursdays) 1. Jesus' Baptism in the Jordan (II Corinthians 5:21, Matthew 3:17 and parallels) [Spiritual fruit - Gratitude for the gift of Faith] 2. Jesus' self-manifestation at the wedding of Cana (John 2:1- 12) [Spiritual fruit - Fidelity] 3. Jesus' proclamation of the Kingdom of God, with His call to conversion (Mark 1:15, Mark 2:3-13; Luke 7:47- 48, John 20:22-23) [Spiritual fruit - Desire for Holiness] 4. Jesus' Transfiguration (Luke 9:35 and parallels) [Spiritual fruit - Spiritual Courage] 5. Jesus' institution of the Eucharist, as the sacramental expression of the Paschal Mystery. (Luke 24:13-35 and parallels, 1 Corinthians 11:24-25) [Spiritual fruit - Love of our Eucharistic Lord] The Sorrowful Mysteries(Tuesdays and Fridays) 1. The Agony in the Garden (Matthew 26:36-46, Luke 22:39-46) [Spiritual fruit - God's will be done] 2. The Scourging at the Pillar (Matthew 27:26, Mark 15:15, John 19:1) [Spiritual fruit - Mortification of the senses] 3. The Crowning with Thorns (Matthew 27:27-30, Mark 15:16-20, John 19:2) [Spiritual fruit - Reign of Christ in our heart] 4. The Carrying of the Cross (Matthew 27:31-32, Mark 15:21, Luke 23:26-32, John 19:17) [Spiritual fruit - Patient bearing of trials] 5. The Crucifixion (Matthew 27:33-56, Mark 15:22-39, Luke 23:33-49, John 19:17-37) [Spiritual fruit - Pardoning of Injuries] The Glorious Mysteries(Wednesdays and Sundays) 1.The Resurrection (Matthew 28:1-8, Mark 16:1-18, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-29) [Spiritual fruit - Faith] 2. The Ascension (Mark 16:19-20, Luke 24:50-53, Acts 1:6-11) [Spiritual fruit - Christian Hope]3. The Descent of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:1-13) [Spiritual fruit - Gifts of the Holy Spirit] 4. The Assumption [Spiritual fruit - To Jesus through Mary] 5. The Coronation [Spiritual fruit - Grace of Final Perseverance] On the second "Our Father", begin to mediate upon the Mysteries of the Rosary. At the End of the Rosary pray The Hail Holy Queen (Salve Regina) Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy,Hail our life, our sweetness, and our hope.To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve;to thee do we send up our sighs,mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.Turn, then, most gracious advocate,thine eyes of mercy toward us;and after this, our exile,show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus:O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. V: Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God,R: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christs. Fr. Corapi, one of my favorite priests, if you get a chance to hear him on EWTN you should. Just a phenomenal man, and his story is equally awesome. Okay, to return to point, Fr. Corapi mentioned that the rosary is derived from the Gospels. I hadn't really thought of them that way, but when I did the realization of that was overwhelming. We are praying the Gospels! How powerful is that! Another aside I like to mention: when I was growing up in the 70's, Russia was the big threat, so we Catholics prayed for their conversion by praying the rosary, and guess what? IT WORKED. The Rosary is a powerful prayerful tool. Pope John Paul, a SuperHero if there ever was one, said this of the rosary: "October is the month in which Mary Most Holy, Queen of the Holy Rosary, is venerated. Within the current international context, I invite all -- individuals, families, communities -- to pray this Marian prayer, possibly every day, for peace, so that the world can be preserved from the wicked scourge of terrorism. "The terrible tragedy of September 11th will be remembered as a dark day in the history of humanity. In the face of this, the Church tries to be faithful to her prophetic charism and remind all men about their duty to build a future of peace for the human family. Certainly, peace is not separated from justice, but it must be nourished by mercy and love. We cannot forget that Jews, Christians and Muslims adore God as the only God. The three religions, therefore, have the vocation of unity and peace. May God allow the Church's faithful to be agents of peace, in the front line of the search for justice and the prohibition of violence. May the Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, intercede for all humanity, so that hate and death never have the last word!" Amen! So, do you have a rosary? If you don't, what are you waiting for? If you do, get to prayin' it. I'll join you. Gahhhhhhddddd Blesssssss Ussssss ALLLLLLLLLLL!

Guardian angels

Hello www, Heavenly Father bless all eyes reading my blog. Keep everyone safe, happy, and close to You. In Jesus name. Amen. Recently my mom, brother and I went to a couple of museums in FW. The exhibits were wonderful. I especially enjoyed the sculpture of a book with wings. A thought occurred to me as I stood in front of the sculpture: if I stand at a certain angle would the wings look like they were attached to me? When the photo was snapped, I got the desired effect, with a little something extra. If you look at the photo closely, you'll see a circle of white light. I saw the white circle when I uploaded the photo, but didn't think much of it at the time. My brother liked the 'winged' idea and I took a couple of him in front of the wings. He also took a couple of photos of just the sculpture. In one other photo the white circle appears. I believe in guardian angels, and I've been reading a book some friends gave me for my bday entitled, "Come Holy Spirit." So you can see where my thinking went with this photo: here's the HS, my guardian angel, showing itself to me, and now to you as well. My brother thinks the museum might be haunted, which might be true, but the white circle doesn't show itself in his photos. I like to think my guardian angel has a sense of humor: I mean, here I am trying to act like an "angel" and my guardian angel shows up in the photo! God is awesome and His angels are pretty fantastic too! God bless you!

