To my readers, Last Thursday my mother passed away. I am trying to process that right now and will get back to writing blogs later. This is what a fellow blogger and friend from another country wrote when I talked to him:
of course just take the time you need to focus on your feeling and take care of your family. A blog is meant to support you, not to be a burden. If you don't feel like blogging currently, it's totally fine. You can explain what happened in a week or two, when everything has settled a bit - I'm sure your audience will understand it
Thank you. GBYD
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Why I Never Wear A Watch
Why
I never wear a watch…
I don’t wear a watch for
reasons that might not make sense to some. Not because of my lack of
appointments, quite the contrary.
My epiphany came as I
was taking my 10 month old daughter for a walk, her in the stroller and myself
on foot. (Although sometimes I wanted to trade positions, but that’s another
story)
We were on our way to
visit my grandmother in the assisted living residence that was her home at the
time. As we walked, I started talking to God.
“Father, I thank you for
things that I have faced in my life.
I have had so many
things that could have turned me from following you,
I have made some wrong
choices, but You have always been there….”
The prayer went on as I
made different turns and walked a straightway.
“… I had an accident that almost took my life. I
am still trying
to heal from that. Some parts will never heal, I
know that Lord,
but You help me to deal with my shortcomings…”
A railroad track had to
be negotiated at this point. Angela rode in silence, looking around before
drifting off to sleep.
The sun was warm and the
birds sang as our goal of the senior home drew closer.
“…
I was with my friend when her parents separated.
I
sat with another friend when her sister died and lived through many things that
I was able to observe first hand. Are you
preparing me for something,
Lord?”
It was then
that I thought of my Aunt who had lost her daughter in a car
accident. My cousins were in the car headed home from the mall. A car pulled
from a side street at the exact time that they were passing. The details are a
bit unclear to me now, but my younger cousin was taken to the hospital where
she later died.
As I remembered this
tragedy, and my Aunt dealing with this forever loss, I continued.
“…
Father, the loss of a child is the hardest…”
I looked toward
Angela, sleeping in the stroller, and noticed my arm was no longer accompanied
by my beautiful, white gold, elegant watch. I looked around for a moment and
saw nothing on the ground.
What I did see, was my
sweet child that trusted me as she rode, oblivious to my thoughts of loss. I
smiled, as a tear made its journey down my face. I have an idea what the loss
of a child can do to a parent.
“….
Thank you that I have never lost a child.”
If I were to give human
qualities to Your loss, as you sent your only son to earth to die for my sins,
I would think a feeling of complete sacrifice.
Understand it or not,
this is why I don’t wear a watch. I realized that the things of this world are
just things. It is HOW we deal
with what plagues our lives that makes the difference.
“… Thank you for letting me see so many
things
in this life. Thank you, God, for never
leaving me. Help me show others your love.”
We arrived at my grandmother’s
place. Angela woke up and I
smiled at her, then looked for a clock on the wall. Who needs a watch?!
“… In Jesus Name, Amen.”
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Angela Harvala receives Milken Educator Award
This is my daughter. She is the one I refer to in my "Just be Real" Blog. I had no idea that this was going to happen. So proud of the way she is geared toward excellence.
Princeton teacher Angela Harvala receives $25,000 Milken Educator Award
Most teachers don't show up for work expecting to be handed $25,000.
Neither did Angela Harvala, a fifth-grade teacher in Princeton. But that's exactly what happened Thursday.
In a surprise ceremony, Harvala was awarded the National Milken Educator Award, a prize frequently referred to as the "Oscars for Teachers." With it, comes a $25,000 cash prize and acknowledgement that she's one of the best teachers in the nation.
"We have so many amazing teachers here it would be nice to recognize each one of them because they work so hard," Harvala said as she accepted the award.
A self-described "data geek", Harvala was singled out for the prize due to her commitment to trying to individualizeing education by gathering information about each of her students, and knowing their learning preferences and their home life.
At Princeton's North Elementary, she developed a "Catch Up Club" where students can get assistance with completing assignments on time. She also leads a girls iEmpower group after school.