The Mentalist

Hello www, Thank you Lord for this wonderful weekend of activities with my family and friends. Bless all eyes reading this blog, Lord, and help me to be a greater servant to you, Jesus, in all my interactions. In Your Name. Amen. Most weekdays I go to bed early, since I wake up early. My one exception during the week to this routine is Thursday evenings, because of a show a good friend got me hooked on, maybe you've heard of it and are a fan also, "The Mentalist." (CBS, Ch11, 9p - 10p). It stars Simon Baker who did a great job in the movie "The Devil wears Prada," and he isn't bad on the eyes either. This past week was the premiere of the season and I was determined to stay awake. I did well. I followed the story, knew who the suspects were. I was in the midst of figuring out Jane's (Baker's last name on the show) eccentric behavior and strange line of questioning, when my eyes started to close on me, in the last ten minutes of the show, but I was fighting it. I needed to know who the killer was. I turned one eye to the screen, and let my other eye rest...it doesn't help I have a t.v. in my bedroom and am laying down while watching the show!...The murder wasn't the person I thought it was, but I totally missed Jane's reasoning for identifying her as the murderer. Darn it! Oh well, the battle of the z's rages on...There's always this week's episode.

The couple in front of us

Hello www, Remember to talk to Jesus. He's always awake and He's always listening. He wants us to talk to Him, just like we would talk to a good friend. Jesus is your bff anytime. Thank you Lord, for always being available to us. In your name. Amen. Some of you may know that my mom and I go to mass every Saturday at 5pm. I'm sure there are even those of you who don't like our rigidness with regard to this weekend appointment with our Lord, because you'd rather I do some sort of frivolousness. But mom babysits on Sunday mornings and is too tired afterwards to attend mass. I like our usual routine of Saturday mass because mom and I are praying together. There are few events that are as powerful as attending mass with your loved ones. Okay, so since mom and I attend Saturday mass religiously (pardon the pun, couldn't resist :)), I began to notice people I knew, or observed 'the regulars' like mom and me, that I hadn't met yet. One couple in particular stood out for me. A cute, probably in his forties, short man with a nice haircut, and a taller than him, but not glaringly taller, blond-haired woman. Despite the height differences, or because of it, they make a good match. Every Saturday they would quietly gravitate to the same pew, usually in front of mom and me. I didn't see wedding rings on their fingers, but the vibe they gave was one of a serious relationship, a tight bond shared. One Saturday he came in by himself and sat in front of us. At the 'sign of peace' part of the mass, when he and I shook hands, I was able to add, "Please tell your wife we miss her this week." He smiled shyly and nodded. After mass he turned to my mom and me saying, "She's helping a friend move. (pause) She's a better friend than I am." Mom and I laughed. Besides looking forward to mass every Saturday, I like to see if 'the couple' is joining us to pray. Sometimes they arrive in time to sit in their usual pew, close to us, and sometimes we are a few pews away from each other, but no matter, I'm happy to see them. I'm joyful they are a part of our Saturday evening family of mass goers. BTW, I did see rings on their fingers recently. :) God bless us, each and everyone, always.

It might get loud

Hello www,
May you always find God with you, leading you to a greater understanding of Him, and a greater Love of Him. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Last year, on Jan. 23rd, four days before my brother's birthday, a documentary was made about two of my all-time favorite guitarists: Jimmy Page and The Edge. Jack White, the guitarist of White Stripes, claims he wanted to make this documentary so can learn secrets from the legends. I don't know if White learns those secrets but it is an excellent excuse to get Page and Edge together on one stage. We are a more than willing audience. Page has transformed into the white-haired wizard from Lord of the Rings. Edge looks the same, even if he has less hair and a skull cap. His eyes are ever piercing. It is a pleasure to have Page show us where the song, "When the Levee Breaks," was recorded. He lovingly reveals to us where John Bonham's drum kit sat. He claps to uncover the acoustics of the charming house. Actual black and white footage fills in the rest of the story: we see the band horsing around on the lawn and the huge bus packed with recording equipment sitting next to the house. Edge was the most serious of the three. We're shown parts of Ireland and car bombs. We're taken to the high school where the band rehearsed. Edge is brutally honest about the bands lack of talent in it's early stages. He wants a better world and was thrust into the political realm at an early age. His guitar is his political wand. White is the 'let's tear this mother down,' component in this rock and roll puzzle of three. His music is a struggle, and if there isn't a struggle, he creates one. He dissects the guitar, takes it to the barest essentials and then builds it up again. It's him vs his guitar and he is going to conquer it. Everytime. The film opens with White hammering out, literally, a 'guitar' from wire, an amplifier, a few nails. The cows in the scene are a bonus. Page has such a gentle, easy going demeanor that when the Edge asks him to play a different note when the three are jamming together, he does so gracefully. And Page's smile doesn't ever fully disappear from his face. Pure pleasure and glee are apparent as he shows the viewer one of his favorite songs, on a beautiful turn-table; he playfully air guitars with the music. I like the way the film only shows the guitar and the fingers of the player, teasing the viewer to guess who is playing. I was right everytime. Page has his style of playing that is easily distinguishable. He hasn't lost the sound of Zep in all that he plays; it reverberates in his very essence. Edge is always pushing his edge - finding his sound and expanding on it - pushing it until it pushes it back - and pulling it around him like a comfortable armor. There is one memorable scene where Edge plays something complicated and then asks, "Want to hear what notes I was playing?" With a mischievous grin he plays the piece again, without the effects this time, and reveals three notes. White is angry, passionate and loving, sometimes all at once. Other times just playing around and seeing what the guitar is going to spit at him, so he can spit back. See the film...be warned though: it might get loud. Thank you Lord for blessing us with music. We aren't worthy. God bless us!

Sundays

Hello www, May God bless you and keep you. In Jesus' name. Amen. When I was in the seventh grade, my brother, mom and I lived with my grandmother, my two aunts, and an uncle, in El Paso, Tx. My grandmother's house is a wonderful Victorian-style home; my mom and her four sisters pooled their money to buy it for my grandmother in 1952. The house was actually built in the 1930's. It's in a neighborhood where the homes don't resemble each other. The University of El Paso is just down the street. Nowadays the district is considered an historic part of El Paso. With plenty of rooms to roam, beautifully managed hard-wood floors, and a plethora of relatives to bother, it was an ideal place for a twelve-year-old. I didn't appreciate it at the time, but it was the perfect place for several different generations of family to live too. From my newly conceived cousin, to my eighty something grandmother, the continum of life spread before me. At 9:30 am I get up and go downstairs where Aunt Rosa has breakfast ready: fluffy white tortillas filled with chorizo and huevo. Not only did Aunt Rosa have breakfast ready, she had lunch started; roast beef with potatoes. The yummy aroma tip toes into each room of the house. After breakfast, and the wonderful company of my aunt Rosa, it is time to get ready for mass. My Aunt Helina and her son, my cousin, Frankie, come over to take us all to 11 o'clock mass at St. Patrick's. On the short drive over we listen to Kasey Kasem's "count down to today's hottest hits," on the radio. As we enter St. Patricks, I am reminded of the fact that the church was built in 1914in the Italian Renaissance style. It is magnificent. After mass the roast beef is ready to eat! But before anyone can eat, we say hello with hugs and kisses. Lively chatter, a mixture of Spanish and English, is heard from any room in the house. The rest of the day was open to anything: watching television, playing games, visiting, and if my aunt Rosa found a movie she liked in the paper, we would go to a matinee show. Other cousins would arrive; more hellos, hugs and kisses. Sometimes we just sat on the inviting front porch, swinging on the chairs, watching the afternoon pass. These are the Sundays I remember and the ones that I hope to create someday with my children. Enjoy each and every day of your life - it is all so precious! God bless us!

Dedication time

Hello www, God bless each and everyone of you wonderful people. God is so great, so mighty, so powerful, and yet so gentle and merciful to us. Be greatful for everything in your life, even the bad things that happen. I truly believe ALL roads lead us back to God. Keep your faith, pray often. In Jesus Name. Amen. A friend of mine turned me on to this song, thank you! It's thundering outside at the moment, and I'm kicking back on the new laptop, playing solitaire, with the dog laying at my feet and I thought, you know, that Kings of Leon song "Revelry" would sound great right now. Here's a share with you, dear reader, enjoy. (Better yet, YouTube it and hear for yourself.) Revelry What a night for a dance, you know I'm a dancing machine With the fire in my bones And the sweet taste of kerosene I get lost in the night so high don't wanna come down To face the loss of the good thing that I have found Woo hoo hoooo Woo hoo hoooo In the dark of the night I can hear you calling my name With the hardest of hearts, I still feel full of pain So I drink and I smoke and I ask you if your ever around even though it was me who drove us right into the ground See the time we shared it was precious to me But all the while I was dreaming of revelry Gonna run baby run like a stream down a mountainside With the wind in my back I wont ever even bat an eye Just know it was you all along that had a hold of my heart But the demon in me was a best friend from the start So the time we shared it was precious to me All the while I was dreaming of revelry Dreaming of revelry And I told myself oh the way you go it rained so hard it felt like snow Everything came tumbling down on me In the back of the woods, in the dark of the night Palest pale of the old moonlight Everythings just felt so incomplete Dreaming of revelry God bless ya!