"Angela exemplifies the dedication and commitment that teachers bring to their classrooms every day in Minnesota," said Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius. "It is an honor for me to be a part of honoring Angela’s remarkable achievements as a world-class educator, and to acknowledge the positive impact she has on her students."
Unlike most teaching awards, the Milken Awards have no formal nomination or application process. Instead, teachers are nominated by a panel appointed by each state's department of education.
Since its inception in 1987, 43 Minnesota educators have been awarded the prize.
You can see Harvala's reaction here.
Photo courtesy of Milken Family Foundation
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Don't Push Your Religion On Me
AH-CHEW
“God bless you”
“I have told you before, DON’T PUSH YOUR RELIGION ON ME!”
“Oh, I thought you sneezed.”
“I don’t go through your line when I come here. I get sick
of it!”
“But . . . I am not working today. I just heard you sneeze
and was offering . . .”
“I don’t want to hear it” He walks toward the front of the
store.
“I apologize, sir, I thought . . .” I really did hear him
sneeze, so I offered a blessing. I was not wearing my work uniform. I was not at
my register. And I did not say “God bless your day” which I say when at my
register and working. I usually say it other places as well, but this time, it was a sneeze response.
Free speech comes at a cost
sometimes.
If I expect to be able to say my salutation upon leaving a
situation, I am equally expected to allow retorts such as this one.
Have you ever heard someone say “bless you” when someone
else sneezes?
In my mind, it is just common courtesy.
The gentleman may have had a really rough day. He could have
been looking for a ‘fight’ and there I was.
God could have had me there, right then, as this man
sneezed, to respond as I did.
He may have lashed out at me
instead of punching a guy who walked too close to
his car as he was leaving.
Did God use me, knowing that I would pray for the man in
place of arguing or fighting?
We are to build each other up and encourage.*
Another thought;
Could it be TS
In my research of brain disorders, I have found a Syndrome
that many have heard of, known as Tourettes Syndrome (TS). According to National Institute of
Neurological Disorders and Stroke, "many with TS
experience additional neurobehavioral problems including inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms such as
intrusive thoughts/worries and repetitive behaviors.
I am not giving him an
excuse for lashing out, it’s just a thought that I might need to give him a
little leeway.
I am also not suggesting that when someone sneezes, we
should retort with a blessing. I just hope that, if we do, we can all keep in mind the
possibility of other extenuating circumstances.
If you have questions regarding brain disorders, I have
found the internet to be quite helpful. (Although not every site is as reliable
as it should be, the following ones seem accurate)
For more information
on neurological disorders or research programs funded by the National Institute
of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, contact the Institute's Brain Resources
and Information Network (BRAIN) at:
BRAIN
P.O. Box 5801
Bethesda, MD 20824
(800) 352-9424
http://www.ninds.nih.gov
P.O. Box 5801
Bethesda, MD 20824
(800) 352-9424
http://www.ninds.nih.gov
Information also is
available from the following organizations:
Tourette Syndrome
Association
42-40 Bell Boulevard Suite 205 Bayside, NY 11361-2820 ts@tsa-usa.org http://tsa-usa.org  Tel: 718-224-2999 888-4-TOURET (486-8738) Fax: 718-279-9596 |
"Tourette Syndrome Fact Sheet," NINDS. Publication date January 2012.
NIH Publication No.
12-2163
Publicaciones en Español
Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
NINDS health-related
material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily
represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of
Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the
treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through
consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with
that patient's medical history.
All NINDS-prepared
information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the
NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.
Last updated April
16, 2014
*In reference to the
Biblical phrase;
Ephesians 4:29-32New Century Version (NCV)
29 When you talk, do not say harmful things, but
say what people need—words that will help others become stronger. Then what you
say will do good to those who listen to you.30 And do
not make the Holy Spirit sad. The Spirit is God’s proof that you belong to him.
God gave you the Spirit to show that God will make you free when the final day
comes.31 Do not be bitter or angry or mad. Never shout
angrily or say things to hurt others. Never do anything evil. 32 Be kind
and loving to each other, and forgive each other just as God forgave you in
Christ.
New Century
Version (NCV)
The Holy Bible, New
Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 byThomas Nelson, Inc.
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