Amistad

Hello www, May you feel the presence of God each and every day in your life. If you are going through a hard time know that the Lord Your God is with you every step of the way. Continue to stay faithful and prayerful. God keeps His promises. In Jesus Name, Amen. Friendships are difficult to steer sometimes. I was reminded of this recently when a friend of mine, Georgina, had to break off an unhealthy friendship. It was difficult for Georgina to end this friendship, but what made it easier to do was the fact that the 'friend', Maureen, was rude and began name-calling other people in Georgina's life. I remember when the days of friendship were easy: when I was little and in elementary school, when my parents were going to visit friends, I asked, "Do they have kids?" If they did, I was so happy! If they didn't, I knew I was in for a boring time. Kids just want to be around other kids. They don't care if those kids are older, younger, black, white, as long as there are kids. Kids knew their math: kids plus other kids =ed fun. Then, in high school, 'clicks' formed. The preppy rich kids. The druggies, aka 'rock and rollers.' The jocks. Kickers. (aka country/western) Nerds. The list is long and varied. Divisions were made and tricky to navigate. We make friends in adulthood based on mutual interests, or lack of mutual intersts sometimes, thinking we can grow and learn from people different from us. We form bonds with people who 'get us,' but most of all, we are friends with people who don't mind, and like us in spite of, our 'crazies'. Our crazies being our eccentric habits and ideas. I was fortunate to have a group of good friends celebrate my bday with me. As they sang - out of tune - but loudly and lovingly - happy birthday to me, I made sure I looked around the people surrounding me and thanked God in my mind for each and every one of them and how they've touched and enriched my life. I can only hope they feel the same way about me. I know I've discussed in a past blog how men and women can't be friends and I need to clarify my thinking on this, once again, because the subject surfaced at my bday party: Men and women can be friends. Indeed, I am friends with men. HOWEVER, and this is the caveat I meant to express when I mentioned this earlier, I have observed that when men and women are friends either the man or the woman have ideas of becoming 'more than friends' with that person. Nothing wrong with this thinking until the edges of their friendships are pushed: the man or the woman start dating and want to tell you all about those dates. YIKES. Oh well, sit back and get comfortable, the friendship will endure and in the end you'll get a better idea of the person you are calling friend. Knowledge is power, remember. Friendships can and are hard to maintain, but if you are blessed to call even one person a good friend, then consider yourself truly blessed. Those friendships are worth all the gold in the world, and then some. God blessssssssssssssssssss you!

Students

Hello www, In the Name of the Father, Son, and HS. Amen. Jesus thank you for all you do for us, and for all the blessings you continually bestow on each of us. Please consecrate and guide all students and teachers as they embark on another school year, Lord. Sanctify our interactions with students, co-workers, and parents; may we remember to have a sense of humor, compassion, openness, knowledge of our subjects (he he) and patience. In your name, Jesus, Amen. As I was writing the names of my students on various notebooks, I stopped for a moment to enjoy the spanish names: the roll of the 'r' in Resendiz; the length of the surname: de Jesus Garza; the lovely first and middle names: Ana Delia. I say silent prayers over each name for good dispositions, a willingness to learn, kindness, an openness for subjects they don't like, courage in difficult situations. Asking God to guide me as I interact and get to know each little one that walks in my door. I felt Jesus with me, "Together we will build strong hearts and heads." With God all things are possible and with God's help it will be a truly sacred year. God bless!

Stigma

Hello www, A special prayer for the victims of random violence. May they RIP. In Jesus' name. Amen. I went to a new optometrist recently and he told me, just like past optometrists, that I have astigmatism. Astigmatism means your vision is out of focus because of the shape of your cornea, or the inside lense of your eye(s). I think as a society too we suffer from astigmatism with regard to certain subjects. The recent shooting in Pa at a gym is an example of society's astigmatism. The media has highlighted some of the things the shooter had written on his blog and from those excerpts it seems pretty obvious he was suffering mentally, and I think since he was a guy, receiving mental health help was not an option for him. Men can't be weak - they are strong. Society has gotten better with regard to helping those who are mentally ill, but mental illness still has a stigma attached to it. More's the pity. The shooter at the gym sure could have used some help. People don't need to die because one person isn't feeling good, or too embarrassed to get help. Here's some information about depression...I agree that antidepressants are probably the most prescribed drug in the US, but I think a large majority of people who need the prescription aren't getting it. CDC Antidepressants most prescribed drugs in US, according to a CNN article's title. By Elizabeth Cohen CNN ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- Dr. Ronald Dworkin tells the story of a woman who didn't like the way her husband was handling the family finances. She wanted to start keeping the books herself but didn't want to insult her husband. The doctor suggested she try an antidepressant to make herself feel better. She got the antidepressant, and she did feel better, said Dr. Dworkin, a Maryland anesthesiologist and senior fellow at Washington's Hudson Institute, who told the story in his book "Artificial Unhappiness: The Dark Side of the New Happy Class." But in the meantime, Dworkin says, the woman's husband led the family into financial ruin. "Doctors are now medicating unhappiness," said Dworkin. "Too many people take drugs when they really need to be making changes in their lives." For Dworkin, the proof is in the statistics. According to a government study, antidepressants have become the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States. They're prescribed more than drugs to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, or headaches. CNN's Elizabeth Cohen discusses the CDC study on antidepressants » In its study, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention looked at 2.4 billion drugs prescribed in visits to doctors and hospitals in 2005. Of those, 118 million were for antidepressants. High blood pressure drugs were the next most-common with 113 million prescriptions. The use of antidepressants and other psychotropic drugs -- those that affect brain chemistry -- has skyrocketed over the last decade. Adult use of antidepressants almost tripled between the periods 1988-1994 and 1999-2000. Between 1995 and 2002, the most recent year for which statistics are available, the use of these drugs rose 48 percent, the CDC reported. Many psychiatrists see this statistic as good news -- a sign that finally Americans feel comfortable asking for help with psychiatric problems. "Depression is a major public health issue," said Dr. Kelly Posner, an assistant professor at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City. "The fact that people are getting the treatments they need is encouraging." She added that 25 percent of adults will have a major depressive episode sometime in their life, as will 8 percent of adolescents. "Those are remarkably high numbers," Posner said. While Posner says genuine depression is driving the prescription numbers, Dr. Robert Goodman, an internist in New York City, says the real force behind skyrocketing antidepressant prescription rates is pharmaceutical marketing to doctors and to consumers. "You put those two together and you get a lot of prescriptions for antidepressants," he said. He questions whether all those prescriptions are necessary. "It's hard to believe that number of people are depressed, or that antidepressants are the answer," he said. Goodman is the founder of a group called "No Free Lunch," a group that encourages doctors to reject gifts from pharmaceutical companies. He added that patients sometimes see ads for antidepressants on television and ask doctors for the drugs -- and that studies show these requests work. In a study published two years ago in the Journal of the American Medical Association, actors pretending to be patients went to doctors in the San Francisco area and said they were depressed. The "patients" who asked for an antidepressant were significantly more likely to get a prescription for one than patients who didn't ask for an antidepressant. "Patients' requests have a profound effect on physician prescribing in major depression and adjustment disorders," concluded the study's authors. But Posner's concern is about under-prescribing, not over-prescribing. But Posner's concern is about under-prescribing, not over-prescribing. "Fifty percent of African-Americans who have depression don't seek treatment for it," she said. "Not enough people are getting the treatment they need." Elizabeth Cohen is a correspondent for CNN Medical News. Senior producer Jennifer Pifer and intern Rachel Zelkowitz contributed to this report. DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS Could you be depressed? Not everyone who is depressed experiences every symptom. Some people experience a few symptoms, some many. Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood. Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism. Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness. Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex. Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down". Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions. Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping. Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain. Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts. Restlessness, irritability. Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain. Source: National Institute of Mental Health Maybe one day society will take off its rose-colored lenses (ie no one is sick; no one needs help; we're all healthy.)and view society through the eyes of wisdom. Ask for help, if you need it, please. Regardless of your sex, age, or race. There is help available, ask for it. And remember to pray. Praying helps too. God bless.

Random thoughts

Hello www, Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us as much as you do, and always blessings our lives. Two special intentions: healing and peace. In Jesus' Name. Amen. A good friend once told me not to count the days until school/work begins, and I am abiding by that advice. Each and every day is a blessing, whether I'm working or playing, I'm grateful for both. I wish this for you as well. Here are some thoughts I had while doing various activities this summer: ...I like everyone... ...I am a professional, after all... ...my reaction time is diminishing, that's a good thing... ..."caras vemos, corazones no conocemos,"..."faces we see, hearts we don't know"... ...when will this be over?... ...will this matter in a day, next week, in five years?... ...am I an effective teacher?... ...NOT counting the days... ...this book store is amazing...I bet I can buy some Christmas gifts here...maybe I won't wait until Christmas... ...enjoy... ...he's cute... ...he's h-o-t...a biker with short blond hair, decent build, tall, no tats that I can see..."Hello, excuse me,"...nice smile...just yummy... ...for every good-looking, single or married guy, there's a woman who has to put up with his b.s... ...where will this path take me?... ...that cake was delish!... ...what, I have to pay for parking AND there's no breakfast included? What a rip!... ...while Carlton puts the chairs away I think I'll eat the rest of this frosting...thanks for doing that Carlton... ...always satisfying to see good friends... ...Lord, help me... ...Jesus is always with me...wow, always... God bless ya!

What is appropriate?

Hello www, Heavenly Father, bless all the eyes reading this blog: with health, happiness, and L-O-V-E. Thank you Lord for the remission of Olga's cancer and that she no longer needs chemo. Thank you for blessing Carlton with a much needed good paying job. Jesus, please change the hours he's going to work to some that are better suited to him, ie 8 - 5. But only if it's Your Will. A special intention for Bob, you know which one, Lord. In Your Name. Amen. Being single, I think I can safely say marriage is a challenging relationship. I know friendships are hard work, but I think a marriage is even harder to maintain. Having said this, please know I am pro-marriage all the way. I pray often that all marriages are strong and long lasting. Since I am single, though, I wonder about the boundaries of marriage. For example, I am good friends with a few married couples - both the husband and the wife - and I am always respectful-mindful that 'this guy is married,'; the wives of these men are women I greatly respect and admire. I do not even entertain thoughts of flirting with husbands. So for me, boundaries with husbands are a non-issue: my friendships with husbands is appropriate and even fun. But I've heard stories of women who blatantly flirt with husbands, regardless of the presence of the wife. Even if the husband mentions the wife, these women seem undeterred. Indeed there are women who pursue married men. Sometimes these women are married, sometimes they are single. What is up with this kind of behavior? AND, for women who are single and have friends that are married, what is appropriate behavior for you? Let me give you an example, if you are a wife, how do you feel if your husband watches a movie with your single/married girlfriend, when you are out of town? What if your husband were to meet a co-worker who happens to be single, or married, for breakfast? What if the single/married friend wanted to take your hubby to get his car that's been in the shop? This last one I think is inappropriate. That's a wife's duty. But marriages aren't 'cookie cutter' relationships - they don't all fit a mold - so I think a lot of these situational examples depend on the couple. I know wives who absolutely will not let their husbands meet with single or married women, on a one-on-one basis. Are these wives insecure? Not necessarily, though that may be part of the reasoning, but maybe these wives know just how precious a marriage is and will do anything to protect their bond, their covenant with God. (Let me also mention that if a wife is highly insecure about her husbands friendships (to the point of trying to control the husbands every move) with females, married or single, then there might be a greater issue that needs to be looked at, possibly in therapy.) I think wives/husbands are all too aware of how some single or married men and women aren't to be trusted with their mates. Yes, it does take two people giving 100 percent of each other to a marriage for it to work, but where do single/married females, or males, fit into the picture? I honestly believe a married couple needs to have friends outside of the marriage; now that doesn't mean they can't have friends who are single, or married, does it? And husbands, what would you think about your wife getting together with a single/married guy for a drink after work? Okay, so post your thoughts, I'm listening and can't wait to read... God bless!

More information needed

Hello www, Thank you Jesus for continually showing me You are beside me in all of life's trials and tribulations. Special intentions for everyone, whatever their needs may be Lord. In Jesus Name. Amen. Last night I saw the movie "Public Enemies," with one of my favorite actors, Johnny Depp. I liked it. I like films that are historically based, even if Hollywood does add it's touches to it, which unfortunately, is typical. It was amazing to see an airplane from the 1930's. What a wonderful piece of machinery. Nice subtle touches like that throughout the film really bring out the time it was taking place, which is 1933, two years into the Great Depression. Johnny Depp delivers a believable "John Dillinger." Dillinger is a charming and classy criminal. He doesn't hurt civilians and he only takes money from the banks, as opposed to money from the individuals who are in the banks. What I found interesting about his character was that he was a 'one woman' kind of guy. He chooses a beautiful dark-haired woman, Billie, played well by actress Marion Coltillard, to be 'his girl'. He is faithful to her. In fact, in the previews when they show Dillinger with a couple of women at a movie theatre, I am surprised. I would have thought Billie would have been with him. But the reason he can't be with Billie is because she is in jail...At any rate, I've titled this blog 'more information needed' because on first glance, when you see Dillinger with these other women, assumptions are made. Just like in life, we think that what we see is what is. When if we really take a closer look, that's not what's happening at all. But then you really need to be close to the 'characters' in your life to understand what's happening, and where every one's loyalties are, and who is in love with whom. "Public Enemies" has romance on a couple of levels: Dillinger, certainly is a romantic figure. He gives his coat to women he's used as a human shield to get out of robbed banks. He loosely ties up his victims so they can get free and back to safety. He sang to one of his captives. Then there's the romance between Billie and Dillinger. The viewer wants them to be together. They have a genuine affection and understanding between them. What are you waiting for? Go see the film for yourself, and then comeback and add comments. I'd like to know what you thought about the film too. God bless.

Vessels for the Father's Grace

Hello www, Happy Fourth of July to those of us who are Americans. Heavenly Father, bless all the eyes reading this blog and help them in any You see fit. In Jesus Name. Amen. There are some things going on in my life at the moment that I find I can't put into words, not just yet anyway, so my faithful readers will need to just bear with me as I feature a wonderful piece of homily Msgr Don Fischer, from St Josephs parish in Richardson, Tx where I attend mass, wrote in our weekly bulletin. This is from Msgr's "Pastoral Reflections" the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B. Enjoy. We are designed, it seems to me, to be instruments of bringing power and strength to the world. As God works through us, we accomplish something we cannot do on our own. If we can surrender to that, then we can open ourselves to the very simple notion that the healing and its effectiveness, the love we want to give people, is not something we produce or do. It's something that flows through us. I know if we walked up to Jesus and encountered Him in a place where we could just talk, I would want to ask Him: What does it feel like to be a figure who is able to do great things? I think he would look at me very sincerely and honestly and say, "I don't think that makes me so special because it's just coming through me; it's not me who heals people, who frees them from their sins, give them new life, or enables them to walk or to see. He would say, "It all comes through me from my Father. He's the healer. He's the one who brings life to everyone." Jesus doesn't see himself as super-successful in the eyes of the world. In fact, the truth is that the life of Jesus involved so much suffering and so much rejection that there is something in this we need to be able to embrace and understand as part of the process. The effectiveness of our living a life where we are true instruments of God's grace is to get past our egos, our self-centered sides - and to truly become instruments. God bless!

One of my favorite jokes...

Hello www, Thank you Lord for your continual blessings on my family and friends. In Jesus' name. Amen. My blogs have been a little too serious lately, even for me!, so I think I'd like to share with my readers one of my favorite jokes. I hope you laugh. It always makes me laugh. I can't let you off that easy, though; there has to be a lesson learned (ever the teacher! he he) in this joke, what do you think that lesson is? :) There is no right or wrong answer, just something to think about when you finish reading. The Pope vs. Moishe About a century or two ago, the Pope challenged the Jewish community of Rome to a debate. The Jews looked around for a champion who could defend their faith, but no one wanted to volunteer. It was too risky. So they finally picked an old man named Moishe who spent his life sweeping up after people to represent them. Being old and poor, he had less to lose, so he agreed. He asked only for one addition to the rules of debate. Not being used to saying very much, he asked that neither side be allowed to talk. The Pope agreed. The day of the great debate came. Moishe and the Pope sat opposite each other for a full minute before the Pope raised his hand and showed three fingers. Moishe looked back at him and raised one finger. The Pope waved his fingers in a circle around his head. Moishe pointed to the ground where he sat. The Pope pulled out a wafer and a glass of wine. Moishe pulled out an apple. The Pope stood up and said, "I give up. This man is too good. The Jews win." An hour later, the cardinals were all around the Pope asking him what happened. The Pope said, "First I held up three fingers to represent the Trinity. He responded by holding up one finger, to remind me that there was still one God common to both our religions. Then I waved my finger around me to show him that God was all around us. He responded by pointing to the ground, showing that God was also right here with us. I pulled out the wine and the wafer to show that God absolves us from our sins. He pulled out an apple to remind me of original sin. He had an answer for everything. What could I do?" Meanwhile, the Jewish community had crowded around Moishe, amazed that this old, almost feeble-minded man had done what all their scholars had insisted was impossible. "What happened?" they asked. "Well," said Moishe, "first he said to me that the Jews had three days to get out of here. I told him that not one of us was leaving. Then he told me that this whole city would be cleared of Jews. I let him know that we were staying right here." "And then?" asked a woman. "I don't know," said Moishe. "He took out his lunch and I took out mine." God bless!

A Gentle Soul wrapped in a Big Personality*

Hello www, Thank you Lord for good fathers - here on earth and in heaven - and even for fathers who fail/failed their children in some way; they are/were doing the best they can/could. May the children who are disappointed by their fathers find a way to peace. For the fathers who have passed away by some tragedy and have children, may the children be filled with a spirit to fight injustices, and a greater sense of compassion, instead of being filled with revenge and hatred. In Jesus' name. Amen. After hearing of the museum shooting on Wednesday, June 10th, I was, just like everyone else, in shock. An 88-year-old man has no business doing stupid, insane, outrageous acts of pure hatred. The devil had his soul already though. It is in instances like this that I know we have an real, live, enemy, and I'm talking about the devil, in our streets. The devil is constantly looking for souls that are waiting to be overrun by him. When the details of what happened started to unfold, one moment I couldn't stop folding and unfolding, is the one where Johns was doing his job, being the kind, caring, individual he was, seeing an elderly man entering the museum, and John's only thought was to help this man come into the museum, just to be shot to death for his benevolent act. I can't imagine the horror of being in the act of helping someone and getting literally shot for it. I wonder if Johns saw the rifle evil held in it's hand? It was an immediate shot, as if Evil was expecting John's humane act and knew to shoot it down. I cry for this tender spirit our world has lost. Mark Twain once said, "Let us endeavor to live so that when we die even the undertaker will be sad." I think Stephen Tyron Johns did just that. I have talked about this incident with friends, and mentioned how I thought lives were probably saved because Johns was shot first. That sound, from one eye-witnesses account on a morning talk show, was like 'someone dropped a large stack of papers,' alerted the other security guards and allowed them to take the shot they needed to incapacitate wickedness. I don't know Johns personally, but I read an article from the Washington Post that helped me get a better idea of who he was: "Opening the museum door was a final gesture of goodwill for a man who had long opened his own door for friends, family and anyone in need. He was a "care bear" who despite the imposing mass that made him well suited for security -- 6 feet 6 inches and more than 300 pounds -- "wouldn't harm anybody," said Brian Lennon, a longtime friend and onetime roommate. Lennon, Johns and a third friend, Anthony Harmon, shared an Oxon Hill apartment for five years, beginning in 2002, and they had known one another since meeting at a job training program in 1990. They were like brothers, keeping tabs on one an other's families. Harmon, 36, said they fit together like "puzzle pieces." But in the past couple of years, their lives took different directions -- Lennon got married and so did Johns, for the second time -- and they saw less of one another." The friends had recently gone fishing together, but Johns hadn't caught anything and the friends gave him one of theirs. "He was talking, and we was chilling together," Harmon said. "It was just so exciting that we were around each other." They made plans to do it again on Father's Day." Johns and his second wife had recently bought a house closer to Johns' mom and step-dad, AND to his son by his first marriage. Father and son had begun hanging out more since they lived close to each other. "Johns was attached to his job, Harmon said. "It was the best thing that ever happened to him," he said. "We'd do things, and he'd say: 'I can't stay out too late. I've got work in the morning.'" "He was just a delightful colleague, a wonderful individual, a great professional and a very dedicated security officer," said Sara Bloomfield, the museum's director. "But I would say, above all, what a personality. . . . He just had one of those personalities that you couldn't avoid." When Johns decided to be licensed as a "special police officer," which permitted him to carry a handgun on duty, his friends laughed at him, Harmon said. He was too sweet a person for people to imagine him getting into an altercation. "We said, 'You don't need a gun, man,' " Harmon said. Johns explained it to Harmon this way: "It's not really about the gun. I want to step up careers a little bit." *the title for this blog came from the Washington Post article, which has also been quoted in this blog. There is a fund for Johns' family, if you'd like to donate: -- Checks payable to USHMM Officer Johns Family Fund may be mailed to USHMM, 100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl. SW, Washington D.C. 20024. Contributions can also be made by calling 877-91USHMM (877-918-7466) from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or going to the museum's Web site. -- Wackenhut, Johns's employer, asks that contributions be made by check or money order payable to Zakia Christina Johns in care of WSI Wachovia, 4440 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. 33410. -- Checks payable to the American Jewish Committee, with "Holocaust Museum Memorial Fund" on the memo line, should be mailed to: American Jewish Committee Washington Chapter in care of Melanie Maron Pell, 1156 15th St. NW, Suite 1201, Washington D.C. 20005. Donations will also be accepted at the AJC Web site. God bless.

Hello www, Lord Jesus, help all those who are in need of hope in their lives. Thank you for the many prayers you answer, and for the blessings bestowed on us all. In Jesus Name. Amen. The school year is over, and as I write these words, I know I'm 'free' from teaching, at least until the Fall...But I'm not enjoying this freedom too much at the moment. I'm thinking about the students I had this past year. The year that just ended was among my most trying. I feel like I let my students down academically. They did well on the state tests, thanks be to God, but I wonder if there was another way I could have pushed them even farther. In my 10+ years that I've taught, I think the only other time I've felt this way about a class was when I first began my career as a teacher. I usually feel good about my students, but for some reason these students haunt me. 'My girls,' as I lovingly called them, were sweet and funny...what will they take with them from me academically as I send them on their continuing journey through school, and life? AA, who was goofy and funny, didn't listen to me. It was as if she was in someone else's class when I gave instructions, or taught a concept. She tried hard, but still couldn't grasp what was going on in Math, or Reading. She acted like she understood and then went to her desk and did her work incorrectly. This stumped me. Her handwriting was always neat and she took her time in doing her class assignments, but she took too much time copying something from the board, completely missing the point of the lesson. This was a constant area of contention between us. She got to where she was good at delaying doing the work I wanted her to do because she was writing so neatly and carefully. I made phone calls to mom, and it would get better for a little bit, only to return to where she was in a few weeks. When I ate lunch with 'my girls,' AA made me laugh the most. She had hilarious imitations of a movie star, or a singer. She is Charismatic...Charming. I couldn't reach her academically. Then there was BB. I am NOT for medicating students, and I am not one who recommends medicine every chance a student misbehaves in my class, but BB was an exception. Easily distracted, putting his head on his desk often, shutting down on me when he didn't get a correct answer, or a good grade. I thought the parents should put him on meds for ADD. Of course by law a teacher May Not even offer the suggestion. We are only allowed to hint. I did hint. The older brother went to our school and by the time he was in sixth grade, the parents put him on ADD meds. He was a completely different child. SO, when I spoke to the parents about BB, I mentioned the older brother and asked if mom saw any similarities in the two brother's behavior. She didn't get the hint, and the child went unmedicated. He too has a great sense of humor. As teacher's we are told if we bond with our students, ie have lunch with them, spend time with them during the school day, even for a few minutes each day, the students will want to succeed. The bonding with us will make them want to accomplish great things, since they want to please those they like. I went out of my way with this year's group to 'bond' with them. Any 'off duty' days I had free, I ate with either the boys or the girls in my classroom. Regardless of behavior, etc., they could have lunch with me. 30 min of pure conversation about anything, a time to be silly, a time to get to know each other. When it came time to give awards at the end of the year, my class had the lowest number of achievements. Sure, they are bilingual students, but their bilingualism is an asset; it's just not revealing itself now... Sigh. I continue to reflect on this past year and do my best to remember what I can change with next year's students. How I can be better for them. This year is over, but my thoughts and prayers will go forward with these students. My prayer is that my class this year taught me something: be better, strive to be better each year, do things differently, change things up, and be open. God bless.